PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell
Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting shortlist, at #1 and #3. 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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting | #3 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | PowerBlock | NordicTrack |
| 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 | Up to 55 lb per hand; 2.5, 5, and 10 lb increments; iFIT connected workout compatibility |
| Biggest strength | Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting | iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout |
| Main trade-off | Boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters | Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period |
| Best for | small apartments | beginners and first-time buyers |
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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell section.
#3 pick
Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if…
- iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
- Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
- Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned
Best for: beginners and first-time buyers
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
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell
Pros
- iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
- Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
- Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned
Cons
- Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period
- More expensive than Core Home Fitness for a comparable core mechanism
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell: common questions
Which is better, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) or the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell stands out because iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. 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 NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell's is that full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period.
Is the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) worth it over the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead if boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead of the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)?
The NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell suits beginners and first-time buyers, while the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) is best for small apartments.