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We’ve looked at some great adjustable dumbbells here at Trimflo. While we’ve compared Bowflex against most of the competition, including both Bowflex vs NordicTrack and Bowflex vs Powerblock, but we haven’t compared NordicTrack vs Powerblock yet, so we’re going to fix that!
These are two of the best adjustment dumbbells on the market, but which is best? We’re going to compare Powerblock vs NordicTrack based on weight, increments, weight adjustment, grip, storage, and more.
Find out which dumbbell is best for your home gym.
| NordicTrack Speed Weights | Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells |
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Weight and Increments
Unlike traditional dumbbells that only come in one size, adjustable dumbbells allow you to switch between different weights. You want to make sure that the one you choose covers the lowest and highest weight you need, otherwise you’ll be reaching for other dumbbells to complete your workout.
The overall weight is very similar between them. They are:
- NordicTrack Speed Weights adjustable dumbbells: 10-55lbs
- Powerblock Elite Dumbbells: 5-50lbs
As you can see, they are basically tied and are only off by 5lbs. We imagine that most people will like the weight range of NordicTrack a little better since it goes higher, but those of you who really need a 5lb dumbbell might prefer Powerblock dumbbells.
What about the increments? This refers to the adjustments between each size. No adjustable dumbbell currently allows you to go up 1lb at a time. Both of these offer 2.5lb to 5lb increments, but they are spaced differently.
The weight increments are:
- NordicTrack: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, 55
- Powerblock: 5, 7.5, 10,15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50
As you can see, they are completely different. We’re going to call this a tie since it’s difficult to judge which one is really better here. The 2.5lb and 5lb adjustments are all over the place, but you should have no problem finding a weight that is comfortable for your workout.
Check Price: NordicTrack Speed Weights – >
NordicTrack vs Powerblock: Weight Adjustment
We talked about the increments, but how do you go about adjusting between the different weights? These two have completely different systems, so let’s see if NordicTrack or Powerblock is better for your home gym.
NordicTrack has a two-step adjustment system. The first thing you’ll do is select one of the weight plates with a blue pin. Stick the pin into the specific plate that you want to lift. The second step is rotating the handle to add 0, 2.5, or 5 pounds to the plate.
Not only is this a simple system, but everything is clearly labeled. You’ll know exactly how much you’re lifting.
How do you adjust Powerblock weights?
It’s also a simple system that involves a secure magnetic polypropylene pin. Basically you place the pin in the correct weight plate and lift up. It’s that easy. But, how do you know which weight plate is correct?
If you look at the front of the Powerblock, then you’ll see a color-coded guide. For example, the black plate might be for 15-20lbs. Each piece has a colored strip so that you can easily locate them.
While this is easy, we have to give the win to NordicTrack.
It’s easier to see the numbers with NordicTrack and you don’t have to go back and forth. With Powerblock, it’s easy to forget if you needed the green or blue plate. Plus, for those who are colorblind, it might be nearly impossible to get the right weight.
While Powerblock is pretty easy, we think NordicTrack is much easier in our NordicTrack Speed Weights vs Powerblock Elite dumbbells review.
Check Price: NordicTrack Speed Weights – >
Powerblock vs NordicTrack: Grip Comfort
We’ve talked about the weights and adjustments, so let’s talk about the handles. The absolute worst dumbbells handles are smooth and prone to falling out of your hand. Imagine 30lbs falling on your head while doing a bench-press, or the aptly named skull crusher.
We will say that both handles are secure and feel comfortable, but they are very different. So, does Powerblock or NordicTrack have the better handle? Let’s find out.
The NordicTrack Speed Weights handle is made from plastic that has a slight texture to it. It’s enough to improve your grip and ensure that weight doesn’t easily fall out of your handle. There are also some rings notched into the handle for extra grip.
The Powerblock Elite handle has a softer layer on top with a rigid handle underneath. This top layer is just thick enough so that you can get a firm grip that’s also very comfortable.
In terms of Powerblock Elite vs NordicTrack Speed Weights, we prefer Powerblock here. The handle is more comfortable and feels more secure. However, if you’d prefer a more rigid handle with some texturing, then NordicTrack might be better for you.
Check Price: Powerblock Elite Dumbbells – >
Storage Tray
The majority of adjustable dumbbells automatically come with a storage tray. This is what holds all the extra plates, so you need to it make sure the plates are in the right order. Or at least, you normally do. More on that in a moment.
So, which has the better storage tray?
NordicTrack’s storage tray is very basic, but also very practical. It’s a black plastic tray that is numbered so that you easily know how much weight you’re selecting. While we don’t think it looks as good as the Bowflex tray, it’s still a great and useful addition.
As we said, most dumbbells have a storage tray, but Powerblock is the exception. This dumbbell is completely square and has a flat bottom. That means it won’t roll away. All the plates are stacked on top of each other, so you don’t need to worry about them getting out of order.
While there is a storage tray, and it’s very useful as it brings the dumbbells to about waist height, it’s a separate purchase.
Both storage their weights perfectly fine. It’s hard to name a winner because both are practical solutions and they both work well.
Check Price: Powerblock Elite Dumbbells – >
What are the Differences Between NordicTrack and Powerblock Dumbbells?
Curious about the differences between Powerblock and NordicTrack dumbbells? As we’ve discussed, there are actually many differences between these dumbbells, but there was one similarity in terms of weight and increments.
Both of these offer nearly the same weight range, and they both offer increments between 2.5lbs and 5lbs (though where the increments change is different for both). They are also both premium adjustable dumbbells that anyone would love in their home gym.
NordicTrack comes with a storage tray while Powerblock lacks one unless you buy it separately. However, Powerblock doesn’t really need it as the weights are squared. We preferred how the NordicTrack weights were adjusted because it was easier to see, and we feel that Powerblock could be difficult for anyone who is colorblind.
However, we liked Powerblock’s grip better. It felt more secure and comfortable. Plus, Powerblock has a big reputation and we can see why lots of people like and trust it.
| NordicTrack Speed Weights | Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells |
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Final Thoughts
So, which is better? If you want slightly higher weight and a better adjustment mechanism, then NordicTrack is the winner here. If you go by reputation, want better grip comfort, and like Powerblock’s simplicity, then Powerblock is the winner here.