Dumbbells are an integral part of most home gyms. Understanding the various features, functionality and cost of SelectTech and PowerBlock dumbbells will help you make the correct choice for you.
Adjustability
Both the SelectTech and PowerBlock dumbells are designed to reduce the amount of equipment you need in your home. Your entire rack of dumbells fits into one small space by having all of your weights in one adjustable stack. SelectTech dumbbells adjust with the simple turn of a dial. PowerBlock dumbbells are adjusted with a pin that is inserted into the various weight blocks.
Weight Ranges
SelectTech Dumbbells are available in two sizes. A smaller set includes weights that range from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds. It is designed to replace 15 sets of weights. The larger set adjusts from 10 pounds to 90 pounds and replaces the space of 17 sets of dumbbells. The PowerBlock dumbbells are the heaviest weights available, according to PowerBlock.com. They have three sets of sizes including 50 pounds, 90 pounds and 130 pounds. PowerBlock dumbbells have an expandable feature that allows you to build more weight onto an existing set.
Storage and Mobility
SelectTech dumbbells have a small base that must be used to adjust them. They are not easily mobile and are better kept in one place in your home gym. PowerBlock dumbbells do not need a base to adjust them but have stands that can be used for storage. PowerBlock dumbbells are also not easy to transport and are best left in one place.
Cost
Purchasing a new SelectTech set of dumbbells will cost you $399 for the 50 pound set and $599 for the 90 pound set. The SelectTech dumbbells were found to be as low as $225 for a used 50 pound set on eBay in September 2010. PowerBlocks start at a cost of $379 for a 50 pound set and up to $638 for a 90 pound set. The stand and expanded set up to 130 pounds is an additional cost.
Should You Buy Them
The benefits of both systems is the small space they consume in your home gym. The SelectTech dumbbells only adjust to 50 pounds, which can be limiting for some athletes. For 99 percent of the population, that amount of weight is sufficient. The PowerBlocks are not as easily adjustable with the pin systems but have the advantage of achieving higher weight ranges. Fitness Training at Home makes a great suggestion that if you can't see yourself ever using weights that are much heavier than a few pounds, then it's probably a waste of money investing in these type of weights.
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