| Unit | Max. Dimensions | Type | Weight range | Weight increments | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Powerblock Elite 70 lb Check Discounted Price | L:14" W:6.25" H:6" | Adjustable, locking pin | 5-70 lbs | 2.5 lbs 5.0 lbs | 10 years |
PowerBlock offers some of the best free weights with a quick-adjustment system. Actually, the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells have been some of the bestselling ones for quite a while, along with the Bowflex and PowerPak.
Powerblock has released several series of dumbbells so far, such as the Classic, Elite or Urethane. Each series comes with its own specifics. But overall, they feature a similar adjustment system and construction.
In this review we’ll address the PowerBlock Elite series PB-EL-70, the USA manufactured series, with the enamel finish (not urethane), metal weight plates. These come as a pair.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Dimensions: 14L x 6.25W x 6H inches (35.5L x 15.8W x 15.2H cm)
- Weight range: 5 to 70 lbs (2.26 to 31.7 kg) each
- Weight increments: 2.5, 5.0 lbs (1.13, 2.26 kg)
- Warranty: 10 years
Overall construction
There’s quite some engineering behind the construction of the PowerBlock Elite dumbbells. They feature a very specific adjustment system, and due to this fact, they don’t have the appearance of the usual dumbbells. Each dumbbell is actually a complete set of dumbbells attached together, the handle assembly in the middle being the main element that holds them in place.
The handle assembly consists of five bars connecting two heavy-duty plastic boards. The inner bar is the actual grip of the handlebar assembly, which is covered with rubberized coating. However, the bars that connect the corners of the boards, the “wrist supports” as they’re called, can also used for exercises. For example, if you choose to do overhead triceps exercises, it’s best to hold one dumbbell by the exterior bars of the handle, not the inner one.
The weight plates are steel made, pained with a thick and long-lasting black enamel, with a nice, glossy finish. Each set of two weight plates are connected via two steel rods, the connection points being precision-welded. These rods feature color coding, and also play an important role in the adjustment of the dumbbells.
The PowerBlock Elite dumbbells seem rather bulky, due to their “box” shape, but they’re actually smaller than the Bowflex 552. They’re 14″ (35.5 cm) long, and approx 6″ (16 cm wide), which means they shouldn’t feel awkward for any type of exercise, and they won’t get in the way during curls or other exercises.
Adjustment system and increments
As we’ve mentioned above, the adjustment system of these dumbbells is way different from others. The weight plate sets are stacked together, and lock onto the handle via a polyurethane, flexible selector pin. The pin is attached with a tether cord to the side rod of the first weight plate set. The cord is quite important for the overall safety of these weights, and 
must remain attached to the handle and top weight plate bar at all times. This way, the locking pin cannot come out by itself.
The handle features a color coded table on top, while the side rods that hold the weight plates are also color coded. Two additional 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg), weight cylinders come with each dumbbell, cylinders which can be inserted into the handle, in order to adjust weight in increments of 2.5 lbs. For example, the blue color code on the handle indicates three values: 45, 47.5 and 50 lbs (20.4, 21.5, 22.6 kg). Therefore, by inserting the selector pin into the dumbbell on the blue bar, without inserting any extra weight cylinders into the hande, you will obtain a dumbbell with a total weight of 45 lbs (20.4 kg). By adding one cylinder into the handle, the whole dumbbell will become 47.5 lbs (21.5 kg), while with both cylinders included, it will weigh 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
Each handle features a dial lock on top with “Open / Closed” positions. In order to remove the handle and add or remove the 2.5 lbs weight cylinders, you will have to use this dial. Also, as a safety measure, make sure each dial is set to “Closed” before beginning any exercise.
For the PowerBlock Elite PB-EL-70 set, each dumbbell can reach a total weight of 70 lbs (31.75 kg). Given their adjustment system, the following adjustment increments are available: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5, and 70 lbs (1.1, 2.2, 3.4, 4.5, 6.8, 7.9, 9.0, 11.3, 12.4, 13.6, 15.8, 17.0, 18.1, 20.4, 21.5, 22.6, 24.9, 26.0, 27.2, 29.4, 30.6, 31.7 kg). Differently put, each dumbbell replaces 22 non-adjustable, cast iron dumbbells.
These dumbbells are also expandable. In case you want more of a challenge, there are extensions available up to 90 lbs for each dumbbell.
The Pros
- Space-saving design, each dumbbell actually replaces 22 fixed ones;
- Highly versatile free weights, offering the possibility to quickly adjust weight in order to alternate exercises with different weights;
- Weight range between 5 and 70 lbs, perfect for beginners, intermediate and even advanced users;
- They cover the full range of exercises possible exercises;
- Extremely safe locking mechanism;
- Sleek design, shiny, black enamel finish, aspect that can work as a motivation factor for many users;
- Highly durable steel weight plates, and solid welding points between plates and their sustaining rods;
- Rubberized, ergonomic grip;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Even though the interior of the dumbbells is pretty spacious, users with extremely large hands and really thick wrists may find them too small for maximum comfort.
Summary
The PowerBlock Elite adjustable dumbbells offer superior sturdiness, versatility, also being space-savvy, thus an excellent choice for any home gym. They’re reliable weights and basically cover the complete range of exercises that can be performed involving dumbbells. They feature an extremely safe adjustment system, weight plates featuring precision welding points to their sustaining bars. Currently, these are some of the best adjustable dumbbells available. Even though this series has been around for a while, it continuously benefits from positive reviews from users all over the world. Finally, they’re not the most affordable free weights that you can find, but their overall quality definitely matches the price.