PowerBlock Dumbbells Review

If you want to work out at home, dumbbells are hard to beat. With nothing more than some hand weights and an exercise bench, you can train every muscle in your body, from your upper body to your legs to your core. However, for a truly individualized workout, you need a range of dumbbells because you’ll want to use different weights according to the exercise you are doing.

In this PowerBlock Dumbbells review, we’re going to tell you about a workout tool that makes dumbbell training a whole lot more convenient. PowerBlocks are adjustable dumbbells that allow you to adjust the intensity of your workout in seconds. They take up no more space than a single pair of hand weights and are ideal for home exercisers.

Of course, no type of exercise equipment is without pros and cons, and we’ll explore every aspect of this innovative product so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you. But, if you work out with weights at home, it’s safe to say that PowerBlocks could be the training solution you are looking for.

PowerBlock Dumbbells Review

Key Features

While there is nothing especially dumb about dumbbells, most are very simple designs. There is a handle or rod and weights at either end. Dumbbells are available in fixed weights, such as 20 lbs., or with removable weights that are secured in place with collars. If you use fixed weight dumbbells, you’ll need to buy several sets, and that means a lot of space and expense.

If you go for adjustable dumbbells, you’ll need to buy a selection of weight plates. You will also need to accept that changing weights during your workout will take time and effort that might be better spent exercising.

PowerBlock dumbbells are adjustable, but their unique nesting design means they don’t take up much space, and changing weights takes seconds and not minutes. This means that working out with PowerBlocks is very space and time-efficient.

The key features of PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are:

• Two-dumbbell set
• Adjusts from 3 to 24 pounds in 3-pound increments
• The equivalent of eight pairs of dumbbells
• Selector pin lets you change weights quickly easily
• More compact and balanced than traditional dumbbells
• Padded handles for wrist protection

How they work

PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells feature a unique design that means they are eight dumbbells in one. The weights nest inside one another with a central handle to hold. You simply remove and reinsert a weight selector pin, pick up the handle, and leave the weights you don’t want to use behind.

Then, when you are done, simply put the weights back in the stack, remove and reinsert the pin, and off you go again.

The weights are color-coded, and there is a color key on each handle to make selecting the weight you want as easy as possible. The selector pin is attached to the handle using a bungee cord so you can’t inadvertently drop or lose it.

Weight Options

The total weight of each PowerBlock dumbbell is 24 pounds/10.9 kilos. The handle itself weighs three pounds, and there are seven weight increments of three pounds each, so the weights available are:

• 3 pounds (the handles)
• 6 pounds
• 9 pounds
• 12 pounds
• 15 pounds
• 18 pounds
• 21 pounds
• 24 pounds

Some users may find that 24 pounds per dumbbell is not heavy enough. If you want a harder workout, consider these heavyweight PowerBlocks, which go up to 50 lbs. in five-pound increments. There are also expansion packs available so you can increase the weight of your dumbbells.

Assembly

PowerBlock dumbbells are ready to use straight out the box. There is no assembly required. However, new users should familiarize themselves with how these dumbbells operate before starting a workout as changing weights and making sure the locking pin is located correctly takes a little getting used to. However, once mastered, these adjustable hand weights are very easy to use.

Pros & Cons

PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are an excellent home strength training tool, with many pros and a few cons.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Very straightforward to use
• Changing weight is quick and easy
• Suitable for beginner to intermediate exercisers
• Very versatile – can be used for lots of different exercises
• Ideal for progressive home strength training workouts
• Very well balanced
• Comfortable, padded handles
• Color-coded weights for easier identification

Cons:

• High shipping costs
• Not suitable for very rough use, i.e., throwing or dropping
• Weights may rattle during use
• Some users report that the “hands inside” set up makes some exercises impractical, such as wrist curls. Handles can only be gripped with one hand at a time

Warranty

While not as expensive as other dial-a-weight adjustable dumbbells, PowerBlocks still aren’t cheap, although you are getting eight sets of dumbbells for the price. The good news is that this product is backed by a comprehensive warranty so that you can buy in confidence and peace of mind. PowerBlocks are covered by a 10-year warranty against defects. However, they must be registered with the manufacturer within 30-days of purchase.

Bottom Line

PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells have been around for many years. While some companies have tried to copy their innovative design, the original PowerBlocks are still the best. They are well-made, easy to use and provide a space-saving alternative for exercisers who want to work out with dumbbells but don’t want to buy an entire rack’s worth.

The weights themselves sit around your hand, which makes them very comfortable and balanced to use. This is in contrast to regular dumbbells where the weights are located at the ends of the handles. With less wobbling to contend with, you are free to focus on your workout without distraction.

If PowerBlocks have a drawback, it is that for some users, they are just a little too light. If you want to train for general fitness and toning, 24-pound dumbbells should be sufficient. But if you want to build muscle or strength, or are just stronger than average, you may need a more substantial set up. Otherwise, your workouts won’t be as productive as they should be.

The bottom line is that PowerBlocks provide a great way to strength train at home and are an excellent alternative to a big, bulky, expensive rack of dumbbells or standard but fiddly dumbbell handles, weight plates, and collars.