Bowflex isn't the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand at a much lower price point. For a limited time, Woot is offering a pair of PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells (5-50lbs) for just $239.99, or 50% cheaper than the Bowflex SelectTech 552. There's a $5 shipping fee, which is reasonable when you consider the fact that the package is going to weigh over 100 pounds. Amazon Prime members get free shipping.
For those who need more than 50 pounds of weight per dumbbell, Woot is also selling PowerBlock expansion kits (50-70 pounds and 70-90 pounds) for just $119.99 each. The Bowflex SelectTech 552, on the other hand, is not expandable and you would have to pay $800 for the upgraded 1090 model.
PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells Are on Sale
- Stage 2 Expansion Kit (50 to 70lb) for $119.99
- Stage 3 Expansion Kit (70 to 90lb) for $119.99
Each dumbbell in the PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 starter set is adjustable from 5 pounds all the way to 50 pounds. You can adjust the weight in 2.5 to 5-pound increments with just a turn of a dial, and the plates are all neatly contained and take up significantly less floor space than an entire rack of individual dumbbells.
One great feature of these PowerBlocks is that once you're ready to move beyond 50 pounds, you don't have to go out and buy an entirely new set of adjustable dumbbells. The expansion kits allow you to seamlessly add even more weight to your existing PowerBlocks – all the way up to 90 pounds – at a very reasonable cost.
The quality of these PowerBlock dumbbells are great. I've tried them myself and they are every bit as solid and well built as the Bowflex SelectTech. Just about every piece that matters – like the plates and frame – is made out of metal. The handles are rubber coated so your grip won't slip, and the weight adjustment dial is smooth and intuitive. PowerBlock backs these dumbbells with a five-year warranty.
Free weights are a great choice for anyone who wants to work out at home but is limited on space. A pair of dumbbells is all the equipment you need to get access to a wide range of exercises that can target just about every muscle in your upper and lower body. Supplement your free weight exercises with cardio and other workouts that use your own body weight as resistance (like pushups, burpees, or squats) and you may never need to purchase more equipment.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
