PowerBlock - Elite Set 5-90lbs

Elite Set 5-90lbs
PowerBlock

I got my PowerBlock about 7 years ago. They were and are a fantastic investment. My Elite Series goes from 2.5lbs a side to 90lbs a side. I also purchased the barbell and can go from 40lbs to 220lbs for the barbell. They take up only 2 square feet of floor space and changing weights takes seconds. My set replaces 28 pairs of dumbbells and 2565lbs of free weights. The set of dumbbells replaced by this kit is:

2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5, 70, 75, 77.5, 80, 85, 87.5 and 90lbs.

There are also two upgrade kits I do not have yet. The first is aluminum core replacing the Lexan 5lb core with a 10lb aluminum core. This actually fills in all the other weights from the above list taking this set from 2.5lbs to 95lbs in 2.5lb increments. The second add-on is the Elite Big Block Kit and expands this to 130lbs a side. Now personally I don't think I will ever need the 3rd add-on for the weight, but I would like to add the second set of handles.

The PowerBlock has gone through some modifications since I purchased my set. They now have rounded heads, and they have a new urethane series, basically the rounded version of my set but rubber coated to reduce noise, making them smoother and quieter. I have no plans to replace mine anytime soon.

A few people have asked me about limitations. The only exercise you can do with traditional dumbbells that you cannot do with this set is two-handed overhead triceps extension. I have also been asked to compare them to Bowflex SelectTech. I went to a local supply store and gave them a try on a few sets. They are a good product, but it all comes down to personal taste. I had the PowerBlock first and love them. They have also lasted years. I do not k

now anyone who has had the Bowflex products long. The other advantage of PowerBlock is they are expandable; you can buy the base set and add weights as your fitness level progresses, and they are expandable beyond the maximum weight of the BowFlex models. BowFlex has either a 90lb set or a 52.5lb set.

With the PowerBlock Sport you can start with a set that goes from 5-50 to start, expand to 90lbs and if ever needed even to 130lbs a side. The versatility factor goes to PowerBlock. The other advantage of PowerBlock is, if for some reason a plate breaks, or a weld goes, you can replace just the broken one - usually under warranty from what I have heard. If the select function on the BowFl ex goes you're out of luck - you lose all your dumbbells. The SelectTech does win out for speed of changing weight but not by enough to make it a significant factor. Therefore based on experience and versatility the PowerBlock is the way to go.

Other Fitness Articles:
Fall 2011 Programs
Workout program March 2012
My Gear February 2012
Fitness My Retrospective

TRX Articles:
TRX an Introduction
TRX Force
TRX Force Tactical
TRX Essential Flexibility

My P90X Series:
Phase I, Phase II, Gear, Phase III, Fitness Options, P90X at 120 Days Out

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The Ten Commandments Of Lifting Weights - Jared Zimmerer
Toadally Primal Smoothies - Todd Dosenberry
Caveman Resurection - Jeff Pickett
40 Days to Optimal Health - Dr. Scott Morris
Eat Stop Eat - Brad Pilon
The Primal Blueprint - Mark Sisson
The New Rules of Lifting - Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove
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Sly Moves by: Sylvester Stallone
Fit for Eternal Life: A Christian Approach to Working Out, Eating Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul by: Dr. Kevin Vost
Body for Life 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strenght by: Bill Phillips
Lose Fat Not Faith by Jeremy R. Likeness
Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success by: David Patchell-Evans
Dump your Trainer by: Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen