One of the best advancements in fitness equipment for home gym users in recent years may be the adjustable dumbbell. These dumbbells can offer similar free weight benefits, but they don't take as much space as having numerous pairs of fixed dumbbells and a weight rack in your personal weight room. Like fixed dumbbells, you can use these weights to train individual muscle groups or target all of them in a full-body workout.
If you were to match up the two most popular pairs of adjustable dumbbells to determine which is best, you may pick Powerblock vs. Bowflex. Bowflex is known for both adjustable free weights and machines, but Powerblock dumbbells were among the first adjustable dumbbells to hit the market. Which pair is best for you and why? The ACTIVE Reviews Team has done the research so you don't have to, and they have all the answers that you need to make the best decision possible for your home gym.
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Powerblock Elite USA 5-50 Stage 1 Set
SPECS
- Dimensions: 12" L, 6" W, 6" L
- Weight range: 5-50 lbs.
- Weight increments: 2.5-5 lbs.
The Powerblock adjustable dumbbells are sold in pairs, and they have multiple weight options that you can choose from. The standard version goes from 5 to 50 pounds, but there are others that go as high as 90 pounds each. The shape of the weights is different from traditional dumbbells, but they still function as a normal dumbbell would.
You slide the pin into the desired weight, then pick the handle up off the stand. The pinned weight will come up while the rest of the weight will remain in the stand. You must return the weight to the stand in order to adjust them. The square shape will keep the dumbbells from rolling if you need to set them down.
What We Like
- The weights are identified by color
- 15 different weight options to work with
- Dumbbells have smooth ends to rest weights on the thighs
What We Don't Like
- Handles aren't knurled
- Weight surrounds the hands
BUY: Powerblock Elite USA 5-50 Stage 1 Set
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
SPECS
- Dimensions: 17.5" L, 9.5" W, 10" H
- Weight range: 10-90 lbs.
- Weight increments: 5 lbs.
The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell has a simple approach to changing the weights. You simply turn the dials on the outside of the weights, and you pick the dumbbell handle up to begin your set. The length of the weight won't change, but the weights you work with will connect to the handle as the dial is adjusted. The handle on the inside is knurled for easier grip.
The standard version of this dumbbell will go as heavy as 90 pounds and as light as 10 pounds. Like the Powerblocks, you must set the weight in the stand in order to change the weights. You also must make sure the number is the same on both dials on each side. The SelectTech dumbbell is shaped more like a traditional dumbbell, which some users may prefer.
What We Like
- Consistent 5-lb. increments
- Weight feels like a fixed dumbbell in the hand
- Numbers are easily identifiable on the dials
What We Don't Like
- Sold as a single instead of a pair
- Bigger overall size may compromise form on some exercises
BUY: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
A Quick Look at Powerblock vs. Bowflex
Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbell Models
When you hold a Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbell in your hand, it may feel slightly different than a regular dumbbell. That's because you place your hand inside the middle of the weight and the weight completely surrounds your hands. This may take some time to get used to, but once you do, you will find that they still provide the necessary resistance for you to train effectively.
The standard version goes up to 50 pounds each, but you can upgrade them to 70 and 90 pounds each if you find you need the extra weight later on. You adjust the weight by placing the pin in the color that matches the weight you want to use. Once the pins are secured, you're ready to pick up the dumbbells.
What We Like About Powerblock
The Powerblocks can replace up to 825 pounds of total weights you would have to buy if you were to get fixed dumbbells. They come with a five-year limited warranty, which is a long time for fitness equipment. They are shorter than the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, so they can be used for exercises such as concentration curls and seated shoulder presses.
The Powerblocks are also durable. They shouldn't be slammed intentionally, but you don't have to fear them breaking on you should you accidentally drop one. They are squared dumbbells as well, so you can set them down and not be concerned about them rolling away.
What We Don't Like About Powerblock
Since the handle is in the middle of the dumbbell and is surrounded by the pinned weight, it does have a few limitations. For example, you won't be able to do certain exercises such as the dumbbell pull-over for the lats and the double-arm overhead extension for the triceps because you can't hold the weight as you should for those movements.
The handle inside the dumbbell is a softer handle, which some users may prefer, but it can also be slicker than a knurled handle. If you wear gloves while training, you also may have trouble sliding your hand inside to grip the weight. This also applies to the use of lifting straps.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbell Models
The BowFlex SelectTech adjustable dumbbell is easier to operate because you adjust a dial to change the weights. The dials can be turned in either direction. You have to make sure the numbers are the same on both ends of the weight before removing it from the stand.
This dumbbell is shaped more like a traditional fixed version, but it's bigger than the Powerblocks. It is longer, as well. The handle in the middle is knurled, which many lifters will appreciate. If you have sensitive hands, however, this may not be a preference.
What We Like About Bowflex
Since this adjustable dumbbell has a more traditional shape, it can be used in a similar fashion as your basic fixed dumbbell. You can perform the dumbbell pull-overs and overhead extensions as well as other exercises such as the goblet squat because you can hold the inside of the weight securely without compromising your form. The weight increments are also consistent. Each turn adjusts the dumbbell by 5 pounds. The dumbbell provides up to 90 pounds as is.
Beginners will like the Bowflex SelectTech because it's easier to operate and lift. This also decreases the time it takes to change the weight you want to use. This would be beneficial if you were to perform supersets with different weights on different exercises or dropsets on the same exercise.
What We Don't Like About Bowflex
The obvious downside is that the cost is for a single dumbbell, which means you have to make two separate purchases to have a pair. They are also larger, which means you may have to compromise form or skip exercises such as the alternating dumbbell curl, the seated dumbbell press, and hammer curls.
The lowest weight you can use on these dumbbells is 10 pounds, which could still be too much for some exercises that beginners want to do. While the weight differences are the same, some lifters may need 2.5-pound increments instead of 5 pounds.
PowerBlock vs. Bowflex: Which Is Best?
Advanced trainees may want the Powerblocks because of their durability and overall shape. You can rest them on your thighs before kicking them up for exercises such as incline dumbbell presses or dumbbell flyes. They are also easier to handle for movements like the single-arm row and lateral raise.
The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell could be better for beginners who want something simple to work with as well as lifters who really want to use the weights in all the ways you would a fixed dumbbell. The lifter who makes time a priority may also be pleased with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbell because turning the dials is faster than removing and adding a pin.
Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells provide several different weights to work with while limiting the space you need to store them. One pair of adjustable dumbbells can replace several pairs of fixed weights that you would need to find storage space for or even buy an additional weight rack to keep.
The adjustable dumbbells also come with their own stands, which makes organization simpler. People who use smaller weight rooms or need to save space for other items would be wise to buy adjustable dumbbells.
Disadvantages of Adjustable Dumbbells
One disadvantage of adjustable dumbbells is that the shape of the weight may force you to adjust how you train. The size of the weight or the way it's designed could force you to select another exercise or alter how you perform it.
Another issue for some may be the upfront investment. You will pay more for adjustable dumbbells initially, but after you factor in how much you would spend on the same weights as fixed dumbbells, you may find the cost of the adjustable dumbbells to make more sense. Yes, you could buy a pair at a time and build up, but this would take much longer to do, and you would have all the weights you need by purchasing the adjustable dumbbells upfront.
Our Verdict
The answer to which dumbbell would be best is based primarily on the user and the specific goals they have for training, but the majority of fitness enthusiasts will likely benefit from having the Powerblocks in their personal workout space. While you can't perform some exercises with them, they will still provide the resistance needed to help you reach your fitness goals. The cost of the Powerblocks is also better for those working with a budget.
FAQs About Adjustable Dumbbells
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Adjustable dumbbells certainly can be worth the investment. Adjustable dumbbells offer a variety of weights for you to work with for many exercises while minimizing the space you have to commit to storing them. If you were to buy several pairs of fixed dumbbells along with a rack for storage, you would likely find that the adjustable dumbbells are the better value because of the space they save as well as the investment of buying so many different dumbbells to have the same weights.
Can you build muscle with adjustable dumbbells?
You can build muscle and get stronger with adjustable dumbbells. Besides the way they look, they work the same way as traditional fixed dumbbells, and they provide adequate resistance for you to train the working muscles to the point that they are stimulated or even to the point of failure. Adjustable dumbbells can be a great option for people who want to build muscle.
How many dumbbells do adjustable dumbbells replace?
It depends on the brand and type you get. Most pairs of adjustable dumbbells will replace at least five pairs of fixed weights, and some can replace as many as 20. Some adjustable dumbbells increase in 5-pound increments, while others may even include 2.5-pound increments.
About the Author
Roger "Rock" Lockridge has worked in the fitness industry for 20 years in a variety of roles, including as a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, supplement advisor, nutritionist, and most notably as a writer since 2009. He's contributed to numerous publishing brands, including Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, BarBend, Bodybuilding.com, and Iron Man Magazine, sharing information on training, nutrition, supplementation, motivation, profiles on world-class athletes, and strength sports news.
He's also competed in various bench press contests and the Arnold Sports Festival's 5K Pump & Run three times. His personal transformation story has been featured by Men's Health, Bodybuilding.com, and others.
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