PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 vs Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if you'd rather have fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting list.
Winner overall: PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting | #2 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting |
| Pick label | Top pick | Best overall |
| Brand | PowerBlock | Bowflex |
| Key features | 5 to 50 lb per hand, expandable to 90 lb; Block-shaped stacked-plate design; Narrowest handle-to-handle footprint in the category | 5 to 52.5 lb per hand, 2.5 lb increments; Dial-turn selector, roughly 3-second changes; Molded storage trays included |
| Biggest strength | Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting | Fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category |
| Main trade-off | Boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters | 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path |
| Best for | small apartments | home gyms |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if…
- Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting
- Compact stand takes up less floor area than larger dial-system trays
- Expandable later without needing a bigger footprint for a second set
Best for: small apartments
Prefer the alternative? See the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) section.
#2 pick · Best overall
Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if…
- Fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category
- Consistent 2.5 lb increments across the full range for smooth progression
- Widest parts and accessory availability of any adjustable dumbbell
Best for: home gyms
Prefer the alternative? See the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) section.
Pros and cons of each
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)
Pros
- Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting
- Compact stand takes up less floor area than larger dial-system trays
- Expandable later without needing a bigger footprint for a second set
Cons
- Boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters
- Pin selector needs a bit more care to seat fully than a dial
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)
Pros
- Fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category
- Consistent 2.5 lb increments across the full range for smooth progression
- Widest parts and accessory availability of any adjustable dumbbell
Cons
- 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path
- Wider footprint than block-shaped alternatives
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair): common questions
Which is better, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) or the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if you'd rather have fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting list.
What is the difference between the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?
The PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) stands out because stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) stands out because fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. The trade-offs differ too: the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)'s main caveat is that boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters, and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)'s is that 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path.
Is the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) worth it over the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) instead if boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) instead of the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) suits home gyms, while the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) is best for small apartments.