I've seen plenty of spec comparisons on the different adjustable dumbbell systems that are out there, but it would be nice to get some advice from other people doing the same workout program.

At the moment I'm considering 3 options: scrounging a cheap set of individual dumbells from craigslist/ebay/etc., Bowflex Selectechs and Power Blocks. I'll probably be fine with up to 50 lbs for a while, but eventually I'd like the option to increase my weights. Here are some of my thoughts so far.

Regular dumbbells can be affordable if bought used and are the easiest to switch out when you change sets. The down side is the space they take up (I live in a small apartment) and the difficulty transporting them (I'm frequently out of the apartment for a few days at a time and will be moving to a new place by next year).

The Selectechs seem reliable enough, have a great look, and are easy to dial. They're a little pricier than the powerblocks from what I've seen. Also, if I buy the 552's, they'll be great for a while but when I outgrow them I can't simply upgrade to a bigger set. That would mean if I plan on moving up to heavier weights eventually I would have to fork over $600 now for the 1090's, and that's a bit expensive at the moment. Although the dial mechanism seems easy to work, I've had trouble getting the weights back in place using the store models.

The powerblocks don't look as nice as the Selectech's in my opinion, but I love the feel and compact design. I also like that I can spend about $350 on the 5-50 lb Stage 1 set now and then fork over another $240 in the future to upgrade to 90 lbs. The pin mechanism will allow me to change weight in 10 lb increments very easily, but changing 2.5 or 5 lbs will require taking out the handle and adding/removing adder weights.

So like I said, I understand enough about the specs but would like some advice from people who have actually used these products with the program.


Zach

I have the powerblocks and one of my friends has the selectechs. True the selectechs are sexier but the quality is horrible. They rattle significantly and that is not a good "feature" when they a suspended above your head, haha. Check out some of the reviews on Amazon. The powerblocks may not LOOK as nice but for the 50 lbers(upgradeable to 65) they are 100 bucks less and have a 15 year warranty while the selectechs only have a 1 year warranty.

Ya, I've heard the quality of the powerblocks is much better. It also gives me the option to spend half as much on the 50 lb model and then upgrade to 90 lb later for more money, whereas with the bowflex I would have to buy the 1090 straight away with no expansion available for the 552.

The only advantages I see to the 1090 set are the fact that it's easier to change in 5 pound increments without having to remove/add adder weights and that I can get the 1090 about $60 cheaper than the 90 lb sport model of the powerblocks.

I might start with a cheap set of used dumbbells for now and trade them in for the adjustables later when I'm moving out, but I guess I'll wait and see.

I had the Golds Gym adjustable set from Sports Authority.

Very high quality set, and for an adjustable set you could switch weights (in 2.5 increments) pretty quickly. I think it retails for around $375.

However, I decided to trade it out with someone on craigslist for his 30-50 lb dumbells and rack. Then I went and purchased 5-25 lbers.

I'm extremely happy with my dumbell set. So nice to be able to just grab the weight I want super fast without pausing the video. Also the dumbells are so much sleeker than adjustables so you can do compound movements much better without the dumbells getting in the way (those adjustables are pretty bulky). And contrary to belief, it actually doesn't take up much more room than my adjustable set used to. Of course, if you're in an apartment you need every amount of space you can get, so I understand.

Ya, I definitely see the advantages of a full dumbbell set if you can find one cheap enough and have space to store it. But I'm definitely in one of those apartments where every bit of space counts.

As far as bulkiness, that depends on what you get. The 30 lb hex dumbbell I just measured (the biggest one I have here)is around 12" long and 5.5" wide and high, and a 50 lb hex would obviously be bigger. The bowflex 552 is much bulkier at 15.75" L x 8" W x 9" H, whereas the 50 lb powerblock is 12"L x6.5" W x 6.5" H. So at the max of 50 lb, the powerblock is around the same size or even smaller than the corresponding hex. Just something to think about.

Right now I'm keeping my eye on some regular dumbbell sets on ebay and craigslist, but if that doesn't work out I think I've convinced myself to get the blocks.

zachattack wrote:

QUOTE:


As far as bulkiness, that depends on what you get. The 30 lb hex dumbbell I just measured (the biggest one I have here)is around 12" long and 5.5" wide and high, and a 50 lb hex would obviously be bigger. The bowflex 552 is much bulkier at 15.75" L x 8" W x 9" H, whereas the 50 lb powerblock is 12"L x6.5" W x 6.5" H. So at the max of 50 lb, the powerblock is around the same size or even smaller than the corresponding hex. Just something to think about.

True, as you get into the 50 lb range it's probably pretty close.

I'm thinking more about the 20-30 lb dumbells. When I'm doing the compound motions with these (like in core synergistics or doing the lunge sequences), that's when I'm happy to have a much smaller weight to move around with. I remember my adjustables getting in the way quite a bit. But the most annoying thing was changing the weight.

Some people really like the adjustables. They just weren't for me, that's all.

Play it Again Sports sells new dumbells for 79 cents a pound.

I have not committed to them yet as I am not sure which to go with but there are magnetized upgrades that can attach to your existing dumbbells. I think that thewegg is the way to go since you can stack them up on top of the other. platemate allows you to add only 1.25

Has anyone tried these so that I can finalize my Christmas list?

Sluggofish

Not only are those add on weights incredibly expensive, but there is no way I would be lifting one of those over my head, I don't care how strong they are supposed to be, and anyone that thinks it's a good idea to "stack" them on top of each other is delusional.

I was really looking forward to saving up and getting either powerblocks or select tech. I heard about the size issues of select tech and the price of BOTH.

However let me just say I LOVE CRAIGSLIST!! It took patience and research but I was able to get select tech dumbells for a great deal (with stand) had my first p90x with them and all i can say is WOW!!! I'm impressed. I would go with either of those (which ever you can get on a great deal).

There are a zillion different types of exercise machines and equipment out there these days, but for many weight lifting and body building enthusiasts, free weights are still the way to go. Free weights come in two basic flavors - the larger barbells and weights that are used for things like bench press, squats, etc. and the smaller handheld dumbells, one for each hand (which can still mimic most of the exercises done with the long barbell). In this guide we will be looking the options you have when it comes to selecting hand dumbells. Basically, there are 3 styles of dumbells out there.

Anyone have thoughts on power blocks vs. bow flex vs. other quick-change dumbbell systems for use with p90x. I am just starting the program, and will likely be using bands and a light set of dumbbells at the beginning, but I expect to increase my weight as I get in shape with the program, and I have started looking into power blocks. Expensive systems, but seems important to me given the variety of exercises. Thanks!

I have had a short time with them but I did not want to buy more dumbbells or bowflex or similar. The Wegg weights are really cool. I was aprehensive at first but after a few arms and shoulder workouts with P90x I do not even think about them attached as a magnet. If you have cast iron dumbbell already you can just increase the weight of it. I noticed the price dropped and when I called they refunded the difference without question.

I got my Bowflex 552's from Sears for $328 and the Rack for $83 because Sports Authority had a sale for $349 and sears price matched it plus gave 10% of the difference The Select Tech's have been pretty sweet so far, can't complain about em.

I would think power blocks would be better because they're not as wide as the bowflex 552's.

I just bought the bowflex 552's.I was going to go with the powerblocks but Dick's only had the classic's which you cannot expand. I used the 552's for Shoulders and arms last night and wow great set of dubells. I see people say they are loose and stuff. Mine a tight and feel like a real free weight. That was my selling point..I was not found of how the power blocks are actually a block. Seems like you could break your wrist if you dropped it wrong. I love how the 552's feel like a true dumbell. Also I saw some say that you cannot add more weight to the 552's. Honestly if any one needs more that what the 552's have to offer for P90X your must be an animal. yea I am sure I could due some of the exersices with more that 52.5 pounds, but you can still get a hell of a work out with 52.5 pounds.

I must agree. I like the feeling of a cast iron solid free weight dumbbell.

Does anyone out there have or have considered the Ironmasters set? (2) 75 pounders with a stand for $500 bucks and they can be expanded pretty high (at least 120 pounds each). I don't have any set yet, but these are my top candidate so far. They seem to look like standard dumbells without the disadvantages of the Selectech (no rattle or precision needed to change weights) or the Powerblocks. Any opinions on these?

Link included: http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Quick-Lock-Dumbbell-System-75-lb-set-with-Rack-pr-2.html

The only bad thing i see about hte ironmaster ones is that you have to put on each side individually, and it could take a longer amount of time. Power blocks & Select Tech are a matter of putting pins in or twisting to the desired number.

I'd also like to add, you can add on to the classics with power blocks, you just can't have them all in 1 rack, if you have 2 racks for each dumbbell, you can use the same middle piece to insert into whichever rack you decide to go with. I'm going to eventually do this because lawnmowers are getting to easy for me with 45 pounds... I'm doing sets of 15-20 on each side... lol

I have the select techs as well. I freaking love em. I keep them on the floor instead of a stand. It just seems like there easier to be put back in place easier. Mine are solid. Theres no rattling at all.

I have the Powerblock 9.0s and I love em! So easy and nothing to break.