PowerBlock Review

By Rick Mancini

Dumbbells are a cornerstone of upper body strength training. Dumbbell training provides many advantages to barbells and resistance training equipment. There is a free range of motion of each arm/wrist. Barbells lock your wrists and arm path into a fixed position, which can put your joints under strain, especially when lifting heavy. Also, dumbbells ensure that each arm sees the same resistance, and you have the option for single arm exercises. Barbells can allow for a dominant arm to do more work, resulting in strength discrepancies from one arm to another. However, barbells have usually been the choice for home gyms, since plates can be easily added & removed to adjust resistance. The equivalent dumbbell system would involve a rack of dumbbells, which is cost and space prohibitive.   

PowerBlock is an alternative to a rack of dumbbells. They are a set of dumbbells with pin-selectable system for selecting a wide range of weights.
 
Using the Product

My PowerBlock set is a few years old now. The set that I have is now called the Classic 45 model. There is a core handle that weighs 5 lbs., which can be replaced or interchanged with a heavier core that weighs 20 lbs. Attached to the handle are 5 lb. steel plates that are engaged in series by 2 connected pins. The adjustment is similar to pinning the plate stack on a Cybex/Nautilus machine. See the http://www.powerblock.com website for a more detailed explanation.

With the 20-lb.core handle, the model that I’m using is adjustable from 20 lbs. to 60 lbs. in 5 lb. increments.  The adjustment is quick, easy and secure.     

Design

The adjustment design is brilliant, simple and effective. It’s amazing that no one thought of this long ago. The handle has a wide diameter, padded grip, following the current ergonomic trend.

Construction

Top quality - high-density plastic core and painted steel weight plates.


Durability

My set is now a few years old, has seen extensive use in my home gym and still look and function like new.

Space Investment/Travel-ability

Without the optional stand, the space investment could not be better. With the model that I am using, each dumbbell is 12” long x 6” high x 5.5” wide. This easily fits in a closet or under a bed. Also travels easily and takes up little trunk space in your car. It’s a great option for fitness trainers that bring equipment to their client’s homes. 

Availability

Availability is good, but PowerBlock does not seem to advertise extensively. I got mine form Omni Fitness. They are available on-line from the PowerBlock website, at retail and on-line from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and many other retailers of fitness equipment. 

Competition

Bowflex makes the competitive option, called Selecttech, which retails for $399, a $100 more than the PowerBlock. I am not a fan of the Selecttech dumbbell system. The dial adjustment is sticky, and the weights can fall off. 

Pricing/Value

The Classic 45 model retails for $279. The heavier 20-lb. core handles are an additional $159. The optional stand, which has an angled tray, a good design and construction is $129. Compared to buying 9 sets of dumbbells, the price is reasonable. However, the heavier core handle is certainly overpriced. The stand is also overpriced at $129. Dumbbells should be lifted from raised stand, not the floor, to avoid injury. A cheap folding chair can be used instead of the PowerBlock stand, but does not look as cool. Look for discounted pricing at retail. On-line orders have big shipping costs due to the weight involved.

Drawbacks

One drawback has nothing to do with PowerBlock, but with dumbbells in general – not very good for lower body training. If space allows, keep your barbell set and squat rack for leg workouts. 

This Product is Right for you if:

- want to use dumbbells in your home gym
- want compact upper body strength equipment that you can travel with
- are a fitness trainer that transports equipment to your client’s homes

Rating

4 out of 5. PowerBlock is much better than their competition. The overpriced stand and heavier core is the only negative issue.

Rick Mancini is the founder of OxLabs.com. Oxlabs is a Sports Nutrition company providing products created for active and athletic men. In addition to his extensive experience in the sports nutrition and fitness industries, Rick has a significant background in technology - Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 20 years of international experience in mechanical design, materials science, testing, ergonomics and biomechanics. This unique background provides fitness product reviews with insights into design, construction, and quality. The OxLabs website is also a valuable educational source with articles, information, and discussion related to men’s health, and fitness. Go to http://www.oxlabs.com to find out more.
 

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