UK Head-to-Head · Fitness
Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs PowerBlock Elite EXP: Which Adjustable Dumbbells Win?
The short answer
The PowerBlock Elite EXP wins this comparison for most UK home gym users.
Best on features
PowerBlock Elite EXP
Best on value
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — but it never changes our verdict.
Adjustable dumbbells have become essential kit for UK home gyms, and Bowflex and PowerBlock are the two brands that dominate the premium end of the market. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 uses a dial-based selector system that lets you switch between 15 weight increments from 2 kg to 23.8 kg per dumbbell, making it popular with beginners and intermediate lifters. The PowerBlock Elite EXP takes a different approach with a compact, magnetic pin-selector design that starts at 2.3 kg and goes up to 22.7 kg out of the box, with expansion kits available to reach 40.8 kg per dumbbell. Both replace an entire rack of fixed dumbbells, saving significant space in spare bedrooms, garages, and garden sheds across the UK. Availability in the UK has improved since 2024, with both models stocked by Amazon UK, Fitness Superstore, and specialist retailers. This comparison covers every meaningful difference to help you choose the right set for your training goals and budget.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Bowflex SelectTech 552 | PowerBlock Elite EXP |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 2 kg – 23.8 kg per dumbbell | 2.3 kg – 22.7 kg per dumbbell (expandable to 40.8 kg) (winner) |
| Weight Increments | 15 settings (2.5 lb jumps at lower end) | 16 settings (2.5 lb increments) |
| Adjustment System | Dial selector (winner) | Magnetic pin selector |
| Dimensions (at max weight) | 43 cm x 20 cm x 22 cm | 30 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm (winner) |
| Dumbbell Weight (each, at max) | 23.8 kg | 22.7 kg (40.8 kg with expansion) (winner) |
| Build Material | Steel plates, nylon cradle, plastic dials | Welded steel, urethane coating (winner) |
| Warranty | 2 years (UK authorised dealers) | 10 years (frame) (winner) |
| Expandable | No | Yes — Stage 2 (31.8 kg) and Stage 3 (40.8 kg) kits (winner) |
Pros & Cons
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Pros
- Dial system lets you change weight in under 5 seconds — fastest adjustment on the market
- Traditional dumbbell shape feels natural for flyes, curls, and lateral raises
- 15 weight increments give precise progression for upper-body isolation work
- Quieter operation than pin-based systems — no metal-on-metal noise
Cons
- 23.8 kg maximum per hand limits long-term progression for serious lifters
- Longer profile at max weight makes some exercises awkward in tight spaces
- Plastic dial mechanism is the weakest point — can crack if dropped
PowerBlock Elite EXP
Pros
- Expandable to 40.8 kg per dumbbell — future-proof for progressive overload
- Extremely compact at just 30 cm long — half the footprint of Bowflex
- All-steel construction with 10-year frame warranty — built to last
- Balanced centre of gravity stays consistent across all weight settings
Cons
- Blocky shape with wrist guard can feel uncomfortable during flyes and curls
- Pin adjustment is slightly slower than Bowflex's dial system
- Expansion kits cost around £100-150 extra and can have longer UK delivery times
Our Verdict
The PowerBlock Elite EXP wins this comparison for most UK home gym users. Its expandability to 40.8 kg means you will not need to replace them as you get stronger, the compact design suits smaller UK homes, and the 10-year warranty reflects genuinely superior build quality. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the better choice if you prioritise ease of use and comfort — the dial system is faster, the traditional shape feels more natural, and the price is slightly lower. For general fitness routines under 24 kg per hand, Bowflex delivers a more enjoyable workout experience. For long-term strength training, PowerBlock is the investment that pays off.
Best for Budget
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Best for Features
PowerBlock Elite EXP
Our process
How we choose our picks
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Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
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Buying Guide
- 1Consider your long-term strength goals. The PowerBlock Elite EXP is expandable up to 40.8 kg per dumbbell with add-on kits, making it future-proof for progressive overload. Bowflex maxes out at 23.8 kg with no expansion option — fine for general fitness but limiting for serious strength training.
- 2Think about the exercises you do most. Bowflex's longer, traditional dumbbell shape works better for chest flyes and lateral raises where wrist clearance matters. PowerBlock's compact, blocky shape is better for pressing movements but can feel awkward during isolation exercises.
- 3Check the weight increment size. Bowflex offers 2.5 lb (roughly 1.1 kg) jumps at lighter weights, giving you 15 settings total. PowerBlock uses 2.5 lb increments throughout. Smaller jumps matter most for upper-body isolation lifts where micro-progression is key.
- 4Assess your available space. PowerBlock dumbbells are significantly more compact — each dumbbell occupies roughly half the footprint of the Bowflex when stored. If you are training in a small flat or bedroom, the PowerBlock's space efficiency is a genuine advantage.
- 5Factor in UK warranty and availability. Bowflex offers a 2-year UK warranty through authorised dealers. PowerBlock provides a 10-year warranty on the frame. Both are available on Amazon UK, but PowerBlock's expansion kits can take 2-3 weeks to arrive from European distributors.
Editor's Note
For most UK home gym users training in spare rooms or garages, the PowerBlock Elite EXP is the stronger long-term investment. Its expandability to 40.8 kg means you will not outgrow them for years, and the compact footprint is a genuine advantage in typical UK homes where space is at a premium. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 wins on ergonomics and ease of use — the dial system is genuinely faster to adjust mid-workout, and the traditional shape feels more natural during exercises like hammer curls and flyes. If you are primarily doing general fitness work and will not exceed 24 kg per hand, the Bowflex is the more comfortable choice. Budget-wise, both sit in the £300-450 range in the UK depending on sales. Black Friday typically sees 15-25% discounts on both models at Amazon UK and Fitness Superstore.
Our Take
For UK home gym users training in a spare bedroom or garage, the PowerBlock Elite EXP is the better long-term investment — its expansion kits take it to 40.8 kg per dumbbell, meaning you'll never outgrow them, and its compact 30 cm footprint is a genuine advantage in space-constrained British homes. Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you do mostly upper-body isolation work under 24 kg and want the fastest, most ergonomic adjustment system on the market.
Honourable Mentions
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Are Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells worth the money in the UK?
Can you drop PowerBlock dumbbells?
How long do adjustable dumbbells last?
Which adjustable dumbbells are best for a small flat in the UK?
Further Reading
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, UKPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.