PowerBlock Elite 90 Adjustable 5 to 90-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

by Power Block

Product Features

• Pair of adjustable dumbbell weights for efficient, cost-effective strength training
• Adjusts from 5 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments
• Selector pin lets you change weights easily, just like with weight stack at the gym
• More compact and balanced than traditional dumbbells
• Offers maximum weight of 90 pounds per hand; limited 10-year warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The only dumbbell system that can expand to meet your strength needs, PowerBlock dumbbells are the most versatile and effective exercise tool ever developed for strength training. PowerBlocks work intuitively. Rather than requiring you to buy a room full of dumbbells, PowerBlocks act just like a weight stack at the gym, with a handle that fits inside the first weight, which fits inside the second, which fits inside the third, etc. When you want to change weights, you simply move the weight selector pin into the appropriate slot and you're set. As you lift the core, all the weights above the selector pin are lifted at the same time, turning your 5-pound dumbbell into a 10-pound dumbbell, or your 10-pound dumbbell into a 20-pound dumbbell. Not only is the system remarkably easy to use, but it's also cost- and space-efficient, as a single pair of dumbbells can do the work of dozens.

This Elite 90 set adjusts from 5 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, in effect doing the job of 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells. In essence, you'll be storing 2,565 pounds of free weights while taking up the space of just one dumbbell air (each 90-pound dumbbell is only 16 inches in length). And if that's not enough for your workouts, you can expand the set to 130 pounds per hand using the 8-11 Elite Big Block kit. Boasting black powder-coated weight plates in a traditional square shape, the free weights are ideal whether you're trying to build muscle mass, firm and tone your physique, or get rid of unwanted body fat. The Elite 90 dumbbells measure 16 by 6 by 6 inches (W x H x D) each and carry a 10-year limited warranty.

Product Description

The Elite 90 Set equals/replaces 28 pair of dumbbells or 2565 lbs of free weights in the space of one pair.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 6 inches ; 180 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 184 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B001CC724W
• Item model number: Elite 90 Set
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,640 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerblocks Vs. IronMaster from someone who owns BOTH, March 3, 2009

By 

BlackSCRunner (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

After years of collecting the old standard hex dumbells, and trying to maintain a home gym in the city in various apartments (usually in the common basement) I found the PowerBlock dumbells. For someone without a dedicated room (with lots of space) for their workout equipment, these are fantastic dumbells. They go up to 85 or 90lbs without the add-on kit, and they are super fast and easy to change the weight. They are pricey, but considering the amount of dumbells they replace, well worth it, for the right user.

After using the PowerBlock setup for a couple years I came across IronMaster, another brand with adjustable dumbells. They go to 75lbs without the add-on kit, and cost a little less than the PowerBlock dumbells. I have BOTH in my home gym now, and I will go over the pros and cons of each for those of you trying to decide on a set up like this.

PowerBlocks:

Pros: Well made, comfortable grip, fast and easy to change the weight in 10lb increments, nice stand included, made in USA, ability to go up to 85-90lbs as is, and 120lbs with add-on. Excellent for exercises where you change weight quickly or frequently. Square dumbells don't roll.

Cons: Funky design with 4 pillars around your hand/wrist. It works, but it makes me nervous at higher weights that if I were to drop them I could somehow catch my wrist in there and hurt myself. Difficult to quickly switch weights in increments smaller than 10lbs. This is a problem for many exercises. Although they are sturdy, and have never given out on me, they rattle and the plates move a little when you use them. Again, they seem sturdy but when doing shoulder or bench press it's a little disconcerting. You need to make sure the magnetic pins are fully inserted and in the right spot or disaster could ensue. The dumbells get long when using a lot of weight which can be somewhat awkward for certain exercises.

Overall: These dumbells are best for exercises where you change the weight frequently, or quickly, and work best for non-press exercises in my experience. The add-on kit is a nice option, but the dumbells are already pretty long at 85-90lbs, so it may be impractical for a lot of exercises. They were the first of their kind, they are still a serious contender in this ring.

IronMaster:

Pros: Well Made. More traditional looking & feeling dumbells. Up to 75lbs as is, and 125lbs with kit. Not as long as PowerBlocks, no awkward pillars to stick your hand in between. Nice stand included. Great bench and other accessories available (better than PowerBlock bench after using both). No rattling or moving of plates when in use. Sturdy and well balanced and made in USA. Excellent for press exercises. Just as quick to change the weight in 2.5lb or 5lb increments as it is by 10lbs or more.

Cons: Takes significantly longer to change the weight than PowerBlocks. For press exercises I find this to be less of an issue, but for curls and other quick change exercises it's a bit of a pain. No locking mechanism for the screw in pins. This has never been an issue, or caused a dumbell to fall apart during use, but there's no locking mechanism (or magnet such as PowerBlocks) just friction preventing the pin from unscrewing. I'm not too worried about it, but it has crossed my mind.

Overall: These dumbells are best for users who use higher weights for press exercises and want the traditional look and feel of a dumbell you might find in the gym. They don't rattle or move, and are very solid. They also go higher in weight than the PowerBlocks with the add-on kit, and cost less. Not as good for users using ligher weight and requiring quick changes.

Conclusion: For me, having both pairs is a pretty good set up, but If I were to choose just one, I would stick with the IronMaster. I like them for their sturdiness and lack of rattling especially when using heavy weight. In addition to the IronMaster, I would buy a cheaper set of adjustable dumbells with a lower maximum weight (50lbs maybe) that could be easily adjusted in 5lb (or smaller) increments to use for curls and kickbacks etc...and stick with the IronMaster for the heavier weights, where I really don't mind the extra minute of rest to change the weight! In fact, I think I will sell my PowerBlocks and get a set up like this, and have some money left over for Muscle Milk! :)

P.S. the IronMaster adjustable bench is the BEST I have used!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I had known sooner...., March 15, 2009

By 

Truth Teller (Hoboken, New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PowerBlock Elite 90 Adjustable 5 to 90-Pounds per Dumbbell Set (Sports)

Since my local "weight" gym went down I've been nowhere and didn't even know about this option. Just picked these up, the feeling of being back in "the game" is simply awesome. Combined with Ironmaster's Superbench, crunch/decline and dip attachment you are ready to go in a space less than 4' x 6'. (I had tested the pullup attachment rated to 300 pounds and was surprised at the stability: I'm 200.)

For my condo, a small side room with a closet was just begging for this solution. Not cheap, but for any reasonable athlete who mixes weight and cardio training (I'm a swimmer) it doesn't get any better than this. Some people can get the lower priced 45 pound set but most guys are going to want to have more weight to grow into and at 90 pounds this will be the sweet spot for the majority of guys. You can get the expansion kit beyond it and that's the only downside it the upgrade is somewhat pricey but it's still worth it IMHO should that day come.

One point to consider is the comfort of using the product as you can also get rid of your weight gloves with these. They are so comfortable gloves aren't necessary. Was considering the Ironmaster adjustable dumbells too. They are more standard in the geometry but the feel does require gloves or you must have some serious hands. Also the design is so well done around the hand on the Powerblock that the balance is definitely a nice improvement over the standard dumbell.

With these and a great bench, no more waiting to get to weights in the gym, no more trying to squeeze in work while waiting for a place. And no more see sawing on your gains because you can't get to the gym. These are just awesome for space, convenience, effectiveness and there's no beating the speed of changing the weight.

Also, Powerblock is made in the good ole USA.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most versatile set of Dumbells, ever, October 12, 2008

By 

Eagle Vision (Southeastern United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

I have owned this set of dumbells since 1998. Changing the resistance from one level to the next is as easy as removing the pins and setting the pins on the next level (by 10 lb increments). If you do workouts requiring finer adjustments, 2.5 or 5 lbs, then the handle has to be separated.

As you do a chest press with 75 lbs, it gets challenging, since the set gets wider. However, aside from that, bent rows, curls, shoulder presses, squats, triceps extensions are easy. Wrist curls are a little cumbersome but manageable.

The finish is relatively durable but over a period of 5 years, the enamel does chip off. However, it is not rusting, even after 10 years.

The handles are padded and comfortable.

These are not resistant to damage when dropped so you need complete control with these weights.

Given the modular design, it fits in a space of 2 shoeboxes.

I highly recommend this set. It WILL be the last set of dumbells you EVER buy again.