Summary

Powerblocks are a stable and solid part of the homegym setting, and their different versions have been reviewed at lengths at Garagegymreviews.com, Garagegymlab.com and Shreddeddad.com. There is no doubt that this is a good product. Here, I will therefore try to focus on answering the more generel question – who should buy Powerblocks and who should buy something else?

Expandable, reliable and centered weight

A major advantage of buying Powerblocks is the fact that many of their models are expandable. You can buy a smaller pair without breaking the bank, and then you can just expand your set as the gains or the size or your vallet grows. Just make sure to look after the “EXP” in the product name, which indicates that the model is expandable. Additionally, most versions have a minimum weight of 4 kg, and they are pretty competitively priced compared to other heavy duty adjustable dumbbells.

Another advantange (which is always brought up) is their reliabily and reputation. Many people has owned their Powerblocks for one or two decades, and they still work. People in online forums often get very surprised when somebody actually posts pictures of a set of Powerblocks that they have managed to break. This is due to the simple square design and the lack of mechanical moving parts. I have had my pair of Sports EXP’s for close to three years, and I have had no problems.

If you 100% just want the feel and look of a traditional dumbbell Powerblocks are not for you. But if you are into CMD’s (center mass dumbbells), you should definitely consider the Powerblocks. When doing curls, the weight feels sligthly more challenging than with regular dumbbells, since more of the weight is in front of your knuckles. Yet, on heavier exercises you will not feel this effect – instead you will feel a dumbbell that is more well balanced than a regular dumbbell. I personally really enjoy this when doing heavy bench press.

Secondary dealers, sex appeal and quick change of weight

You can only buy Powerblocks in Europe through secondary dealers, which means that you are limited to buying the particular models that your local dealer chooses to import, and the top-tier and newer models are often harder to get in Europe. For example my old Sport EXP’s have been replaced by the newer and very nice looking Pro 100 EXP’s in USA, but those are to my knowledge still not available anywhere in Europe.

Powerblocks are not sexy. They are square, heavy and functional. The design is aesthetically not the most impressive, and they will not be turning heads when you show your friends your homegym. Your friends will initially not know what you can use them for or why you have bought them.

Lastly if every second counts in your training, there are adjustable dumbbells that change the weight slightly faster than these. In my opinion the time to change weight is only significant if it is so slow that you cannot be bothered changing the weight – and very few adjustable dumbbells are that slow. But, I can of course understand if some people want the more satisfyingly tactile sensation of adjusting the weight on something like the Nuobells.

Conclusion

If you just want heavy, expandable, functional and centered adjustable dumbbells that will likely last you decades, Powerblocks are a great choice for you.

But if you value aesthetics, a more “dumbbell-like-design” and a tangible and enjoyable sensation when changing the weight, Powerblocks are most likely not for you.

I hope this was helpful!