Our family has been using PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells for years, and they’ve become a cornerstone of our small home gym. Working out 5-6 days a week, we rely heavily on durable, versatile, and compact equipment to keep up with our fitness goals.
As a large family committed to staying active and living well on a budget, building a home gym has been a practical solution for us. With seven children, space and cost are significant considerations, so we’ve chosen equipment that offers maximum versatility and durability without breaking the bank. Over the years, we’ve invested in PowerBlock dumbbells, and they’ve proven to be an excellent choice for our needs. Here’s how three PowerBlock models compare, along with a set of Weider Tech PowerSwitch adjustable dumbbells.
You can see that even after many years of use, they are are still in pretty good shape. The stickers have fallen off or been damaged, but the weights haven’t been affected.
1. PowerBlock Sport 2.4
- Purchased: 4 years ago
- Weight Range: 3-24 lbs per hand
- Incremental Options: 3 lbs (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 lbs)
- Dimensions: 10” L x 5.5” W x 5.5” H
- Features: Rubber grip handle, easy weight identification
Pros:
- Compact and easy to store
- Ideal for beginners and lighter workouts
- Comfortable rubber grip
- 3 lb increments
Cons:
- Limited to 24 lbs per hand
I bought these for my wife, and they’ve been her go-to dumbbells. Their compact size and lightweight range make them perfect for her fitness needs, particularly for exercises requiring lower weights. The rubber grip ensures comfort and stability, while the 3-pound increments provide a good variety for gradual progression. This model is a budget-friendly option for starting out but may require upgrading as fitness levels progress.
View PowerBlock Sport 2.4 on Amazon
2. PowerBlock Sport 9.0
- Purchased: 15 years ago
- Weight Range: 2.5-50 lbs per hand
- Incremental Options: 2.5 lbs (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 lbs)
- Expandable: Yes, to 90 lbs
- Dimensions: 12” L x 6.5” W x 6.5” H
Pros:
- Built to last—15 years of daily use and still going strong
- Replaces multiple pairs of dumbbells, saving both space and money
- Wide range of increments for all fitness levels
Cons:
- No longer available for purchase
- Slightly bulky at maximum weights
These dumbbells are the heart of our home gym. They’ve stood the test of time, handling rigorous daily workouts without issue. While the lack of availability is a downside, newer models like the PowerBlock EXP offer similar features with modern upgrades. For large families on a budget, these dumbbells eliminate the need for a costly and space-consuming rack.
3. PowerBlock EXP
- Purchased: This year
- Weight Range: 5-50 lbs per hand (expandable to 70 lbs and 90 lbs per hand)
- Incremental Options: 2.5 lbs (5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 lbs)
- Expandable: Yes, to 70 lbs (Stage II) and 90 lbs (Stage III)
- Dimensions: 12” L x 6.5” W x 6.5” H
Pros:
- Open handle design for comfort
- Expandable weight range up to 90 lbs
- Quick and seamless adjustments
Cons:
- Expansion kits sold separately
We recently upgraded to the PowerBlock EXP for its heavier weight range and expandability. The open handle design is a fantastic improvement over the older models, offering better grip and comfort for larger hands. The expansions allow us to scale up to 90 lbs per hand, making these ideal for both my wife and me. Adjusting the weights is quick and seamless, and the compact design saves significant space compared to traditional dumbbell racks. We recently upgraded to the PowerBlock EXP for its heavier weight range and expandability. The open handle design is a fantastic improvement over the older models, offering better grip and comfort for larger hands. The expansions allow us to scale up to 90 lbs per hand, making these ideal for both my wife and me. Adjusting the weights is quick and seamless, and the compact design saves significant space compared to traditional dumbbell racks. Additionally, I’ve found that the PowerBlock EXP and its Stage II and Stage III expansion kits are regularly available on Woot, which is a great place to snag these upgrades at competitive prices. These are a must-have for serious weightlifters or anyone progressing beyond beginner levels.
View PowerBlock EXP on Amazon Shop Expansion Kits on Woot
4. Weider Tech PowerSwitch Adjustable Dumbbells
- Purchased: 8 years ago
- Weight Range: Up to 50 lbs per hand
- Incremental Options: 2.5 lbs
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Decent weight range for general fitness
Cons:
- Cumbersome adjustment mechanism without the tray
- Excessive length impacts balance and usability
We initially bought the Weider dumbbells as a lower-cost alternative, but they’ve seen limited use. The adjustment mechanism is inconvenient, especially in a busy household where time matters. Additionally, their length makes them less practical for exercises requiring precision. While they’re competitively priced, we’ve found the PowerBlock models to be a better value for our family.
Why PowerBlocks Work for Large Families
Building a home gym is an investment, especially for big families with varying fitness levels. Here’s why PowerBlocks are our top pick:
- Space-Saving: Their compact design is perfect for small spaces, leaving room for other activities.
- Cost-Effective: One set replaces dozens of dumbbells, making them a long-term budget-friendly choice.
- Adaptable: Models like the EXP grow with your needs, ensuring they remain useful as your fitness evolves.
- Durability: With 15 years of use behind our Sport 9.0s, these dumbbells are built to last.
While the upfront cost may seem steep, PowerBlocks pay for themselves over time by eliminating the need for gym memberships or constant equipment upgrades. For large families looking to stay fit without overspending, PowerBlock dumbbells are an investment worth making.
