Adjustable dumbbells are a fantastic way to save space and bulk up that hot bod. If you’ve been shopping around, you’ve likely come across PowerBlock, a fan favorite that’s taking over the internet.
On the one hand, it’s hard to argue with more than 1,000 good reviews on Amazon. On the other, the company’s subpar business practices and handling of customer complaints are not so great.
If you’re on the fence about whether to click “Add to cart” or look elsewhere, we’ve done the research for you. If you decide PowerBlock isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other adjustable options out there.
A PowerBlock background check
Many people love PowerBlock dumbbells, from the Elite models to the simpler Sport design.
But before you shell out your hard-earned cash, there are a few things to consider. First, the company is not Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited and has an F rating (yikes). The BBB vets companies, making sure they’re trustworthy and follow good business practices.
Additionally, in 2017 a customer filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company knew its $1,396 sets of urethane-coated dumbbells didn’t perform as advertised and were made with poor materials that could break and cause injury.
Despite the lifetime warranty, the plaintiff’s weights started to break down, melting in warm summer temperatures. The plaintiff took pictures and called PowerBlock. PowerBlock honored their warranty and sent him a new set of identical weights. Two years later, though, those same urethane-coated weights broke down in the same way as the first set.
PowerBlock claimed urethane gave the weights better durability. But when the plaintiff called with his concern that the melting heavy plates, including some weighing more than 90 pounds (lbs.), could cause injury when lifted overhead, he was offered a second replacement set of the exact same urethane-coated weights.
He was also given the option to pay full price for a less expensive set of weights without the urethane coating. The warranty applied only to weights of the exact same make and model.
Bottom line
Not all PowerBlock’s products have come under fire for shoddy materials, just those with urethane molding. However, less-than-stellar company practices and an F rating from the BBB might also make you wary.
When our team of experts vetted PowerBlock, the company edged out a passing score with low marks. What this means: You’ll most likely be satisfied with a PowerBlock purchase, but we can’t give an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Our recommendation? Go with your gut, and know there are plenty of fish in the adjustable dumbbell sea.
Still interested? PowerBlock products to try
PowerBlock offers three series of adjustable dumbbells. Some sets in each series can be used with extensions that expand the weight capacity. Others include the urethane molding that got PowerBlock in trouble in 2017.
Here’s what they’ve got:
Pro Series
Pro 32
- Maximum weight: 32 lbs.
- Increments: 4 lbs.
- Price: $329
Pro 50
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs.
- Increments: 2.5 lbs.
- Price: $459
Pro EXP
- Maximum weight: 90 lbs.
- Increments: 5 lbs.
- Price: $417–$817
Sport Series
Sport 24
- Maximum weight: 24 lbs.
- Increments: 3 lbs.
- Price: $169
Sport 50
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs.
- Increments: 5 lbs.
- Price: $349
Sport EXP
- Maximum weight: 90 lbs.
- Increments: 5 lbs.
- Price: $369–667
Elite Series
Elite 50 USA
- Maximum weight: 90 lbs.
- Increments: 5 lbs.
- Price: $329–$627
PowerBlock no longer offers a lifetime warranty on any of their weights. It’s 5 years for most sets.
Don’t give up on adjustable dumbbells!
Many companies make exceptional adjustable dumbbells (and we’ve taken note) and put customer safety and satisfaction first. Adjustable dumbbells do cost more than the average dumbbell, but they’re easier to store and they take the place of several sets of dumbbells.
When you’re on the hunt for some bicep-busting adjustable dumbbells, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Weight range. The dumbbell’s minimum and maximum weight should fit within your fitness level and goals. The weight range could be relatively small, like 25 to 50 lbs., or big, like 10 to 90 lbs. If there’s no way you’re curling 90 lbs., save some money by not paying for more weight than you need.
- Weight increments. Adjustable dumbbells with 2.5- to 5-lb. weight increments are more gradual and work well for those who aren’t looking to build a ton of muscle mass.
- Storage. Adjustable dumbbells that come with storage cradles will stay put when you’re not using them — and they won’t roll over your foot. Ouch!
Adjustable dumbbells can cost several hundred dollars each. Let’s all learn from the PowerBlock situation. Check the BBB and read through a few reviews before buying. If you notice the same complaints over and over, keep looking. There are plenty of customer-centric companies out there.
tl;dr
Adjustable dumbbells are a powerful way to intensify your workouts and keep your fitness equipment from overrunning your home. Look for models in weight ranges and increments that work within your fitness goals.
And of course, don’t forget your budget. Adjustable dumbbells, for some reason, are often sold as singles rather than in pairs. Check whether the price you see is for a pair or a single and, if necessary, make sure two singles still fit within your budget.
Finally, check reviews. If the same complaint pops up over and over, consider it a warning. Sometimes customer complaints lead to safety or policy changes within the company, and everyone benefits in the long run. Other times the company knows their product and policies are a problem. That’s not a product (or company) we can support.
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