Bowflex Dumbbells & PowerBlock Dumbbells Compared

The Company Line
If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don't have much space, the Bowflex Dumbbells SelectTech 552 are an ideal solution. Newly designed, the innovative pair of 552 SelectTech Dumbbells combines 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It's one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available with its unique and effective design. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up.

The weight range on these Bowflex dumbbells, maxing out at 52.5 pounds per hand, provides a good entry for the beginning strength trainer and makes an excellent choice for someone focused on improving muscle tone and endurance. The weight increments of 2.5 pounds for the first 25 pounds allow you to gradually move to the next level without undue strain on your body.

The Bowflex Dumbbells SelectTech 552 is a real space saver. Compared to conventional dumbbell sets that will quickly clutter your workout space, the SelectTech 552 takes up the space of a single pair of dumbbells.

Its durable molding makes workouts quieter than with most dumbbell sets and is especially good if you are living in an apartment complex or anywhere others may be disturbed by the loud clanking of metal plates.

Adjusting the weights on a carpeted surface can be tricky. If you have hardwood or concrete floors, those are preferable. Also, Bowlfex makes a dumbbell stand specifically for their adjustable dumbbell systems that even has wheel for easy storage. Though it's not a necessity, the stand is a handy and helpful addition, especially for protecting the lower back - otherwise, you'll be constantly bending down to pick up your weights.

Read the complete review: Bowflex Dumbbells SelectTech 552

# Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lbs (2.27 to 23.8 kg) for each dumbbell
# Maximum Number of Exercises Available: 30+
# Number of Weight Settings: 15
# Settings (lbs.) 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,52.5
# Dimensions 15.75%u2033 L x 8%u2033 W x 9%u2033 H (40 L x 20 W x 23 H cm) (Each)
# Weight (lbs.) 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg) (Each)

User Feedback
I'm a 48-yr old guy of average fitness, average strength, and average physique. I started lifting weights to, don't laugh, improve my golf game. I love a bargain, but I love a great value even more, and I'll pay for the most expensive choice if it's worth it. When I decided to get some adjustable dumbbells, I started digging into the details..

These dumbbells are not durable. The locking mechanism (upon which the whole system depends) is prone to breaking if you turn the dial with "excessive force" (the term used in the manual when Bowflex warns us how easily this device can break). What's "excessive"? Apparently, it's whatever force you need to turn the dial, which is often sticky..

Wanted adjustable dumbbells to keep around the family room -- they are not only a visual reminder but also convenient to use while watching TV, using the computer etc. They are evenly balanced at 15#, 25#, 35# and 45# unlike Stamina Versa-Bell which requires weights to be off-set at those levels. Only negative is that dumbbells are a bit large however their size has not restricted range of motion..

Even though there are a few exercises where you could eventually need more than 52.5 pounds (heavy pants and lawnmowers come to mind), I really think this is enough weight for 90% of the people who will be doing P90X. And as Tony says, if you don't have heavy enough weight, you can always add reps. I would not buy the 1090s (which go up to 90 lbs) for P90X because I think the length of those, which is even bigger than the 552s), would just be too unwieldy for many of the exercises...

I used these without the stand, if you do as well make sure you lift with your legs and not your back. If you have a bad back, or just want to be safe, you may want to go with the stand. (Though theres nothing wrong with a little extra leg work with the proper form ;) ) In summary, if your doing P90X, or any other home workout routine that requires you to switch weights quickly, this is the dumbell for you. Also if your going for P90X know that the 552 version covered the weight I needed for...

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We found Amazon.com to have the best price on the Bowflex Dumbbells SelectTech 552: Buy From Amazon

Or buy direct from the manufacturer: Bowflex Home Fitness

The Company Line
The only dumbbell system that can expand to meet your strength needs, PowerBlock dumbbells are the most versatile and effective exercise tool ever developed for strength training. PowerBlocks work intuitively. Rather than requiring you to buy a room full of dumbbells, PowerBlocks act just like a weight stack at the gym, with a weight handle that fits inside the first weight, which fits inside the second, which fits inside the third, etc. When you want to change weights, you simply move the weight selector pin into the appropriate slot and you're set.

As you lift the core, all the weights above the selector pin are lifted at the same time, turning your 3-pound dumbbell into a 6-pound dumbbell, or your 6-pound dumbbell into a 12-pound dumbbell. Not only is the system remarkably easy to use, but it's also cost- and space-efficient, as a single pair of dumbbells can do the work of dozens.

I really like this product because it is compact and not as cumbersome as the larger sets. For most people, this will suit their needs and they can get an upgradable set later on. The small size allows almost everyone to perform conventional exercises with proper form. With the larger PowerBlocks, this is a concern because of added bulk and length..

They are compact and switching the amount of weight is really quick and easy. We also have the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, but compared to the PowerBlocks they are large and cumbersome. I wish I had gotten the PowerBlocks to begin with..

These are exactly what I wanted for my P90X experience. They are affordable and sturdy, unlike some other cheaper adjustable dumbbells I looked at. I find no trouble at all in changing weight quickly. I am able to change them on carpet without..

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• Adjusts from 5-45 lbs in 5 lb increments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 lbs) in each hand.


• Replaces 9 pair or 18 fixed dumbbells that would have a combined weight of 450 lbs


• Dumbbell Width: 6.25%u2033


• Dumbbell Height: 6%u2033


• Length at 25lbs: 9.25%u2033


• Shipping Dimensions: 12%u2033L x6%u2033 W x 6%u2033 H. Ships in 2 boxes.


• Limited 10-year warranty

We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all adjustable dumbbell sets. Buy From Amazon


PowerBlock dumbbells are also sold at BetterFitnessProducts.com. Check their price:PowerBlock Classic