Best Overall
PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50lb
Key details
- Material
- Powder-coated steel
- Max Weight
- 50 lb (expandable to 90 lb)
- Safety Lock
- Selector pin with reinforced handle
- Expandability
- Expandable kits to 70 or 90 lb
Magnetic 2.5‑lb selector pins let you shift from 5 to 50 lb in seconds, with no twisting or sliding plates to wrestle. The powder-coated steel block design packs a full dumbbell rack into a footprint smaller than a yoga mat, and expansion kits take it to 70 or 90 lb as strength grows. The magnetic pin engages securely without feeling cheap, keeping interruptions minimal.
This set fits dedicated home lifters who want precise progression and a small footprint. It’s overkill for casual dabblers, and the rectangular cage can feel awkward during curls — a tradeoff that serious strength trainees accept for the 2.5‑lb jumps and space economy. The selector pin may need replacement after years of heavy use, but the 5‑year warranty covers such eventualities.
💡 For curls, try a neutral grip or accept a slightly different feel — the rapid weight changes outweigh the adjustment.
Pros
- 2.5 lb magnetic selector swaps weights in seconds, keeping rest intervals short.
- Compact block design stores 5 to 50 lb in one small footprint.
- Powder-coated steel and 5‑year warranty support years of daily use.
Cons
- Curls and hammer curls feel unnatural due to the rectangular cage shape.
- Selector pin or handle can develop cracks in occasional cases.
The PowerBlock Elite EXP suits lifters who prioritize progressive overload and floor space over a conventional dumbbell shape — its 2.5‑lb magnetic jumps and expandable capacity are unmatched in this tier.