We love a good pair of dumbbells as much as the next person, but things can get a little crowded when adding a full set to your home gym. Adjustable dumbbells, like the PowerBlock Pro 50s, serve a very solid purpose — they offer the same utility as traditional dumbbells at a fraction of the price and necessary footprint. Whether you want to switch things up with some lightweight high-rep exercises or max out the available weight for dumbbell bench presses, the Pro 50s have your back.
PowerBlock has some other options with varying weights, but these particular adjustable dumbbells can replace 20 pairs of dumbbells with weights ranging from five pounds up to 50 pounds. They feature five-pound increments, but the two ballast weights located under the handles can be used for 2.5-pound increments. The color-coded side rails correspond to the weight reference chart on top of the dumbbells. The selector pin creates a smooth transition in terms of changing the weight, and since it’s magnetized, it will always stay locked in place. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of adjustable dumbbells to make the most out of your available space, we think the PowerBlock Pro 50s are a great option.
Main Takeaways
- Since these adjustable dumbbells can replace 20 pairs of dumbbells, they’ll allow more space for storing other equipment.
- The PowerBlock Pro 50s offer weights ranging from five to 50 pounds in 2.5- and five-pound increments.
- The color-coded side rails and weight reference chart allow for a quick and easy weight adjustment process using the selector pin.
These adjustable dumbbells are a great space-saving option. They replace 20 individual dumbbells while only requiring the space needed for two standard shoe boxes.
PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells Video Review
Our reviews writer, Jake, tests these classic adjustable dumbbells during his detailed review. Follow along as he breaks down everything you need to know about these dumbbells — from the price to the features — and decide if you should add them to your home gym.
PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells Highlights
Maybe the best thing about these PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells is that they only require the amount of space that one pair of traditional dumbbells typically requires. For reference, each one is 13 inches long and seven inches wide, which is about the same size as a shoebox. This makes it easy to store them as well since they could be housed in your closet, or maybe even under your bed. This allows for space for more equipment, such as a kettlebell or two. It’s also pretty easy to adjust the weight. Just use the color-coded side rails and the weight reference chart to decide where to place the magnetized selector pin, and you’re ready to start lifting.
The selector pin provides five-pound increments from five to 50 pounds, but the ballast weights underneath the handle also allow for 2.5-pound increments. We understand that this weight cap may not be ideal for all athletes, but this is still a solid amount of weight for unilateral work — plus, it’s likely all the weight that many recreational athletes will need. PowerBlock does offer other versions of their adjustable dumbbells with weights as heavy as 90 pounds, but more often than not, you’ll find the five to 50-pound range to be pretty standard across the market.
Since there isn’t much plastic involved in construction, these can likely last you a lifetime as long as you treat them properly. It’s hard to ignore that they’re a bit bulky, and the rubber handle might not be your personal preference — but we still think these are a solid purchase for the average weightlifter to add to their home gym.
Who Should Buy the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Folks looking to add multiple pairs of dumbbells to their home gym, but are tight on space will want to target these since they replace 20 individual pairs and are about the size of a shoebox.
- Anyone who doesn’t need more than 50 pounds of weight should find these dumbbells ideal for their workout regimen.
- Customers who are looking to buy once, cry once. The minimal amount of plastic used ensures that these dumbbells should offer a lifetime of usage.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Anyone needing more than 50 pounds of weight will want to consider some more expensive options that offer weights as heavy as 80 or 90 pounds.
- Those who are on a tight budget may want to find a cheaper alternative. These dumbbells will run you around $600 (including taxes and shipping).
- The overall design of these dumbbells is a bit bulky when using the max weight. This may make certain exercises (like shoulder presses) feel awkward.
Price
The PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells are listed at around $500, but once you include shipping and taxes, you’ll see that price tag jump to around $600. You can always finance this purchase, but $600 is still a good chunk of change. Some companies offer their adjustable dumbbells for about half the price, but you can also find some that are about $300 more. The materials used for construction determine that price tag. Those cheaper options are likely to feature a lot of plastic, while the more expensive dumbbells will likely use more steel, a knurled handle, and may feature heavier weights.
Overall Build and Quality
One of our favorite things about the construction of these adjustable dumbbells is that there isn’t a ton of plastic used. The handle is in a “cage,” which is where you’ll find most of the plastic aside from the selector pin. This creates a pretty durable product that could potentially offer a lifetime of usage. The 1.5-inch diameter rubber handles feature a bit of an ergonomic shape, which means the middle of the handle is the thickest point. We didn’t have any setbacks with the handles, but understand that this design may not be for everyone. If you tend to have sweaty hands when working out, or maybe you just want the classic feeling of a knurled handle, you might want to consider some other options.
We also like that there isn’t a cradle for the dumbbells — the rectangular shape of these bells serves as a built-in cradle. This makes them easy to store and take on the road with you — plus, the flat base makes these a solid way to work in some push-ups between sets. The downside to the design, though, is that they’re pretty bulky when maxed out. This didn’t make a difference when doing dumbbell bench presses, but they did feel a bit funky when repping some shoulder presses.
Features
The PowerBlock Pro 50s can be set to weights as low as five pounds and feature a max weight of 50 pounds. These bells also feature a pair of ballast weights located underneath the handles that each weigh 2.5 pounds. This can be really helpful for anyone who doesn’t want to make that five-pound jump and would prefer a 2.5-pound one instead. To adjust the weight, just position the selector pin in the color-coded side rails, and you’re ready to start your workout. The reference chart located at the top of the dumbbells is also a great feature since it tells you exactly what weight each color represents.
The size of the dumbbells will increase as you go up in weight. This isn’t always the case with adjustable dumbbells and will be helpful for anyone using light weights for their exercises. However, these are pretty bulky when the weight is maxed out and could make things feel a little awkward during heavier lifts. The rubber handles are ergonomically shaped, and the urethane-coated steel weight plates feature a square design.
Adjustability
Adjusting the weight on the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells may be different than other adjustable dumbbells on the market, but we found it to be a quick process. The side rails on each dumbbell are color-coded to represent how heavy they are, and you can compare those colors to the reference chart on top of the dumbbell. Just pull out the selector pin, and slide it into the railing representing the weight you want to work out with. This pin is magnetized, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out mid-workout, and the correct plates will slide out with your handle.
Another cool thing about adjusting the weight here is that you have a pair of 2.5-pound ballast weights located under the handles. There’s a lever on top of the handle locked in place, but you can pull it down and slide out one or both of the weights if you want to make 2.5-pound jumps instead of five-pound jumps.
Weight Options
These dumbbells offer weights that range from five to 50 pounds in five-pound increments. But the chrome ballast weights located under the handles allow for 2.5-pound increments if you aren’t ready to make a five-pound jump in weight. While 50 pounds may be plenty for some accessory work, it might not be enough for athletes who need heavier weights for their workouts. This is a pretty common weight range, but PowerBlock does feature a 90-pound option if you’re interested.
Handle Grip and Comfort
The PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells feature an ergonomic handle with a 1.5-inch diameter. Ergonomic handles are thicker in the middle, so you can get a solid grip when lifting. These handles are made from rubber and don’t feature any pattern for additional grip.
We didn’t have any issues with maintaining a good grip during our workouts. Still, we understand why some people may not like this feature since it doesn’t provide the same level of grip that a knurled handle does.
Weight Plate Design
The weight plates on these dumbbells are square-shaped and are connected to the color-coded side rails. They don’t rattle too much when lifting, but you might notice it occasionally. These steel plates are also coated in urethane to protect the dumbbells from harm.
Product Specs
These adjustable dumbbells are an excellent option for anyone tight on space since each one individually is about the size of a shoe box (13” x 7”). Since the dumbbells double as cradles, they’re extremely portable. Place the selector pin on the 50-pound option, and you can easily move them around your space.
Dumbbell Type
These are adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells are an awesome solution for anyone who wants multiple pairs of dumbbells but is tight on space. Instead of having a bunch of dumbbells scattered across the floor or purchasing a large, expensive storage rack, these bells only need the space that two shoe boxes would require. Adjusting the weight is really easy since all you have to do is move the selector pin to your desired position, and you’re ready to go.
Size and Dimensions
The beauty of the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells is how little space they require. Most adjustable dumbbells also require space for a cradle, but that’s not the case here. The “cradle” is just the dumbbells themselves, as the rectangular shape of these bells should keep them right where you leave them when not in use.
Each dumbbell is 13 inches long, seven inches wide, and about seven inches tall. The size of the dumbbell you lift will be directly impacted by the weight you’re choosing and could be a bit of a problem as you’re working with the max weight. Even though they start to feel pretty bulky at higher weights, we became accustomed to it as we continued to work with these bells.
Portability
Out of all of the adjustable dumbbells we’ve worked out with, these take the cake regarding portability. Since the actual dumbbell serves as a cradle, they’re super easy to move around your space, as you don’t have to move both the dumbbells and their cradles. Just make sure the selector pin is positioned in the bottom 50-pound slot, and you can move them around freely.
Warranties
PowerBlock offers a 30-day return policy from the date you purchased your dumbbells, but you will be responsible for a 20 percent stocking fee. Most PowerBlock models feature a five-year limited warranty covering any manufacturing defects. While we think these will last you much longer than five years, we still suggest registering your PowerBlocks upon purchasing.
Places to Buy
You can buy the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells directly through the PowerBlock website, or through Rogue Fitness and Amazon.
Company Information
Since 1993, PowerBlock has been determined to create the best dumbbells in the world. They also are staying true to their values of helping people of all shapes and sizes achieve their fitness goals. To find out more about their operations, you can call their customer support number at 800-997-3999, or just head over to their ‘Contact Us’ page and fill out a request for a team member to email you.
Final Word
The PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells are a great space-saving solution for anyone tight on space, but wanting the utility that dumbbells provide. These specific PowerBlocks offer 2.5-pound and five-pound increments ranging from five to 50 pounds, which makes them ideal for recreational lifters. If you’re interested in a heavier set of dumbbells, you should check out the 90-pound PowerBlocks to accommodate your strength. These dumbbells can replace 20 individual pairs of dumbbells, and we think you can expect over 10 years of solid usage.
While they’re a little more expensive than what some people will want to pay, the construction of the Pro 50s leads to a sound product that could last you a lifetime. It’s also a quick process in terms of switching the weight. Place the magnetized selector pin in one of the color-coded side rails, and you’re ready to get after it. When you factor in the durability, minimal amount of space needed to house them, and utility they offer, we think the PowerBlock Pro 50s are a great option for recreational lifters looking to fully kit their home gym.
FAQs
How much do the PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells cost?
Including taxes and shipping, these adjustable dumbbells will run you around $600. While that may seem like a lot of money, they will be worth that price tag for those who don’t need more than 50 pounds of weight in each hand to work out. They’re also going to replace 20 individual pairs of dumbbells at a fraction of the cost and could last you a lifetime. So at the end of the day, we think the price tag is quite justified.
How easy is it to adjust the weight of the PowerBlock Pro 50s?
Adjusting the weight on these dumbbells is simple. Just position the selector pin in the correct color-coded side railing, and you’re ready to rock n’ roll. Since you also have a weight reference chart labeling what weight each color represents, you shouldn’t have any confusion when selecting the proper weight.
How much space do the PowerBlock Pro 50s take up?
The beauty of these adjustable dumbbells is that they don’t require much space. Each one is about the size of a shoe box since they’re 13 inches long, seven inches wide, and about seven inches tall. And since they don’t need a cradle, they take up even less space than competing adjustable dumbbells.
