Powerblock U-50 vs. U-90 Stage I

[Gazi]

Anyone know the difference between these two? (other than the U-90 can be upgraded to heavier weight)

They both offer very similar weight change options, although by just looking at the pic it looks like the U-90 has less colors to choose from. The overall shape and ergonomics look and bit different, can anyone comment on this?

U-50 Set (5-50 lbs) $379 ($59 S/H)

The U-50 Set has a weight range of 5-50lbs per hand, gives every 2.5 lb increment, and replaces 20 pairs of dumbbells in the space of 1 pair. The U-50 Set replaces the equivalent of 1049 lbs of free weights.The weight increments acheived with the U-50 Set Are; 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5 and 50 lbs per hand. Value of the U-50 at $379/pair - cost per lb (replaces 1049 lbs) is 36¢ per lb. Compare to Urethane coated dumbbells at $2.99 lb costing $3136.51. Dimensions are; 13"L x 7.25" H x 7" W. Ships in 2 boxes.

U-90 Stage I Set (5-50 lbs) $379 ($59 S/H)

The U-90 Stage I Set is expandable later to 90 lbs per hand with the U-90 Stage II Kit, and again to 125 lbs per hand with the U-90 Stage III Kit. The U-90 Stage I Set has a weight range of 5-50 lbs per hand and will replace 16 pairs of dumbbells or 825 lbs of free weights. Increments achieved with the U-50 Set are; 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10,15, 17.5, 20 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5 and 50 lbs per hand. The dimensions of U-90 Stage I Set are; 12.5" L x 7" W x 7.25" H. Ships in 2 boxes.

[tedsheckler]

I don't think the U-50 is upgradeable, and I don't think they make them anymore. They're not listed on the PowerBlock Specs page, they might just be unloading old inventory.

Get the U-90

http://www.powerblock.com/specs.html

[Pollux82]

The u50's plates will be in 5lb increments. Meaning you can switch from 15 to 20lbs just by moving the pin. If you want to move by 2.5lbs, thats the only time you'll have to use the adder weights.

The u90's plates are in 10lb increments meaning you switch from 10-20lbs by moving the pin, but if you want to go up by 5lbs youll need to use the adder weights. This is why the u90s skip 12.5, 22.5, 32.5, etc. The handle by itself is 5lbs. add one adder weight will make it 7.5lb, add two it will make it 10lbs. To get to the next weight up which is 15lbs, youll have to take the adder weights off and select the next plate which is 10lbs, making the next weight up 15lbs.

The u90's stage 1 uses less plates than the u50's that's why they're upgradeable.
u50=faster
u90=upgradeable

[dskoo65]

actually, the u50 actually uses more plates that are slimmer, thus the ability to go every 5 lbs with just the pin.

no brainer, unless all you ever will need are 50 lb dumbbells.............. not bloody likely.

get the u90's , even if all you get is the stage I to 50 lbs for now.

[pitchpullin5]

I just got the U90s last week. They are flat out awesome. At your age you will want the U90s for sure.

[Roobaix]

90's all the way. If you're going to use them for DB presses or anything 50's won't do you much good.