Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. Powerblock Classic Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex 552 dumbbells and Powerblock Classic 45 set dumbbells both bring the design and reliability of the top-notch adjustable dumbbell manufacturers in the business. Bowflex and Powerblock are two of the biggest names in the fitness industry today. With Bowflex you have a reputable company known for creating innovative and durable products from adjustable dumbbells to full sized home gyms. Powerblock is known for their innovative square weight design that many people find more comfortable and a bit safer than other adjustable dumbbell designs.

Which one of these adjustable dumbbells could be the best fit to your fitness goals? Let’s take a closer look at how they are each designed so you can compare and contrast. This is the best way to make an educated purchase so you are completely happy with your adjustable weights.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells have rounded weight plates that sit in a holder. You adjust a small dial to the weight you want to lift and when you pull up on the handle the correct weight plates come up attached. The rest of the weight plates remain in the holding tray until you set the handle back down and switch the dial to a new weight limit.

This dial system is the Bowflex improvement over the pin system that many other adjustable weights have used in the past. Many people prefer the dials because they are a bit faster and a lot simpler. When you are in the middle of an intense strength workout, you need to switch between weights as quickly as possible.

These Bowflex 552 dumbbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds. This changes in 2.5 pound increments until you reach 25 pounds, then it moves in 5 pound increments with one last 2.5 pound adjustment at the top of the weight range. This is a bit more complicated than the 5 pound adjustments you will see on the Powerblock Classic adjustable weights, but you get a lot more weight options with these Bowflex adjustable dumbbells.

Powerblock Classic Adjustable Dumbbells

You get less weight with the Powerblock Classic adjustable dumbbells. They go from 5 to 45 pounds and simply move in 5 pound increments. This is far fewer weight options than you get with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, but not everyone needs the heavier range of weight. If you don’t think you will be using anything beyond 45 pounds, then the more compact design of the Powerblock Classic may fit your needs better.

To change weights with the Powerblock Classic weights, you have to move a metal pin to the correct position between the weight plates. Some users find this a bit slower and more tedious, but it is rather simple design that most people can figure out rather quickly. Some people feel like the weight plates aren’t on as securely with the pin system, but you shouldn’t have problems with weight plates falling as long as you get the pins in securely.

Which Adjustable Dumbbells Are Right for You?

Bowflex clearly has the advantage over the Powerblock Classic if you are looking for heavier weight or a wider variety of weight options. They also come with the dial system which many users feel more secure with. Yet, they can be uncomfortable for some users and not everyone will want to pay the slightly higher price for the extra range of weight.

If you won’t use the extra weight offered by the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells, then you may feel more comfortable with the innovative square design of the Powerblock Classic adjustable dumbbells. Many people feel more secure with this design.

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