Customer Reviews
The best overall option out there 
2008-05-05
I researched ways to have some home workout equipment that would be small enough to fit in my studio apartment while also providing the maximum benefit for the price.
These fit the bill perfectly. Adjusting the weight amount is seriously a 5 second process. It could not be easier.
I've heard good things about the Ironmaster dumbbells, but those are much more expensive than the Blocks. I highly recommend getting the stand for these, as it makes them more usable.
Great Dumbbells, Perfect for a small space. 2008-04-14
I'm one of the people who heavily relies on reviews but I never write them, I don't know why but I've never written reviews in the past. After using these dumbbells I had to make an exception.
These dumbbells are great especially in a small space, I live in an apartment and I don't have room for a whole rack of weights so I found these on amazon. I recieved them in about a week and I instantly started using them with P90X. You can switch the weights quickly which is a huge benefit when you're doing any type of workout that's on a DVD or Tape. They look a little awkward and their build is obviously different than a standard dumbbell but I haven't had any problems with the different moves on P90X.
If I had to pick something I didn't like, I would have to say that I don't like how much noise they make. Let me explain that, the dumbbells are very solid but when you're doing something like shoulder press, for example, I get a little nervous putting these things over my head because the plates "clang" together. It's something you get used to though, oh and one more thing when you put the pen inside the powerblock to chose a weight make sure the next plate in line doesn't stick to the weight you selected. I picked 35 lbs for one workout and the 40 lb. plate was stuck to the bottom and I didn't know it until the plate hit the floor, luckily I still have all my toes.
Well again these weights are great and I highly, highly, highly recommend these weights for someone that has a small space to put them and for someone that's doing P90X.
Very good set of dumbells 2008-04-06
The powerblocks are very well designed and function quite well. I recommend them to anyone trying to build a home gym or someone who just wants to do some exercises at home.
good quality very compact 
2008-03-10
PROS: Very compact design works well, and seems to be high quality changing weights is easier than you might think
CONS: Plates sometimes get stuck together if you select them improperly once
Convenience, convenience, convenience... 2008-02-22
...there's no question, this type of all-in-one adjustable multi-weight dumbbell is extremely attractive in terms of saving you space and money versus buying several sets of fixed-weight dumbbells, and saving you the tedium and time of changing plates on conventional dumbbells even if you use those tension spring-clips.
However, don't expect perfection...the inevitable downside is that the double-pin mechanism used to change the weight on these Powerblocks can itself be a little tricky at times. Definitely not ideal if you are into high-intensity training (multiple sets at different weight levels without any rest period in between each sets).
In fact I preferred the changing mechanism on the Bowflex dumbbells though as the other reviewers have stated, the Bowflex dumbbells are not only considerably more expensive but also have suspiciously flimsy design and build quality in comparison with these Powerblocks.
So in a nutshell, if you have the space and money, I'd still recommend spending the money and space to buy several sets of hexagonal fixed dumbbells...the speed and convenience is still far superior, especially for high-intensity workouts.
If you don't have the space and money to do that, and cannot or do not want to go to a gym, then these Powerblocks are indeed the best available option I've ever come across.
Keeping my fingers crossed that at some point in the future, technology will have evolved to create a truly quick and easy one-touch weight-adjusting mechanism!
Fantastic product and service 2008-07-04
I got my powerblocks in only a few days after ordering with super saver shipping. I started using them and right away I could see they were solidly built and I would not have the same issue with weights falling off with other selector dumbbells I heard horror stories about.
I did notice a small crack in the selector pin that was mainly a cosmetic issue. I called the support number and was quickly greeted by a support agent. After confirming the issue, he said there was a new pin on the way and sure enough there it was about two days later.
Overall great product and service experience.
Excellent Product 2008-05-27
I bought the PowerBlock because I did not want to have a bunch of dumbells sitting around my house. I could not be more pleased. The PowerBlocks look unusual but I did not notice any difference between the PowerBlock or a set of regular dumbells. The adjustable pins slow you down a little bit if you're doing some circuit training but that is the only gripe that I have. Overall, an excellent product at a cheaper price than the competition.
Powerblock Personal Works for me 2008-05-23
Powerblock Personal / Plus
Pros:
Solid, well constructed, quick weight change design.
Selector pin never loosens or requires mid work out tightening like other adjustables.
Although plates shift slightly when in motion I've never worried about the system failing.
10 Year warranty, made in the USA.
Truly portable with no need for a cradle or stand.
Despite other users complaints the Personal Plus handle upgrade works fine for me. The welded plates are so thin you would have to have monster hands for this to be an issue.
If you've ever looked at these on auctions sites or classifieds, they really hold their value.
Cons:
Plates do make a clanging noise when in motion.
Changing plates when you are really fatigued can be a challenge if you don't get the selector pin exactly straight.
Don't expect a fancy work out DVD or exercise chart, you just get a black and white instruction manual. I suggest the laminated posters.
Putting your hand into a rectangular box does take some getting used to.
Get the job done and a good value 2008-05-18
These powerblocks work as advertised. I preferred the bowflex adjustable dumbells due to the way their adjustment mechanisms work, but they were considerably more expensive and require the use of a base. These powerblocks work well overal and seem to be very well constructed. The magnetic pin mechanism works well, although sometimes it seems awkward inserting them, especially when the insert location is near the bottom of the blocks. Once the pins are inserted, the blocks are very reliable and stable. I've never experienced dropped or partially connected weights, which is something that can occur on the similarly priced weider adjustable dumbells.
Powerblock convert 2008-05-08
We bought these because my partner and I have very different strength levels and needs. We have individual weights all around the house and it was getting crazy. Now we just have the powerblocks and they work well for this purpose. They are a bit unwieldy to change the weight on (the Bowflex ones seemed better on this) and the square shape takes some getting used to, but in general we are highly satisfied with the purchase. We didn't get the stand, but we would highly recommend it.
