Head to head · Adjustable Dumbbells
PowerBlock Elite USA 90 vs Bowflex SelectTech
PowerBlock and Bowflex make the two best-known adjustable dumbbell systems, and they take opposite approaches. PowerBlock uses welded steel blocks and a selector pin; Bowflex’s SelectTech uses a dial that picks plates out of a storage tray.
This comparison uses the two models we cover: the PowerBlock Elite USA 90 and Bowflex’s current Results Series SelectTech (5–52.5 lb). Specifications are from the manufacturers’ listings; owner feedback is summarised from Amazon customer reviews, checked September 2026. We have not tested either set ourselves.
PowerBlock
Choose the PowerBlock if you train heavy
PowerBlock Elite USA 90 · 7.7/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- Goes to 90 lb per hand in 2.5 lb increments, so it keeps up with heavy rows, presses and lower-body work.
- Shorter at maximum load (30.5 cm listed) and built from welded steel, with a 5-year residential warranty.
- Trade-offs: the block shape and cage can get in the way on some exercises, it sits in the premium price band and owners report damage if it is dropped.
Bowflex
Choose the Bowflex if you train lighter and want a dial
Bowflex Results Series SelectTech · 6.0/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- Dial adjustment through 15 settings from 5 to 52.5 lb, with storage trays included, in the mid-range price band.
- Fine for upper-body and accessory work for many lifters; higher-rep sets can stretch a 52.5 lb limit for legs and back.
- Trade-offs: a fixed, longer length (42.9 cm listed), plastic components, a 2-year warranty and recurring owner reports of locking problems; not suitable for dropping.
Load range and increments
This is the biggest difference. The PowerBlock Elite USA 90 runs from 5 to 90 lb per hand in 2.5 lb steps; the Bowflex runs from 5 to 52.5 lb. If your heaviest dumbbell work — rows, split squats, Romanian deadlifts, presses — already needs more than about 50 lb, the Bowflex will cap you.
A lower ceiling is not useless: muscle grows across a wide range of loads when sets are taken close to failure, so higher-rep sets can keep lighter dumbbells productive for longer, as our guide to how many reps to do for muscle growth explains. For maximal strength, though, heavier loads matter more.
Size, shape and feel
The PowerBlock is listed at 30.5 cm long at its maximum load; the Bowflex at 42.9 cm, and its length stays the same at every setting. A shorter dumbbell is easier to bring close to the body on presses and curls. Owners of the PowerBlock mention the cage interfering on some exercises; owners of the Bowflex mention the fixed length and non-traditional shape.
We rate both as moderate for traditional dumbbell feel and good for balance. Neither feels exactly like a fixed dumbbell — that is the price of adjustability in both designs.
Build, durability and warranty
The PowerBlock is welded, powder-coated steel with a 5-year residential warranty and replacement parts available. The Bowflex combines metal plates with plastic components and carries a 2-year parts warranty. In owner reviews the most common Bowflex complaint is locking failures; the PowerBlock’s most serious recurring complaint is pin damage after drops.
Neither should be dropped. The PowerBlock’s drop tolerance is low, and the Bowflex is not designed to be dropped — several owners specifically warn against it.
Price and value
The PowerBlock sits in our premium price band and the Bowflex in the mid-range band. We score both 7/10 for value: the PowerBlock costs more but covers far more load and carries a longer warranty, while for someone who will never need more than about 50 lb the Bowflex costs less up front. We show price bands rather than prices because Amazon prices change daily.
Specifications side by side
From the manufacturers’ listings. A dash means the figure was not published or could not be confirmed.
| 2 products | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications (manufacturer) | ||
| Weight range | 5–90 lb | 5–52.5 lb |
| Maximum load | 90 lb | 52.5 lb |
| Minimum load | 5 lb | 5 lb |
| Increments | 2.5 lb | — |
| Mechanism | Selector Pin | Dial |
| Adjustment speed | Fast | Fast |
| Length at max load | 30.5 cm | 42.9 cm |
| Handle diameter | 38.1 mm | — |
| Materials | Welded powder-coated steel | Metal plates with plastic components |
| Expandable | Yes (to 90 lb) | No |
| Storage cradle | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year residential warranty | 2-year parts warranty reported |
| Price & customer ratings (Amazon) | ||
| Price band | Premium | Mid-range |
| Amazon customer rating | See current rating on Amazon | See current rating on Amazon |
| Editorial assessment (LiftEvidence) | ||
| LiftEvidence editorial score | 7.7 / 10 (highest) | 6.0 / 10 |
| Best suited to | Heavy Training | Space Saving |
| Less suitable for | Users wanting traditional open dumbbells or high drop tolerance. | Users needing heavy loads, traditional feel or impact tolerance. |
| Strengths |
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| Drawbacks |
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| Drop tolerance | Low | Not Recommended |
| Exercise interference | Moderate | Moderate |
| Build quality score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 6.0 / 10 |
| Durability score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 5.0 / 10 |
| Adjustment score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Ergonomics score | 6.0 / 10 (highest) | 5.0 / 10 |
| Versatility score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 7.0 / 10 |
| Value score | 7.0 / 10 (highest) | 7.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Heavy training score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 3.0 / 10 |
| Compactness score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 6.0 / 10 |
Frequently asked questions
Is PowerBlock better than Bowflex?
For heavy training, yes: it goes to 90 lb in 2.5 lb steps, is shorter at maximum load and has a longer warranty. For lighter training in a small space, the Bowflex’s dial and included trays are more convenient at a lower price.
Which is more durable?
On the published materials and warranties, the PowerBlock: welded steel and a 5-year residential warranty versus plastic components and a 2-year warranty. Owners of both report problems after drops, so neither should be dropped.
Are there other adjustable dumbbells worth comparing?
Yes — our adjustable dumbbell buying guide compares every set we cover, including all-metal dial systems that also reach 80 lb or more.
Compare the other adjustable dumbbells
Our buying guide covers every set we track, with options by use case; the comparison tool lets you put any four side by side.