PowerBlock suits lifters who expect to get stronger and want a compact, steel-framed set that can grow from 50 lb to 90 lb per hand, while Bowflex SelectTech suits buyers who prefer a rotating dial, a rounder dumbbell shape and a lower entry point for a single fixed range. If you will stay under roughly 50 lb per hand, the decision is mostly about feel and footprint. If you may need heavier loads later, the expansion path of the PowerBlock Elite EXP is the main reason to choose it over the SelectTech 552, which cannot be expanded.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
PowerBlock vs Bowflex at a Glance
| Model | Stated weight range (per hand) | Change method | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerBlock Elite EXP | 5 to 50 lb as shipped (Stage 1); Stage 2 kit to 70 lb; Stage 3 kit to 90 lb | Selector pin through a stacked block | Lifters who want room to grow and a small footprint | Expansion kits are sold separately; square block feels different from a round dumbbell |
| PowerBlock Sport EXP | Reviewers list a starting range near 60 lb, expandable toward 90 lb | Selector pin | Budget-minded buyers who still want expansion | Lighter-duty build than the Pro and Elite lines |
| PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP | 5 to 40 lb as shipped; kits to 60, 80 and 100 lb | Selector pin | Advanced lifters, heavy pressing and rows | Larger and longer than the Elite; four stages mean more kit cost |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series is the current version) | 5 to 52.5 lb | Dial on each end | Beginners and general fitness, light starting weights | Not expandable; wider footprint |
| Bowflex SelectTech 1090 (Results Series is the current version) | 10 to 90 lb | Dial on each end | Lifters who want 90 lb without buying kits | Longer, bulkier handle; larger jumps between settings |
Specifications differ slightly between reviewers, particularly increments and dimensions, so treat the table as a summary of what the makers and independent outlets report and read the current product page for exact figures before ordering.
Which PowerBlock Models Exist Now
PowerBlock sells three main adjustable lines: Sport, Pro and Elite. The Elite EXP is the best-known model in comparisons with Bowflex. Reviewers report that it ships as a Stage 1 set covering 5 to 50 lb per hand, with weight changes of 2.5 lb to 5 lb depending on the setting. The Stage 2 kit adds two 10 lb weights per dumbbell and takes the set to 70 lb, with settings listed at 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5 and 70 lb. The Stage 3 kit adds the same again and reaches 90 lb. Stage 3 requires the original Elite EXP set plus the Stage 2 kit, and one source states that the Stage 3 kit is compatible only with the 2020 generation of Elite EXP dumbbells, so owners of older sets should check the maker’s compatibility guide.
The Pro line is the heavy-duty option. The Pro 100 EXP is reported to cover 5 to 40 lb at Stage 1, then 60 lb, 80 lb and 100 lb as kits are added. Because it is built to handle larger loads, it is longer and larger than the Elite. One reviewer lists its dimensions as about 19.2 inches long by 7.6 inches wide and 7.7 inches high. Naming has changed over the years, and older articles refer to a “Pro EXP” that topped out at 90 lb. When you read a review, check whether it covers the older Pro EXP or the current Pro 100 EXP, since kit compatibility between the two is not something every source confirms.
The Sport line is the entry point, described by reviewers as powder-coated steel with simpler finish and handle than the Pro and Elite.
How the Bowflex SelectTech Models Compare
The SelectTech 552 is reported to run from 5 to 52.5 lb per hand, with 2.5 lb steps up to 25 lb and larger steps beyond that. Reviewers note it replaces about 15 pairs of fixed dumbbells. The 1090 is listed at 10 to 90 lb and replaces about 17 pairs. Outlets disagree on the 1090 increments, with some reporting 5 lb steps and others 10 lb steps, so confirm on the maker page. Both use a dial at each end to select plates, and reviewers put a full change at about three to five seconds.
The 552 has a helpful 12.5 lb setting that suits curls and lateral raises for newer lifters, which most PowerBlock models do not offer at that exact weight. The trade-off is a fixed ceiling: it cannot be expanded, so a lifter who outgrows 52.5 lb needs a different product. The 1090 avoids that for many people by starting at a heavier ceiling, but it is longer, and one reviewer lists its handle at about 17.5 inches against about 16 inches on the 552.
Important Safety Note on Older Bowflex Units
In June 2025 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the BowFlex 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells because the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, which is an impact hazard. The notice reports about 3.8 million units affected and 337 reports of plates dislodging, including 111 injuries such as concussions and broken bones. The remedy offered is a refund voucher or a replacement, with prepaid return shipping. The maker has since introduced the Results Series 552 and Results Series 1090, described as redesigned versions with metal locking tabs. If you are shopping for Bowflex, look for the Results Series naming, and if you own an older set, contact the maker using the recall notice details and stop using it until the issue is resolved.
Change Speed and Handling
Both systems are fast compared with spinlock dumbbells. The PowerBlock uses a magnetic selector pin that you slide into a numbered position on the stack, and reviewers put the change at roughly three seconds. The Bowflex dial approach is also quick, but you turn two dials, one per end, and sources report a slightly longer change when going between very different weights. In supersets, where you jump between curls and presses, the pin tends to be reported as more direct, though the dial is easy to learn.
Shape, Handle and Footprint
The PowerBlock Elite EXP is a compact square block. Stage 1 is listed at about 12 by 6 by 6.25 inches, which is noticeably shorter than a Bowflex 552, reported at about 17.5 by 9.5 by 10 inches by one outlet and 16 by 8 by 9 inches by another. The compact shape means less room is needed on a rack or stand, and the dumbbell does not roll. The trade-off is that the block surrounds your hands in some exercises. Reviewers mention that wrists and forearms can touch the frame during curls, lateral raises or the bottom of presses for some lifters, and the handle is closed, so some people find that the grip needs a short adjustment period. The closed handle is contoured, with a textured rubber-type grip on the Elite.
The Bowflex is shaped more like a conventional dumbbell, with a round plate profile and a handle that sits between two ends. Many people find it more natural for exercises like lunges, goblet squats and floor presses. The downside is footprint and the long handle length, which can be awkward on narrow cradles and for tight movements such as hammer curls. Bowflex also supplies a molded tray, while PowerBlock offers a separate stand.
Durability and Warranty Points
Reviewers consistently describe the PowerBlock frame as steel and high-impact polymer, and independent comparisons favor it on build quality. Plates and handle are reported to carry a multi-year warranty, with one source citing a lifetime warranty on the Elite and another citing five years on certain components, so read the current terms on the maker’s site since they can vary by part and by model. The Bowflex is reported to use more plastic components, and sources note that warranty terms are shorter, roughly two to three years on parts, with exclusions for damage from drops. Regardless of brand, setting adjustable dumbbells down gently rather than dropping them is the most reliable way to protect both the dumbbells and the floor.
Pick PowerBlock If or Pick Bowflex If
| Your situation | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You expect to need more than 50 lb per hand within a year or two | PowerBlock Elite EXP | Kits extend it to 70 and 90 lb without replacing the set |
| Space is very tight | PowerBlock Elite EXP | Stage 1 has the smallest reported footprint |
| You want a round, familiar dumbbell shape | Bowflex SelectTech | Handle sits between rounded ends |
| You are a beginner who needs light increments such as 12.5 lb | Bowflex SelectTech 552 | Small steps at the low end |
| You want 90 lb in one purchase | Bowflex SelectTech 1090 | No kits needed, but bulkier |
| You train heavy for presses and rows and have room | PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP | Built for higher loads, up to 100 lb with kits |
| You have a limited budget and light goals | PowerBlock Sport EXP or Bowflex 552 | Lower entry tier at the cost of range or finish |
| You care most about warranty length and build | PowerBlock | Independent reviewers report better construction and warranty |
Alternatives Worth Considering
Nuobell: Reviewers describe these as a dial-based adjustable dumbbell with a more conventional handle length and a wide range, with a premium price tier. They suit lifters who dislike the PowerBlock block shape but want a tidy setup.
IronMaster Quick-Lock: A traditional bar-and-plate design with quick-lock collars rather than a selector. It is typically cheaper at heavier weights and can be expanded with plates, though changes take longer.
Safety, Assembly and Weight Limits
Follow the maker’s stated weight limits, and follow the assembly instructions exactly, including how expansion kits are installed. Never exceed the maximum load listed for the set or for a stand or bench you place them on. Check that the selector pin or dials are fully engaged before every set, and inspect for cracks or loose parts regularly. Warm up, begin with a weight you can control, and stop if you feel pain. If you have an injury or a medical condition, talk to a qualified professional before starting or changing a program. Nothing here is medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PowerBlock better than Bowflex?
Independent reviewers generally favor PowerBlock for build quality, footprint, warranty and expandability. Bowflex gets credit for a more familiar dumbbell shape and a dial that many people find intuitive. The better choice depends on how heavy you expect to lift and how much space you have.
Can the Bowflex SelectTech 552 be expanded?
No. Reviewers state the 552 is not expandable and tops out at 52.5 lb per hand. If you may outgrow that, consider the 1090, which lists 90 lb, or an expandable PowerBlock.
What do PowerBlock expansion kits add?
For the Elite EXP, the Stage 2 kit takes the set to 70 lb and the Stage 3 kit to 90 lb per hand. The Pro 100 EXP has kits that move it to 60, 80 and 100 lb. Each stage depends on the previous one being installed, so check the maker’s compatibility guide for your model year.
Are Bowflex adjustable dumbbells safe to buy?
Older 552 and 1090 units were recalled in 2025 because plates could dislodge from the handle. The maker has released redesigned Results Series versions, so look for that naming and avoid old stock. Owners of earlier sets should follow the remedy steps in the recall notice.
Which is faster to change, the pin or the dial?
Both are quick, with reviewers describing roughly three to five seconds per change. The pin is often described as more direct for big jumps, while the dial is simple for small steps. Make sure both dumbbells are set to the same weight before lifting.
Will PowerBlock dumbbells bother my wrists?
Some reviewers say the square block can touch the forearm or wrist during curls and raises, particularly with larger sets. Others adapt quickly. If you have wrist discomfort, stop and consult a professional, and consider trying the shape in person where possible.
