Head to head
Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs PowerBlock Elite (2026)
Head-to-head: dial speed and handle comfort against compact footprint and 90-pound expansion.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Best for: Home gym owners who want fast changes and comfort for general training.
#2 in our rankings · Best for small spaces
PowerBlock Elite
Best for: Apartment lifters and athletes planning long-term progression.
Our recommendation
Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you value fast dial changes and the most comfortable handle, and you are confident 52.5 pounds is enough forever. Choose the PowerBlock Elite if space is tight or you plan to get stronger than 52.5 pounds, because its expansion kits go to 90 per hand. The decision is really about your two-year strength trajectory, not today's workout.
Footprint: 16.9 inches vs 12 inches
The Elite's nested design makes it roughly 5 inches shorter at equivalent weights. In a small apartment or a crowded garage gym, that is the difference between dumbbells that store neatly and dumbbells that dominate the floor. The Bowflex's length is most noticeable on lateral raises and front raises.
Ceiling: 52.5 pounds vs 90 pounds
The 552 tops out at 52.5 with no upgrade path; the Elite starts at 50 and expands to 70 then 90 with factory kits. An intermediate lifter pressing 40s today will outgrow the Bowflex within 18 months and never outgrow the expanded Elite. Price the expansion kits into your decision now.
Adjustment: dial vs pin
The Bowflex dial changes weight in about 3 seconds with a twist of each end; the PowerBlock's magnetic pin takes about 5 seconds and requires learning the selector positions. The dial is more intuitive for beginners, while the pin has fewer moving parts and a longer warranty backing it.
Choose Bowflex SelectTech 552 if…
- You want the fastest, most intuitive weight changes
- Handle comfort is a priority and 52.5 pounds is your forever ceiling
- You do supersets and drop sets where 3-second changes matter
Choose PowerBlock Elite if…
- Floor space is limited and every inch counts
- You plan to press more than 52.5 pounds within two years
- You prefer fewer moving parts and a 5-year warranty
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Bowflex SelectTech 552 | PowerBlock Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Mid-range | Premium |
| Weight range | 5–52.5 lbs per dumbbell | 5–50 lbs (expandable to 90) |
| Settings | 15 | — |
| Length | 16.9 in | ~12 in |
| Adjustment | Dial, ~3 seconds | Magnetic pin, ~5 seconds |
| Warranty | — | 5 years |
| Best for | Home gym owners who want fast changes and comfort for general training. | Apartment lifters and athletes planning long-term progression. |
| Skip if | You will exceed 52.5 pounds or regularly drop weights. | You dislike boxy handles or will never exceed 50 pounds. |
Strengths and limitations
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Strengths
- 3-second dial weight changes preserve workout flow
- 2.5-pound micro-increments from 5 to 25 pounds
- Most comfortable handle in this roundup
Limitations
- 16.9-inch length feels long on raises
- No expansion beyond 52.5 pounds
- Plastic dial internals vulnerable to drops
PowerBlock Elite
Strengths
- Expansion kits reach 90 lbs per hand
- 12-inch length is the shortest here
- 5-year warranty, longest in category
Limitations
- Boxy handle feels industrial
- Pin selector less intuitive than dials
- Expansion kits add significant cost
How they fit the wider field
- Bowflex SelectTech 552: ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Adjustable Dumbbells. Read the full Bowflex SelectTech 552 review.
- PowerBlock Elite: ranked #2 (Best for small spaces) in The Best Adjustable Dumbbells. Read the full PowerBlock Elite review.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 9 picks matched to different buyers.
Questions, answered
Which is better for beginners?
The Bowflex 552, for its intuitive dial and comfortable handle. But beginners who are athletic and progressing fast should consider the Elite to avoid replacing the set in year two.
Which holds value better used?
Both hold value well, but the Elite's expansion compatibility keeps used sets desirable longer, since buyers can grow into them.