But that's OK. What we got instead was an exercise bench with a number of useful features, including the ability to go from flat to upright and back again. In fact, there are 7 different adjustable positions available all together.

What else does the bench have to offer? Well, read on to find out.

Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Decline Folding Bench

• List Price: $205.00
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $119.00
  

Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
The Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench is essentially 3 benches in one. That is - a flat bench, incline bench and decline bench. This means that you are able to perform a greater range of exercises than if you just had one of these.

The product is slightly heavier than other benches that we have reviewed, weighing in at just over 50 lbs. However, the manufacturer has planned the product well - with wheels installed in to the base frame allowing it to be transported around when necessary.

Comfort & Style
The reason for the weight of this bench is clear once you begin analysing the construction materials. The frame is made from solid, heavy cast steel - which makes it extremely strong. The base footing is configured to support stabilization - and it does this well. When we performed exercises on the bench, it was almost impossible to tip the bench.

As for the color scheme and design style, the Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench is a fairly standard piece of exercise equipment with the traditional grey / black theme.

Extras & Add-ons
There are no extras worth mentioning with the Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench - but then again when you take in to consideration the price of the bench, we weren't really expecting any.

The price has recently been reduced to better position this product in the market. At the discounted ticket price (which is just under $150) we think it's a bargain ready to be snapped up.

Our Rating of the Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench
The Powerline PFID125X Flat Incline Bench is a strong fitness bench, intended for people who want serious exercise equipment to add to their own home gym. There are no fancy add-ons here, and if you are looking for the latest mod-cons, such as removable this and extendable that - look elsewhere.

At the original price, we would have hesitated in recommending this bench - however at this new pricing level, it's definitely worthy of 5 stars, and a strong "buy" recommendation!

In addition to being able to replace up to 10 single weight dumbbells, the Weider dumbbells, which measure 13 x 4 x 7 inches (length x height x width), can be stored practically anywhere by virtue of their size and handy storage tray. For additional convenience, the storage tray also features a color-coded weight guide for easy reference when changing weights. The Weider PowerSwitch dumbbell handles also come with a cushioned grip with the user's comfort in mind.

Weider PowerSwitch 12.5 lbs Adjustable Dumbbell Pair

• List Price: $149.99
  
• Sale Price: $99.99
  

Easily Changed Weight Plates, Comfortable Grips

Users were enthusiastic over how easy it proved to switch between different weight plates. The well-designed dumbbells ensured that the operation only took a few seconds to be completed, and the dumbbells themselves felt balanced during use.

The cushioned grips did exactly what the manufacturers promised they would do – eliminate the discomfort people have come to expect from uncomfortable rectangular handle designs. The high-density rubber padding meant that extended workouts would not pose any trouble to the user. Furthermore, the dumbbells are extremely durable, and can last for many years.

Affordable and Convenient

One attractive aspect of the Weider dumbbells was its price. Users experienced in the use of adjustable dumbbells deemed this set to be the most affordable and economically advisable choice for a beginner-level adjustable dumbbell. They also felt that it was suitable for people who wanted to build up muscle tone without adding bulk or getting involved in tiring workouts.

More than one user review reported that the Weider dumbbells made it extremely convenient to work out at home while also providing easy storage options. Even better, the accompanying storage tray made of hard plastic, for extra sturdiness and durability, minimizes clutter and ensures that the dumbbells don't roll around or damage wooden floors when not in use. They also found the color-coded tray helpful reference when they needed to change weights.

Doesn't Help To Build Bulk

Some users who bought this dumbbell set reported disappointed review when they were unable to increase muscle size. As such, this dumbbell set isn't the best choice for users who want to bulk up and build muscle mass. Rather, it would cater perfectly to those who want to increase muscle tone.

Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench with Lat Tower & Arm Curl

• List Price: $299.99
  
• Sale Price: $159.99
  

Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
Because this product comes with a lat tower and arm curl add-on, it is pointless comparing the size of the bench to other benches on the market. Instead, we will evaluate the product on its own merits.

The first thing you need to keep in mind about the size is that you are going to have to have a fair amount of space to keep this bench operational. The lat tower is quite tall, and the frame at the end which supports exercises such as the bench press is quite wide.

Comfort & Style
Not only does the Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench look good, it feels good too. Once fully set up, you'll immediately notice the thick backrest which is truly magical. It actually looks thin in the photos, but in real life, it's a whole lot more accommodating.

Additionally, a number of functional features have been installed to assist you with different exercises. For example, you'll find removable arm curl pads which can be used with - not surprisingly - the arm curl exercises, to enhance comfort.

The "advanced leg developer" station - which is that "tower-like" thing at the front of the bench, is used specifically for weight training, and can be adjusted to multiple settings based upon your needs.

Extras & Add-ons
The most obvious add-ons on the Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench are the lat tower and the Olympic leg station at the front. These add-ons go a long way to assisting you with exercises which might be considered difficult or risky with just a bench alone.

Adjustable uprights are also able to help with the upper body exercises, and the add-on itself is able to be switched between 2.5" of range.

Our Rating of the Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench
With the recent price drop, we still maintain that the Body Champ Mid-Width Weight Bench is probably the best product available on the market at the moment.

Whilst the reason for the price decrease is unclear - we suspect it is to bump this product line in to the limelight and boost competition in the industry. And with a combination of the lat tower, leg station, and adjustable uprights, you can only stand to benefit from this added competition.

So, to summarize, this is an excellent product with an attractive price tag, which we would be happy to own ourselves here in the office - or at home for that matter. It gets 5 stars out of 5 from us.

Why? Because a fitness bench allows you to perform a whole range of exercises with dumbbells and barbells - and even your own body weight - that you would have had a hard time doing before.

Here is our recent review on the PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench (because there are a lot of different exercise benches out there) to see whether it would ultimately make the cut for a selection in our own home / office gym.

PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench

• List Price: $299.00
  
• Sale Price: $299.00
  

PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
The first thing you will notice about the PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench when you see it is that the cushioning / backing is quite narrow. This is ok - as long as the rest of the product is able to provide balancing support.

Thankfully it does. With a width of 17" - the foot base is wide enough to ensure that you don't go toppling off the side if you accidentally apply too much weight to one side. Additionally, at a height of 12" - you're able to use the bench for cardio as well (such as stepping and staircase walking).

Comfort & Style
Many of you will be reeling from that last statement about stepping up and down on the bench. After all - that will ruin the fabric and upholstery right? Wrong! The PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench is made from high quality materials, which includes heavy duty material casing the padding.

Some people might think that this would make the bench totally uncomfortable to lie on whilst doing exercises, but again they would be wrong. It's actually very soft and is able to mould to your back when lying down.

Extras & Add-ons
With a price tag of $300 - it's a good thing that there is at least one add-on for this bench. That particular extra is the removable handle bar which is able to provide support for the feet during abdominal workouts.

And unlike many of the useless add-ons with other machines - that handle bar is actually quite useful! Finally, a product worth paying a bit of extra money for.

Our Rating of the PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench
We were very pleased with our experience on the PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench. We felt that the bench was extremely strong - well balanced and well built - and well designed also (the height and width are actually very good).

Hence, if you are able to afford a top of the line fitness bench - the PT/Pro JP0001 Portable Fitness Bench is definitely worth considering if you are making a shortlist. It gets 5 stars from us.

Due to their compact size, the Stamina Versa-Bell dumbbells promise to provide you with a space saving solution as well. The adjustable weights included enables the dumbbell set to replace up to nine dumbbell sets, making it an economical means of obtaining an all-round workout. The dial mechanism changes weights in the span of mere seconds, and an easily visible window displays the current weight. The painted steel weight plates (eight per handle) are resistant to rust, and a heavy-duty durable nylon tray accompanies the set for quick storage.

Stamina Versa-Bell II 25-Pound Adjustable Dumbbell Pair

• List Price: $300.00
  
• Sale Price: $148.94
  
• Used From: $140.00
  

More Precise Weight Adjustment Provided

Users were enthusiastic about the sturdy and compact design of the dumbbells. Although they found their size similar to that of a 25 lbs dumbbell, the amount of variation that the adjustable set provided offset the initial price and far outweighed the price a person would pay to obtain the same number of standard, non-adjustable dumbbells. Additionally, the Stamina Versa-Bell dumbbells have a more reasonable price compared to other dumbbell sets with similar specifications.

Many a review was appreciative of the dial mechanism for weight changing. They felt that a twist knob option was much easier to use than a selector pin system. The time taken to change weights also came in for praise, as it took only a few seconds to switch the dumbbells up from 5 lbs to 15 lbs.

Easy To Read Display

The 2.5 lbs increments did not only provide a greater level of precision and control over a workout, more than one review that felt that the display window was a much simpler method of determining the weight on hand. This was compared to adjustable dumbbell sets that came with color-coded weight plates, which meant the user spent more time ascertaining the corresponding weight colors before making sure he or she had selected the correct weight.

In addition to the overall user-friendly design, many people found the textured handle comfortable to grip. A definite plus point for a number of users was how convenient it was to store the dumbbell set. Their accessibility and size also made working out greatly convenient, and not a tiresome chore.

Weights Can Be "Sticky"

There were a few review comments who felt that the weight plates had a tendency to stick to the bar from time to time. The plates could be dislodged or secured properly by shaking or rattling the handle, which can prove to be an inconvenience if it takes place often enough. Others felt that dumbbell balance could be an issue due to the dial mechanism that selects the weights.

Cost effective and efficient strength training is no longer a pipe dream with this dumbbell set, which allows users to use a range of seven weights spanning 3-24 lbs. A selector pin, just like the sort used with a gym's weight stack, makes it easy to adjust the weights in 3 lbs increments. Each dumbbell measures 10.5 x 5 x 5 inches (length x width x height) and is capable of replacing the need to buy up to 16 individual weights.

PowerBlock SportBlock 24 Adjustable 3 to 24-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

• List Price: $184.00
  
• Sale Price: $157.55
  

Design Ensures Stability

An overwhelming plus feature of these dumbbells is how easily they can be stored. For one thing, the dumbbells are smaller compared to standard dumbbells, and a review noted that their square shape makes storage easy and ensures they don't roll away when they're set down during workout intervals.

Another aspect of the PowerBlock SportBlock set that appeals to consumers is its relatively narrow handles. Users with smaller hands, most of them women, were pleasantly surprised to find that the dumbbells provided a perfect grip without detracting from the normal range of motion. This feature was something that garnered much appreciation because dumbbells with weight plates exceeding 20 lbs are often much larger. These often have cumbersome grips that can be uncomfortable for those with small hands to use. The padded grips made workouts more comfortable as well.

Simple Weight Selection System Eliminates Guesswork

The simple selector pin system also came in for much praise. The pin only has to be slotted into the pinhole of the desired weight, cutting down vastly on time spent changing weights between reps. Users also thought the color-coded weight plates were very helpful, as they enabled the exerciser to determine which weight was being used with just a brief glance.

Difficult To Change Weights on Soft Surfaces

There was a review or two where the user found it difficult to change the weight plates when the dumbbells were placed on a carpet or uneven surface. The suggestion is that PowerBlock might want to consider designing a set of dumbbells whose weight plates can be adjusted on a variety of surfaces. Another user felt that the selector pin system was not sufficiently secure, given how the weight plates tended to rattle around when in use.

However, even with the simplest of products on the market - things can still go wrong. Designers can mess up, the dimensions could be totally wrong, or the colors might clash in sickening ways. Hence - the only way to see whether or not this bench is worthy of a recommendation was to put it to the test ourselves. And that's exactly what we did.

Universal Decline Bench

• List Price: $99.99
  
• Sale Price: $69.99
  

Universal Decline Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
The Universal Decline Bench weighs approximately 20 pounds, and measures 45" in length, 5.5" in width and 15" in height - when being used in the standard position.

This is slightly different to many other lower end benches - but after trying it out for ourselves, it still felt secure and supportive. Additionally, with a maximum user weight of 250lbs, you should be able to use any combination of weights whilst doing any combination of exercises, without fear of breakage or collapse.

Comfort & Style
Remember - this is a "decline" bench, so you won't be able to use it in the "flat" position. This limits the number of exercises which can be done - but what we would say here is that it makes the specific exercises which do require a decline an absolute pleasure.

The decline is on just the right angle to ensure maximum comfort, and the padding is slip / skid resistant so you won't go sliding off the end as if it was a child's toy. Speaking of the padding - it really is very soft, so it won't feel like you're sitting or lying on rock either.

Extras & Add-ons
As we said in the introduction, there are absolutely no add-ons with the Universal Decline Bench. This is simply a bench - and that's it. If you're looking for a product which folds up - this is the one you should get. Because it is naturally on a declining angle during use, the facility to completely fold it back was clearly very easy to incorporate during the manufacturing process.

Hence - if your home gym is positioned somewhere where you often have guests or visitors, the Universal Decline Bench could be a perfect addition in this sense.

Our Rating of the Universal Decline Bench
You might think it would b e difficult to give an opinion on a "bench" - when all there really is to review are just a few pieces of metal and some padding. However - thinking like that would be far from the truth.

As we said, things can go wrong on every level - from designing to executing the product. So how does the Universal Decline Bench rank? Pretty well actually! We would be happy to award it 5 stars for its simplicity, usefulness, and overall attention to detail during the manufacturing process.

Home gym products are important if you don't live near a local gym, or if you don't want to fork out for a monthly gym subscription. However - there are a few things you need to keep in mind before splurging out on individual equipment pieces.

Price, quality, longevity, warranty, construction, and value for money can all play a role in whether or not a particular product meets your needs - and these factors are exactly the things we looked at in this review.

Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set

• List Price: $399.99
  
• Sale Price: $86.30
  

Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set Specifications & Features

Weight Plates
With the Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set, you get a full weight range of 10lbs to 160lbs - with many available combinations in between. This is, as we said, perfect for the intermediate weight lifter.

What we love about this set is that Amber Sports have provided us with both a barbell bar and two dumbbell bars, so that we have flexibility to perform any weight focused exercise that we like - with ease.

Construction
The bars comprising the Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set are all made from solid steel, meaning that they are highly durable and certainly won't bend or buckle under the weight of the full 160lbs set. Individual weight plates are also constructed from steel - however we did notice something a bit annoying about these.

They are coated with some form of heavy duty paint, which has a tendency to peel off. During our testing, we found that a few flakes of paint did actually fall to the floor, and we can only imagine that after a few years of regular use, they will possibly have none of the coating left. If you can deal with this - that's fine. But if you don't like the idea - perhaps you should be aware before you buy.

Extras & Add-ons
Aside from the addition of the dumbbell bars to provide support for isolated weight lifting exercises, there are no other noteworthy add-ons with this product.

Our Rating of the Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set
Overall, there are both good and bad points relating to the Amber Sports 160-Pound Threaded Weight Set. On the plus side, a generous range of weight is available to satisfy both beginner and intermediate (probably more so the intermediate people) users, and the steel bars are strong and sturdy.

On the down side though, the paint issue is a bit of an annoyance, and Amber Sports should really have addressed this during manufacture.

Still, if you're looking for a diverse set and don't mind sweeping the floor every now and then - this is a great product. It receives 4 stars from us.

Measuring 12 x 6 x 6 inches (length x width x height) each, it's incredibly easy to change weight on the PowerBlock dumbbells. A simple selector pin system lets the user change weight as easily as you would with a weight stack in a gym. The dumbbells also come with padded handles for added wrist protection. Their compact sizes make the dumbbells a space-saving option compared to standard dumbbells.

PowerBlock Personal Trainer Adjustable 2.5 to 50-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

• List Price: $418.00
  
• Sale Price: $321.00
  

Cost Effective Purchase

The initial price of the PowerBlock dumbbells may cause some to balk, but, as any favorable review will attest, it is actually much cheaper than buying several, separate sets of dumbbells. Users also found the price of the PowerBlocks reasonable especially when compared to individual dumbbells that encompass an identical weight range.

Users also appreciated the space saving storage of the dumbbells, which took up no more than a square foot of space altogether when not in use. As promised by the manufacturer, the cushioned handles were indeed comfortable to use, and provided an additional incentive to work out consistently.

Virtually Damage-Proof Selector Pin System

More than one review felt that the selector pin was an easy and simple system for changing the weight plates. Unlike dial-adjusted dumbbells, the PowerBlocks' simple system ensured that users would never have to worry about damaging an intricate locking mechanism by dropping the dumbbells.

A unique feature of the PowerBlock dumbbells is the color-coded weight plates. Not only did they make it easier for users to determine what weight they were lifting with a quick glance, weight plate lengths decrease in direct proportion to the amount of weight lifted. That meant that users lifting a lighter weight also lifted shorter dumbbells, which allowed a much wider range of motion. Users were also happy to report that the simple design and sturdy materials allowed the dumbbell set to last for more than a decade with hardly any signs of wear and tear.

Dumbbells' Length Can Limit Motion

There was a review or two that felt that the length of the dumbbells limited movement somewhat. Exercises like upright rows could not be performed perfectly due to the dumbbells' length, and their size might prove to be an impediment to those with smaller frames. Users who found the shape of the dumbbells unusual also expressed similar sentiments, while other users were slightly annoyed with the noise made by the PowerBlocks when in use.

To find out whether our purse strings were worth pulling for this product, we gave it a thorough inspection and even tried out a few exercises on it. Our findings have been summarized below.

Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench

• List Price: $200.00
  
• Sale Price: $146.02
  

Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
Probably the only thing we don't like about this bench is that it is slightly smaller than a "normal" exercise bench. For starters, it folds up - which is good for storing the equipment when it's not in use - but not so good if you are looking for a permanently fixed bench.

Now on to the good points. The Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench is able to take on 4 different adjustable positions, which is hugely convenient if you have a range of exercises which you like to perform. There's not much that you can do with just a flat bench - so enabling different levels of adjustment is very useful.

Comfort & Style
Let's talk about the construction of this bench for a moment, before getting on to the comfort. The under body frame is made from 2 inch thick steel - which makes the device very sturdy and strong. It would be fair to say that you will never have to utilize the limited warranty for reasons of "steel degradation" - because that will simply not ever happen.

In terms of comfort, the bench has high density foam padding supporting the user, which is a nice aesthetic contrast also to the metal underside.

Extras & Add-ons
Don't expect a whole lot in the way of bonus extras with this product. Instead of developing add-ons, the manufacturer has focused on making this a compact bench which is able to be folded up when not in use - and stored away out of sight.

This is probably the most obvious point of difference between the Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench and other benches which are priced similarly.

Our Rating of the Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench
Despite its drawbacks (size and lack of add-ons) - we actually quite liked the Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench. Performing exercises on the machine felt natural, and the adjustable back was able to accommodate us throughout our entire planned exercise regime.

Hence for someone looking for a well built, reliable, and no frills exercise bench to place in to their home gym - the Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench should definitely be one to put on the list of considerations.

With the F0115 however, the company is clearly looking to grab on to a bit of the market share of popular professional competitors such as Body Solid - by providing us with a new maximum weight - 115lbs. But is it enough? Read on to find out our thoughts.

US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set With Dumbbells

• List Price: $149.99
  
• Sale Price: $47.90
  

US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set Specifications & Features

Weight Plates
The US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set comes standard with two 25 pound, four 10 pound, and four 5 pound weight plates. Also included is a standard bar (barbell) and also two short dumbbell bars - which conveniently extends the usability of the set.

Previously, US Weight have offered only the barbell, so it's clear where they are aiming to make their point of difference with the set. Overall, the weight range is satisfactory, but it still doesn't cater for mega professionals in the exercise field or career weightlifters. But then again, at under $100 - we don't really think it needs to!

Construction
The construction and materials employed in the US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set are similar to the 100lbs and 55lbs sets that we reviewed previously from US Weight. The vinyl weight trend continues, which is good for your pocket and equally as good for your floor (minimizes dents, bumps, and scuff marks).

Additionally, one thing we forgot to mention in previous reviews is that this vinyl is totally rust resistant - allowing the lifetime of the product to be extended indefinitely.

Extras & Add-ons
As is traditional with US Weight (the manufacturer if you haven't worked it out by now), you'll get a limited 90 day warranty on all components of this product. Should you find that something doesn't meet your quality standards when it comes out of the box, you can simply send it back and have it replaced at no extra cost.

As far as the actual product itself goes though, there are no notable extras here. For a price of approximately $80 - we didn't expect any, and frankly, neither should you. $80 for a 115 pound set is clearly less than $1 per pound of weight, which is exceptional.

Our Rating of the US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set
Overall, we were pleased by the US Weight F0115 115-Pound Duracast Weight Set in exactly the way that we wanted to be pleased. The quality maintained its consistency, and the trends used in previous releases from US Weight were visible in this model.

Hence, you'll be able to understand our 4.5 star rating for this product.

Following is our review of the product, focusing on things such as the style, comfort, and abilities of the bench.

Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench

• List Price: $240.00
  
• Sale Price: $156.00
  
• Used From: $129.00
  

Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench Specifications & Features

Dimensions
Because of the folding frame at the back which makes it look bigger - we wanted to get an accurate and comparable measurement of the dimensions of the product. Hence, the following measurements exclude the additional weight frame.

The Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench length is 68", width is 41" and height is 45". The folding nature of the frame deserves a special mention here, because if you are trying to do some exercises with the frame up - you'll have quite a bit of difficulty. You can actually completely remove the frame from the bench if necessary - which is a handy design function.

Comfort & Style
Whilst the bench is adjustable, it does not provide as many settings as other similar devices out there. More specifically, the BFOB10 gives you 3 different incline settings, including flat, decline and incline.

These are standard with most benches around this price, but to make it extra special we would have liked to have seen 5 to 8 different possibilities.

One final thing worth mentioning is that this bench does have heavy duty roller pads to cushion both your hands and feet when doing specific exercises. This adds to the overall comfort of the machine.

Extras & Add-ons
The Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench comes with a 1 year warranty on all parts except for the add-on frame (we'll get to that in a second) which is covered by a 3 year warranty. This is good for peace of mind, and clearly shows that the manufacturer is confident in their own products.

The frame is probably the most important feature of the Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench which distinguishes it from other exercise benches out there. The frame enables you to use barbells to perform exercises such as the bench press, without having to have someone standing over you (spotting) the whole time. Handy = yes. Vital = not really.

Our Rating of the Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench
We happen to like the Best Fitness BFOB10 Olympic Bench very much. After testing it ourselves, we found that there are a number of cunning little extras which have all been factored in to the product which you have to discover for yourself to understand the usefulness of them.

It's much like using a piece of modern technology for the first time - there are surprises around every corner. Because of this - the BFOB10 gets 5 stars as our rating.

Not only does the Powerblock Classic set save you from having to purchase 18 individual weights, the manufacturers also promise a more compact and balanced set of dumbbells, which makes for easier storage and safer workouts. The handles are also padded to protect those with weak wrists. With these dumbbells, which measure 12 x 6 x 6 inches (length x width x height), any health enthusiast can easily choose to have a simple toning workout or a tougher one that builds strength.

PowerBlock Classic Adjustable 5 to 45-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

• List Price: $338.00
  
• Sale Price: $279.00
  
• Used From: $309.99
  

Cost Effective Price Combined With Solid Construction

One of the best things about these dumbbells is how little space they take up. This makes the set a major asset for any beginner's home gym, and more than one review was pleased at how they don't get in the way at all. There was also the appeal of receiving the equivalent of 18 weights at a much lower price than one would pay for 18 actual weight plates.

Another appealing aspect of these adjustable dumbbells was how solid they felt compared to adjustable dumbbells from other manufacturers. Users were also appreciative of how the Powerblock adjustable dumbbells can be upgraded for use a heavier handle for a greater challenge, as well as to be used with a barbell.

Comfortable Padded Grip and Color Coded Weights

The decision to add a padded handle paid out for the Powerblock manufacturer, as exercise enthusiasts couldn't get over how it made the dumbbells much more comfortable to use as a result. Changing the weight plates with the selector pin didn't pose a challenge for anyone and could be accomplished in a very short time. The benefit of this feature was that it facilitated the undertaking of workout routines that only allowed short intervals of rest.

Not only is the weight plate changing process a simple one-step procedure, the weight plates themselves are color-coded to ensure the user knows how much he or she is lifting with a quick glance. As one review found, the Powerblocks are also built to last as they withstood years of use with the grip remaining comfortable and the weights being as stable at the day they came out of the box.

Rattling Weights May Be Unnerving

Some users felt apprehensive about using the Powerblocks due to the rattling that the weight plates made during certain exercises. While the dumbbells' solid construction was evident, routines like shoulder presses made exercisers slightly fearful when the weight plates clanked together overhead.

There were also some concerns about the selector pin, which could be inserted unevenly if the user was careless, and result in a half-secured weight plate that would eventually detach and cause injury or damage.

But what is the actual difference in the product between these two versions, and is the reduction in price done with a compromise to the integrity or quality of the bench? We set out to review the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1 to find out exactly what the manufacturer was up to.

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1

• List Price: $199.00
  
• Sale Price: $156.54
  

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1 Specifications & Features

Dimensions
There is absolutely no difference in dimensions between Series 5.1 and the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1. To reiterate, the bench is 56" long, 26" wide, and 20" high.

This makes it just a fraction bigger than the standard size for a home exercise bench. But, the reason it takes up more space may be due to the fact that it can do more, and be used in a wider variety of ways that other benches.

Comfort & Style
Bowflex products are known for their superior planning, design, and execution, and the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1 is another excellent example of this. The bench can be used for over 30 different exercises, and more importantly, you will be able to maintain 100% correct form during each of these thanks to the flexibility of the product.

The angling of the bench feet goes a step further to make this product safe. It is almost impossible to tip the bench once you are on it, as the stabilization planning has genuinely succeeded.

Extras & Add-ons
As with the series 5.1 model, the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1 comes with a feet holding device that is able to pin your feet down during particular exercises. This certainly has its uses, and can be removed if you don't think it is worthwhile.

This ultimately leaves us with the question - what is the difference between the 5.1 and the 3.1?

Our Rating of the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1
The above question is answered simply by looking at the bench. The two products are fundamentally the same, but the design is slightly different. Dimensions are the same, but cushioning and padding are lacking in "luxury" on the 3.1, as are the brushed metal effects that we are getting so used to.

Still, if you don't need these "aesthetic extras" - you should have no problems with the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1. This is a great bench which should serve you well for any and all of the exercises that you could possibly think of.

Thankfully, you can now benefits from the design of the kettlebell with the Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set. We recently reviewed the product to see how it stacks up to other more traditional exercise equipment products, and the results are included below.

Marcy VKBS50 50-Pound Kettlebell Weight Set

• List Price: $199.99
  
• Sale Price: $83.89
  

Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set Specifications & Features

Weight Design
Immediately, when you look at the Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set, you'll see that there are no weight plates anywhere to be installed. This is because you don't need any. Each individual kettlebell carries its own weight, which is set and not customizable.

Hence, to achieve a gradual increase in weights, you need to have a set which offers more than one kettlebell. The VKBS50 offers 4 - so that problem is immediately solved.

With this set, you'll get a 20lbs kettlebell (the maximum weight) and also a 5lbs, 10lbs, and 15lbs unit as well. Hence, you'll receive 4 kettlebells in total.

Construction
The four individual kettlebells included with this set are all coated with a rubber material - which is the cause of their shininess. Underneath this coating however is solid cast iron - which offers the mass weight of each unit.

You'll notice that the lower the weight of the kettlebell, the smaller it is - and this is a direct result of the solid cast iron design.

Extras & Add-ons
Kettlebells tend to be more expensive than other pieces of exercise equipment, but with the Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set - the pricing is relatively modest at just under $200. Hence, we weren't actually expecting any extras or add-ons to come with the pack.

We therefore got a pleasant surprise when we opened the box and found a full sized exercise chart with detailed information on how we could utilize the kettlebells to train different areas of the body. This chart is easy to see from a distance, and is not a total eyesore (hence can safely be put up on the wall!).

Our Rating of the Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set
It's great to see that a manufacturer such as Marcy has finally caught on to the fact that consumers also want the ability to buy and use kettlebells. It's not just the exercise pros who are interested in them.

And thankfully - they've done a great job with the Marcy VKBS50 50lbs Kettlebell Weight Set. Taking the construction, quality, materials, and pricing in to account, this set scores a high 5 stars and would definitely get a "buy" recommendation at the current RRP.