PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells

Last updated date: June 15, 2021

DWYM Score

8.9

PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells

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We looked at the top and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Adjustable Dumbbells you should buy.

Update as November 29, 2021:
Checkout The Best Adjustable Dumbbells for a detailed review of all the top .

Overall Take

Thanks to its square shape and sturdy design, the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells also allow fitness buffs to do push-ups. The 2.5 increment weight adjustments make it a cinch to slowly work your muscles up to handling 50 pounds. In the event that 50 pounds isn't enough, there's the option to purchase a 70 to 90-pound extension kit. Even though the adjustable dumbbells are durable, the 10-year warranty ensures you won't have to worry about spending money on replacement parts any time soon. We liked how compact this set was.


In our analysis of 193 expert reviews, the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells placed 9th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

PowerBlock was an innovator in this category and has been making adjustable dumbbells since 1991. This means they have had over 25 years of production and refinement to create the ultimately adjustable dumbbells set, and they truly have. The PowerBlock Elite dumbbells are one of the highest-rated and best-selling sets of all time. This is one of the last adjustable dumbbells sets to still be made in the USA, and PowerBlock uses only premium-quality materials. Thanks to their smart and economical design, the PowerBlocks are extremely tough and can withstand all sorts of regular gym abuse.

Expert Reviews

Expert Summarized Score

9.3
21 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.8
954 user reviews

What experts liked

You will certainly love the deliverables of the dumbbells. They are easy to use and are durable.
- Rainy Day Fitness
The Powerblock Elite dumbbells double as push up bars, so you can use them for push-up and pull-up exercises as well as for weightlifting.
- ratingle
PowerBlock dumbbells are adjustable and come in a customizable block, so they can replace a range of classical fixed dumbbells.
- Best Advisor
Easy-to-install weight expansion kits for higher weight ranges.
- Home Gymr
The vast plethora of weights to choose from makes the dumbbells very diverse and accessible for literally anyone of all body types.
- Fitness Geko
September 5, 2018 | Full review
This set is very sturdy. Of the adjustable sets on the market, this one is one of the top rated when it comes to durability. The mechanism used to change the weight settings is well constructed and stands up to regular use in the home gym.
- Smart Monkey Fitness
Highly versatile free weights, offering the possibility to quickly adjust weight in order to alternate exercises with different weights
- Best Fitness Equipment
Their handle is well-padded, making them comfortable to use even if you prefer to work out without gloves.
- Wiki EZ Vid
It is quick and easy to adjust weight.
- List Outdoor
Space Saving – This is really the selling point of the PowerBlock Elite Series. These dumbbells can go all the way from 2.5 pounds up to a whopping 90 pounds per dumbbell in the same space as a single pair of dumbbells. With traditional dumbbells, this would be an entire wall.
- Fitness Tech Pro
The maximum weight expandable to 70 and 90 pounds.
- Homethods
December 9, 2018 | Full review
It has variety of weight option packs,with expansion packs available.
- Runner Click
We can easily change the weights by moving the selector pin lock and the storage is also simple. It is a really versatile piece of equipment for strength training.
- Ab Machines Guide
March 18, 2019 | Full review
Thanks to their stylish and economical design, the Elite model is easy to hold and can withstand a lot of daily gym action.
- The Top 10 Best Reviews
October 22, 2017 | Full review
Weights are easy to change.
- LA Fitness Reviews
May 5, 2018 | Full review
The PowerBlocks utilize a self-containing storage mechanism, where the dumbbell handle and weights conveniently and compactly "nest" within each other. This reduces the space required to store the dumbbells to that of their own small footprint.
- King Of The Gym
It is very stable and flat ends make it easy to rest on your thighs before lifting.
- Jitter Fitness
They can be very heavy with a single PowerBlock Elite dumbbell weighing a staggering 130 pounds.
- Form Me Fit
Unlike other adjustable dumbbells, the lower the weight is the smaller the size of the dumbbell thanks to the clever design.
- The Best Weight Bench
It's possible to adjust with small increments of 2.5 lbs.
- Adjustable Dumbbells Cheap

What experts didn't like

Adjusting 2.5Ib or 5Ib increments is not as fast as 10Ib increments.
- Rainy Day Fitness
The pins used for adjusting the weight on these dumbbells are plastic, and many users will feel the pins themselves are flimsy. They do not have a history of breaking easily, so this is more of an aesthetic complaint than anything else.
- ratingle
At first PowerBlock dumbbells might feel unusual while training,with hands inside the dumbbells base.
- Best Advisor
Adjusting the weight in 10 lb increments is fastest, but 2.5 lb or 5 lb increments takes a few extra seconds.
- Home Gymr
At full weight, the dumbbell may feel a little large and difficult to hold for new users.
- Fitness Geko
September 5, 2018 | Full review
It will take a few extra steps to swap out the 2.5 pounds internal weights for an option of fine adjusting. Adding or subtracting ten pounds at a time is easily done within seconds.
- Smart Monkey Fitness
Even though the interior of the dumbbells is pretty spacious, users with extremely large hands and really thick wrists may find them too small for maximum comfort.
- Best Fitness Equipment
Some find the shape awkward.
- Wiki EZ Vid
Adjusting the weight in 10 lb increments is fastest, but 2.5 lb or 5 lb increments takes a few extra seconds.
- List Outdoor
Sticking – The only real negative we found about the PowerBlock Elite is the fact that the weights can sometimes stick. This is especially true of new sets. Most times, the sticking stops after a bit.
- Fitness Tech Pro
The weight plates may sometimes stick together.
- Homethods
December 9, 2018 | Full review
High price.
- Runner Click
It is a bit pricey.
- Ab Machines Guide
March 18, 2019 | Full review
The product may be shipped in more than one box and may arrive separately.
- The Top 10 Best Reviews
October 22, 2017 | Full review
Some persons are put off by the closed cage design.
- LA Fitness Reviews
May 5, 2018 | Full review
Relatively expensive. It cost several hundred dollars.
- King Of The Gym
Plates tend to stick together when changing weight amount.
- Jitter Fitness
They may be too expensive for your wallet.
- Form Me Fit
There are two 2.5 lb weights in the handle which you may have to remove depending on what weight you want. Although changing the weight is still easy but may be seen as a inconvenience in comparison to the Bowflex SelectTech 552 where you just simply turn a dial.
- The Best Weight Bench
Some people may not feel comfortable with 4 bar design grip.
- Adjustable Dumbbells Cheap

An Overview On

When it comes to gym equipment, dumbbells are the most versatile. They are an excellent tool for building muscle, and they can be used by almost anyone. Whether you are a novice with a physical limitation or an advanced athlete, adjustable dumbbells can be incorporated into your workout routine. For example, you can use low-weight dumbbells while seated, or add pounds to the dumbbells to use while standing.

Perhaps the first feature you’ll want to look for when shopping for adjustable dumbbells is shape. While the majority of dumbbells are made up of the traditional wheels with a metal bar in between, there are models with a square or hexagon shape. There are several benefits to each design. For example, dumbbells that have a square shape will rest flat on the ground. That means you’ll be able to do push-ups off of them. Of course, the circular models may feel more comfortable to hold, depending on your preferences.

Next, determine your total goal in pounds for lifting weights. Look for a set of dumbbells that will allow you to work your way up to that specific weight. So if you want to max out at 50 pounds, you don’t want to buy a set of adjustable dumbbells that only offer a total of 40 pounds. Otherwise, you’d never reach your goal, or you’d have to fork over money for a new set of dumbbells.

While reviewing the total weight, you’ll also need to look for the starting weight and what increments the dumbbell set uses to work you up to your total goal weight. Are there 2.5, 3 or 5-pound increments? Is it easy to add each new weight to the dumbbell? You want to be able to work at your own pace to reach your desired results.

Make sure the set of free weights you’re interested in is made of quality material. It is common to see adjustable dumbbells made of metal, rubber or metal and rubber.

Consider whether the dumbbells have any special features. For example, some models have ergonomic grips so your hands don’t slip when you start to work up a sweat. You’ll also want to look for threaded collars that allow for a more secure fit, a finish that prevents rust and corrosion and weights that are compact enough to fit in your storage space.

The Adjustable Dumbbells Buying Guide

  • To maintain your free weights and keep them in excellent shape, you’ll need to set them down carefully at the end of each session, instead of throwing them on the floor. Not only is this bad for the dumbbells, but it could potentially damage your floors as well. Equally as important is not banging the free weights together.
  • Cleaning is also essential to your maintenance routine. Simply mix a little dish soap in warm water, and use the solution to wipe down your gear. Afterward, you’ll need to take a clean dry cloth and dry off the dumbbells. If you allow the weights to air dry, they may rust, so don’t skip this step unless your dumbbells are made entirely of rubber.
  • Even though adjustable dumbbells can be used by almost anyone, it is still important to learn the proper form before attempting to exercise with the free weights. You’ll want to check out reputable online videos or consult with a personal trainer to learn the best way to use the equipment so that you don’t pull or injure your muscles in any way.
  • Some adjustable dumbbell models come with expansion kits. For example, some dumbbells are up to 50 pounds, but workout enthusiasts who want to push themselves can often order a 70- to 90-pound expansion kit without having to purchase a whole new set of free weights. This is an excellent option to have if you think anyone in the home may eventually surpass their original goals.
  • Look for the opportunity to connect to the company’s app. Bowflex has a free download that its customers can take advantage of. With the app, you can create a workout, follow workouts that are already downloaded to the app and track your progress in the area of physical fitness.
  • The price for adjustable dumbbells varies based on features and the total weight offered. No matter what, you’re sure to find a set that fits your budget.