Powerblock Elite vs. Pro Aluminum

[ASFx]

I was curious about what the difference was, because they both go up to 130lb, so i went ahead and asked them. Here was their response in case anyone is interested:

The Pro Rexan and Aluminum weight plates are made from one 1/2" thick weight plate, that has machined (rounded) edges. The process of machining cost both labor and machinery and that is why the Pro plates (sets) cost more than the Elite sets. The machining (shaving off) of the Pro weight plates also takes weight off and therefore what started as a 10 lb 1/2" thick weight plate becomes a 9.5 lb weight plate once machined. That is the reason for the difference in weight between the sets. The machining process was done primarily for aesthetics. With the cost of steel doubling in the past few years, the Elite weight plate was born as a way to make a lower priced weight plate to keep the price down to the consumer. The Elite set weight plates are made from two 1/4" thick weight plates welded together to make one 1/2" thick weight plate. The Edges are not machined and remain square. The Elite weight plates weigh 10 lbs (if they were machined like the Pro weight plates they would be down to 9.5 lbs as well). Long story short; the Elite sets weigh more and cost less. The Elite sets have become more popular because of this scenario. The Elite sets do have an enhanced weight chart as well, both for the stand and on the handles. The Pro Rexan sets do not have these enhanced weight charts, the Pro Aluminum Sets do also however.

Pro Rexan Sets weight:
5-45,5-85 or 5-125.
Pro Aluminum Sets weight:
10-50,10-90 or 10-130.
Elite Sets weight:
5-50,5-90 or 5-130.

[Brother Steel]

Here you go...

[ASFx]

Nice pic of your powerblocks.

[ASFx]

I just found out the "SportBlock 9.0" is the newest version of the powerblocks and will be put on the powerblocks site next month. The sportblock 9.0 is already being sold at a few retail stores though.

I ended up going to my local store and checked them out. They have a rounded top similar to the current previous generation sportblock set. I also felt like my hand had more room inside it while i was doing various exercises. The grip also feels different, and the bars that go down the sides feel a bit thinner (for more wrist room I suppose). I ended up buying the set. Here's a few pics:

[Earl H]

I am almost afraid to ask...how much.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

I was curious about what the difference was, because they both go up to 130lb, so i went ahead and asked them. Here was their response in case anyone is interested:

The slick thing with the elites is they can be adjusted in 2.5lb. increments as they have a pair of removable 2.5lb. adder weights built into the handle. The Aluminum pros only can be adjusted in 10 pound increments.

[ASFx]

The slick thing with the elites is they can be adjusted in 2.5lb. increments as they have a pair of removable 2.5lb. adder weights built into the handle. The Aluminum pros only can be adjusted in 10 pound increments.

That was one thing I found out later which is why I ALMOST got the elites until i found out about the new SportBlock 9.0 version was being sold. They can also be adjusted in 2.5lb increments. They cost $588 + $129 for the stand which is the same price of the elites. I was able to sell my old 52.5lb bowflex select tech dumbbells to recover a good chunk of the cost, so i feel pretty good about this purchase.

[Andrew69]

I love my Powerblocks and the only fault I have with them is that I maxed them out ages ago

[ASFx]

Yea easy to max on certain exercises like rows, etc since you can only go up to 130lb on powerblocks (with the 90-130lb add-on). Still perfect for most things. I think for anything you need past 130, its probably better to just get an individual 140,150,160,170, etc.. up to whatever you need.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

That was one thing I found out later which is why I ALMOST got the elites until i found out about the new SportBlock 9.0 version was being sold. They can also be adjusted in 2.5lb increments. They cost $588 + $129 for the stand which is the same price of the elites. I was able to sell my old 52.5lb bowflex select tech dumbbells to recover a good chunk of the cost, so i feel pretty good about this purchase.

Yep the Sport 9.0's are basically the same as the Elites. Different contoured handles though(a bit roomier), which may or may not be a benefit. For me, since I have smallish hands prefer the Elites. But someone with large hands would probably prefer the new Sportblocks.

[Brother Steel]

That was one thing I found out later which is why I ALMOST got the elites until i found out about the new SportBlock 9.0 version was being sold. They can also be adjusted in 2.5lb increments. They cost $588 + $129 for the stand which is the same price of the elites. I was able to sell my old 52.5lb bowflex select tech dumbbells to recover a good chunk of the cost, so i feel pretty good about this purchase.

I have the Aluminum pros and they come with four 2.5 pound adder weights. They are designed to be adjusted in 5 pound increments. You can only use one adder weight but you run in to problems doing so. (Just do the math) You can however purchase the 5 pound Rexan handles extra and then you can get a full 2.5 pound increment adjustment for the full range of weight.

Although I can get the 2.5 pound adjustment with my PowerBlock setup, I never use them that way. Since I have gotten the extra Rexan handles, I just switch handles instead of using the adder weights to make the 5 pound adjustment. It is a lot faster doing it that away.

[Andrew_R]

After reading these articles, I stopped by the local "2nd Wind" equipment store to see if they had them in. They were having a Midnight Madness BOGO (Buy one get one half off) sale... and it even included the Powerblock series.

My old treadmill was starting to click-n-clack, so I ended up replacing it with a used Pacemaster Gold for $449... that gave the the main Powerblock set at $174.49 (50% off $349.99). Then I added the 50-90 extension set for $239 which gave me the stand for $64.50 (50% off $129).

The powerblocks will be new, as they only had the demo?s in the store and had to order them from their distributor.

It was a happy surpise since I never see powerblocks go on sale significantly. I felt pretty good about walking away with a Pacemaster treadmill and extended Powerblocks/stand for $900.

-Andrew

[Captain Crunch]

Im bumping this because of a recent Power block thread.
Man those things are nice.

[fenixzona]

I just found out the "SportBlock 9.0" is the newest version of the powerblocks and will be put on the powerblocks site next month. The sportblock 9.0 is already being sold at a few retail stores though.

I ended up going to my local store and checked them out. They have a rounded top similar to the current previous generation sportblock set. I also felt like my hand had more room inside it while i was doing various exercises. The grip also feels different, and the bars that go down the sides feel a bit thinner (for more wrist room I suppose). I ended up buying the set. Here's a few pics:

Those look really slick. I have a pair that are two years old so they are the old style, but I love them. By far the best adjustable db option.

[HitItHard]

bump for powerblocks

[ASFx]

Im still very happy with my purchase. MUCH better than the inferior 52.5lb bowflex adjustable set i had before.

[FERRUM_MAXIMUS]

Im still very happy with my purchase. MUCH better than the inferior 52.5lb bowflex adjustable set i had before.

Yes,Bowflex Selecttechs suck.

[Accutron]

Is there much rattle ? I heard that they rattle around a bit due to the slight gaps between the plates...

[ASFx]

Is there much rattle ? I heard that they rattle around a bit due to the slight gaps between the plates...

They do make a slight noise depending on what exercise you're doing, but it's not annoying or loud. It's the same as when the weight plates rattle together on the bar when you're doing squats or something.

[Accutron]

They do make a slight noise depending on what exercise you're doing, but it's not annoying or loud. It's the same as when the weight plates rattle together on the bar when you're doing squats or something.

I see, thanks.

[Swollen_Powell]

I was able to pick up a pair of the elites(older style), up to 90lbs, with a stand and bench(bowflex 3.1) for $400 off of craiglsist.

It was used, but looked new. I actually ripped the side of the bench one day =(


Bench sucks tho, not enough positions so the incline is too steep. The 5.1 would have been better. Ill probably sell the bench or weld on some extra adjustments on the frame

[Xyphis]

Bought my SportBlock 9.0s back in May and I love them. Bought it with the Stage II initially and will buy the Stage III to bring them up to 130#

There are only 2 "problems" that I see in using them for the past several months.

-The weights do increase in 2.5# intervals (great for me as a newb and 5#increases on curls is a bit much when I increase) BUT due to the way they are made there are some blank spots in the weight increases. For instance, the dumbell goes from 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, etc... I just use my Platemates from my Hex Dumbbells to fill in the gaps.

-Perhaps it's my technique, but when doing rows while you are partially on the bench, the pins have a tendency to catch on the sides of the bench padding, causing tears. Similar to freeweight dumbell bars, but never occured with Hex's.

Overall, totally worth it. Even better IF you can get a discount like the people above. I asked for a 10% off and got it no problem. they didn't budge above that.

[mehdi84]

Yes,Bowflex Selecttechs suck.

I used to have the SelectTech's before I sold them (for the price I bought them for ). I didn't have a huge problem with them. In what way are the powerblocks better? I'm asking because I may have to buy another set like that soon.

[Wildtim]

Just the way they are constructed makes them better. they are always as compact a shape as they can be for the given weight. Other than that its just the tighter tolerances and better materials that make them superior to the selectechs.

[Xyphis]

In what way are the powerblocks better?

I have not used SelectTechs. I have also heard what the above poster has said but cannot comment on it from experience.

My reason for getting the SportBlock 9.0 was because I knew I would at some time exceed the 90# limit that the SelectTechs have (last I checked). The SportBlock goes up to 130 with the Stage III kit.

Yes, after 130, where do I go one may ask? I would just be thrilled to get to that point!

Best of luck in whatever you choose

[ak lifter]

I love my powerblocks

[vibrantred94gt]

I have the Aluminum pros and they come with four 2.5 pound adder weights. They are designed to be adjusted in 5 pound increments. You can only use one adder weight but you run in to problems doing so. (Just do the math) You can however purchase the 5 pound Rexan handles extra and then you can get a full 2.5 pound increment adjustment for the full range of weight.

Although I can get the 2.5 pound adjustment with my PowerBlock setup, I never use them that way. Since I have gotten the extra Rexan handles, I just switch handles instead of using the adder weights to make the 5 pound adjustment. It is a lot faster doing it that away.

I know.. old thread, but I was hoping someone could clear something up for me.

Why do you say the aluminum handles are not adjustable in 2.5 lb. increments?

As far as I can figure they are, but just different multiples because the handles are 10 lb. vs. the 5 lb. Rexan handle.

[CousinEddie61]

I know.. old thread, but I was hoping someone could clear something up for me.

Why do you say the aluminum handles are not adjustable in 2.5 lb. increments?

As far as I can figure they are, but just different multiples because the handles are 10 lb. vs. the 5 lb. Rexan handle.

The Aluminum handles, being 10 lbs, have increments of 10, 12.5. 15, 20, 22.5, 25, etc. There's no seven.

The Rexan handle, 5 lbs, will have the 7.5, 17.5, 27.5.

I just recently got the Elite Aluminum 10 to 52.5. Not sure yet if the missing 7's is going to be a problem or not. If it turns out to be a big issue, I might just get a set of the Rexan handles to fill the gap.

[KBKB]

The Aluminum handles, being 10 lbs, have increments of 10, 12.5. 15, 20, 22.5, 25, etc. There's no seven.

The Rexan handle, 5 lbs, will have the 7.5, 17.5, 27.5.

I just recently got the Elite Aluminum 10 to 52.5. Not sure yet if the missing 7's is going to be a problem or not. If it turns out to be a big issue, I might just get a set of the Rexan handles to fill the gap.

Or get two sets of 1.25 lb PlateMates. (You use them in pairs, so this gives you a way to add 2.5lbs.)

Here's a photo from my PlateMate photo thread:



Edit: Now that I think about it some more, this might not work. It's not clear to me where the aluminum bits are. Obviously, if you try to attach a magnet to an aluminum surface it won't stick. Best to try a small magnet on it first to see if there are any ferrous portions which can be used for attaching PlateMates.

[ProtienandIron]

I'm personally not a fan of powerblocks, but they are very convenient especially in a home gym environment.

If anyone is interested, I'm currently selling my powerblock elites on ebay (UK) at the moment.