● Adjustable Dumbbells · Comparison

PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell

Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated August 20, 2026◷ 5 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.

PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)View on Amazon VS
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight DumbbellNordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight DumbbellView on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting list.

Winner overall: PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)

PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Keep researching

  • Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting
  • PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) review
  • NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell review
  • All adjustable dumbbells

Bottom line

Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting list.

PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)

PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)

PowerBlock

Highest achievable ceiling in this list at 90 lb per hand with full expansion

  • 5 to 50 lb per hand, expandable to 90 lb with Stage 2 and 3 kits
  • Pin-selector weight system
  • Steel internals for durability under heavy loads

Pros

  • iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
  • Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
  • Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned

Cons

  • Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period
  • More expensive than Core Home Fitness for a comparable core mechanism
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell

NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell

NordicTrack

iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout

  • Up to 55 lb per hand
  • 2.5, 5, and 10 lb increments
  • iFIT connected workout compatibility

Pros

  • iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
  • Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
  • Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned

Cons

  • Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period
  • More expensive than Core Home Fitness for a comparable core mechanism
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) or the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?

Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting list.

What is the difference between the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) and the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?

The PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) stands out because stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting, while the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell stands out because iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. The trade-offs differ too: the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)'s ma in caveat is that boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters, and the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell's is that full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period.

Is the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) worth it over the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead if boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead of the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)?

The NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell suits beginners and first-time buyers, while the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) is best for small apartments.

Keep researching

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