PowerBlock Sports Series Dumbbells

The PowerBlock Sport Series is often mentioned as a great dumbbell set, especially among serious weightlifters and bodybuilders. These adjustable dumbbells come in a number of sizes -- up to 130 pounds per dumbbell -- and they use a selector pin to quickly change weights. Not everyone is a fan of the boxy design, but the dumbbells are compact and take up less room than traditional dumbbells.

The padded handle is said to be comfortable, and users are impressed with the expandability of the system (additional weight plates can be purchased as needed). However, some say it can be hard to change the weights if the dumbbells are placed on a soft surface like carpet. Others complain that the plates clank loudly when the dumbbells are lifted. The Bowflex SelectTech (*Est. $400 and up) is also highly rated on review sites, although serious weightlifters seem to prefer the PowerBlock dumbbells. PowerBlock has a generous 15-year warranty, but the warranty is void if the weights are dropped from a certain height.

SNews, a gear-review site, bases its review of the PowerBlock dumbbells on testing, and the analysis is detailed and balanced. User reviews are very valuable, particularly at Amazon.com and the forum at Bodybuilding.com. Women's Health magazine also covers the PowerBlock dumbbells, but the review is brief.