| Unit | Size | Type | Weight range | Weight increments | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PowerPak 445 Check Discounted Price | L:14" W:8.3" H:7" | Adjustable, dial system | 4-45 lbs | 5 lbs | 1 year |
Adjustable dumbbells are an excellent choice in terms of free weights for anyone who wants to workout at home. That’s because they’re space saving, versatile and takes very little time to adjust their weight. The Universal PowerPak 455 are free weights that fall into this category.
These adjustable dumbbells are actually some of the bestselling free weights that you can find at the moment. There are several aspects to be mentioned about them, including their pros and cons. Thus, in this review we’ll try to cover just about everything there is to cover when it comes to this particular set of free weights.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Dimensions: 14L x 8.3W x 7H inches (35.5L x 21W x 17.7H cm)
- Weight range: 4 to 45 lbs (1.8 to 20.4 kg) each
- Weight settings: 9
- Accessories: Storage and adjustment trays, stand, Power-Pak workout guide
- Warranty: 1 year
Overall construction
Before we proceed with the details regarding the construction of the PowerPak dumbbells, there’s another aspect that needs to be clarified. These dumbbells come as a set of two, not just one, while the trays and stand are also included.
These dumbbells feature quite a sturdy construction, combining metal and polyurethane elements. But most importantly, the connection between the weight plates and the main axle is metal-to-metal. In other words, adjustment is powered by a metal cam system, while the part of the weight plates that the cam latches on, is also metallic. On top of that, once the plates are locked in place, there is a safety mechanism that prevents them from falling off.
When you pick the dumbbells up, they become locked. Adjustment knobs and weight plates can no longer be removed, unless you place them on the trays. There’s actually a set of buttons on the bottom of each dumbbell, buttons that require to be pressed for the adjustment knob to be unlocked, and to be able to remove the plates from the main axle. Each tray features small tabs which press onto these buttons when you put down the weights.
So, these being said, these dumbbells are very safe, and can support just about all the exercises achievable via dumbbells.
The weight plates are metallic, encased in a compact, polyurethane cover. This being said, they won’t emmit the “clink” sound typically to most metallic free weights. However, you will hear a soft “clack” noise when you place the dumbbells on their trays, or when the plates touch.
The main axle of each dumbbell features a rubberized handle. Evidently, this type of handle is much less abrasive to your hands than a regular knurled, metallic handle. It supplies a sure grip, the weights being less likely to slip off your hand, even if perspiration is involved.
Another aspect to be mentioned here regards the dumbbells’ dimensions. They’re actually approx. 2″ (5 cm) shorter than the Bowflex 552, the total length of the axle being 14″ (35.5 cm). This means it’s less likely to touch the dumbbells together when bench pressing or during other exercises.
The weight plates are not round. As you can see in the attached photos, they feature an irregular hexagonal shape, the distance between their lateral points being 8.3″ (21 cm). In other words, the dumbbells’ width is 8.3″. Also, the distance between the base and the top of the weight plates is 7″ (17.7 cm). Therefore, as a small conclusion here, these dumbbells are actually less bulky than other similar adjustable dumbbells, offering excellent maneuverability.
Weight increments and adjustment system
The weight of each PowerPak adjustable dumbbell, with all its weight plates up, is 45 lbs (20.5 kg). Conversely, the axle itself, with no plates attached, weighs 4 lbs (1.8 kg). Therefore, you will benefit from the following weight increments: 4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 
40, 45 lbs (1.8, 4.5, 6.8, 9.0, 11.3, 13.6, 15.8, 18.1, 20.5 kg). This being said, each dumbbell basically replaces 9 fixed dumbbells.
These dumbbells are dial-adjustable. There are marked dials on both ends of each dumbbell. In order to select a specific weight, you have to turn one of the dials until the desired number is aligned with line on top of the handle.
There’s an important aspect to be mentioned regarding the adjustment system though. The adjustment dials are not independent, such as for the Bowflex SelectTech 552. In other words, if you select 15 lbs on one end, both ends will adjust, and the dumbbell will weigh 15 lbs. Therefore, the weight on each side of the dumbbell will always be equal.
As we’ve mentioned above, once you’ve selected a specific weight setting and you pick the dumbbell up, the weight plates lock in place and cannot be removed unless the dumbbell is placed back on its tray. The adjustment knobs lock as well, and you won’t be able to adjust weight unless you place the weights back on their trays, so that the safety buttons underneath are pressed.
Accessories
There are several accessories supplied with the Universal PowerPak adjustable dumbbells. The first to be mentioned are the storage / adjustment trays. These are made from heavy-duty plastic material, actually being able to withstand considerably more weight than the dumbbells themselves.
The trays attach to a metallic stand, which is also supplied. The base of the stand rests on rubberized feet for more stability and to prevent any damage to the floor. Manual and tools for assembling the trays and the stand together are supplied, operation which is pretty simple and shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. The manual also provides complete instructions on how to properly adjust the dumbbells’ weight.
One last accessory that you will receive with these dumbbell set, is a PowerPak workout guide, which offers proper instructions for most exercises which can be carried out using these dumbbells.
The Pros
- Versatile. They offer the possibility to quickly adjust weight in order to alternate exercises;
- Space-savvy. One set of two dumbbells, can basically replace 18 fixed ones;
- Sturdy. Compact construction, metal-to-metal connection system for the weight plates;
- Safety mechanism that holds the plates in place;
- Weight range between 4 to 45 lbs, perfect for beginner and intermediate users;
- They basically cover the complete range of exercises that can be accomplished via dumbbells;
- Sleek design, which can be quite a motivation factor;
- Steel weight plates, coated with plastic composite which prevents them from clinking or catching rust;
- Rubberized handle for maximum comfort and a firm grip;
- Storage trays included;
- Metallic stand included;
- Free PowerPak training guide included;
- Stand easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty for a dumbbell set.
The Cons
- Weight range may not suffice for advanced users;
- Adjustment knobs are not independent, so you can’t create an off-set weight. Each weight setting supplies the same weight on each side of the dumbbell.
Summary
The PowerPak 445 adjustable dumbbells are excellent free weights for just about any home gym. They feature a compact, sturdy construction, with a safe-locking mechanism, so you won’t have to worry about weight plates falling off. They feature a sleek design. They’re a great choice for beginner and intermediate users. They’re space-savvy, easy to adjust, offering the possibility to quickly alternate between exercises. And on top of that, they come with the storage trays, stand, and a free workout guide. Finally, even though this set of dumbbells isn’t the most affordable one, considering all the above aspects, we can safely say that their quality and value match their price.