PowerBlock Elite 90 Adjustable 5 to 90-Pounds per Dumbbell Set Review

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(More customer reviews)After years of collecting the old standard hex dumbells, and trying to maintain a home gym in the city in various apartments (usually in the common basement) I found the PowerBlock dumbells. For someone without a dedicated room (with lots of space) for their workout equipment, these are fantastic dumbells. They go up to 85 or 90lbs without the add-on kit, and they are super fast and easy to change the weight. They are pricey, but considering the amount of dumbells they replace, well worth it, for the right user.
After using the PowerBlock setup for a couple years I came across IronMaster, another brand with adjustable dumbells. They go to 75lbs without the add-on kit, and cost a little less than the PowerBlock dumbells. I have BOTH in my home gym now, and I will go over the pros and cons of each for those of you trying to decide on a set up like this.
PowerBlocks:
Pros: Well made, comfortable grip, fast and easy to change the weight in 10lb increments, nice stand included, made in USA, ability to go up to 85-90lbs as is, and 120lbs with add-on. Excellent for exercises where you change weight quickly or frequently. Square dumbells don't roll.
Cons: Funky design with 4 pillars around your hand/wrist. It works, but it makes me nervous at higher weights that if I were to drop them I could somehow catch my wrist in there and hurt myself. Difficult to quickly switch weights in increments smaller than 10lbs. This is a problem for many exercises. Although they are sturdy, and have never given out on me, they rattle and the plates move a little when you use them. Again, they seem sturdy but when doing shoulder or bench press it's a little disconcerting. You need to make sure the magnetic pins are fully inserted and in the right spot or disaster could ensue. The dumbells get long when using a lot of weight which can be somewhat awkward for certain exercises.
Overall: These dumbells are best for exercises where you change the weight frequently, or quickly, and work best for non-press exercises in my experience. The add-on kit is a nice option, but the dumbells are already pretty long at 85-90lbs, so it may be impractical for a lot of exercises. They were the first of their kind, they are still a serious contender in this ring.
IronMaster:
Pros: Well Made. More traditional looking & feeling dumbells. Up to 75lbs as is, and 125lbs with kit. Not as long as PowerBlocks, no awkward pillars to stick your hand in between. Nice stand included. Great bench and other accessories available (better than PowerBlock bench after using both). No rattling or moving of plates when in use. Sturdy and well balanced and made in USA. Excellent for press exercises. Just as quick to change the weight in 2.5lb or 5lb increments as it is by 10lbs or more.
Cons: Takes significantly longer to change the weight than PowerBlocks. For press exercises I find this to be less of an issue, but for curls and other quick change exercises it's a bit of a pain. No locking mechanism for the screw in pins. This has never been an issue, or caused a dumbell to fall apart during use, but there's no locking mechanism (or magnet such as PowerBlocks) just friction preventing the pin from unscrewing. I'm not too worried about it, but it has crossed my mind.
Overall: These dumbells are best for users who use higher weights for press exercises and want the traditional look and feel of a dumbell you might find in the gym. They don't rattle or move, and are very solid. They also go higher in weight than the PowerBlocks with the add-on kit, and cost less. Not as good for users using ligher weight and requiring quick changes.
Conclusion: For me, having both pairs is a pretty good set up, but If I were to choose just one, I would stick with the IronMaster. I like them for their sturdiness and lack of rattling especially when using heavy weight. In addition to the IronMaster, I would buy a cheaper set of adjustable dumbells with a lower maximum weight (50lbs maybe) that could be easily adjusted in 5lb (or smaller) increments to use for curls and kickbacks etc...and stick with the IronMaster for the heavier weights, where I really don't mind the extra minute of rest to change the weight! In fact, I think I will sell my PowerBlocks and get a set up like this, and have some money left over for Muscle Milk! :)
P.S. the IronMaster adjustable bench is the BEST I have used!

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The only dumbbell system that can expand to meet your strength needs, PowerBlock dumbbells are the most versatile and effective exercise tool ever developed for strength training. PowerBlocks work intuitively. Rather than requiring you to buy a room full of dumbbells, PowerBlocks act just like a weight stack at the gym, with a handle that fits inside the first weight, which fits inside the second, which fits inside the third, etc. When you want to change weights, you simply move the weight selector pin into the appropriate slot and you're set. As you lift the core, all the weights above the selector pin are lifted at the same time, turning your 5-pound dumbbell into a 10-pound dumbbell, or your 10-pound dumbbell into a 20-pound dumbbell. Not only is the system remarkably easy to use, but it's also cost- and space-efficient, as a single pair of dumbbells can do the work of dozens.
This Elite 90 set adjusts from 5 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, in effect doing the job of 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells. In essence, you'll be storing 2,565 pounds of free weights while taking up the space of just one dumbbell air (each 90-pound dumbbell is only 16 inches in length). And if that's not enough for your workouts, you can expand the set to 130 pounds per hand using the 8-11 Elite Big Block kit. Boasting black powder-coated weight plates in a traditional square shape, the free weights are ideal whether you're trying to build muscle mass, firm and tone your physique, or get rid of unwanted body fat. The Elite 90 dumbbells measure 16 by 6 by 6 inches (W x H x D) each and carry a 10-year limited warranty.

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Hex Dumbbells 55-100 Pound Set Review

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(More customer reviews)Never consider price over your safety when purchasing gym equipment.
1. Painted cast iron for durability.
2. Scale weighed dumbbells for accuracy. These were extremely close to the actual weight.
3. Price for USA Sports is awesome. My 5-50 lb set was 499.00!!
4. This set comes in a big box full of small boxes. There is a lot of refuse( or recyclables) to deal with.
For a basic looking set, these are excellent. I recommend them to any user level.

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Hex Dumbbells are produced from the highest quality iron casting available. Hexagonal shape prevents rolling. Our best seller! This set inlcudes a pair each of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100lb. dumbbells.

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Body Solid FID46 Flat Incline Decline Bench Review

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(More customer reviews)Pro's:
- really solid bench, is quite heavy and sturdy
- wheels allow relatively easy mobility
- 8 adjustable positions from decline, to flat, to almost upright
- leg extension with handles that can allow you to lay on your stomach to work your hamstrings
- good for sit-ups, especially from the decline position
- padding is quite thick and solid, yet comfortable
- the back pad is almost 3 ft. so ample space
- all the screws, nuts, bolts, washers are clearly labeled and separated to make for an organized assembly
Cons:
- the pads were a hassle to fit, the screws weren't drilled in the exact place so some adjustments were necessary
- this thing is massive, definitely not a space saver
- sits up pretty high off the ground (I'm 5'10 and in the lower positions my feet barely touch the ground, I end up resting them on the U-bar)
- in the flat position, there's a 3-inch gap between the seat and back pads, it takes some wiggling to find a comfortable position which is not so easy when you're holding heavier weight over your chest
- bench can not go into a perfect 90-degree angle, it's more like 100 at "upright"
I was looking for one bench to do decline, flat, and upright. It's not completely upright, which isn't such a big deal but having it not be so comfortable flat is a disappointment. Having the leg extension though makes up for the shortcoming as it makes the bench more versatile. Having the back pad so long though makes it difficult to do tricep extensions sitting upright. However doing them while sitting on a ball is better for you anyway. Paid $200 with free shipping off Amazon.

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Perfect for all types of barbell and dumbbell exercises, the Body Solid FID46 bench works great in power racks, Smith machines, and a host of other workout systems. The bench is outfitted with a heavy-gauge, 3-inch, round-stock-steel mainframe that's tough and durable, along with nine-position, 2.75-inch seat and back pads that will never bottom out. As a result, you can adjust the bench to several different foolproof positions, including flat, incline, and decline. The removable leg developer, meanwhile, makes it a breeze to work out your quads or hamstrings while sitting on the bench, with a pair of cushioned hand grips adding stability. And thanks to the bottom wheels, you can easily move the bench from the living room to the garage. Other details include upholstered 4-by-8-inch rollers and oversized brash bushings for friction-free movement and a weight capacity of more than 1,000 pounds. The bench, which measures 28 by 31 by 75 inches (W x H x D), carries a lifetime warranty.

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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)After a lot of consideration, I ended up purchasing these weights to use with P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program - 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner. The program calls for a lot of different weights, and I was tired of leaving 8 different dumbbells lying around on the floor of my den. After using these for roughly three months, I am very pleased with them, and with a few exceptions, they work great for P90X.
CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN- As of 2/16/10, the model being sold on Amazon is the 2009 model, which came out in September 2008 and is the most current model available. There is no 2010 model, despite what many third party sellers claim (I have confirmed this with Nautilus). I have uploaded pictures of the version Amazon is selling, which comes with a black base plate. Amazon has lumped the reviews from the 2008 model in with this 2009 model, so read the reviews carefully. The 2009 model eliminates many of the complaints of the 2008, most specifically, it uses metal tabs on the weight plates to lock them in place. Construction is solid and it is very unlikely these will break. Although unlike traditional dumbbells, you can't drop these on the ground after a set. They are fairly sturdy, but I would be very nervous about dropping these from any height over about 5". The handle is ergonomic to fit the palm of your hand and the grip feels good and natural during lifting. The handle is thicker than a dumbbell and I prefer it to the thinner dumbbell handles.
The weights have a dial on the end of them that you turn to select the desired weight. If you select 10lbs, it will then lock in the two weight plates to make 10 lbs, and release everything else; so when you pick up the weights, you get 10 lbs and all the other weights are left in the base plate. When done, you put the weights back in the base plate. This works very well, with the exception of it "catching" occasionally if the weight plates shift a little bit. This happens maybe 1/100 times or so though and isn't a big problem. You just jiggle the weights a bit until it locks. The nice thing about this design, is that the two ends of the dumbbell don't have to be the same weight. You can set the dial to 10lbs on one end and 30 lbs on the other. This will effectively put 5lbs on one end of the bar and 15lbs on the other. I don't do this often, but it can lead to more variation in exercises, and I occasionally do it for tricep workouts or hammer curls. When lifting, the weights feel very sturdy. The plates are firmly locked onto the handle. There is no shaking or movement of the plates at all, and they don't feel much different than dumbbells.
PRICE - I definitely do not think these are worth the suggested retail price, but then again, I have never seen them sold for anything close to that. While they may seem expensive, if you calculate the cost of a large range of dumbbells (which typically sell for $1 per pound), these are a very favorable comparison. Just two 35lb dumbbells are going to cost you at least $50 (closer to $70 if new).
USE WITH P90X - I originally did P90X with dumbbells. I had three different dumbbells, which just isn't enough for the variety of exercises used in that program. If money and space is no object, I would recommend a full dumbbell set over these, as dumbbells are better for the exercises. But for most people that just isn't practical. I hate pulling out and storing even three sets of dumbbells every other day to workout. The SelectTechs look so good that I just leave them in my den year round.
The main advantages the SelectTechs have with P90X is the ability to select smaller weight increment, and being able to make weight changes quickly. Before these I owned a set of 10s, 15s, and 25s, which isn't enough variety. Going up from 15 to 25 on bicep curls is a very big jump for me was too light, 25 was too heavy, and my form was terrible because I was struggling with the weight. With the SelectTechs, I could go to 17.5, then 20, then 22.5, then finally to 25. being able to go from 10lbs to 12.5 on tricep exercises, rather than 10lbs to 15 helps significantly. The other advantage is to quickly change weight increments. With P90X, you have about 15-30 seconds to set up for the next exercise. 5-10 seconds is all the time I needed to change the four dials on the SelectTechs and get a new weight.
CONS - The real problem with these weights is the length. I had no real problem with the width, which is very manageable, but the dumbbells are 16" long. This can cause a problem with some of the P90X exercises. There are maybe 7-8 exercises during the entire program that are awkward to do because of the length of the dumbbells. There are about 2-3 exercises that are very awkward to do (to the point that I actually switch to my dumbbells for these). Congdon Curls and Flip Grip Twist Kickback (tricep exercise) are two that I can think of off-hand that are difficult to do. You can ultimately make it work, but it's going to feel a little funny as you try to hold the weights out far enough to clear each other or your chest. This isn't enough of an issue that it would discourage me from buying them again.
I originally debated between getting these and the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell, since I was worried 52.5 pounds wouldn't be enough. Even though there are a few exercises where you could eventually need more than 52.5 pounds (heavy pants and lawnmowers come to mind), I really think this is enough weight for 90% of the people who will be doing P90X. And as Tony says, if you don't have heavy enough weight, you can always add reps. I would not buy the 1090s (which go up to 90 lbs) for P90X because I think the length of those, which is even bigger than the 552s), would just be too unwieldy for many of the exercises.
The SelectTechs did come with a short DVD that shows you some workouts specifically designed for these dumbbells and how to use them. I did find this beneficial since it gave me some tips that I didn't know about lifting. Optionally, I bought the Bowflex SelectTech 552 / 1090 Dumbbell Stand to use with these. It looks great, but I'm not sure I would buy it again. If you don't care about looks, the box the SelectTechs are shipped in makes a great stand on it's own and is very sturdy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don't have much space, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are an ideal solution. Newly designed, the innovative pair of 552 SelectTech Dumbbells combines 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It's one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available with its unique and effective design. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up.
Specifications:
Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lbs (2.27 to 23.8 kg) for each dumbbell
Exercises Available: 30+
Weight Settings: 15
Weight Settings in pounds: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 pounds
Dumbbell Dimensions (Each): 15.75 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches tall
Weight (Each): 52.5 pounds / 23.8 kg

Leg Exercises:
Wide squats
Calf raises
Stationary lunges
Stiff-leg dead lift
Reverse lunge
Side lunge

Back Exercises:
Alternating rows
Wide row
Dead lift

Chest Exercises:
Flat chest press
Incline chest press
Flat fly
Incline fly
Decline chest press

Abdominal Exercises:
Ab crunch
Reverse crunch
Lying trunk rotation
Twisting side crunch
Lying leg raise

Arm Exercises:
Standing curls
Concentration curls
Incline bench curls
Scott curls
Overhead triceps extension
Triceps kickback
Lying triceps extension
Hammer curls

Shoulder Exercises:
Standing shoulder press
Lateral raise
Seated overhead press
Front raise
Rear delt row
Shrugs

Manufacturer's Warranty Two-year limited warranty on all parts; five-year warranty on weight plates; one-year warranty on labor

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Stamina 50-Pound Versa-Bell II Adjustable Dumbbell Pair Review

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(More customer reviews)This adjustable dumbbell set fell apart the very first time I used it. I set the weight to 20lb for each dumbbell to get ready for a set of military press. I lifted the weight to my shoulders and then up for the first rep. The internal mechanism snapped while the weights were over my head. Fortunately I was not harmed. The weight missed my head and feet and slammed to the floor. There is minimalStamina 50-Pound Versa-Bell II Adjustable Dumbbell Pair damage done to my wood floor and the crashing sound sure did startle the heck out of me, that was the extent of the damage. I called Amazon, they were very helpful - I will receive a full refund plus a gift card for my trouble. Stamina (the company that makes this product) has proven to be very difficult to deal with. I called several times to report this issue. The customer service representative seemed annoyed with me. The manager was also supposed to get back to me but has neglected to do so thus far. I checked the BBB; there are multiple similar complaints with the company's products and their lack of professionalism and follow through in regards to dealing with unhappy customers. I certainly do understand looking for a bargain, especially during these trying times. For safety's sake I would invest in a better quality product. Good luck.

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Do away with your space-consuming dumbbells and consolidate to a single pair with the Stamina Versa-Bell II adjustable dumbbells. Offering a series of weight settings from 10 to 50 pounds (in 5-pound increments), the Versa-Bell II units do the work of nine sets of dumbbells in one, so you don't need to dedicate more than a few feet of space to your workout area. Each innovative Versa-Bell II dumbbell is outfitted with a single 10-pound handle connected to a dial mechanism. As you move the dial, the handle latches on to a different combination of steel weight plates, with a window display showing which weight setting you've chosen. Dial it down to 20 pounds and you'll lift only a single set of plates, but dial it up to 50 pounds and you'll get the whole combination. It's the easiest way possible to save space and money without sacrificing quality. Each dumbbell includes a durable, heavy-duty nylon weight tray but is also compatible with Stamina's SPS Versa-Bell dumbbell stand (sold separately).

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Valor Athletics Inc. BD - 8 Deluxe Squat Rack with Plate Storage Review

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(More customer reviews)This is great in so many ways.
1) It looks great
2) It is portable, space saver
3) Affordable
4) Great for Squatting AND Benching!
I love this can be put away when not being used. I like the black, gray, chrome colors. It is pretty sturdy and adjustable in many ways. The weight plate storage pegs make a huge difference because it also gives more stability to the base, giving more confidence when working out. I am using this as an alternative to a traditional weight bench that takes up too much space and can't be moved. I think that this is even better than the folding weight benches. I am uploading a few pictures so you can get a good look at these. In the stock product images they kind of look HUGE but they actually are not big at all. This even comes with a small nail polish looking bottle of touch-up paint. I use it with my folding dumbbell bench that I also purchased on Amazon. The free PRIME 2 day shipping is awesome!!

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Valor Athletics, Inc. BD - 8 Deluxe Squat Rack with Plate Storage helps you get your workout done safely. Get down low, then explode up! For any athlete, the quick first step or initial explosive move is paramount. These BD-8 Squat Stands help get you set up to build and bulk up your hamstrings, calves and quadriceps for enhanced performance. Each stand is adjustable from 36" to 56" to promote proper form and provide the safety net you need while lifting. Has weight plate holders too, for convenient storage and quick weight transitions while you work. Pump you up: Solid base with each covering 400 sq. in.; 5" chrome back plate to catch bar as lifter maneuvers back to stand; 2 1/2" mouth opening for bar support; For added safety, do not do squats alone; Posts are 36" tall.; Weighs 48.5 lbs.; Order Now! Valor Athletics, Inc. BD-8 Deluxe Squat Rack with Plate Storage

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Weider SpaceSaver 40-Pound Adjustable Kettle Bell Review

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(More customer reviews)Kettlebells can be very expensive, so the idea of getting a few for the price of one was appealing. After receiving the product I used it for about three weeks. Aside from being noisy as the plates clank together, it was fine. Then the handle started to get loose. I thought to myself, okay no problem, I'll just tighten it back up. Took off the plates to look at the screws and saw where they must have skimped on the cost of the production. The top is a plastic plate which the handle screws into. The screws are at a nearly impossible angle to tighten. I finally found a way to angle in a bit from a ratchet set, and the screws stripped -- they too are cheap. I returned the product at once. I'll be damned if the handle is going to come off this thing mid-swing, especially after paying $200. Look for Kettlebells USA online and get the real deal. You can still get two or three kettlebells for the price of this one, and they don't take up THAT much room. Nice try Weider, but you gotta make it silent, sturdy, and easy to fix in order for this to be remotely worth it.

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Personalize your workout with the Weider SpaceSaver 40-pound adjustable Kettlebell. Also known as a PowerBell, the weight quickly adjusts from 10 to 40 pounds, yet takes up the space of only a single Kettlebell. As a result, it's ideal for several family members, or for performing several different exercise types without buying additional weights. Each PowerBell features an oversized, powder-coated handle that's user-friendly, non-slippery, and easy to transition from hand to hand. With a PowerBell in play, you can perform bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder raises, and a host of other exercises without having to dedicate an hour-and-a-half to your routine. That's because studies show you get the same cardio benefits with a 20-minute PowerBell workout as you do running on a treadmill for 20 minutes at 6 miles per hour, plus it works every muscle in your body.
To help you get the most from your workout, the PowerBell comes with a PowerBell Workout DVD that engages every muscle in your body. Hosted by former U.S. Special Forces member and professional Kettlebell trainer Michael Skogg, the DVD takes you through a full-body, functional workout that delivers real-life results. In total, the PowerBell supports more than 1,000 strength and cardio exercises, from basic moves to advanced routines. Finally, the PowerBell includes a fitness journal that helps you track your workout progress.

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