Adjustable Dumbbells Compared: Bowflex vs PowerBlock
Choosing the right adjustable dumbbells can save you money, space, and time—but the wrong set can stall your progress (or worse, break). This guide puts Bowflex vs PowerBlock head-to-head so you can pick the best fit for your home gym, training style, and budget.
Safety note (Sept 2025): The U.S. CPSC announced a recall of Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells due to a plate-dislodging hazard. If you already own them, check your serial numbers and follow the recall instructions before use. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1
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View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Table of Contents
- The Short Take
- Models We Refer To
- Side-by-Side: Key Differences
- Weight Range & Expandability
- Shape & Size in Use
- Durability & Warranty
- Comfort & Feel
- Price & Value Over Time
- Real-Use Examples
- Pros & Cons
- Which One Should You Buy?
- FAQs
- Conclusion & CTA
The Short Take
- Want fastest dial changes, 5–52.5 lb max, casual lifting? Bowflex 552 feels quick and simple, but isn’t expandable and uses more plastic (handle with care). View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- Want compact shape, metal build, 2.5 lb micro-jumps, and expansion to 70/90/100 lb? PowerBlock EXP/Elite is the long-term, heavy-use pick. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Models We Refer To
- Bowflex SelectTech 552: 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell; dial adjustment. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- Bowflex SelectTech 1090: 10–90 lb per dumbbell; dial adjustment. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock EXP / Pro / Elite USA: pin-select with 2.5–5 lb increments; expandable to 70–100 lb depending on kit. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Side-by-Side: Key Differences
Adjustment System & Speed
- Bowflex: Turn the dial in the base; grab and lift. Very fast for straight sets and circuits. BowFlex
- PowerBlock: Slide the magnetic selector pin; add/remove 2.5 lb “adder” weights for micro-jumps. Fast once you learn the flow; great for progression. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: Bowflex is the simplest at a glance; PowerBlock offers finer control over load.
Weight Range & Expandability
- Bowflex 552: 5–52.5 lb; not expandable. 1090: 10–90 lb; fixed max. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock EXP/Elite/Pro: base sets typically 5–50 lb; expandable with kits to 70, 90, or 100 lb per hand. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: If you plan to get stronger, PowerBlock’s upgrade path wins.
Shape & Size in Use
- Bowflex: Long, traditional handle with plates that make the bell fairly bulky even at light weights (length ~16.9″). Can feel awkward for tight curls/pressing near the body. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock: Rectangular “block” footprint with hand inside a frame; compact side-to-side and stays tidy on the floor or rack. Some lifters need a week to love the shape. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: PowerBlock is more compact; Bowflex feels more “dumbbell-like” in hand shape but longer.
Durability & Warranty
- Bowflex 552/1090: Mixed materials with more plastic—don’t drop; recent recall on 552/1090 for plate-dislodging risk. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock: Urethane-coated steel plates, magnetic pin, 5-year residential warranty on Pro 100 EXP. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: PowerBlock generally wins for long-term durability.
Comfort & Feel
- Bowflex: Rubberized grip, familiar dumbbell profile; length can tap thighs on setups. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock: Neutral-style handle inside a cage; many models now use knurled steel grips (Pro). Micro-adds can shift balance slightly (some notice on curls/presses). View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: Preference call—try both if possible.
Price & Value Over Time
- Bowflex site prices (as listed): 552 “Results Series” page shows $429; 1090 shows $799 (availability varies). View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- PowerBlock examples: Elite USA 50/70/90 kits and Pro 100 EXP listed with expansion options and 5-yr warranty (pricing varies by kit/retailer). View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Verdict: Bowflex 552 has a lower entry price; PowerBlock can cost more up front, but expansion may be cheaper than replacing an entire set later.
Real-Use Examples
- Supersets & Intervals: Bowflex dials are great when you bounce between loads quickly in circuits. View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
- Progressive Overload: PowerBlock’s 2.5 lb “adder” steps make steady strength jumps easy, especially for presses and laterals. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
- Heavy Strength Training: PowerBlock EXP/Pro expansions to 90–100 lb suit advanced lifters without buying new bells. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Pros & Cons
Bowflex SelectTech (552/1090)
Pros
- Ultra-fast dial changes
- Familiar dumbbell feel
- Lower starting price (552) View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
Cons
- Not expandable (552/1090 fixed tops)
- Bulkier length at all weights
- Recall on 552/1090; more plastic → avoid drops View Dumbbells Bowflex on Amazon
PowerBlock (EXP/Elite/Pro)
Pros
- Expandable up to 70/90/100 lb
- Compact footprint; robust build
- 2.5 lb micro-increments; 5-yr warranty (Pro) View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Cons
- Rectangular shape isn’t everyone’s favorite
- Slight learning curve for adder weights
Which One Should You Buy?
- Small spaces & long-term strength: PowerBlock EXP/Elite/Pro. It’s compact, durable, expandable, and precise in increments. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
- Casual training & fastest dial turns (light–moderate loads): Bowflex 552, but verify recall status and remedy first; consider alternatives if affected. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
My rule of thumb: If you’ll ever want more than 52.5 lb—or you lift 4+ days/week—PowerBlock’s expandability and build usually pay off.
FAQs
Which is better for small spaces?
PowerBlock. The block shape and smaller footprint store neatly and expand vertically. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Are there durability concerns?
Bowflex uses more plastic and recently had a CPSC recall (552/1090). PowerBlock uses metal/urethane with a 5-yr residential warranty (Pro). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1
Which offers better value over time?
If you’ll get stronger, PowerBlock’s expansions (to 70/90/100 lb) can be cheaper than rebuying heavier dumbbells later. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
What about comfort?
Bowflex feels familiar but long; PowerBlock has a cage handle with knurled options—great for many presses/rows once you adapt. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
Do both change weight quickly?
Yes. Bowflex dials are intuitive; PowerBlock’s pin is fast and adds 2.5 lb fine-tuning. View Dumbbells PowerBlock on Amazon
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Conclusion & CTA
Both systems can anchor a serious home gym. If you want simple dials and stay under 52.5–90 lb, Bowflex is convenient (after addressing recall status). If you want compact size, upgrade paths, and longevity, PowerBlock is the safer long-term bet.
Next step: Choose based on your max strength goal and space—then check latest deals and, for Bowflex owners, confirm recall eligibility before use. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
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