Now that’s Playing with Power: PowerBlock Review

Disclaimer

This review is NOT sponsored by PowerBlock. These were purchased with actual hard-earned money!

First, Let’s Take a Trip back to the 90s

If there was a word to completely encapsulate the advancements the 90s it would be . . .

Super.

Why?

If you were a kid in the 90s, you had a lot going for you.

The World Wide Web made its debut to the masses, CDs quickly overtook cassette tapes, and you had advancements in home entertainment.

You had super entertainment.

You had the Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The power this system had for its time was groundbreaking!

16-bit graphics and mode 7? Super FX? Woah!

When you played SNES, not only did you play with Power.

You played with Super Power.

It’s this Super Power that perfectly describe the PowerBlocks.

The Goal . . .

PowerBlock has been around since 1993 and since then, they sought to accomplish one goal: to create “The World’s Best Dumbell.”

But how?

What makes these adjustable dumbells worthy of that title?

We already know that gyms are a great way to stay healthy and fit.

For those looking to melt fat away, weight resistance training is your best friend.

Why not just go to the gym?

Life gets in the way, and it’s not always easy to drive to the gym before or after work.

Home gyms are slowly but surely becoming the new norm.

Unfortunately, there is only so much equipment you can own before it becomes a cluttered mess. 

It’s only a matter of time before the home becomes worthy of a TLC special.

Never fear: PowerBlocks are here!

The PowerBlocks aim to clear space in your home with their compact design.

There are multiple models for sale: Pro 32, Pro 50, Pro EXP,  and Elite USA. 

The pair being reviewed is the Elite USA, which is similar to the first model released in 1993. 

Note: It is important to know which model to buy as some models have room for expansion:

The Pro EXP and Elite USA models have two extra expansions sold separately. 

The Pro 32 and the Pro 50 are NOT expandable! 

If you plan to grow your set of PowerBlocks as you grow in strength, do NOT get the Pro 32 or the Pro 50 models.

How do They Look? Are They Well-Built?

The PowerBlocks (as the name implies) are two behemoth block-shaped dumbbells.

They perfectly describe the blocky nature of 90s technology, like tube TVs and game consoles.

Although comical-looking, this design makes them compact and easy to store anywhere. They sit flat and are not rolling anywhere like traditional dumbbells.

Like 90s tech, these blocks were made to last.

Each Block is made up of several layers of well-constructed welded steel. Weight can be adjusted from 5 to 50 pounds. The two expansions (sold separately) go up to 70 and 90.

The center is made up of durable plastic and each dumbbell has two 2.5lb weights hiding inside for precise weight control. 

Are They Easy to Use? How Good are They?

I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the PowerBlocks were to use.

I was expecting it to feel similar to an NES controller.

You know, the blocky one with the corners that dig into your palms.

Inside the cage-like structure is a comfortable rubber grip that makes it easy to hold.

It’s like using a SNES controller; it’s rounded and fits easily into the hands.

For those looking for a more traditional experience, PowerBlock does sell a knurled grip, which requires assembly on the part of the buyer.

There’s nothing wrong with those who like to play it old school.

Switching weight is like switching a game cartridge. The plastic divider attached to the center block can easily be taken out to add more weight as needed.

Each layer is also color-coded to make sure you are lifting what you need. The center block also has a handy guide to tell you which color is associated with which amount weight.

Bench presses and Romanian Deadlifts are made easier to do thanks to their design. It’s easy to see how aligned you are with their rectangular shape.

However, this can work against itself.

This may prove to be cumbersome to those who wear a watch or those who have larger hands. 

I personally don’t always wear a watch, but the times I do, I am nervous about hitting the watch on the columns inside. It hasn’t happened yet!

Performing leg exercises like Lying Hamstring Curls will prove to be difficult (but could probably be done with some creativity).

Despite their durable build, you do NOT want to drop these dumbbells!

Like normal dumbbells, you don’t want to break your foot. These cover more space compared to a traditional dumbbell, so please don’t break your toes.

On top of your toes, dropping these could bend the frame of each layer, thus ruining the layers of the block and rendering them useless. 

While it’s likely the floor will give before the Blocks, you probably don’t want to drop them.

The best advice I would give to those using PowerBlock for the first time is to know your limits.

Price?

The PowerBlocks will run you $419.00.

Each expansion (50 lbs and 90 lbs) will cost $189.00. If you want both expansion sets and the Blocks, you’re looking at around $800 for a complete set. 

If you’re a strongman, bodybuilder, looking to get yolked, or a perfectionist maniac who absolutely needs a complete set, buy all three.

The company also sells stands for your PowerBlocks ranging from $89.00 – $239.00.

That’s Pretty Pricey!

While the Blocks along their accessories themselves can prove to be expensive to most, consider this:

You are paying for the convenience of storage space and a durable product that’s bound to last for years.

It is easier to store these rather than an entire set of dumbbells.

This leaves you with more space to build your dream home gym!

So, are they Good?

Absolutely!

While the PowerBlocks deviate away from gym tradition, they make a great addition to any home gym setup. 

They are built to last for years to come.

The PowerBlocks are not only an essential product for those looking to start a home gym, but they are the perfect start to building a home gym.

When you play with PowerBlocks, you play with Power!