ProductViper · Head-to-head · Adjustable Dumbbells & Home Gyms
SelectTech 552 vs PowerBlock Elite EXP
Both are pairs, both cost about $400, and both top out around 50 lb per hand. The choice is a round dumbbell with a twist dial versus a steel block that grows to 90 lb.
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BowFlex SelectTech 552 Results Series
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 (5-50 lb)
Which one should you buy?
Buy the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Results Series if you want a round-dumbbell feel and the fastest weight change, and 52.5 lb per hand is enough. Two twist dials in the tray pick the plates, and it has the best star rating in the category at 4.7.
Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 (5-50 lb) if you want steel plates, a 5-year warranty and room to grow. Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits, sold separately, take each hand to 70 or 90 lb.
Side-by-side specs
| SelectTech 552 | PowerBlock Elite EXP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Amazon, Sept 2026) | $399.00 | $399.99 |
| ViperScore | 82 · Good Buy | 88 · Strong Buy |
| Sold as | Pair | Pair |
| Weight range per hand | 5 to 52.5 lb | 5 to 50 lb |
| Settings per hand | 15 | 16 |
| Increments | 2.5 lb to 25 lb, then mostly 5 lb | 2.5 lb via the adder weight, mixed 2.5/5 lb steps |
| Expandable | No | Yes, to 70 or 90 lb per hand (kits sold separately) |
| Weight selection | Twist dial on each end | Magnetic selector pin |
| Plate material | Metal-reinforced plates, plastic and rubber body | Powder-coated steel |
| Size per dumbbell | About 16.9 x 8.3 x 9 in | 12 x 6 x 6 in |
| Shape | Round, long | Square block, short and wide |
| Included extras | Two storage trays; 2-month JRNY app trial | — |
| Stars (ratings) | 4.7 (271) | 4.6 (2,657) |
| Warranty | 2-year parts | 5-year residential |
Where each one wins
Why the SelectTech 552 still makes sense
- Round dumbbell feel that suits presses, flyes and curls without a frame around the hand.
- Fast twist-dial change in the tray, plus storage trays included.
- Slightly higher top weight (52.5 vs 50 lb) and the best star rating in the category (4.7).
Why the PowerBlock Elite EXP scores higher
- Higher on five of six factors, with the biggest gaps in Warranty (88 vs 66) and Reliability (90 vs 82).
- Powder-coated steel plates lift Quality (88 vs 84).
- Expansion kits take it to 90 lb per hand, and it has about 10 times the ratings (2,657 vs 271).
ViperScore breakdown
| SelectTech 552 | PowerBlock Elite EXP | |
|---|---|---|
| Value (25%) | 82 | 86 |
| Quality (20%) | 84 | 88 |
| Features (15%) | 80 | 84 |
| Reliability (15%) | 82 | 90 |
| Satisfaction (15%) | 92 | 92 |
| Warranty (10%) | 66 | 88 |
| ViperScore | 82 | 88 |
Higher number highlighted. Weights: Value 25%, Quality 20%, Features 15%, Reliability 15%, Satisfaction 15%, Warranty 10%. How we score →
Questions buyers ask
Are both sold as pairs?
Yes. BowFlex confirms the SelectTech 552 Results Series ships as a pair, and the PowerBlock listing is a pair of dumbbells.
Which one goes heavier?
Out of the box the BowFlex reaches 52.5 lb per hand and the PowerBlock 50 lb. With Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits, sold separately, the PowerBlock reaches 70 or 90 lb.
Which has the better warranty?
The PowerBlock Elite EXP, with a 5-year residential warranty versus 2 years of parts coverage on the BowFlex.
Prices are live Amazon prices from Sept 24 2026 and change often; Amazon shows the current price. ProductViper is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
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