POWERBLOCK Classic 70 Dumbbell Set

These are honestly great dumbbells, I was initially pretty skeptical about the fit and finish but these are very sturdy and well made. I've worked at a gym for a while and like most dumbbells as long as you aren't a bro and dropping these from your chest after an intense 35lb chest session (sarcasm) you shouldn't have any issues with these lasting many years. These are slightly pricey but you get what you pay for here and they honestly aren't that much longer than a standard dumbbell of comparable weight. Just a note but your essentially buying the classic 50 set and another box will come with the additional weights to make it 70lbs (3 boxes arrived total).

This should really be called PowerBlock Classic 50 Plus Dumbbell set and 20 pound expansion set, as it would be sold from the manufacturer.I spent much more time than I am proud to say looking for the best adjustable dumbbell set. I looked everywhere, compared dozens of options until I finally decided to get these. And I want to tell you why I preferred these to any other brand or PowerBlock model. These give you the best of both world: fine, quick low weight adjustments, with a high maximum height limit. You can still go up in 5 pounds increments for every level you add on, up to 30 pounds, and then 10 pound increments up to 70. By subtracting 1 or 2 of the adder weights, you can subtract approximately 2.5 or 5 pounds from the aforementioned values, giving you incredible flexibility.Why PowerBlock?1. The fact that these went past 55 pounds beat Bowflex, Weider, or any other brand. May not look as pretty at first, but you get to learn to appreciate their simplistic beauty. The design also enhances exercises: extra grips, hold one dumbbell with two hands for over head triceps presses, and flat sides make them easier to hold on your thigh between reps. (see pics for price comparison)2. They are far more compact than any other brand, and the fact that the length of it only extends with the weight means greater range of motion and maneuverability to get your exercises done correctly and not awkwardly. Unlike Bowflex, where the length is the same for 2.5 and 52.5 pounds.3. Plethora of models to choose from to fit your style and preference.The classic 50 does not come with the adder weights, so that cuts down on your choices (which some people wouldn't care too much about). It allows you to increase weight in 5 pound increments all the way to 50 pounds, but it is not expandable. So if your planning on doing dumbbell presses with more than 50 pounds now or in the future, consider the Elite, Sport, or the Classic Plus.The Personal Trainer is about the same, except you get the flexibility of the adder weights. Not expandable.Before buying this, I bought the Sport 9.0 Stage II (70 pound set) and can go up to 90 and more. The opening for your hand was larger and it came with a contoured grip. Although the contoured grip was nicer to curl with, it put very uncomfortable and painful pressure on my palms when I used them for bench pressing, which were a real bummer. The Classic have a straight grip, much more "classic" and comfortable, at least for me. In addition, they only increased in increments of 10 with each level (minus 2.5 or 5 considering adder weights). But I liked to keep from having to remove the adder weights more often then i needed to.Elite models are just like the Sport (up to 90 lbs and more, increments of 10 +/- adder weights), except they look like the classic (straight grip, narrow foam padded opening).Urethane models: your paying more for a more polished and quieter system. Can't say much about them though.Cons?Like some, i thought the narrow entrance for the grip would be constricting, but they were absolutely no trouble at all (you can technically remove the padded bars and give yourself more room, but I wouldn't recommend it)Clattering might bother some people, but you quickly get used to it.Price, its a bit expensive, but for what you get, its worth every penny. Price shouldn't be your biggest concern when your looking for something dependable that will last you a long time.

My husband and I love these PowerBlock dumbbell. They work just as advertised. I suggest this product to anyone who into physical fitness. They have saved me time because they replaced 28 sets of dumbbells, that I could only use at the gym. For me that is a 20 minute drive, both ways, for a 30 minute workout. They provide a simple but effective weight adjustment system, while being extremely compact. SO my garage gym can still be a car garage, without all kinds of equipment laying around. Whether I want to curl 10 lbs. or my husband wants to press the full 70 lbs., the transition between weight is seamless. These things are super sturdy. I was initially hesitant to use them from chest press. But the holding mechanism is extremely reliable. We had borrowed some Bowflex dumbbells from a friend. They were cumbersome and very wide. But the PowerBlock's compact dimensions allows me to keep the weight closer to my body. They feel more natural than other adjustable weightsAfter we purchased these dumbbells, we sold 4 sets of traditional dumbbells.Their square weight plate design also help with storgage as they lay flat on the floor between sets.

I want to start up saying that I researched a lot of adjustable dumbbells. They are as good as the frequency you will use them! That said, there are a few factors that helped me in making my selection in favor of the PowerBlock Classic 50 with expansion kit to 70 pounds (what it really is). One of the factors was the overall size of the dumbbell. While other brands can have a larger diameter and overall length, PowerBlock are the best in this case as they are square and not as big as the other brands. Additionally, the length of the PowerBlock will depend on the weight you select, just like a commercial dumbbell, the length increases by the weight of the dumbbell (5 pound smaller to 70 pound a lot larger) you get the point. That said, the other brands of adjustable dumbbells maintain the same length regardless of the weight you select. This is a problem for exercises that require movements close to your body such as dumbbell curls. I bought them for $299 with 2 days delivery with the mentality that I was going to returned if I did not like them a bit (I searched in local stores and had no luck so I bought them without knowing). I was totally satisfied right out of the box! I totally recommend them and the good thing is that with the expansion kit each weight 70 pounds for $299, you cannot beat that.Another factor for me was the transition when switching weights. Trust me that it takes about 2 seconds per dumbbell to change the weight, is that quick and simple, and it feels very safe. I was a little paranoid that the selector pin might come off and that I was going to suffer and accident with plates falling on me, but honestly, the selector pin is very sturdy and secured, no problems what so ever. I have no regrets and the price I paid for them for the weight I bought beat any other brand.