SelecTech or Powerblocks, advice?

tgh1914

So for Christmas I'm getting one of these. I'm going to be able to use them for my P90X workouts (2nd round). Any advice on which to go with? I know the Bowflex SelecTech costs more, but as far as I can tell they work a little more smoothly & have more positive reviews. Any feedback from mfp-ers?

Pedro_Infante

Save your money.
Flat bench, Dumbbell rack, and continue P90X.

tgh1914

Save your money.
Flat bench, Dumbbell rack, and continue P90X.

Huh? The typical price of hex dumbbells by themselves is between .50 - $1 per pound. That brings a set of 5-50 lbs at 5 lb increments to over $500. Then you'd need a rack for all of em.

The main reason I'm going with one of the above though, is I need a space saver.

Pedro_Infante

My bad bro,

I meant dumbbell set. P90X works, you’re the proof. What did you use to get the body? Dumbbells, Bands, and Pull up bar.
Why change a formula that has already worked for you?

I completed P90X three times. I am very fit but overweight. I've always known that 70 to 80 percent of a total program is diet; Tony even repeats this in his P90X introduction DVD. I love to workout but I always blew off any type of calorie restriction. My buddies call me a bumble bee, I’m not supposed to fly but I do.

When I started using beach body series then P90X, my weight cage just collected dust. Save your money.

Pete

glfprncs2

I want the SelecTech adjustable dumbbells, and every now and then you'll find them available (through their site) for a special rate...I think they were available for $219 or something a few weeks ago.

However, I've heard a lot of people say that the SelecTech's are too long for some of the moves in P90X and limit your ability to complete full extensions of muscles in some of the exercises. For me, though, the PowerBlocs are just too 'odd' looking. I know, it's not about how it looks, but I'm still a bit of a traditionalist.

mmtiernan

I have the SelectTech and I LOVE them!! I get them several months ago during one of their special rate promotions - the total cost was around $235. The adjusting mechanism is very smooth. They are a bit long for long arm pull overs (I use them with ChaLEAN extreme) but you could lay over a bench or chair (which is what I do).

gussde

I have Powerblocks and love them. When i bought them the guys at ****'s sporting goods said that I made a good decision. I asked why, they said that a lot of customers come back within the first 20 minutes of using SelectTech to return them saying that they are cheaply made. i.e. parts falling off and the plastic can crack and chip off when sliding back in. I dunno what the reviews say but I definitely didn't want to spend that much on a set so i went with Powerblocks and I am glad i did. Another great reason I went with the Powerblocks is that you can upgrade or add on to them later on if needed. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

gussde

Geez, it's a sporting goods store. No need to filter it. Anyway, glad they were sold locally and I was able to test them out.

Stooooo

My wife and kids got me the Powerblocks for my birthday from DSG. I absolutely love them! Had an awesome round of P90X with them. I highly recommend them.

BOGmama2010

I would go with the Bowflex too. I wanted those but couldn't fork out all of the money. We went with the Weiders at Sears and they have been great to use as well. They come with a stand for $300. No matter what though, any of the 3 weight sets are pretty bulky and you have to focus on your form even more when doing some of the moves (Slo-Mo Throw in CST and Lying Down Tricep Extensions come to mind).

Lyadeia

I have Powerblocks and love them. When i bought them the guys at ****'s sporting goods said that I made a good decision. I asked why, they said that a lot of customers come back within the first 20 minutes of using SelectTech to return them saying that they are cheaply made. i.e. parts falling off and the plastic can crack and chip off when sliding back in. I dunno what the reviews say but I definitely didn't want to spend that much on a set so i went with Powerblocks and I am glad i did. Another great reason I went with the Powerblocks is that you can upgrade or add on to them later on if needed. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Never had that problem with my Selecttechs. I have had them for 3 years now and have used them for ChaLEAN and P90X with no issues at all.

I bought mine from Amazon.com since they were much cheaper than the stores and especially cheaper than directly from Bowflex.

I personally did not like the Powerblocks that I tried out at the store because they were just shaped funny and were hard to manage doing certain exercises. Others might not see this issue, but I have a small frame and little hands with little wrists. :flowerforyou: