bowflex selecttech 552 vs powerblock elite exp review

Why This Comparison Matters

You're tired of either using the same 20 lb dumbbells for everything or paying $600+ for a full rack of fixed weights. Adjustable dumbbells solve that problem. The two biggest names in the game are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and the PowerBlock Elite EXP. Both replace 15 pairs of dumbbells. Both cost about the same. But they feel completely different in daily use.

I've been testing both for the past month, doing everything from heavy rows to drop sets on curls. Here's what actually matters when you're standing in your garage or spare bedroom deciding which one to buy.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look For

Before we get into the head-to-head, here's the checklist I use when evaluating any adjustable dumbbell.

Weight Range and Increments

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 goes from 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs, then 5 lb jumps after that. The PowerBlock Elite EXP covers 5 to 50 lbs in 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs, then 5 lb jumps. For most lifters, 50 lbs is plenty. If you're pressing more than 50 lbs per hand for reps, you need a barbell, not dumbbells.

Speed of Weight Change

This is the biggest difference. The Bowflex uses a dial system. You place the dumbbell on its cradle, twist a dial to your desired weight, and lift. Takes about 5 seconds per dumbbell. The PowerBlock uses a magnetic pin system. You slide a pin into the weight plates you want. Takes about 2 seconds. When you're doing drop sets, that time difference adds up fast.

Durability and Build Quality

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 uses plastic housing around the weight plates. It's fine for home use but feels fragile if you drop it. The PowerBlock Elite EXP uses welded steel plates with a powder-coated finish. It's built like a tank. You can drop it on a rubber mat without worrying.

Comfort and Grip

Bowflex has a longer, more traditional dumbbell shape. The grip is knurled metal. PowerBlock has a shorter, blockier design. The handle is thinner and the plates are positioned closer to your hands. Some people love this for wrist alignment. Others hate how the square plates dig into their forearms on curls. You need to try both.

Space and Storage

Both systems come with a compact base. The Bowflex base is a single plastic cradle that holds both dumbbells. The PowerBlock base is a small steel stand that holds both dumbbells upright. Both take up about 1 square foot of floor space. If you're tight on room, either works.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review

Price: $349-$399 | Rating: 4/5

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the adjustable dumbbell most people picture when they think of this category. It looks like a traditional dumbbell — a long handle with plates on each side. The dial system is intuitive and satisfying. You twist the dial, hear a click, and lift.

Here's what I like. The weight range is generous. Starting at 5 lbs is perfect for beginners or for doing lateral raises without going too heavy. The 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs are ideal for progressive overload on bicep curls and shoulder work. The knurled grip is comfortable and grippy, even with sweaty hands.

The problems start with the plastic housing. It's not fragile in the sense that it'll break with normal use, but it's clearly not built for rough handling. I've seen reports of the dial mechanism jamming if you drop the dumbbell. The shape is also longer than the PowerBlock, which makes certain exercises like close-grip presses feel awkward.

The biggest annoyance is the cradle. You MUST place the dumbbell back in the exact right position before changing weight. If it's off by even an inch, the dial won't turn. That gets old when you're doing circuits and switching weights between every set.

For a beginner or someone who wants the most "dumbbell-like" feel, the Bowflex is solid. For anyone who works out at a high intensity, the limitations will frustrate you.

Bottom line on Bowflex: Great for beginners, frustrating for drop sets.

PowerBlock Elite EXP Review

Price: $329-$379 | Rating: 4.5/5

The PowerBlock Elite EXP looks weird. It's a rectangular block of steel with a handle sticking out. But don't judge it on looks. This thing is a workhorse.

The magnetic pin system is fast and foolproof. You slide the pin into the slot for your desired weight, and you're done. No dials, no cradles, no alignment issues. I can change weights in about 2 seconds per dumbbell. That makes drop sets and supersets actually realistic.

The build quality is exceptional. Everything is welded steel. The powder coating resists chipping. I've dropped these on a rubber mat multiple times without any damage. The expansion capability is also a huge plus. You can buy the 50 lb version now and add a 70 lb expansion kit later if you get stronger. The Bowflex doesn't offer that.

The downsides are real though. The blocky shape takes getting used to. On exercises like dumbbell rows or floor presses, the square plates can dig into your forearms or chest. The handle is shorter than a traditional dumbbell, which means you can't grip it as far apart. The weight plates also rattle slightly during reps — not annoying, but noticeable.

One thing to note: the Elite EXP uses a urethane coating on the handle, not knurled metal. If you have very sweaty hands, it can feel slippery. I'd recommend lifting chalk or gloves.

Bottom line on PowerBlock: Built for serious lifters who value speed and durability.

Third Option: Bowflex SelectTech 1090

Price: $599-$699 | Rating: 4/5

If you're reading this comparison and thinking "50 lbs isn't enough," the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 is the bigger brother. It goes from 10 to 90 lbs in 5 lb increments. Same dial system as the 552, but with a sturdier metal frame and larger plates.

The 1090 is a better option for intermediate lifters who need more resistance for pressing movements. The build quality is noticeably better than the 552 — less plastic, more metal. But it's also nearly twice the price. And the weight changes are still slow compared to the PowerBlock.

I'd only recommend the 1090 if you genuinely need more than 50 lbs per hand. If you're benching 225+ with dumbbells, this is your option. Otherwise, stick with the 50 lb versions and save your money.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

Yes, if you have limited space and need a full range of weights. They cost about the same as 5-6 pairs of fixed dumbbells but replace 15 pairs. The tradeoff is the changing mechanism — it's never as fast as grabbing a fixed weight.

Can you drop either of these?

The PowerBlock can handle occasional drops on a rubber mat. The Bowflex cannot — the plastic housing and dial mechanism will break. If you're a heavy lifter who racks weight aggressively, go with PowerBlock.

Which is better for beginners?

Bowflex. The traditional dumbbell shape is more intuitive, and the dial system is easier to read. The 5 lb starting weight is also more beginner-friendly than the PowerBlock's 5 lb minimum.

Do these work for women?

Yes. Both start at 5 lbs, which is light enough for lateral raises and rear delt work. The 2.5 lb increments are perfect for progressive overload without jumping up too fast.

Can I do every exercise with these?

Almost. The PowerBlock's blocky shape makes some exercises like dumbbell pullovers or overhead triceps extensions awkward. The Bowflex's longer shape is better for those. But for the 90% of exercises — curls, presses, rows, lunges — both work fine.

Verdict

Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP. It's faster, tougher, and cheaper. The 2-second weight changes make it actually usable for circuits and drop sets. The steel construction means it'll outlast the Bowflex. The expansion kit gives you room to grow. The blocky shape takes a week to get used to, but once you do, you won't miss the Bowflex's traditional look. If you're a complete beginner who wants the most familiar-feeling dumbbell and never plans to drop weights, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 won't disappoint. But for everyone else, the PowerBlock is the better investment.

#1

Best Overall

Bowflex SelectTech 552 ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Intuitive dial system, comfortable knurled grip, starts at light 5 lbs

Cons: Plastic housing not drop-safe, slow weight changes, no expansion option

💰 $349-$399🎯 Beginners and those who want a traditional dumbbell feel

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#2

Runner Up

PowerBlock Elite EXP ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Fast magnetic pin changes, welded steel construction, expansion up to 70 lbs

Cons: Blocky shape digs into forearms, shorter handle, urethane grip can get slippery

💰 $329-$379🎯 Serious lifters and high-intensity workouts

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#3

Also Great

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Up to 90 lbs per hand, better build than 552, stable base

Cons: Expensive, dial system still slow, bulky footprint

💰 $599-$699🎯 Intermediate lifters needing more than 50 lbs

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