PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells vs BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells
PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells (#1, best overall) vs BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells (#5, best budget): in our Adjustable Dumbbells scoring the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells totals 8.8/10 and the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells 6.7/10.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells | BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 5-50 lbs each (expandable to 90) | 5-52.5 lbs each |
| Increments | 2.5 & 5 lbs (adder weights) | 2.5 lbs (5-25), then 5 lbs (25-52.5) |
| Dimensions | 12" x 6" x 6" | 16.9" x 8.3" x 9" |
| Adjustment | Magnetic selector pin | Dial system + trays |
| Warranty | 5-year residential | 2-year parts |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our adjustable dumbbells scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells and the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells made our Top 5 Adjustable Dumbbells, at #1 (best overall) and #5 (best budget). Best long-term system: expandable to 90 lbs per hand with the smallest footprint (12" x 6" x 6"). Magnetic selector pin with 2.5 lb adder weights and a 5-year warranty back serious durability. 15 weight settings with 2.5 lb steps early on. Most recognized brand, but bulky constant-length design and a 2025 CPSC recall on older 552/1090 models warrant caution.
We score adjustable dumbbells on Motion Quality (35%), Build Quality (25%), Features (20%), Footprint (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells totals 8.8 out of 10 and the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells 6.7. The widest gap is Build Quality, where the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells scores 9 against 6 for the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells: materials, mechanism durability, warranty. Features also separates them: 9 for the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 7 for the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Weight Range: 5-50 lbs each (expandable to 90) on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 5-52.5 lbs each on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells; Increments: 2.5 & 5 lbs (adder weights) on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 2.5 lbs (5-25), then 5 lbs (25-52.5) on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells; Dimensions: 12" x 6" x 6" on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 16.9" x 8.3" x 9" on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells; Adjustment: Magnetic selector pin on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus Dial system + trays on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells; Warranty: 5-year residential on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 2-year parts on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells for expandable to 70/90 lbs per hand and most compact design (12" x 6" x 6"); the most common complaint is rectangular/caged shape can inhibit some movements. Owners praise the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells for 15 weight settings (2.5 lb steps early) and familiar dial adjustment; the most common complaint is very bulky (16.9" x 8.3" x 9").
PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
- Expandable to 70/90 lbs per hand
- Most compact design (12" x 6" x 6")
- 2.5 lb micro-increments with adder weights
- 5-year residential warranty
- Rectangular/caged shape can inhibit some movements
- Wrist cage takes getting used to
- Expansion kits sold separately
BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells
- 15 weight settings (2.5 lb steps early)
- Familiar dial adjustment
- Includes trays
- App membership trial bundled
- Very bulky (16.9" x 8.3" x 9")
- Constant length interferes with some exercises
- 2025 CPSC recall on older 552/1090 models
Which should you buy?
The PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells is the better fit for long-term home gym investment and those wanting expandability; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Build Quality and Features. The BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells is the better fit for those wanting fine early increments and beginners wanting recognizable brand. The PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells is a poor fit for those wanting traditional dumbbell shape; the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells is a poor fit for compact space needs.
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells if
- Long-term home gym investment
- Those wanting expandability
- Space-conscious users
Skip it if
- Those wanting traditional dumbbell shape
- Commercial gym use
Choose the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells if
- Those wanting fine early increments
- Beginners wanting recognizable brand
- Those preferring dial adjustment
Skip it if
- Compact space needs
- Drop-friendly use
Common questions
Is the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells better than the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells?
In our Adjustable Dumbbells ranking the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells scores higher overall, 8.8 to 6.7, with the biggest advantage in Build Quality. The BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells does not out-score it on any criterion we weigh.
What is the main difference between the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells and the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells?
The headline spec difference is Weight Range: 5-50 lbs each (expandable to 90) on the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells versus 5-52.5 lbs each on the BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells. In use, the gap that matters most is Build Quality (9 vs 6 in our scoring): materials, mechanism durability, warranty.