Was I a fool for purchasing powerbloks?

[PaulWog]

I bought two powerblok u90's (5-50lb adjustable) thinking that it was the best way to go about things. This one salesguy was nice enough to walk me through things, and he even tried talking me into buying less in some cases... so when he recommended the powerbloks, I believed him. Locally I couldn't find 1-inch weights for spindle-lock dumbbells, so I thought that my only option was powerbloks.

I then found out that there are olympic dumbbells the other day! I've been lifting for two years and never heard of such a thing. And the guys at the store pretty much acted like they didn't exist (not that I asked... but I was asking about my dumbbell options). I already purchased a bunch of olympic plates, so the dumbbells would've done everything the powerbloks do anyways.

Was I swindled into buying these fancy powerbloks? Or are they still really useful? I'd love some input... maybe positive input as to why they might still be useful lol.

[Trevy-trev]

you will enjoy using the powerblocks a lot more than olympic dumbells.

The adjustment time is quicker and more convenient, they are more compact(won't bump your legs when doing curls etc...), safer(there are few, if any olympic collars I would trust while holiding the dumbell on end above my head with heavy weight).

[DamonB82]

I thought that when I got olympic dumbbell handles I'd be happy.......sold dem ****s, hated them. I've had little experience with powerblocks, but from that little experience I know I liked them more than the oly handles. I chose to go with individual dumbbells and don't regret it...

[ira_est_a_donum]

agreed... you will love the powerblocks so much more vs olympic dumbbells.... where you went wrong was buying them instore... should have searched craigslist and got a good used set for cheap.... if you can return them... might consider it if you can find a pair on craigslist....

I love my powerblocks...!! and ive had olympic dumbbells before...

[KeithTheSnake]

One more vote for the power blocks over oly handles. One more vote for returning them and buying a used pair. It's a shame, but they're so danged expensive new.

[dumb.bell]

I would much rather have powerblocks than olympic dumbbells, and I think most people on this board are going to agree.

[tubtime]

i love my pb's thay are way quicker to go from weight too weight

[KBKB]

One thing that the OP gets with new PowerBlocks as opposed to used PowerBlocks is a warranty. The PowerBlock warranty - and indeed most warranties on other items too - only applies to the original owner.

[TonkaTom]

I like them.

[Mayze]

One thing that the OP gets with new PowerBlocks as opposed to used PowerBlocks is a warranty. The PowerBlock warranty - and indeed most warranties on other items too - only applies to the original owner.

^^ This. The urethane model that you own have a lifetime warranty.

[nogoodnameslef4]

one of the best investments for a home gym you can make

[ironwill2008]

I would never lift a pair of Olympic dumbbells over my face/head.

[smokeater]

I bought two powerblok u90's (5-50lb adjustable) thinking that it was the best way to go about things. This one salesguy was nice enough to walk me through things, and he even tried talking me into buying less in some cases... so when he recommended the powerbloks, I believed him. Locally I couldn't find 1-inch weights for spindle-lock dumbbells, so I thought that my only option was powerbloks.

I then found out that there are olympic dumbbells the other day! I've been lifting for two years and never heard of such a thing. And the guys at the store pretty much acted like they didn't exist (not that I asked... but I was asking about my dumbbell options). I already purchased a bunch of olympic plates, so the dumbbells would've done everything the powerbloks do anyways.

Was I swindled into buying these fancy powerbloks? Or are they still really useful? I'd love some input... maybe positive input as to why they might still be useful lol.

Powerblocks are just fine. Just take care of them. They are a bit insanely priced but they do perform well. Just pay attention to the pin, as some of them have been known to wear over time.

[WheyBeastly]

I bought two powerblok u90's (5-50lb adjustable) thinking that it was the best way to go about things. This one salesguy was nice enough to walk me through things, and he even tried talking me into buying less in some cases... so when he recommended the powerbloks, I believed him. Locally I couldn't find 1-inch weights for spindle-lock dumbbells, so I thought that my only option was powerbloks.

I then found out that there are olympic dumbbells the other day! I've been lifting for two years and never heard of such a thing. And the guys at the store pretty much acted like they didn't exist (not that I asked... but I was asking about my dumbbell options). I already purchased a bunch of olympic plates, so the dumbbells would've done everything the powerbloks do anyways.

Was I swindled into buying these fancy powerbloks? Or are they still really useful? I'd love some input... maybe positive input as to why they might still be useful lol.

Powerblocks are good stuff; got a pair myself. FYI, you got U-50's, not U-90's if they are urethane ones and go up to a rated or w/e 50lbs.

[Zaith]

It's okay to have powerblocks, they are better than db.

[WheyBeastly]

It's okay to have powerblocks, they are better than db.

Powerblocks ARE dumbbells.

[Mayze]

Powerblocks are good stuff; got a pair myself. FYI, you got U-50's, not U-90's if they are urethane ones and go up to a rated or w/e 50lbs.

Not necessarily. U90 stage 1 are only 50lbs.

[Chivalrous]

Man I saw these the other day, but thought they were a gimmick, nice to see all the support on them, maybe i'll consider buying some..

[tubtime]

It's okay to have powerblocks, they are better than db.

rflmao

[Coke_Zero]

I've been after some Powerblock 9.0 stage I & II for a while now. In the UK they are about £400 just for stage I and another £250 for stage II. Never seen any second hand on eBay and Craigslist here in the UK isn't very popular.

I have Olympic dumbbells and whilst they do the job, it can take a few minutes to change the weight on the bars and by then I feel I am losing any effort put into the previous set.

Apart from buying 5-90lb dumbbells at the cost of thousands Powerblocks are the way to go.

[darkfact]

I'm pretty far from being a fan of pb's. I used to own a set and sold them for another type of adjustable db. That being said, I've also owned oly db handles and those were definitely worse than pb's, if I could only choose between the two, I'd have to go with the pb's. I'd say you didn't get swindled but there are more options out there for sure.

[booyagasha]

U are a powerblock if u buy powerblocks

[Thremix]

IRONMASTERS are the way to go, if speed is not an issue.... Even then they are pretty quick...