The Powerblock brand offers some of the best free weights with a fast-adjustment system. To be honest, the PowerBlock dumbbells have been one of the bestselling ones for quite some time, along with the PowerPak and Bowflex. One of their top selling products is the Powerblock elite dumbbells.
Powerblock has produced many series of dumbbells so far, such as the Urethane, Classic, or Elite. Each series comes with its own specifics, pros and cons. However, overall, they bear similar construction and adjustment system.
In this review, we check out the PowerBlock Elite series PB-EL-70, the USA produced series, with the enamel finish (not urethane), metal weight plates. These come as a pair.
PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells Review
Technical Details and Specifications
- Dimensions: 14L x 6.25W x 6H inches (35.5L x 15.8W x 15.2H cm)
- Warranty: 10 years
- Weight range: 5 to 70 lbs (2.26 to 31.7 kg) each
- Weight increments: 2.5, 5.0 lbs (1.13, 2.26 kg)
Overall construction
There’s a quite some unique engineering behind the design and construction of the PowerBlock Elite dumbbells. They boast of a very specific adjustment system, and as a result, they don’t have the appearance of the common dumbbells. Each dumbbell is typically a full set of dumbbells attached together, the handle assembly in the middle being the primary element that holds them in place.
The handle assembly is made up of 5 bars connecting 2 heavy-duty plastic boards. The inner bar is the actual grip of the handlebar assembly, which is covered with rubberized coating. But, the bars that connect the corners of the boards, the “wrist supports” as they’re known can also be used to carry out exercises. For example, if you decide to do overhead triceps exercises, it’s best to hold one dumbbell by the exterior bars of the handle, not the inner one.
The weight plates are steel made, pained with a thick and long-lasting black enamel, with a nice, glossy finish. Each set of 2 weight plates are connected through 2 steel rods, the connection points being precision-wielded. Thee rods come with color coding, and also play an important role in the adjustment of the dumbbells.
The handle assembly of Powerblock elite dumbbells is made up of 5 bars connecting two 2 havy-duty plastic boards. The inner bar is the initial grip of the handlebar assembly, which is covered with rubberized coating. But, the bars that connect the corners of the boards, the “wrist supports” as they’re called, can also use for exercise’s.
For instance, if you choose to perform triceps exercises, it’s best to hold one dumbbells by the exterior bars of the bars of the handle, not the inner one.
The PowerBlock Elite dumbbells seem rather bulky, due to their “box” shape, but they’re actually smaller than the Bowflex 552. They’re 14″ (35.5 cm) long, and approx. 6″ (16 cm wide), which means they shouldn’t feel awkward for any type of exercise, and they won’t get in the way during curls or other exercises.
Adjustment system and increments
As we’ve mentioned above, the adjustment system of these dumbbells is way different from others. The weight plate sets are stacked together, and lock onto the handle through a polyurethane, flexible selector pin. The pin is attached with a tether cord to the side rod of the first weight plate set. The cord is quite vital for these weights, and must stay attached to the handle and top weight plate bar at all times. This way, they locking pin cannot come out by itself.
The handle boasts of a color table on top, while the side rods that hold the weight plates are also color coded. 2 extra 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg), weight cylinders come with each dumbbell, cylinders which can be inserted into the handle, in order to adjust weight in increments of 2.5 lbs.
For instance, the blue color code on the handle shows 3 values: 45, 47.5 and 50 lbs (20.4, 21.5, 22.6 kg). Therefore, by inserting the selector pin into the dumbbell on the blue bar, without inserting any extra weight cylinders into the handle, you will obtain a dumbbell with a total weight of 45 lbs (20.4 kg). By adding one cylinder into the handle, the whole dumbbell will become 47.5 lbs (21.5 kg), while with both cylinders included, it will weigh 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
Each handle feature a dial lock on top with “Open / Closed” positions. To remove the handle and add or take away the 2.5 lbs weight cylinders, you will have to use this dial. Plus, as a safety measure, ensure each dial is set to “Closed” before beginning any exercise.
For the PowerBlock Elite PB-EL-70 set, each dumbbell can reach a full weight of 70 lbs (31.75 kg). Given their adjustment system, the following adjustment increments are available: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5, and 70 lbs (1.1, 2.2, 3.4, 4.5, 6.8, 7.9, 9.0, 11.3, 12.4, 13.6, 15.8, 17.0, 18.1, 20.4, 21.5, 22.6, 24.9, 26.0, 27.2, 29.4, 30.6, 31.7 kg). Differently put, each dumbbell replaces 22 non-adjustable, cast iron dumbbells.
These dumbbells are also expandable. In case you want extra challenge, there are extensions available up to 90 lbs for each dumbbell.
The Pros
- Super safe locking mechanism;
- Excellent warranty
- Space-saving design, each dumbbell actually replaces 22 fixed ones;
- Highly versatile free weights, offering the possibility to quickly adjust weight in order to alternate exercises with different weights;
- Weight range between 5 and 70 lbs, perfect for beginners, intermediate and even advanced users;
- They cover the complete range of exercises possible exercises;
- Sleek design, shiny, black enamel finish, aspect that can work as a motivation factor for many users;
- Highly durable steel weight plates, and solid welding points between plates and their sustaining rods;
- Rubberized, ergonomic grip;
The Cons
- Even though the interior of the dumbbells is pretty spacious, users with extremely large hands and really thick wrists may find them too small for maximum comfort.
Summary
The PowerBlock Elite dumbbells offer unbeatable superior sturdiness, versatility, also being space-savvy, so this makes an excellent choice for any home gym. They’re reliable weights and typically cover the total range of exercises that can be performed involving dumbbells. They comes with a super safe adjustment system, weight plates with precision welding points to their sustaining bars. Presently, these are some of the best adjustable dumbbells available. Even though this series has been around for a while, it frequently benefits from the massive positive reviews from customers across the globe. Lastly, they’re not the most affordable free weights that you will find, but their overall quality definitely matches the price.
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