Powerblock 15 Year Update: Still 'The World's Best Dumbbell' or Not?

Long term review / update on 90lbs Elite Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbell and how they compare to the newer adjustable dumbbells on market. If I could go back, would I still purchase these?

0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Why I bought these
1:45 - How they held up
3:08 - Cons
3:54 - Pros
5:21 - Comparing to Newer Adjustable DBs
6:46 - Choosing Powerblock vs Newer?

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[pauldack]

Bought my set of Powerblocks in 2000. Still using then today. That's 23 yrs of pretty much constant use. Best purchase ever.

[cjcycledude]

I've had my PowerBlocks for 25 years and use them on every workout for some exercise or another!

[oldnatty]

1) Just over on the website. $1086 (not including shipping) gets two 21/2 to 100 lbs. DB's in 21/2 lbs. jumps. Per pond that's hard to beat, and you could get 'em used?
2) Whatever you get you want a type that has a flat surface like PB's or Hex so you have the option to safely load Burpee movements.
3) Power Blocks were the first on the market and have a long history of durability/quality.
4) PB's offer bars that allow one to turn their DB's into a BB's, and offer some cool bench options (to include pull-up/dip). Also offer a KB handle.
5) A solution to the pin coming out is tying a string around the pin and the weight it is attached to. I highly recommend this for dynamic oly/kb type work and heavier loads, because, even though, the pin is magnetized it can get bumped and be unseated.

[countbelisarius]

I have had the Powerblock Pro Rexan with the addon kit to 125# for many, many years. No rust, no dings and when I couldn’t remember the weight settings (this was even before they had stickers to mark it), I emailed Powerblock and they sent the info to me. I am skeptical that the newer systems, despite the advantages of faster weight change and being less boxy, will last anywhere near as long as the Powerblocks. I am not that strong but being able to set up shrugs with over 100 # in a few seconds without the hassle of having to load up a barbell is priceless.

[williamsullivan]

Another good clip Mike. I had a Power Block set when they were the first to offer an easily adjustable dumbbell. I liked them a lot, and used them often. The one problem I had was that after time the labels that said how much weight each increment was wore off, so I wasn’t sure how much weight I was using. More recently I bought a set of the Core Fitness dumbbells, which have that cradle system. They feel great and I’m very pleased with them. They only go up to 50 lbs apiece though, so for people who want more weight they’d have to look elsewhere. For me, however, they’re just what I was looking for: they feel great and adjust with a simple twist of the handle. I look forward to seeing what other commenters have to say about their adjustable dumbbell experiences.

[steverapos]

I had powerblocks forever - finally sold them when I moved. In my new area I saw some knock off Nuobells for quite cheap - thought I would like them better - 5 pound increments are easier but I find the Powerblocks are easier to get in and out and seem way more durable - if the price was the same I would go with power blocks for sure

[RUmlas]

Love this. I still have my PowerBlock Sport 5.0 with stage two expansion of 55/65/75 Ibs. I bought them in 2008? 22010? when I was getting into shape doing P90X. But by 2014, it sat in storage. I still have the PB 5.0 and it's still in great shape. As you mentioned, mine has minor rust and chips here and there. When I purchased the initial set and expansion, it was super expensive. But at the time, I knew it would be worth it. I was right.

[cripper]

Definitely can replace the selector pins. I just got new ones from my Elite set I purchased in 2002. "Classic steel" pins is what you want. I actually got the "Big Block" kit back in the day and they go up to 125lbs but man are they huge. 😂 Great video!

[cesarpadilla]

I think that the PB elite are for lasting all life, maybe currently are some obsolete comparing with others, but they are really useful, space saver. I have one pair with the rack and the complete weights, I guess they arrive to 130 lbs, I love them.

[GGhostStudios]

I love my PowerBlock pro’s. There is also 2 adder weights in the block that allow for 2/1/2 lbs increments. That’s the biggest pro to me. The con is the weight distribution Is slightly off on certain movements with the adder weights depending on how you hold the dumbbell

[Jayk]

I've got the nuo a year now. But somehow I feel they won't last as long as your blocks. Not because I drop them, but because of the plastic parts

[dwintster]

I have the u90 woth the expansion from 90 to 125. Its been over a decade bow and they are still as good as new. Though I wish the increments between 90 and the expansion was smaller. You go from 90 to 102.5, 105, 107.5 to 120, 122.5 to 125.

[gunmadonuts]

My dad found me a set of powerblocks for $40 each at goodwill, going up to about 50lb each. They look like they lived in a garage for 20 years but work perfect. great deal. super easy to adjust the weight multiple times throughout my workout for flys, squats, curls, press, anything really. only equipment I own in my tiny apartment.

[megamorph]

I bought powerblock U 125s I think it was called, 10 yrs ago. Made of urethane. Now after 10yrs of use, the urethane has cracked and broken off the rails, rendering them worthless. Mind you, I never dropped them from tall heights or abused them. At most I'd drop them to my home gym flooring from a few inches off the floor and Id drop them level and flat. Nothing unreasonable.

Today, I just bought the powerblock USA elite which is all steel and I think it will be indestructible for the most part.

I wouldn't advise to get the urethane because they will crack and break over time

[steverapos]

They do have power blocks that go up to like 120 or 125 and a different set that goes up to 175. The weight increments are different and they may require 2 different starting handles to use the different increments. They are wildly expensive new though, but if you are in a highly populated area you might find a pair for a good price used.

[Just-HitAWall]

Thx, I just got mine. Sport exp 90 for cheap here in Canada. Northern Fitness as a good deal.

[TonyTorzido]

After many videos it seems PowerBlocks are tanks if taken care of. Last forever. And Minecraft block vibes. My gym closed so it was my sign to finally start my home gym. My PW get here next week, pretty excited!

[toneman]

Cool analysis.. Yeah I refrained from buying these because of the whole hands Inside the blocks which seemed awkward for certain movements

[MrMCSS]

The new Helix adjustable dumbbells that Clench Fitness is selling look pretty nice. I thought about getting a set of adjustable dumbbells in the past but never did.

[wilfredotorres]

Hi Sliding Bench Trainer, I'm a bigger fan of dumbbells than barbells because you individually train each side evenly with the same amount of weight. The power blocks do look a bit more cumbersome than conventional dumbbells but of course, they do take up less space. Using the rubber plates would make more sense with less wear of metal or major injury.