In this in-depth PowerBlock EXP review I’ll show you everything there is to know about the PowerBlock EXP adjustable dumbbells.
The PowerBlock EXP dumbbells give you room to grow.
The EXP stands for expandable.
As you get stronger, you have the option to add more weight to the dumbbells.
The PowerBlock EXP is made of solid iron.
PowerBlock categorizes the weight categories in 3 stages.
PowerBlock Stage 1
Table of Contents
- 1 PowerBlock Stage 1
- 2 PowerBlock Stage 2
- 3 PowerBlock Stage 3
- 4 PowerBlock Mechanism
- 5 How to Use PowerBlock
- 6 Size and Adder Weights
- 7 PowerBlock Handle
- 8 PowerBlock EXP vs Bowflex SelectTech 552
- 9 PowerBlock Exercises
- 10 PowerBlock Alternatives
- 11 PowerBlock Discount Code
- 12 PowerBlock EXP Review Conclusion
- 13 PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
Powerblock stage 1 is the base model which can makes the dumbbell adjustable from 5 – 50 lbs.
Stage 1 replaces 16 pairs of dumbbells and 825 lbs of free weights.
Once 50 lbs are not enough for you, you can upgrade to Stage 2.
PowerBlock Stage 2
Powerblock stage 2 adds another 20 lbs to Stage 1, making the dumbbell adjustable from 5 – 70 lbs.
Stage replaces 22 pairs of dumbbells and 1575 lbs of free weights.
PowerBlock Stage 3
If 70 lbs are still not enough for you, then you can upgrade to Powerblock stage 3.
Stage 3 adds another 20 lbs, making the dumbbells adjustable from 5 – 90 lbs.
Stage 3 replaces 28 pairs of dumbbells and 2565 lbs of free weights.
PowerBlock Mechanism
The mechanism behind the PowerBlock is very simple, yet brilliant.
It works similar to a cable machines at the gym.
You simply stick a pin under the weight you want to pick up and you’re ready to go.
The lower you place the pin, the more weight you’ll be lifting.
The pin is attached to the weights by a bungee cord and has 2 magnets that keeps the weight from falling while you’re lifting.
How to Use PowerBlock
How to Use PowerBlock in 10 lbs Increments
The easiest way to use the PowerBlock dumbbells is in 10 lbs increments.
You simply move the selector pin to the rail with the weight you want to lift and you’re done.
How to Use PowerBlock in 5 lbs Increments
To use the Powerblock in 5 lbs increments you’ll need to remove both adder weights (5 lbs) from the handle.
To remove the handle you first have to remove the selector pin from the rails.
Pull out the handle and remove both adder weights.
The handle now weighs 5 lbs.
Put the handle back in and select your weight.
For any weight that you select subtract 5 lbs.
For example, if you put the selector pin on the 50 lbs rail, you’re actually picking up 45 lbs (subtract the 5 lbs taken out of the handle).
How to Use PowerBlock in 7.5 lbs Increments
To use the Powerblock in 7.5 lbs increments you’ll need to remove 1 adder weight (2.5 lbs) from the handle.
To remove the handle you first have to remove the selector pin from the rails.
Pull out the handle and remove 1 adder weight.
The handle now weighs 7.5 lbs. Put the handle back in and select your weight.
For any weight that you select subtract 2.5 lbs.
For example, if you put the selector pin on the 50 lbs rail, you’re actually picking up 47.5 lbs (subtract the 2.5 lbs taken out of the handle).
Size and Adder Weights
Each PowerBlock measures 14” long x 6.5” wide x 6.5” tall making it smaller than a cinder block!
Inside the base, you have 2 adder weights each weighing 2.5 lbs.
This is great for progressive overload.
You can continue adding weight to your lifts in small increments for continued strength and muscle growth.
There’s also a sticker on the top of the dumbbells that displays the weight.
The top number shows the weight in pounds with the adder weights inside the handle.
With 1 adder weight subtract 2.5 lbs, with both adder weights out subtract 5 lbs.
Bottom row shows the weight in kilos.
PowerBlock Handle
The handle is very spacious.
I can fit both my hands inside it.
And it has a rubberized grip (this can also be replaced with a PowerBlock knurled handle)
Overall the PowerBlock EXP is extremely convenient.
It saves space, money, and is portable.
PowerBlock EXP vs Bowflex SelectTech 552
The other big player in the adjustable dumbbell market is Bowflex.
Bowflex’s been making adjustable dumbbells for a while but the mechanism is much different than the Powerblock’s.
Instead of using a pin to change weights, the Bowflex uses a dial system.
For an in-depth comparison between the Powerblock EXP and Bowflex 552, click here to watch my video.
PowerBlock Exercises
With the PowerBlocks, you can do just about any upper and lower body exercise that you would do on a regular dumbbell.
Here’s a few exercises I’ve posted on my Instagram.
PowerBlock Alternatives
Powerblock Pro 100 Exp
A newer alternative to the original Powerblock EXP’s is the Powerblock Pro 100 EXP.
They are expandable up to 100 lbs, you have the option to select a knurled handle, and the weight plates are covered in a black Urethane finish.
This version can also be converted into an adjustable kettlebell (with a different handle), EZ curl bar, or straight bar.
Rep x Pepin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells
The Rep x Pepin Fast Series adjustable dumbbells are one of the best adjustable dumbbells on the market.
They’re sold in pairs of 85 lbs, 105 lbs, or 125 lbs pairs (If you buy the 85 lbs or 105 lbs pair it can be expanded to 125 lbs).
Made of full metal construction and drop tested, these should last a lifetime while taking up minimal space.
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
The Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells are solidly built out of cast iron (including the base) and are drop tested for durability.
These range from 10 – 80 lbs in 10 lbs increments (replace 8 pairs of dumbbells) but they don’t have small jumps in weight.
Trulap Adjustable Dumbbells
Trulap adjustable dumbbells range from 8 – 92 lbs in 3 lbs increments and have an eye catching chrome look to them.
I like their knurled twist handle and they replace 26 pairs of dumbbells in a small space.
Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells
Out of all the dumbbells compared, Nuobell dumbbells are the OG’s of the twist handle technology…
But they’re also more fragile than other dumbbells if you’re a dumbbell dropper.
I’ve had mine for a few years and never had a problem with them.
PowerBlock Discount Code
Powerblock currently sells stages 1 through 4 of the Pro 100 EXP adjustable dumbbells separately.
Stage 1 starts at $489 (as shown above) and every stage added on will cost an additional $199.
Click the red button below to reveal a $20 Powerblock discount code.
PowerBlock EXP Review Conclusion
I enjoyed making this PowerBlock EXP review and I hope you got a lot of the information you were looking for.
In my opinion, once you buy a Powerblock dumbbell, it’ll probably be the only dumbbell you’ll ever buy.
It’s durable, portable, and doesn’t take up any space.
And it is MUCH, MUCH cheaper than buying a whole rack of dumbbells.
Click Here To Check Out The PowerBlock Dumbbells
PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews
Thanks for the video, good explanation! I was kinda stoned when I unboxed them and couldn’t figure it out.
You’re welcome. Glad that helped!