Bowflex isn't the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand at a much lower price point. Right now Woot! (owned by Amazon) is offering the PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) adjustable dumbbell set for only $199.99, which is less than half the cost of a comparable set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells.
Amazon Prime members get free shipping; everyone else will pay $6 for flat rate shipping. That's reasonable when you consider the fact that the package is going to weigh over 100 pounds. For those who need more than 50 pounds of weight per dumbbell, PowerBlock also offers expansion kits that can increase the maximum weight to 70 pounds or 90 pounds. Both kits – Stage 2 (50 to 70lb) and Stage 3 (70 to 90lb) – are also on sale at Woot! for $89.99 each.
PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells (up to 90lbs per Dumbbell)
Each dumbbell in the base PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 set is adjustable from 10 pounds all the way to 50 pounds. You can vary the weight in 5-pound increments with just a turn of a dial, and the plates are all neatly contained and take up far less floor space than an entire rack of individual dumbbells. A stand isn't included; there's currently one on sale, but if you're on a budget, any sturdy stand or table will do.
One great feature of these PowerBlocks is that once you're ready to move beyond 50 pounds, you don't have to go out and buy an entirely new set of adjustable dumbbells. The expansion kits allow you to seamlessly add even more weight to your existing PowerBlocks at a very reasonable cost.
The quality of these PowerBlock dumbbells are great. I've tried them myself and they are every bit as solid and well built as the Bowflex SelectTech. Just about every piece that matters is made out of metal, not plastic. The handles are rubber coated so your grip won't slip and the weight adjustment dial is smooth and intuitive. PowerBlock backs these dumbbells with a five-year warranty. If after five years you still haven't given up on your workout regimen, kudos to you.
Free weights are a great choice for anyone who wants to work out at home but is limited on space. A pair of dumbbells is all the equipment you need to get access to a wide range of exercises that can target just about every muscle in your upper and lower body. Supplement your free weight exercises with cardio and other workouts that use your own body weight as resistance (like pushups, burpees, or squats) and you may never need to purchase more equipment.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
