Question

Hi there. I am torn between the two dumbell brands. I like the Bowflex Selecttech for its aesthetic appeal but am worried about balance as the 552 model has a length of 16" making it unstable. The Powerblock dumbells are more compact but have a weird configuration. I am 5'7" tall and of medium built and thus concerned about the length of the bar. I am inclined to get the Bowflex dumbbels but might discover it to be innapropriate for some exercises like the dumbell flies or press. Please help me arrive at a decision. Thanks a lot!

Answer

On the dumbell reviews page on my main website I recommend both the Bowflex Select dumbells and the Powrblock dumbells for different reasons. Let me explain further to help you reach a decision about which dumbells are right for your situation.

Bowflex Selecttech Dumbells Quick Review
First for the Bowflex Selecttech dumbells. The Selecttech's main selling feature (as you pointed out) is their asthetic appeal for the mainstream user. The dumbells are stylish, well balanced for their size, have a comfortable grip and are easy to use and store with the optional stand. You can also get a matching bench from Bowflex for a complete, compact home gym.

Aside from the Selecttech's design appeal, Bowflex made a major engineering breakthrough with the dial system that let's you simply turn a dial on each end of the weights to adjust the resistance from 5 pounds to over 50 pounds in 5 pound increments. It sure beats fumbling around with plates and collars between sets which can take the better part of 2 minutes to change between exercises (major pain in the butt when moving quickly from exercise to exercise or when circiut training, doing drop sets or super sets).

The downside of the Bowflex Selecttech Dumbells is two-fold. First, by nature of the Bowflex design, the dumbells are quite large and will take some getting used to when doing bicep curls and chest presses. The size shouldn't stop you from getting them, just make sure to pronate your wrists when performing any exercise where the dumbell end caps will come in close proximity to each other.

Second, the weight limit for the Sellectech's is 52.5 pounds for each dumbell for a total of 105 pounds. This won't be a factor for most users, but if you're really strong, or into body building or power lifting, the 52.5 limit won't be heavy enough.

Powerblock Dumbells Quick Review
The Powerblock dumbells were the original quick change dumbells for the consumer market. Before the Powerblocks came along you were limited to the old cast iron wrench style and starlock design dumbells, or a full-blown set of hex dumbells that took up a lot of precious floorspace most people weren't willing to give up.

One advantage the Powerblock's have over the Selecttechs is the maximum weight limit of the Powerblock Elite set that's a massive 130 pounds for each dumbell. While that huge weight limit is impressive, it's also overkill for 99% of users who aren't power lifters of 300 pound body builders and will never lift more than 50 pounds with each arm.

The second advantage the Powerblocks have over the Selectech dumbells is that they're more durable for rough users. If you have a tendancy to chuck your weights around and drop them hard on the floor, the Powerblocks will last longer than the Selecttechs. That doesn't mean that I'm giving you permission to slam your weights on the ground when you're done with a set, because if you do, you'll quickly discover none of the adjustable dumbell models will last long.

With the advantages of the Powerblocks covered, I'm going to move on to the two reasons I never pulled the trigger on buying them when I was looking for a set of dumbells for my home gym.

First, I can't get past the clunky square design of the Powerblocks. I know it's not much of a reason for not buying them from a usefulness standpoint, but for some exercises I don't like how they feel and how my wrist can't rotate completely without bumping into the crossbar pad.

Second, I'm not a huge fan of the adjustment system. To change weights on the Powerblocks you have to pull out a large metal u-shaped pin that slides between the weight plates. It does do the job OK, but once you try the simple dial system on the Bowflex dumbells the pin system looks like a relic from a 1960's health club (is that Jack Lalanne I just saw walking by?).

Conclusion: Selecttech vs Powerblock Dumbells
If you're a hardcore body builder, or are into powerlifting, you should get the Powerblock dumbells and take advantage of the optional 130 pound weight limit of the Elite set. But if you're like me (and 99% of the workout public) the Bowflex Selecttech dumbells are the best option for home use