PowerBlock EXP Expansion Kit vs. Bowflex SelectTech 552 V2
Real product data from both. Which one earns its place in your gym?
PowerBlock for the compact block design and the expansion-kit scalability. Bowflex 552 for the familiar round-dumbbell feel with fast dial selection.
These anchor the premium end of home adjustable dumbbells. PowerBlock uses a nesting-block design: weights stack in a compact footprint and pull out to form a dumbbell, and the expansion kit adds weight incrementally over years. The block shape takes some getting used to — it's not the familiar round-dumbbell feel — but the footprint is substantially smaller and it scales up with added kits. Bowflex's 552 keeps the classic dumbbell shape with its dial selector, at a lower starting price but a harder upgrade path beyond 52.5 lbs. Pick by whether you prefer the compact stackable design or the conventional shape.
Pick PowerBlock EXP Expansion Kit when you want the most compact storage footprint, you value the expansion-kit scalability over years, and you're comfortable with the block-shape aesthetic.
Pick Bowflex SelectTech 552 V2 when you want the classic dumbbell shape and you value the fastest dial-selector mechanism. The Bowflex is the familiar choice.
Which one fits you?
- ✓You're space-constrained and the compact block footprint is valuable.
- ✓You plan to add expansion kits over years as your strength grows.
- ✓You're comfortable with the non-traditional block shape.
- ✓You train in a permanent home gym where scalability matters.
- ✓You prefer the classic round-dumbbell shape that feels like gym equipment.
- ✓You train with short rest periods and the dial selector is faster.
- ✓You don't need to scale past 52.5 lbs per hand.
- ✓You're in a rental or temporary space where long-term scalability doesn't matter.
Head-to-head specs
| Spec | PowerBlock EXP Expansion Kit | Bowflex SelectTech 552 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $399.00 |
| Brand | POWERBLOCK | — |
| Amazon rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Reviews | 864 | 91 |
| Material | Metal | Plastic, Rubber |
| Weight | 9 Kilograms | 110.6 Pounds |
Feature highlights, side by side
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Adjustable Dumbbells SetElevate your fitness and performance with strength-training equipment that adjusts with you. This PowerBlock Expansion Kit provides the option to take your 50 pound Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set up to 70 pounds.
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Compact & PortableThe adjustable, convenient, and compact dumbbells provide innovative strength training for an easy-to-use solution. Bring the workout with you anywhere.
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Easy & Quick AdjustabilityQuickly adjust the weight set up or down for your exercise with the secure magnetic polypropylene pin. The pin has a 500 lbs. max load. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
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Long Lasting for Years of UseThis dumbbell set is engineered with a steel construction for a higher quality build that is incredibly reliable and will last for years.
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Quick Adjustment DialsSwitch between weight settings with a quick twist of the dials, from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell.*
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Space-Saving DesignGet more workout in less space by replacing 15 separate weights with a single, all-in-one set.
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Premium Metal ComponentsReinforced with durable metal plates and a locking system to keep weights in-place.
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Comfortable GripAn ergonomic, non-slip handle provides extra control and comfort with each lift.