PowerBlock Elite EXP Review
The tank of adjustable dumbbells. Nothing else comes close on durability, and the expansion system lets you grow from 22.7kg to 40.8kg without replacing the whole set. The boxy shape is divisive, but if you plan ahead and value longevity, this is the smartest long-term investment.
Quick Verdict
The tank of adjustable dumbbells. Nothing else comes close on durability, and the expansion system lets you grow from 22.7kg to 40.8kg without replacing the whole set. The boxy shape is divisive, but if you plan ahead and value longevity, this is the smartest long-term investment.
All PowerBlock Variants Compared
| Spec | Stage 1 (2.3-22.7kg) | Stage 1+2 (2.3-31.8kg) | Stage 1+2+3 (2.3-40.8kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 2.3-22.7kg | 2.3-31.8kg | 2.3-40.8kg |
| Increments | 1.1kg | 1.1kg | 1.1kg |
| Weight settings | 19 | 22 | 28 |
| Price (pair) | £450 | £600 | £750 |
| Dimensions | 30.5×16.5×16.5cm | 30.5×16.5×19cm | 30.5×16.5×21.5cm |
| Notes | Base set - 2.5lb increments via adder weights | Adds expansion plates to Stage 1 | Full system - matches heavy competitors |
The PowerBlock in 60 seconds
PowerBlock has been making adjustable dumbbells since 1991 - longer than most competitors have existed. The Elite EXP uses a selector pin system with nested welded steel plates. It's the most robust adjustable dumbbell on the market and the only major option with a genuine expansion system.
The trade-off is the shape. PowerBlocks look and feel like blocks, not dumbbells. The rectangular profile with cage rails restricts wrist movement on some exercises and can feel awkward. You either get used to it or you hate it -there's no middle ground.
The expansion system -which stage should you buy?
This is what sets PowerBlock apart from every competitor. Instead of buying one fixed-capacity product, you buy Stage 1 and expand later. The variant table above shows the full breakdown, but here's the practical guide:
Our recommendation:
- Beginners: Start with Stage 1 (2.3-22.7kg, ~£450). This covers most exercises for your first 6-12 months. Add stages later as you get stronger.
- Intermediate lifters: Buy Stage 1+2 (~£600) to get up to 31.8kg from day one. This covers most dumbbell pressing movements.
- Advanced / planning ahead: The full Stage 1+2+3(~£750) gives you 40.8kg max, matching the Stealth and Nuobell S 240 on range. Best value if you know you'll need the weight.
Why this matters:If you're a beginner who currently needs 20kg max but will need 40kg in a year, the PowerBlock lets you spread the cost over time. With the Stealth or Nuobell, you buy for your future self upfront or replace the whole set later.
How the selector pin system works
Each PowerBlock is a nested set of steel plates. A selector pin slots into the desired weight level, locking the plates above it in place. You lift the handle and the selected weight comes with you - the rest stays on the stand.
Small removable adder weightson each side allow finer increments (~1.1kg steps at lower weights). In practice, the adder weights are fiddly -they're small, easy to misplace, and adding/removing them takes longer than the main pin change. Most people use them for a while then stop bothering, sticking to the main 2.3kg jumps.
The shape problem
There's no way around it: PowerBlocks are rectangular. The cage design with rails on each side means:
- Wrist restriction: The rails limit wrist rotation on exercises like hammer curls transitioning to bicep curls
- Thigh discomfort:The flat block face isn't comfortable for resting on your legs before pressing
- Fixed size:The dumbbell is the same 30.5cm length whether you're lifting 2.3kg or the full stack -which feels odd at light weights
This applies across all three stages. The physical width increases slightly with each expansion stage (16.5cm → 19cm → 21.5cm) as extra plate housings are added, but the length stays the same.
If you've never held a PowerBlock, try to find one in a shop before committing. Fitness Superstore stocks them in the UK.
Durability -where PowerBlock wins across all stages
This is PowerBlock's strongest card regardless of which stage you buy. The welded steel plates, selector pin, and robust construction mean these can handle more abuse than any twist-select or dial-select dumbbell. They're not designed to be dropped either, but they'll survive the occasional mishap far better than a Nuobell or Stealth.
PowerBlock offers a 10-year warranty in the US. Unfortunately, UK coverage is weaker -typically 1-2 years depending on the retailer. This is worth checking before you buy.
UK availability
PowerBlock availability in the UK has historically been inconsistent across all stages. Fitness Superstore is the most reliable stockist, and Amazon UK occasionally has them. Stage 1 is usually the easiest to find; expansion kits can require more patience. Expect some waiting if the stage you want is out of stock.
Who are these for?
Great for
- Long-term thinkers who want to expand over time
- Lifters who prioritise durability above all else
- People comfortable with the block shape
- Anyone who might occasionally drop a dumbbell
- Beginners who don't want to replace their dumbbells as they progress
Not for
- Anyone who wants a traditional dumbbell feel
- Lifters who do a lot of wrist-rotation exercises
- People who need a high max weight immediately on a budget
- Those who find the adder weights too fiddly
- Buyers who need guaranteed UK stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Which PowerBlock stage should I start with?
Can PowerBlock dumbbells be dropped?
Are PowerBlock dumbbells available in the UK?
What warranty do PowerBlock dumbbells have in the UK?
Do the adder weights make a big difference?
Our Ratings
Pros and Cons
What we like
- +Most durable adjustable dumbbell on the market - welded steel construction
- +Only major adjustable dumbbell with a genuine expansion system (3 stages up to 40.8kg)
- +Most compact footprint of any adjustable dumbbell at 30.5cm
- +Fine ~1.1kg increments via adder weights at lower settings
- +30+ year track record - PowerBlock has been making these since 1991
- +Buy Stage 1 now, expand later as you get stronger - spread the cost
What could be better
- -Rectangular block shape feels nothing like a traditional dumbbell
- -Cage/rail design restricts wrist movement on some exercises
- -Stage 1 only goes to 22.7kg - need £150-300 more in expansion kits for serious weight
- -UK availability is inconsistent across all stages
- -Adder weights for fine increments are fiddly and easy to lose
- -Same physical size at 2.3kg as at max weight
- -UK warranty varies by retailer and is likely weaker than US 10-year coverage
Final Verdict
The tank of adjustable dumbbells. Nothing else comes close on durability, and the expansion system lets you grow from 22.7kg to 40.8kg without replacing the whole set. The boxy shape is divisive, but if you plan ahead and value longevity, this is the smartest long-term investment.