Adjustable Dumbbells · Comparison

Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs PowerBlock Elite EXP

Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs PowerBlock Elite EXP: we break down the real differences, strengths, tradeoffs, and which one fits your situation.

BuyOnceRight Research Desk
Updated October 16, 2026
3 min read

BSBowflex SelectTech

Bowflex SelectTech

Bowflex SelectTech 552

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PEPowerBlock Elite

PowerBlock Elite

PowerBlock Elite EXP

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On this page

Quick verdict

Both are credible options, the right choice depends on which strengths matter more to you. If still torn, the buying guide linked below walks through the decision step by step.

The details

Head-to-head

The differences that actually change the buying decision.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 versus PowerBlock Elite EXP
Attribute	BSBowflex SelectTech Bowflex SelectTech 552Check price	PEPowerBlock Elite PowerBlock Elite EXPCheck price
The Short Answer	Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you want the fastest, most proven mechanism, don't expect to need more than 52.5 lb per hand, and value the widest parts and accessory ecosystem.	Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP if floor space is tight, you want the narrowest handle-to-handle footprint for floor pressing, or you want a clear path to grow past 50 lb per hand later without buying a
Where They Match	Adjustment speed: Both land in the 3 to 5 second range per dumbbell, a negligible real-world difference.	Build quality: Both feel solid and well-constructed, with steel internals in each case rather than lower-cost plastic mechanisms.
Where Bowflex Wins	Install base and track record: Bowflex has the largest user base and longest history in the category, translating to wider parts availability and more established resale value.	Consistent increments: 2.5 lb steps across the full range give more even progression than PowerBlock's base increments alone.
Where PowerBlock Wins	Footprint: The block-shaped design stays narrower at every weight setting, a genuine advantage for tight training spaces and floor pressing.	Growth path: Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits let you expand to 90 lb per hand without buying an entirely new set, valuable for lifters whose strength trajectory is still uncertain.
Who Should Buy Each	Bowflex SelectTech 552: buyers who want the most proven mechanism, a ceiling around 50 lb per hand is enough, and space isn't a hard constraint.	PowerBlock Elite EXP: buyers in small apartments or shared spaces, or anyone who wants room to grow into heavier weight without a second purchase.
See Also	Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review, full review PowerBlock Elite EXP Review, full review Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting	See full breakdown below.
Frequently Asked Questions	Adjustable Dumbbell Dial Getting Stuck: 6 Causes and FixesAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide Adjustable Dumbbell Not Locking Into Weight: 6 Causes and FixesAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide Adjustable Dumbbell W	See full breakdown below.

Decide

Which should you buy?

Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if…

Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you want the fastest, most proven mechanism, don't expect to need more than 52.5 lb per hand, and value the widest parts and a
Install base and track record: Bowflex has the largest user base and longest history in the category, translating to wider parts availability and more establish
Bowflex SelectTech 552: buyers who want the most proven mechanism, a ceiling around 50 lb per hand is enough, and space isn't a hard constraint.

Check price on Amazon

Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP if…

Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP if floor space is tight, you want the narrowest handle-to-handle footprint for floor pressing, or you want a clear path to grow pas
Consistent increments: 2.5 lb steps across the full range give more even progression than PowerBlock's base increments alone.
PowerBlock Elite EXP: buyers in small apartments or shared spaces, or anyone who wants room to grow into heavier weight without a second purchase.

Check price on Amazon

The Short Answer

Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you want the fastest, most proven mechanism, don't expect to need more than 52.5 lb per hand, and value the widest parts and accessory ecosystem.

Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP if floor space is tight, you want the narrowest handle-to-handle footprint for floor pressing, or you want a clear path to grow past 50 lb per hand later without buying a new set.

Where They Match

Adjustment speed: Both land in the 3 to 5 second range per dumbbell, a negligible real-world difference.

Build quality: Both feel solid and well-constructed, with steel internals in each case rather than lower-cost plastic mechanisms.

Included storage: Both ship with a tray or stand that also functions as the weight-change station.

Where Bowflex Wins

Install base and track record: Bowflex has the largest user base and longest history in the category, translating to wider parts availability and more established resale value.

Consistent increments: 2.5 lb steps across the full range give more even progression than PowerBlock's base increments alone.

Where PowerBlock Wins

Footprint: The block-shaped design stays narrower at every weight setting, a genuine advantage for tight training spaces and floor pressing.

Growth path: Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits let you expand to 90 lb per hand without buying an entirely new set, valuable for lifters whose strength trajectory is still uncertain.

Who Should Buy Each

Bowflex SelectTech 552: buyers who want the most proven mechanism, a ceiling around 50 lb per hand is enough, and space isn't a hard constraint.

PowerBlock Elite EXP: buyers in small apartments or shared spaces, or anyone who wants room to grow into heavier weight without a second purchase.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 on Amazon PowerBlock Elite EXP on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Adjustable Dumbbell Dial Getting Stuck: 6 Causes and FixesAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide Adjustable Dumbbell Not Locking Into Weight: 6 Causes and FixesAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide Adjustable Dumbbell Weights Falling Off: 6 Causes and FixesAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide Adjustable Dumbbells Buying Guide: Weight Range, Mechanism, and PriceAdjustable Dumbbells · Guide

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Which has more weight capacity, Bowflex or PowerBlock?

Out of the box, Bowflex's 52.5 lb per hand edges out PowerBlock's 50 lb Stage 1 ceiling. But PowerBlock's staged expansion kits take the same dumbbells to 70 lb (Stage 2) and 90 lb (Stage 3), giving it a much higher long-term ceiling than the Bowflex 552, which has no official expansion path at all.

Which takes up less space, Bowflex or PowerBlock?

PowerBlock's block-shaped, stacked-plate design stays consistently narrower handle-to-handle than the Bowflex 552's round-plate dial design, especially as weight increases. For floor pressing or a tight apartment training space, PowerBlock has a real practical advantage.

Is the dial or the pin easier to use?

Both are fast, roughly 3 to 5 seconds per dumbbell. The dial's single continuous turn is slightly more intuitive for first-time users, while the pin requires pushing it fully into the slot, which a small number of new users initially seat only partway. Both become equally fast with a few sessions of practice.

Is PowerBlock's expansion path actually cheaper than buying the Bowflex upfront?

Stage 1 alone costs roughly the same as the Bowflex 552. Adding Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits later brings the total cost above what a single higher-ceiling purchase would have cost upfront. The expansion path is valuable for spreading cost over time and for buyers genuinely uncertain about their future weight needs, not for saving money overall if you already know you'll need the higher weight.

Which brand has better long-term parts availability?

Bowflex, by a meaningful margin, reflecting its larger install base and longer market presence. Replacement dials, trays, and handle parts are widely available. PowerBlock parts are available directly from the manufacturer but with a smaller aftermarket and fewer third-party sellers.

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