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| Powerblock Elite Dumbbells | Bowflex SelectTech 552 |
| Winner: Better Weight Distribution | Runner-Up: Great Value |
| $313.95 | $279.00 |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy On Amazon |
One question I get asked all the time is which dumbbells are best for at home workouts. The Powerblock and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are the two premier products, and I have actually used both of them at one time or another in my garage gym, and in my basement for workouts. There are a few other products on the market with similar functionality, but these two are the most popular and most reliable products worth your investment.
Both Powerblock vs Bowflex come out with updated versions all the time. For the purposes of this comparison, we tested the Powerblock Elite Dumbbells and Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.
Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells
Many of the at home workouts I’ve reviewed like Insanity or Core de Force don’t require you to use weighted resistance. With that said, if you are an avid at-home workout warrior, or want to build the perfect home gym, you will need a set of adjustable dumbbells as they save space and lot of money! Adjustable dumbbells are the perfect tool to build lean muscle and accelerate fat burning and weight loss.
Powerblock vs Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
Functionality:
One of the most important aspects when deciding between the two products is how easily users can adjust the weight. The Bowflex uses a turn dial on either side of the dumbbell, and locks in a number of weighted plates that corresponds with the weight selected. The Powerblock has color-coded weight increments and requires users to insert a pin to select the appropriate weight. It is a little more complicated than the Bowflex, and has the potential to wear over time more than the Bowflex.
Another major difference is the shape of the two products. The Bowflex has rounded weights that have a flat bottom. This makes it difficult to perform exercises like push up rows because the weights aren’t stable when body weight is introduced. The Powerblock has a square shape that stays in place when put down.
The Powerblock has better weight distribution due to the fact that the dumbbell gets shorter the less weight you choose. The Bowflex has the same weight whether you choose 5 pounds or 50 pounds.
Winner: Powerblock
Price
The Powerblock Elite Dumbbells will set you back $313.95, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 cost $279.00. Both of these provide about 50 pounds of resistance per dumbbell. The Powerblock does have optional add on weight that can bring each dumbbell up to 70 pounds. Powerblock also has a 90 pound version of their dumbbells that costs a hefty $572.75.
Winner: Bowflex
Features
The grip on the Bowflex dumbbells are made from a quality rubber and is slightly thicker in the middle, which had a good feel in your hand. The Powerblock, on the other hand, has a straight grip that doesn’t feel bad, but isn’t as comfortable as the Bowflex.
The Powerblock also has a stand that you can set the dumbbells on that comes at an additional cost. This isn’t needed, but looks good in a home gym and might make for a good product if you are planning on keeping your dumbbells somewhere that might get dirty like a garage floor. The Bowflex dumbbells has a small tray the weight sits in, but doesn’t offer additional accessories with it’s product.
Winner: Powerblock
Bowflex vs Powerblock: And the Winner Is…
Both products offer something that is superior to the other, and in the end, it all comes down to personal tastes. I prefer the Powerblock Elite because I like the distribution of weight, and like the fact that I can add weight at a later time if I outgrow the 50 pounds I’m currently using. Both products are at the top of the mountain when it comes to adjustable dumbbells, and either would make a great fit for your garage gym or at home workout space.
Here’s a fully body workout with the Powerblock Elite:
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