This PowerBlock dumbbells review will help you decide if the PowerBlock dumbbells are the best adjustable dumbbells for you.
I’ll explain the pros and cons of the system so you can judge how well it fits your needs.
Although the PowerBlock dumbbells come in many different models, they all share core commonalities as an adjustable dumbbell system. And so I will generally lump them together and talk about them as a whole. Though, when applicable, I will point out important differences between specific models.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to know which PowerBlock dumbbells are best for you, here are my top three picks:
| Model | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Most Lifters |
|
| Best Overall Experience |
|
| Best Value |
If you want the full breakdown of every model, series, stand, and attachment, read my complete guide to PowerBlock dumbbells.
Table of Contents
PowerBlock Dumbbells Overview & Video Review
Before I get into this PowerBlock dumbbells review, here’s how the system works for anyone not already familiar:
- A handle sits inside a nested stack of weight blocks, with rails running along the sides of the blocks.
- You slide a selector pin into the rail at the weight you want. The pin passes through the side rail, through the handle, and into the rail on the other side.
- Pull the handle out and you lift exactly what you selected. The rest of the blocks stay behind.
- Color-coded indicators on the rails tell you which weight you’ve selected.
- On most residential models, small 2.5 lb cylinders called micro weights drop into the bottom of the handle for finer jumps between block sizes.
I got every current PowerBlock dumbbell model into my gym and tested them side by side, which is what my full video buying guide covers:
Alright, I’ll start this PowerBlock dumbbells review article with the pros, then get into the cons.
Pros
Fast, Self-Contained Weight Changes
A PowerBlock weight change takes a few seconds. You pull the magnetic selector pin, slide it to the weight you want, and push it back in.
PowerBlock used to be the fastest adjustable dumbbell on the market by a wide margin. That’s no longer true on raw speed alone. Handle-twist designs like the NÜOBELL adjust in about four seconds, and dial systems aren’t far behind.
PowerBlock still wins on something the twist-and-dial sets can’t do.
PowerBlock dumbbells are self-contained. You don’t need a cradle or base to change the weight. Every other quick-adjust system on the market requires you to seat the dumbbell in its cradle to select a new weight. With a PowerBlock, you set it on the floor, on a bench, on the edge of a rack, anywhere flat. Then you change the weight and keep going.
That opens up a few things:
- Run drop sets without walking back to a stand between drops
- Train anywhere in your gym instead of anchoring your workout to where the cradle sits
- Take them outside, to the park, or on the road
There’s one caveat. If you’re using micro weights to hit 2.5 lb increments, adjustments take longer, because you’re opening the handle slot and adding or removing the small cylinders. That’s the tradeoff for finer increments.
The commercial models solve this differently. Instead of micro weights, the Commercial Pro 100 uses swappable handle pairs. You move the pin for 10 lb jumps and swap the handle for 5 lb jumps. It’s noticeably faster and cleaner. After using those, micro weights on my other sets feel tedious by comparison.
Self-Contained Storage
The handle and weight blocks nest inside each other, so the entire set stores in its own small footprint. There are no loose plates to rack, organize, or lose.
This is a real advantage over loadable-handle systems like Ironmaster, where you need somewhere to store a pile of individual plates. It’s also why a PowerBlock dumbbell stand is a nice-to-have rather than a requirement (though it will definitely make your life easier).
The Heavy Models Go to 100 lbs (and Well Beyond)
The different PowerBlock dumbbell sets have max weights from as little as 24 lbs to 100 lbs for the heaviest residential model, and as much as 175 lbs for the biggest commercial unit!
Here’s the exact breakdown, model by model:
Light and moderate sets, which I don’t recommend for serious lifters:
- Sport 24: 3 to 24 lbs per hand, not expandable
- Pro 32: 4 to 32 lbs per hand, not expandable
- Pro 50: 5 to 50 lbs per hand, not expandable
Expandable residential sets:
- Pro 100 EXP: expands to 100 lbs per hand across four stages (40, 60, 80, 100)
- Elite USA 90: expands to 90 lbs per hand across three stages (50, 70, 90)
- Elite EXP: expands to 90 lbs per hand across three stages (50, 70, 90)
Commercial sets, which plenty of home gym owners buy anyway:
- Commercial Pro 32: the exact same dumbbell as the Pro 32
- Commercial Pro 50: 5 to 50 lbs, 5 lb jumps
- Commercial Pro 100: 5 to 100 lbs, 5 lb jumps via swappable handles
- Commercial Pro 125 / 175: 12.5 to 175 lbs, 7.5 lb jumps
I want to point out that the only other mainstream adjustable dumbbell can match the ridiculously heavy 175 lb capacity on the Commercial Pro 175 is the Ironmaster, but only after adding two add-on kits plus the heavy handle kit. And after that, the next heaviest is the REP x Pépin set, which is 50 lbs lighter at 125. Basically, if you need a super heavy adjustable dumbbell system with relatively fast adjustment, PowerBlock is effectively your only option.
Of course, very few people need that much weight. So, within the PowerBlock ecosystem, the Pro 100 EXP is what I recommend to most serious lifters. It goes heavier than the Elites, uses urethane-coated plates, has ring-style weight indicators on both sides, and has the thickest grip in the lineup at 38 mm (though, there is also a 32 mm replacement grip available for sale separately). It’s also the only model where you can pick between a knurled stainless steel grip and a contoured TPR grip.
You don’t have to buy the top stage right away. Buying a lower stage and adding expansion kits later costs the same total as buying it maxed from the start. Buy it maxed if you can afford it and know you’ll use the weight. Stage it if cash is tight.
A note on the discontinued Urethane Series. The old U-Series was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the Pro Series. The U-90 went up to 125 lbs with the Stage 4 kit.
Compact Size
PowerBlock dumbbells are compact for the weight they hold, particularly the steel models.
The Elite USA and Elite EXP measure 16 inches long at a full 90 lbs. That’s tight for that much weight, and almost all of it comes from having no urethane coating. If you want heavy dumbbells in the smallest possible package, the Elites are hard to beat.
The compact length helps most on curls, where you don’t have to maneuver around your hips, and on any lift where a shorter dumbbell is easier to control.
I want to be straight about one thing, though, because I used to overstate this. PowerBlock is no longer automatically the most compact option on the market. The newer handle-twist sets have gotten quite compact, and some are shorter than a comparable PowerBlock. The urethane models are also longer than the steel ones. The Pro 100 EXP is 19.21 inches at 100 lbs, which is long by any standard.
There’s one surprise worth knowing. The Commercial Pro 125/175 is bulkier in width and height than the Commercial Pro 100, but it’s shorter. At around 100 lbs it’s a full 3.5 inches shorter than a maxed Pro 100.
Sturdy Construction
PowerBlock dumbbells last. You’ll find sets on the used market that are a decade old (if not older) and still working fine, with nothing worse than cosmetic scratches and wear.
My Commercial Pro 100 set has seen a couple of years of regular use and still looks close to new.
Ironmaster or the REP x Pépin set are still better picks if you want something you can abuse, since their all-steel/iron designs tolerates rough handling better than PowerBlock’s nested, selectorized system.
That said, PowerBlocks hold up well under normal use, which is more than can be said for a lot of adjustable dumbbells with plastic housings and fragile dial mechanisms.
The selector pins are worth a specific mention. They’re nylon, not plastic. Nylon is more durable and lets the pin flex without snapping. Each one also has a built-in magnet that holds it against the rail during your set.
5 Year Warranty on Residential Sets
PowerBlock offers a 5 year limited warranty on all of their residential dumbbells. It covers materials and workmanship defects. It doesn’t cover misuse, which includes dropping the dumbbells from above 6 to 12 inches depending on the model.
The commercial sets carry a 1 year commercial warranty. But here’s something worth knowing that isn’t obvious from their website: PowerBlock confirmed to me directly that if you buy a commercial set and use it solely in a residential setting, the 5 year residential warranty applies.
That’s relevant if you’re a home gym owner eyeing the Commercial Pro 100 or Commercial Pro 50. You’re not giving up warranty coverage by buying commercial.
For context, NÜOBELL offers 2 years standard, and REP x Pépin offers a limited lifetime warranty on structural integrity. PowerBlock’s 5 years sits comfortably in the middle of the pack.
Exercises You Can Only Do with PowerBlock Dumbbells
The cage design lets you do two things no fixed dumbbell or round adjustable dumbbell can:
- Push-ups gripping the blocks. The flat top of the block gives you a stable platform and lets you drop below hand level for a deeper stretch.
- Renegade rows. Same idea. The square footprint doesn’t roll or tip the way a round dumbbell does.
It’s a small thing, but it’s useful if those movements are part of your training.
A Deep Accessory Ecosystem
Very few adjustable dumbbells have a real accessory lineup behind them. PowerBlock does. You can turn a set into a barbell, an EZ curl bar, or a kettlebell, swap the TPR grips for knurled steel, and pair it with a stand sized to your model.
That extends the useful life of a set. If your training changes, the dumbbells can change with it instead of being replaced.
Compatibility is strict, though, and easy to get wrong. I’ve broken down every family in detail below:
Cons
This wouldn’t be a fair PowerBlock dumbbells review without covering where they fall short. Here are some of the negatives.
They’re (Relatively) Expensive
PowerBlock dumbbells aren’t cheap, and the price range is wide. The Sport 24 starts at $219, and the Commercial Pro 175 runs $2,469.
Here’s roughly where the popular options land against the competition:
| Set | Max weight per hand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PowerBlock Elite USA 90 | 90 lbs | $867 |
| PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP | 100 lbs | $1,196 |
| PowerBlock Commercial Pro 100 | 100 lbs | $1,649 (stand included) |
| NÜOBELL | 80 lbs | around $745 |
| REP x Pépin Fast Series | 85 lbs | around $1,099 |
| Ironmaster Quick-Lock | 75 lbs (120 or 160+ with add-ons) | around $749 with stand |
PowerBlock is competitive at the Elite USA price point and gets expensive as you move up. The Commercial Pro 100 is the clearest example. It’s the best PowerBlock to use, but the Pro 100 EXP gives you most of the same functionality for $450 less.
One thing that softens the comparison: the commercial sets include a stand, while residential sets don’t. Once you stand-match a Pro 100 EXP against a Commercial Pro 100, the real gap narrows to somewhere around $130 to $175 rather than the $450 the sticker prices suggest.
Parts Aren’t Interchangeable Between Models
This is the most common way people waste money on PowerBlock.
Expansion kits, attachments, and grips are almost never cross-compatible between models. Buy the wrong one and it either won’t fit or will fit badly.
The Elite models are the sharpest example. An Elite EXP expansion kit will physically go onto an Elite USA, but the blocks sit proud of the rest with a visible gap, which makes the dumbbell feel loose during a set. Going the other direction, an Elite USA kit won’t fit an Elite EXP at all.
The Pro family is confusing for a different reason. “Pro Series,” “Pro 100 Series,” and “Commercial Pro Series” are three different things, and their attachments don’t cross over.
Before you buy any accessory, confirm it fits your exact model. PowerBlock’s customer service will verify it for you if you send a photo of your set.
Skipped Weight Increments on the Expandable Models
The expandable sets skip a 2.5 lb increment roughly every 10 pounds. On the Elite USA, for example, you can’t select 12.5, 22.5, 32.5, and so on up the stack.
In practice it’s rarely a problem, since you’re jumping 5 lbs instead of 2.5 at those specific points. But it’s worth knowing if you’re the kind of lifter who micro-loads.
The non-expandable Pro 50 has no skipped increments at all. Every weight from 5 to 50 lbs is available.
Some Exercises Aren’t Possible
The side rails block you from gripping the ends of the dumbbell with both hands. That rules out three common movements:
- Bilateral overhead triceps extensions
- Dumbbell pullovers
- Goblet squats
There’s no workaround. If those lifts are staples in your program, this is a real limitation of the entire PowerBlock system, and one of the strongest arguments for a round adjustable dumbbell instead.
A Dumbbell Stand Usually Isn’t Included
Residential PowerBlock dumbbell sets don’t come with a stand. You’ll want one eventually, and that’s another $99 to $279 on top.
It’s different on the commercial side. The Commercial Pro 50, Commercial Pro 100, and Commercial Pro 125/175 all include a stand in the price. If you prefer to make DIY stand for these, you unfortunately can’t buy just the commercial dumbbells without the stands at a lower price.
They Look Different
The blocky, caged shape with colored weight indicators isn’t for everyone. Some people find the design unappealing next to a traditional round dumbbell.
The newer models are more understated than the old ones. The Elite models and the Sport 24 use the classic long colored strips along the rails. The Pro and Commercial models use small colored rings embedded in the rails instead, which is a cleaner look.
I prefer the rings for a practical reason. They can’t shift or slide the way the strips can, and they sit on both sides of the blocks, so you can rack the blocks facing either direction. Strip indicators only appear on one side, so you have to keep the blocks oriented the same way.
The Feel Isn’t Quite Like a Real Dumbbell
No selectorized adjustable dumbbell feels exactly like a fixed dumbbell, and PowerBlock is no exception.
The weight isn’t perfectly balanced, because some of it sits out in the side rails rather than purely at the ends. There’s also a slight amount of play between the blocks and the handle, which you notice most when rotating the dumbbell through a movement, like a supinating curl.
Micro weights make this worse. They add mass in the handle that shifts the center of gravity, and how much it shifts depends on how many you’re running. The commercial models skip micro weights entirely, which is why the Commercial Pro 100 is the best-balanced PowerBlock set I’ve used.
If a natural dumbbell feel is your top priority, the handle-twist sets and Ironmaster do better here. PowerBlock is still well ahead of dial-based systems like Bowflex.
The closed handle is a related issue on some models. The Elite USA, Elite EXP, and Commercial Pro 125/175 use a squared-off closed handle with wrist supports near the top.
Some lifters like them, since you can prop the handle against your forearm to keep your wrist neutral on curls and lateral raises. Lifters with bigger hands sometimes find them cramped. That’s mostly a concern on the Elites; the Commercial Pro 125/175 handle is large enough that there’s plenty of forearm room.
Every other current model uses a wedge-shaped open handle with more room to move.
Length on Some Models
At 100 lbs, the Pro 100 EXP and Commercial Pro 100 are about 19 inches long. You notice it when you bring the dumbbells together at the top of a heavy bench press. You can still lock out, you just can’t bring them as close together as you might want. Angling them in slightly, which is more natural anyway, solves most of it.
Not Built for Very Rough Use
PowerBlock dumbbells are solid, but they aren’t meant to be dropped or thrown around. The warranty specifically excludes drops from above 6 to 12 inches depending on the model.
If you train in a way that involves dumping dumbbells on the floor, Ironmaster’s all-steel design handles that far better. The Snode AD80 is the other one to look at, since it’s warrantied for drops from up to 32 inches even at its full 80 lbs.
PowerBlock Attachments and Accessories
No PowerBlock dumbbells review is complete without covering the accessories, because PowerBlock sells a real ecosystem of attachments. Buying the wrong one is an easy and expensive mistake, so check which family fits your model before you order.
Knurled Grips
For years, the knock on PowerBlock was the lack of knurled steel grips. Most models shipped with textured TPR.
That’s changed. The Elite USA now comes with knurled stainless steel grips standard, and the Pro 100 EXP lets you choose knurled or TPR at purchase. The commercial models come knurled.
If you have an older set or picked TPR and changed your mind, PowerBlock sells knurled upgrades:
- Knurled grips only: around $109 per pair. You install them in your existing handles with an Allen key.
- Knurled grip handles: around $179 per pair. You get complete handle blocks with the grips installed, so you can swap between knurled and TPR.
Compatibility is strict. The Pro Series grips fit the Pro EXP and Pro 50 only. They don’t fit the Pro 32, the Pro 100 EXP, or any commercial model. The Pro 100 EXP has its own grips. The Elite USA grips fit the Elite USA only, not the Elite EXP.
The knurling is a medium-intensity diamond pattern. Not aggressive, not slick. Read my PowerBlock knurled handles review for more.
Third-party fabricators like JD Gym Equipped also make knurled grips, which is the only route for models PowerBlock doesn’t cover, such as the Elite EXP. Expect to pay around $185 a pair.
Bar Attachments
There are four separate attachment families, plus the Sport 24’s own bar. None of them cross over. Each family fits only its own dumbbells:
| Family | Fits | Attachments |
|---|---|---|
| Pro 100 | Pro 100 EXP, Commercial Pro 100 | Straight bar, EZ curl bar, rotating kettlebell handle |
| Elite USA | Elite USA only | Straight bar, EZ curl bar, rotating kettlebell handle |
| Elite EXP | Elite EXP only | Straight bar, EZ curl bar, rotating kettlebell handle |
| Pro Series | Pro 50, Commercial Pro 50, discontinued Pro EXP | Straight bar, EZ curl bar, fixed kettlebell handle |
| Sport 24 | Sport 24 only | Straight bar only |
| None | Pro 32, Commercial Pro 125/175 | No attachments available |
The straight bar and EZ curl bar run $199 each. Loaded with the full weight stack from both dumbbells, the bars reach roughly 115 lbs on a Pro 50, 195 lbs on either Elite, and 215 lbs on the Pro 100.
I’ll be honest about these. I own the older Pro Series versions and I only recommend the bars if you’re going all-in on PowerBlock and don’t have room for a real Olympic barbell and plates. With large oblong blocks hanging off each end, the balance is off, and you can feel the bar wanting to rotate on anything that isn’t a straight up-and-down movement.
Setup used to be the bigger annoyance, since you had to space the blocks on the floor and keep bending down to change weight. PowerBlock’s Barbell Stand at $329 fixes that by holding the blocks at the right spacing and off the floor. If you’re buying bar attachments, I consider it close to mandatory.
Kettlebell Handles
The kettlebell handle is the best attachment PowerBlock makes. Most people who care about barbell training already own a barbell, but very few home gyms have a good adjustable kettlebell.
The important update here: the newer Pro 100 and Elite kettlebell handles rotate 90 degrees. That lets you orient the blocks to clear your legs on swings. The older fixed Pro Series handle starts smashing into your legs once you load it up.
If you do a lot of kettlebell work, that rotating handle is a legitimate reason to choose the Pro 100 EXP, Commercial Pro 100, or either Elite over the Pro Series models. Handles run $149 each, so about $300 for a pair.
PowerBlock also sells standalone adjustable kettlebells in two ranges, 18 to 35 lbs and 35 to 62 lbs, if you’d rather not tie up your dumbbells; though I haven’t tested these personally.
Dumbbell Stands
PowerBlock makes stands sized for different models. The right one puts your dumbbells at a comfortable height and gives you a spot to change weight and store the set.
Fit is the first thing to sort out, because the longer sets don’t work with every stand. My picks:
- Home Rack Stand ($279): my favorite. The tallest and most comfortable, with a lower storage shelf, and it handles every residential set including the 100 lb Pro 100 EXP.
- PowerMax 2.0 ($199): the only other stand that fits the Pro 100 EXP. Step-in design, no lower shelf.
- Large Compact Stand ($109): the budget pick, and it folds flat. It only fits sets up to 90 lbs, so it won’t work with the Pro 100 EXP.
- Column Stand ($199): also capped at 90 lbs, and the only PowerBlock stand made in the USA. Dated looking with no lower shelf, but a good match for the Elite USA.
- Small Compact Stand ($99): all you need for a Sport 24 or Pro 32. Neither uses micro weights, so you don’t need the storage ports.
If your set uses micro weights, which covers the Pro 100 EXP, both Elites, and the Pro 50, make sure the stand you pick has ports to hold them. Everything above except the Small Compact does.
One detail specific to the Elites. Their bottom rail sits low, so a stand’s tray lip can make it awkward to pull the pin at the heaviest setting. Shift the dumbbells toward the outer edge of the tray for clearance.
Weight Benches
PowerBlock also makes benches, including the Sport Bench with optional dip and pull-up attachments, the folding Travel Bench, and the PowerBench 2.0, which is their sturdiest and part of the commercial line. I have not tested any of these.
Should You Buy PowerBlock Dumbbells?
Buy PowerBlock if you want fast weight changes you can make anywhere in your gym, you want the option to go heavier than 100 lbs per hand, or you want a system with a real attachment ecosystem behind it.
Look elsewhere if a natural dumbbell feel is your top priority, if you need overhead triceps extensions, pullovers, or goblet squats, or if you plan to drop your dumbbells regularly.
If you’re sold, these are my picks:
- Best for most serious lifters: Pro 100 EXP. Heavy weight and premium features without the commercial price.
- Best overall experience: Commercial Pro 100. My personal favorite, if the budget allows.
- Best value: Elite USA 90. Knurled grips, USA-made plates, and 90 lbs at a good price.
Want to Do More Research First?
Hopefully my PowerBlock dumbbells review has given you enough information to decide if PowerBlock is the right adjustable dumbbell system for you.
For the full breakdown of every model, including comparison charts of current and discontinued sets, stand recommendations, and attachment compatibility, read my complete PowerBlock dumbbells guide.
You can also check out my head-to-head comparisons:
very helpful review. thank you for the honest and detailed input. it will help me make a better decision.
Awesome! That was my goal here 😀
Dear Alex,
Thank you for the great reviews and after our previous chat i bought the powerblock pro EXP with max weights. I cant be more satisfied. I want to ask you about the straight bar. Is it ok to do bench press with it? Is it stable? Is there problem with the balance? Is there any solution you known for a stand for bench pressing with this bar? Is it long enough in order to bench press?
And whats your thoughts about the Ez bar?
Thank you in advice!
I hope of hearing from you soon!
Ciao Alex ho letto con molto interesse la tua bella recensione. Sono interessato a comprare i manubri powerblock da 70 libbre , indeciso tra la serie elite e la pro. Stavo optando per la pro ( più silenzioso e maniglia open ) , però sono molto titubante per il discorso uretano cancro , ho letto che non hanno superato i test al caldo e potrebbero essere cancerogeni proprio per il discorso uretano , è vero ? Perche se ci fosse la minima possibilità a questo punto opterei per la serie elite….. io sono alto 1.70 , mano piccola e avambracci nella norma , non dovrei preoccuparmi della impugnatura chiusa ? Grazie mille
Very useful. Thanks Alex.
You’re very welcome, Majid. I hope you were able decide which (if any) of the PowerBlock dumbbell sets is right for you.
Thanks Alex! You the best! Only question now is do they ship to Singapore? :/
You’re very welcome, Rohit!
PowerBlock only ships within the US. HOWEVER, you have a couple options. The first option I’ll tell you about is a workaround that should allow you to get the DBs shipped…
…That workaround is using a parcel forwarding service. In case you’re not familiar with that, it’s what a lot of international shoppers use to get around shipping restrictions like this. So basically, you’d have it sent to a parcel forwarding service with a US address, and that service would use their logistics, to ship it to you in Singapore.
There’s a site called Parcl that you can use to find one. Here’s the link to all the US-to-Singapore forwarding services. This option should work just fine, as long as you choose a reputable service.
Here’s the second option: You can go to a physical location in Singapore that’s an authorized PowerBlock Dealer. As luck would have it, there’s actually two of these locations! You can find the info at the bottom of the dealers page. But, I’ll also copy and paste the relevant info for you below:
If you go to one of those dealers, obviously you should call ahead of time to make sure they have the model you want in stock. 😀
Hope one of those options works for you!
Best,
Alex
You have been really helpful man. Really appreciate it. You were so detailed and patient. Don’t come by people like this often these days. Thanks again buddy!
Thanks! Not a problem–I’m always happy to help if I can find the time to do so.
Best,
Alex
Great Review. Thanks.
Thanks Steve! I’m happy to hear you liked it.
Thanks for this page, it helped clear up some of the confusion with the different product lines.
I just bought the U90’s with the Stage II and III expansions as my local fitness store still had them and they come with a much better lifetime warranty versus the 5 year warranty on the Pro EXP’s that replaced the U90’s last year. The U90’s are also expandable up to 125lbs each, yet the stage IV expansion is cost prohibitive at over $400 due to it containing another pair of, deeper seated, handles.
I also prefer the colors on my set versus the new, mostly black, ones, although having them out of order, as far as the colors of the rainbow go, is oddly annoying. Made me wonder of they did it to make sure as to not be associated with what rainbows are commonly associated with these days! In which case, that would be an absolutely pathetic reason. After spending our whole lives seeing those colors in the order of red- orange- yellow- green- blue etc it looks kind of off and ‘wrong’ with PowerBlock’s color ordering being what it is.
Also note that the U90’s, along with the Pro EXP’s (and also the discontinued younger bros, the U70’s), are the only PowerBlocks compatible with the PB EZ Curl Bar, the PB Straight Bar and the KettleBlock Handle. The KettleBlock Handle and the EZ Bar I just ordered online; can’t wait to try them out!!
Glad I helped clear up the confusion, Mike. Thanks for the detailed comment — That’s awesome you got the U90s locally and are happy with them…always nice to have at least the option to get the IV expansion set in the future, if you happen to find an extra $400 lying around 😀
Great point about the compatibility of the KettleBlock Handle, EZ Curl & Straight Bar with ONLY the Pro EXP series, U90, and U70 sets. It was a major selling point for me in deciding on my Pro EXP, so I make sure to stress that in all of my articles on the PowerBlocks — I don’t want anybody to accidentally buy a different set then realize after the fact that it’s not compatible with these accessories.
Have fun with the KettleBlock handle and EZ curl bar. You’re gonna love ’em!
Alex,
Thanks for the reply, bro. Yeah I’m loving it all so far. Bought a stand for the U90’s which makes it so much more convenient to get at them/change weight amounts. Also picked up the Straight Bar, which I’m digging.
My Kettleblock Handle hasn’t arrived yet due to a stock issue that’s now been resolved and it’ll be here soon, so I came back here today to see what this page had to say about it and I’m glad I did. I had no idea that the weight amounts on the sticker wouldn’t be correct for the U90’s. I’m assuming that’ll be mentioned in the documentation when mine arrives, but, regardless, THANKS again for this page. I’m gonna start exploring the rest of your site and see what else I can learn from you.
Cheers
No problem. So glad to hear you’re happy with your new set and the straight bar. So true about having a stand, too.
If I remember correctly, the reason for the discrepancy in the sticker weight guide is that the KettleBlock was originally made for the U70. The first four weight blocks in the stack for the U70 were 5 lb blocks (i.e. black, white, orange, yellow), with the remaining 5th one (and all others) being a 10 lb block…
…This is why the KettleBlock sticker chart shows increments of 5 lbs for the first 4 colors (i.e. with no adder weights: black = 15 lbs, white = 20 lbs, orange = 25 lbs, green = 30 lbs), and then jumps 10 lbs for the 5th color (i.e. yellow = 40 with no adder weights).
So, actually I’ll need to update this article when I get a chance — to state that even the Pro 50 wouldn’t be totally accurate with the weight guide sticker provided, since ALL of its weight blocks are 5 lbs. That is, the Pro 50 would be accurate for the first four colors (black through green). But it would be inaccurate for the fifth (yellow) color (e.g. if you put the KettleBlock handle in the Pro 50 weight stack with no adder weights, and set it to the yellow block, the weight according to the sticker would show 40 lbs; but the actual weight would be 35 lbs).
Really, the sticker provided with the KettleBlock handle is only truly accurate with the U70. Of course, it still works great, the math is just off if you have any other compatible model. I’m almost positive they didn’t include different stickers in my KettleBlock when I got it, and that they didn’t have any notes about it in its documentation. Hopefully they include more stickers in the box at some point to fix this…maybe yours will have them, since the Pro series has been out for a while now.
I’m glad you brought this topic up so I could update my info about the weight sticker in regards to the Pro 50!
Best,
Alex
I thought all of the Urethane plates were 10 pounds?
The heavier urethane sets (i.e. the Pro EXP sets) have all 10 lb plates (and adder weights). However, the lighter urethane sets (i.e. Pro 50; and the now-discontinued U50/U70) have 5 lb plates.
Hey Mike, I recently purchased the Kettleblock handle, the newer model no longer allows the add-on weights 🙁 . However, they now have a sticker that works for your set, you might want to get ahold of them and get one.
I also purchased the straight bar. Geez, I love powerblocks, but they are HORRIBLE when it comes to things like instructions and stickers. They have me several different stickers, but none actually match my U-90 set. Did yours come with the correct sticker?
So here’s what I’m wondering:
I’m in the market for a set of PowerBlocks and keep going back and forth between the Pro EXP 90’s and Pro commercial 90’s. I would love to not spend the extra $500 on the commercial set although it does have it’s perks (straight knurled handle, comes with stand, easier and clean 5 lb increments), but I’m hesitant to get the EXP’s due to possible unbalanced handles and durability. Here’s what I mean:
Because the EXP’s have the 2.5 lb adder weights I’m worried having them installed especially just one would throw off the balance noticeably. I’ve never picked up PowerBlocks before (no store close to me carries them) so I’m not sure how it feels. It scares me to think the adder weights might drastically throw off the balance (especially with just one installed). Could you please speak to that point? I’m leaning towards the commercial set because you just swap handles for that 5 lb increment and I bet that keeps them pretty balanced.
As far as the durability it pretty much just comes down to the handles for me. I’m worried the contoured rubber handles with get torn up or start to lose their grip or start rotating after a long while (years) whereas I’m sure the straight knurled handles won’t have any of those issues… I usually also prefer a straight bar, but I could get used to a contoured grip.
Could you please give me some input on these points? I’m looking to purchase them during the holidays while they have a sale. Thank you for your time!
Hi Samuel, great questions. The balance is slightly altered by the adder weight configuration, though it’s only something you’d really be able to feel at much lower weights if you’re very sensitive to it.
I find that it’s nearly imperceptible when using anything above 20-25 lbs. It’s certainly subjective in terms of a users feeling. However, it’s never been something that affected my workouts or that I’ve even thought of — truth be told, I had to go into my gym and test the dumbbells several times at different weights, with and without the adder weights, in order to answer this question 🙂
In terms of durability, you have nothing to worry about. First off, the Pro Series has a 5 year warranty (and even if it’s beyond that, PowerBlock is really good with being fair with their customers for any issues).
As for the grips, I’ve only owned mine for ~11 months. I’ve noticed no wear in this time. So, I reached out to PowerBlock to get their input on how the grips hold up over several years. They told me it would be a decade or more before the rubber grips could be worn to the point of replacement and that’s with intense daily usage. For example, the grips on the PowerBlock dumbbells at the EXOS Arizona facility, which PowerBlock outfitted, are 7-8 years old and they’re still holding up; they’ve certainly been worn but have maintained their grip and orientation. Furthermore, the rubber grip itself is over-molded with a steel hex bar core that mates to a hex in the handle (molded end), so it won’t spin.
In terms of knurling vs. rubber, that’s a hard call. I too am a fan of knurled dumbbells, but when I was buying mine, I saw they had the knurled Pro 90 commercial set. While I definitely was attracted to that feature, I wasn’t willing to pay the higher price.
Since you can be confident of the durability of the rubber grips and assuming you’re not bothered by the slight adder weight imbalance that’s only noticeable on some exercises at low weights, it’s really a matter of if you’re willing to pay the ~$500 for the knurled straight grip — and that’s a question only you can answer of how much you value that feature compared to how much you value the savings.
I hope this makes the decision easier!
Best,
Alex
Awesome. Thank you very much for the thorough response. It’s great that you spend so much time helping others like me get answers that we need. Huge help.
No problem, Samuel. I love talking about fitness equipment, so these types questions are always fun to answer.
Whats the difference between the powerblock exp and the sport exp? They seem identical to me besides the color?
Also would you pick the exp over the elite? does the open bar style have any cons? And is the open design better then the closed cage design of the elite?
You’re right. The only real difference is the colors. The other difference is that the Sport is sold mostly in physical stores (AND online), whereas the PowerBlock EXP (not to be confused with the PRO EXP) is sold only online (e.g. on Amazon or other online distributors).
The open design is better than the closed design. It gives much more room for your hand to fit in and for your wrist/forearm to move around. There’s no cons to it. Assuming you don’t mind paying an extra 10-20% more for the Sport or PowerBlock EXP over the Elite, then yes I’d lean toward one of those EXP sets. The open handle design, plus the auto lock adjustment make for a slightly more comfortable and easier to use experience.
Hope my PowerBlock dumbbells review helped you out. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Thank you for the detailed reviews on all PowerBlock series. I am inclined towards PowerBlock EXP stage 2. I am regular follower of Beach Body workouts (P90x, Lift4, body beast etc..). Will changing 2.5lb on PowerBlocks be hard during the workouts? Note that I already own an individual set of dumbbells up to 30 lbs, which I am outgrowing now. I will use PowerBlocks as higher weights only. All I am looking is for a cheap and durable option for weights above 30 lbs.
You’re welcome, Dhavel. The PowerBlock EXP stage 2 is a great choice. They’re very durable compared to most rapid change adjustable dumbbells on the market. And one of the best priced options that PowerBlock offers.
To answer your question — NO, changing 2.5 lb increments won’t be hard during your workouts. You can do it in seconds. It’s even easier than with the Elite model, since it has the “Auto lock adjustment”, which automatically locks the adder weight slots when you place the block inside the weights.
Powerblock Series (black plates, red bands) vs Powerblock Sport Series (gray plates, black bands)
You mentioned you put the Sport model above the Powerblock (red and black) model because the second is newer and hasn’t been reviewed much. If it is the case then why do they not sell those Powerblocks on powerblock.com? Instead they sell the Powerblock sport version. Also comparing the 50lb non-exp versions of the two — they (black and red Powerblocks) are cheaper than the gray Powerblock Sports on every website.
Can you shed some light on this please?
Hi Kevin, great question. I’ve since been in contact with PowerBlock and they told me the main differences between the Sport Series and the PowerBlock Series (red/black) is the aesthetics and who sells it. The Sports Series is primarily sold in physical stores and on PowerBlock.com. Whereas, the PowerBlock Series is sold mainly by online sellers — Until just recently, PowerBlock.com sold the PowerBlock Series on their site, but they removed them to simplify for their on-site product selection after they revamped their website.
Great review, Alex. I’ve had my U-90 series for years, and I came across your review when I discovered they made the EZ curl bar and straight bar attachments for them. I see they are compatible with my older urethane models, so I plan on investing in both bars. Since my U-90 Stage 3 is mostly similar to your Pro EXP Stage 3, do you mind posting or emailing me a picture of the weight chart for both? I wanna see what the available increments are before I make my decision. The only weight chart they have on the website is for the Pro 50. And the only other weight chart I can find for the EZ curl bar is for an older model, which I believe is a different weight. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
UPDATE – 4/17/21: I’ve left my original comment below intact. However, some of the info is inaccurate. I’ve learned that the previous version of the EZ curl bar was actually 25 lbs (I weighed mine and it was 24 lbs). As such, the old and the new version of the EZ curl bar are actually the same weight. It’s just that the sticker on the old version inaccurately lists the empty bar weight as 20 lbs. So the only real difference between the old and new model is the color (white vs black handles).
Hi Niko. I own the previous version of the EZ curl bar. It appears that the main differences between this old EZ curl bar version and the new EZ Curl Bar version are:
Since we know that the new bar is 5 lbs heavier, you can figure out the increments you’d get on the new bar with the U90 by simply adding 5 lbs to each of numbers in the old EZ curl U90 sticker. OR, you can simply look at the image below (which is the OLD U90 weight chart sticker for the old straight bar — However, it’s also accurate for the U90 on the NEW EZ curl bar since they both have the same 25 lb starting weight):
Let me know if you need any clarification.
Thanks for the thorough response, Alex. I actually found your other post as well, which includes pictures for the weight charts for both bars. Also realized that you have the older versions of both, which I would’ve gotten/preferred if I had known about them. I’d rather have those than the newer (heavier) models, since I would personally rarely use the bars for anything greater than 100 lbs. I guess I have no other choice for now but to go with the newer models. The straight bars are all out of stock anyhow (new or old).
Hi Alex.
I bought a second EZ Curl Bar to use with a set of PB’s I keep at work. So I have both the new one and old one. I haven’t stood on a scale comparing both, but when I spoke to PB customer service they specifically told me that both bars are identical (other than color) and the new one being listed as 5lbs heavier is because they decided to label its weight more accurately. I thought this was super weird- how could they have been wrong about the weight of their own bar for so many years?? The customer service rep repeated himself a second time when I asked for clarification.
I’ve responded to this comment on my other PowerBlock guide here.
Would you know if the extensions for the PowerBlock EXP vs PowerBlock Sport EXP compatible or interchangeable?
Great question, Alexander. Yes, the expansion kits for the the Sport EXP and the PowerBlock EXP (PowerBlock Series; NOT the Pro Series) are compatible with each other. Technically it’s just a color variation. It’s the same dimensions, fixtures and tooling.
Dear Alex,
Based on you review i chose to buy powerblock pro EXP Level 2.
I want to ask you about the stand. It am going to use them in home so space limit is something. I saw there is a compact stand, but also a Powerstand which looks very convenient. Could you give me an advise ?
Best
Valentin
Great choice, Valentin! You should go with the Compact Stand (Size: Large) since it is large enough to hold the Pro EXP Stage 2 dumbbells AND because it has 4 holes in the center to hold each of the adder weights. I own this one and it works great for my Pro EXP set, and it takes up minimal space.
The PowerStand is too small to hold the these dumbbells, plus it doesn’t have any holes for the adder weights.
Thank you, Alex!
Dear Alex
I have another question. How durable do you think powerblock proexp are. In my country the lrice is around 800 euro and ita very expensive. I am thinking is it worth the money and will something happen to them in 2 year and i have to repair them for a lot of money. Gym membership for one year is 200 euro and to have some basic equippment i need cable mashine, witxhh is something big. So i have to work out with pull up bar, dip bar, powerblocks and resistant bands.. What do you think?
hi Alex, thanks for the thorough review.
i’m just putting together my home gym. until now i’ve always use a gym membership.
when using heavier weights for bench pressing i would always let down the dumbells to my side. for lack of a better description, it was essentially a controlled drop. i wasn’t being careful per se but not obnoxious either. saying that, will i have to change that habit if i go with the powerblocks?
and now that you’ve used both, which do you think is better? which would you choose if you could only choose one? BASED ON heavier lift movements.
perhaps, i should think about a lower set of power blocks (up to 50) and then just get individual bigger dumbells (55-90)? hmmm….
thx Alex!
Hi Jack, yes it would be a good idea to change the habit of dropping dumbbells if you go for the PowerBlocks. While I’ve accidentally dropped mine a couple times and they were fine, they’re not designed for drops. If you want to be able to do some dropping with the dumbbells, you may want to consider the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells instead (see my review here)…
…That said, if you go with PowerBlocks, I think it makes sense to just get a set that goes up to 90 lbs. My preference is for the PowerBlock Pro EXP set (see my review here).
Hello:
Can you advise where the different Powerblock dumbbells rank in terms of overall build quality and durability? Powerblock vs. Pro vs. Elite vs. Sport?
Thanks.
All are well built. In terms of ranking, though, build quality and durability are comparable between the PowerBlock Series, PowerBlock Elite and the PowerBlock Sport. The PowerBlock Pro is step above all of these because it has urethane-coated plates that make it more durable (shock absorbent) and quieter (no metal-on-metal noise).
It is a pity that when something happens like breaking urethane connections at plates on U50 you cannot get replacement plates to repair the set .
Where can I get new plates ?
Yeah, it’s tough since the U50s have been discontinued for a while. That said, there’s plenty floating around on the second hand market.
I would recommend monitoring Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
Lastly, you could try contacting PowerBlock directly to see if they know of any distributors who may still carry these.
Very detailed review. I was hoping to find info about the Elite 2020 , which seems to be not compatible with the “regular” elite. Could you please add info on the elite 2020 also? thanks!
Hi Deb,
Correct, the Elite 2020 (aka the Elite EXP or Elite EXP 2020) is not compatible with the “regular” Elite (aka the Elite USA) currently sold on PowerBlock.com. They are 2 slightly different models. Here are the key differences:
Great article. I been waiting months for these and I recently bought the pro series with all the expansion kits! Super pumped! Couple questions how do you like the straight bar and ez curl bar? The straight bar is not good for bench correct? Just mostly curls and deadlifts? Once they come in stock, I might get them. Kettlebell handle, I don’t do much kettlebells at the gym so should I not even worry about it or just get it and learn how to use it?
The straight bar and EZ curl bar are great. You can still bench with it, but of course a full size regular barbell is better for that purpose if you have the choice. As for the kettlebell, I’d say there’s no need for it if you’re happy with your current training style. No need to add a new style of training if you don’t necessarily want to or need to.
Hey ALEX, thank you for sharing reviews about power block. AMAZING! I am not able to shop from these international shopping website directly, but I will definitely use a package forwarding company according to your replay to “ROHIT”. Most of the time I use Splice Packages LLC for shipping from USA. Let me try the Pro EXP Stage 3 Set on number one.
Hi, I have a u70 stage 1 kit and want to get a stage 2 expansion for it. I know the u series has been discontinued. I was wondering if the pro exp kits are compatible with my u70 set?
Unfortunately, no.
The U90 set is compatible with the Pro EXP Stage 2 & 3 expansion kits. However, the U70 weight blocks are totally different dimensions than both the U90 and Pro EXP weight blocks, so they wouldn’t work.
You’ll have to find U70 expansion kits from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or eBay. But they may be hard to find at this point. If you want heavier adjustable dumbbells, then you may need to sell your U70 set and buy a newer model with more weight.
FYI: AS OF OCT 6, 2021 ALL POWERBLOCK PRODUCTS HAVE GONE UP IN PRICE:
Powerblock Sport EXP: price was $369.99 -> Now $409.99 ^UP $40.00
Powerblock Stage 2 Kit: price was $149.79 -> Now $179.99 ^UP $30.20
Large Compact Stand: price was $69.99 -> Now $99.99 ^UP $29.01
These prices are all the same on their website: powerblock.com and on dickssportinggoods.com and Amazon.com
Yes, the prices for all models actually went up in mid-September (Sept 15 or 16 I believe). I’ve already updated all prices for all models in my comprehensive PowerBlock comparison table in this article: https://www.kingofthegym.com/powerblock-dumbbells/#Currently_Available_Models
The reason for the price increases are mainly due to the current crunch in the shipping industry. Shipping prices worldwide have gone way up for everything. I reached out to PowerBlock and they hope to bring prices back down if/when shipping prices go back down, but that’s not expected for many months. Many other equipment companies are also bumping their prices up to keep up with the rise in transportation costs.
Hi….so I might have missed this in the review…but one benefit of the metal (non-urethane) models is that you can buy the small metal magnetic donuts that are 1.25 a piece and that fills in the gap on the weights when you have to go up by 5lbs. and not 2.5.
It’s a small thing….but surprsingly kind of a big deal. I saw a test where the magnets (which are super strong) wouldn’t stick to the urethane plates.
Not sure if that has changed.
It’s just a nice thing to have in your hip pocket…the option to go from 5 lbs. to 90 in 2.5lb in crements the entire way. Although I think 12.5(?) is not possible….as there is no metal to attach the magnets to.
No one loves urethane more than me…I have York Urethane grip plates….can’t highly recommend them enough….and Iooooove the look of the urethane Powerblocks. I actually almost bought the urethane set…until I snagged a killer Craigslist deal on an old set, PB power bench….and column stand….during Covid even.
Just some thoughts!
Hi Bradford, that’s a great point about being able to add magnentic weights to the outside of the non-urethane PowerBlock models. Thanks for sharing.