The Powerblock adjustable dumbbells come in a unique rectangular design that departs entirely from what you might have used before.
They are available in different models, allowing users to choose one that works for them the best. In this Powerblock adjustable dumbbells review, we discuss the product in terms of its features, pros, and cons.
Also, we shall get a glimpse of what past users of these dumbbells are saying about them. Join us as we explore what lies behind this unique adjustable dumbbell.

Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells Specifications
- Adjustable dumbbells x 2
- Weight categories 50lbs, 70lbs, or 90lbs
- Weight range 5lb to 50lb, 5lb to 70lb, and 5lb to 90lb
- Dimensions 6 inches (W) x 6.5 inches (H) x 12 inches (L)
- Weight increments 2.5 pounds
Build Quality and Adjustability

How would you know that the Powerblocks adjustable dumbbells can last for a long time? Well, look at the warranty.
This particular device has a 10-year warranty, which is unbeatable in this industry. Even though it mostly features metal parts, it incorporates plastic to a certain extend.
Thus, it would help if you were careful not to drop the dumbbells too hard to avoid breaking them.
The manufacturers cleverly play around with the metal/plastic mix, creating a perfect balance. In what seems like a new industry standard, every adjustable dumbbell manufacturer uses metal and plastic together.
However, the plastic in this product is smaller than that in Core Fitness or Bowflex adjustable dumbbells.
According to the manufacturer, the dumbbells can withstand a couple of minor falls but nothing major. That means handling them with utmost care to avoid unnecessary breakages.
Thus, you can drop it from a height between 6 and 12 inches, which the manufacturers say is safe. The manufacturers incorporated a weight range stacking system that makes the dumbbells compact.
However, the lack of a bracket system means the dumbbells have to increase in length as you add more weight.
With the unique stacking system, you naturally feel when using the dumbbells at the lower weight categories.
The dumbbells are as compact as their fixed-weight counterparts, helping you get a wide range of motions during workouts.
There is nothing conventional with the way the dumbbells look at first glance. If you are used to the one-handle design, the four-handle square design can put you off somewhat.
However, the “weird” look doesn’t mean the dumbbells are lesser when it comes to functionality. Even so, the design makes it a largely no-roll pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Many past users have described how they managed to do all sorts of exercises, including curls, using Powerblocks.
Some of them said they didn’t hit their hips, which is a huge issue with some bulky adjustable dumbbells. Besides, Powerblocks are durable, even with the bendy plastic selector pin.
Given the design of the corners, the dumbbells might get hooked in your short pockets while doing curls or rows.
With that, you might lose your workout rhythm or drop the dumbbells. However, that’s a minor annoyance that you can get around by wearing pocket-less shorts or long trousers.
You will attain all your workout goals and stay in good shape.
Weight Adjustment Mechanism
The Powerblock adjustment mechanism is surprisingly faster than Quick-Lock by Ironmaster but slower than Core Fitness and Bowflex. Therefore, you will get a reasonable adjustment time of up to one minute.
The adjustment system features a magnetic selector pin for changing the weight in 5-pound increments.
However, the dumbbells also have a 2.5-pound cylinder for changing the weight by placing it in the handle. With the last option, you will have to change the weight in 2.5-pound increments at a time.
If you want to attain smaller workouts milestones, then the 2.5-pound weight adjustment feature is the best option. Otherwise, you may want to stick with the 5-pound increments.
The ability to use 2.5-pound or 5-pound increments gives you a bigger room for maneuvering between different weights.
Since you need to feed the cylinders into the handle manually, you might take a few more seconds to change the weight plates.
Weight Categories
Some of the existing adjustable dumbbells make it hard to add extra weight. Once you have reached the weight limit, there is no way you can make any changes.
That applies to Core Fitness, Stairmaster, and Bowflex, which don’t go higher than the 50-pound limit.
Essentially, you can use the dumbbells for several years, but you cannot advance because of the limitations of adding extra weight.
With that, you would have to buy a new dumbbell set if you want to do some heavy workouts.
That’s where the Powerblock Elite Adjustable Dumbbells beat these other models. You can start with the 50-pound set and, once you have outgrown it, purchase a 70-pound or 90-pound expansion pack.
Expansion packs come with many advantages, including affordability and minimal changeover time. Instead of buying the 70-pound replacement pack, serious lifters are better off with the 90-pound set. However, they have to be ready to pay a slightly higher price.
If you are more on the extreme side of weightlifting, the Powerblock Commercial PRO 125 Series is the best option. Instead of the usual 50, 70, or 90 pounds, you can raise the weight up to 125 pounds.
If you want, you can remove the handle to get a more straightforward kettlebell structure for a broader range of exercises you can do using it.
Range Of Exercises

Powerblock adjustable dumbbells allow 2.5-pound or 5-pound adjustments, ensuring you can gradually increase the weight as you finish your milestones.
You can use them whether you are a beginner or an advanced user looking for a way to do a large variety of workouts.
Lower weight limits support lighter exercises, while higher limits are better for more advanced activities. Besides, the dumbbells are adaptable, ensuring users can have full-body workouts.
Here are some activities that you might want to do using this set of adjustable dumbbells:
- Weighted crunches
- Flat bench presses
- Concentration curls
- Bicep curls
- Dumbbell rows
- Incline dumbbell flies
- Push presses
- Overhead tricep extensions
- Alternated shoulder presses
- Lunges
- Dumbbell squats
- Stiff-legged deadlift
- One-legged toe raise
- Elevated single-led squat
- Dumbbell swing through
Available Models of Powerblocks

Powerblocks SportSeries Adjustable Dumbbells: A versatile dumbbells set that you can expand to meet your training needs.
There is no need to buy a room full of fixed-weight dumbbells when you can have only one.
Powerblocks Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells: The original Powerblocks model comes with a refined design based on the 1991 original.
It has impressive ratings online and a reputation for allowing the most types of workouts.
Powerblock Pro Series Adjustable Dumbbells: The company also has a commercial-grade series for use at home or commercial gyms. It is easy-to-use, efficient, and versatile in the wide range of workouts it supports.
Besides, you can expand it up to 175 pounds, making it great for those who want to experience tremendous growth without taking a break.
Customer Reviews

Past customers have left encouraging reviews for the PowerBlock USA Elite Adjustable Dumbbells.
Out of 1,211 reviews, 85 percent gave a 5-star rating, 9 percent a 4-star rating, 3 percent a 3-star rating, one percent a 2-star rating, and two percent a 1-star rating.
That essentially means that 94 percent of past users found these dumbbells to be excellent. Since they are the majority, they cannot be wrong about their assessment.
Most of the positive reviewers loved the ease with which one changes the weights. They are comparable with professional-style dumbbells concerning the handle width and grip.
Overall, the dumbbells seem to do well compared to brands like Bowflex, Pro-Style, Stairmaster, and Core Fitness.
As with any other product, the dumbbells have several drawbacks, including overstating the weight by 0.5 pounds for each plate. Furthermore, some reviewers blamed the inclusion of plastic material for the flimsiness of this particular dumbbell set.
Others who had ordered the whole set only received one-half of the pair rendering them unable to perform their workouts.
However, that has nothing to do with the product construction but everything with the wrong packaging. That’s an area the manufacturers can improve.
Pros
Cons
Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells Review- Bottom Line
From the review above, the Powerblock adjustable dumbbells have a unique square design that deceptively looks dysfunctional.
However, once you hold it in your hands, you won’t want to put the dumbbell down until you have accomplished your workout needs.
The basic dumbbells come in 50-pound, 70-pound, and 90-pound weight categories, while the more advanced can expand to 175 degrees.
Therefore, it isn’t restricted only to home users but can also serve in commercial settings, depending on the model you buy.