PowerBlock Elite USA 90

In this powerblock elite usa 90 review, the PowerBlock Elite USA 90 takes the number two spot in our guide of nine adjustable dumbbells and earns our best for heavy lifters pick because it spans 5 to 90 pounds per hand. The pair sells for $869 and holds a 4.8 star rating from 111 Amazon ratings, the highest in the roundup. The set arrives with Stage 1, 2 and 3 expansions included, so one purchase covers the full 5 to 90 pound range per hand, from 5 and 7.5 pounds up to 87.5 and 90. That range suits lifters who squat, press and row heavy at home. Casual trainees who never pass 50 pounds per hand should look at cheaper options in the guide instead.

The 1.5 inch knurled handle is the detail heavy lifters notice most, because a knurl grip holds chalk and sweat better than a padded handle once the load passes 60 pounds per hand. The magnetic polypropylene pin swaps weight up or down in seconds, and it carries a 500 pound maximum load rating, well above the 90 pound ceiling of the dumbbells themselves. At 12 by 6 inches per dumbbell, the frame stores on a shelf or under a bench, which frees the floor space a rack of 16 pairs would eat. In practice, the smaller 2.5 pound jumps in the light range help with warmups and lateral raises, while the 5 pound jumps above 20 pounds keep long sets moving. A 5 year warranty backs the build.

At $869, the PowerBlock Elite USA 90 costs more than twice the Elite EXP in our guide. That said, it replaces 16 pairs of dumbbells, roughly 825 pounds of free weights, which would cost far more and take up a wall of space. The trade-off is compatibility: this model does not work with Elite EXP accessories, so owners of that system cannot share parts. Even so, if you already press and row past 60 pounds per hand, the knurled handle, the 500 pound pin and the included Stage 1, 2 and 3 expansions make it the pair to buy. If your working weights stay under 50 pounds, save the money and pick a lighter set from the guide.