Hello all,
I've been looking at purchasing the Powerblock U90 5-90 lb set. Got a quick question for those that have used the Powerblocks, and in particular, with the weight ranges of 70-90 lbs . I've seen some youtube videos of folks using the 90 lb setting (for flat bench) and I was wondering if you can get full range of motion on flat bench with them (they seem to be a little bulky to do so)? The only downside as I see it, is they appear clunky/cumbersome in the upper weight ranges, but I could be wrong in my assumption. Looking for some opinions.
Thanks!
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01-09-2018, 04:06 PM #1
Powerblock U90 5-90 lbs too bulky?
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01-09-2018, 04:36 PM #2
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I've had no issues with full ranges and my xxl/u175 club set is much bulkier.
https://youtu.be/ppOamKJv-Vo
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01-09-2018, 05:03 PM #3
Just to give you a comparison, the U-90's, loaded to 90lbs are 17" in length. I just measured the Ironmasters loaded to 90lbs at 15" in length. That length does NOT include the ends of the bolts, however that's another inch or so.
So you're talking about less than a 1" difference on the sides that the weights could touch.
Angle your wrists in a little and you're fine.USAPL RAW Competitor
>500/>300/>600
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01-09-2018, 06:44 PM #4
Gentlemen,
Really appreciate the responses, both very informative. Thanks for checking dimensions bobcat255. Very helpful with being able to tell the difference between the Ironmasters and Powerblocks with the numbers you provided. Ironmasters were on my list as well but I like the Powerblocks a bit more for their space footprint. Im gonna move forward with the purchase here soon. I dont think Ill be disappointed when I get the PBs in. Thanks again.Last edited by gomeybear; 01-09-2018 at 06:52 PM.
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01-09-2018, 06:53 PM #5
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Haven't been able to "rep" many of you for a year or more...not for lack of trying.
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01-09-2018, 07:19 PM #6
They're pretty phenomenal, actually. If you have the change, buy some! Having owned both sets, I prefer the Powerblocks over the Ironmasters, though both are pretty awesome. I prefer the Ironmaster's contoured handled (centers in the hand nicely), the rounded edges are nice compared to sharp edges on the IMs, and of course, the quick changes on the Powerblocks are great. The size takes a little bit of getting used to, but that's mostly mental.
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01-10-2018, 03:57 PM #7
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01-10-2018, 05:24 PM #8
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Not with the xxxl's
And really over that weight you're generally jumping up a pretty good amount at a time. I've never removed my adder weights which I have 4 in each handle in my set.
In my review thread I figured the ultimate setup was having a U90 set, iron master set up to 160, and then loaded handles in required amounts. At the time shermworks was awesome for those big weights. Not sure if they're made still.
But for the sake of space, super easy quick changes for drop sets and super sets, and cost I got the huge powerblock set and would absolutely do it again.My Training Journal: http://tinyurl.com/jasons-journal
My Video Training Journal: www.youtube.com/user/jason24590
08/17:245,185,275 02/18:345,275,380
06/18:405;315,455
goal: hit previous SBD #s again 524,364,562
current meet PRs: ---/---/--- ---
What NorthStrong's sig. says
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01-12-2018, 06:57 AM #9
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01-12-2018, 07:47 AM #10
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The newer club set comes with 2 sets of handles which I assume one set has a couple adder weights and the other pair doesn't. Most likely for club settings where you wouldn't want those weights removed and dropped or stolen.
My xxxl 175 set has 4 adder weights to get small increments.
20171207_074731 by Jason, on FlickrMy Training Journal: http://tinyurl.com/jasons-journal
My Video Training Journal: www.youtube.com/user/jason24590
08/17:245,185,275 02/18:345,275,380
06/18:405;315,455
goal: hit previous SBD #s again 524,364,562
current meet PRs: ---/---/--- ---
What NorthStrong's sig. says
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01-14-2018, 10:36 AM #11
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01-14-2018, 02:40 PM #12
Here are the club increments. No adder weights. Just 2 pair of handles, the lighter handle is 12.5, the other 20. And before anyone complains, no I don't mind the 15lb increments. I don't micro load dumbbells, that's what a bar is for.
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01-14-2018, 03:49 PM #13
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01-14-2018, 05:28 PM #14
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I have the older pro rexan models 5-90 with the big block to 130. What I do is figure out where I want to finish or where my working sets will be. Say that's 85lbs. Load adders if I need them and make jumps up with the pins. Only in the rarest occasions will I fumble with adder weights mid-workout. That said it's more about my laziness and being beat from barbell lifts than it being a real inconvenience.
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Haven't been able to "rep" many of you for a year or more...not for lack of trying.
Home Gym: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=175136471&p=1615740991&viewfull=1#post1615740991
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01-15-2018, 06:53 AM #15
Over 90 pounds in use for presses and rows. They work just fine.
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01-16-2018, 01:10 PM #16
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01-16-2018, 01:45 PM #17
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01-16-2018, 03:44 PM #18
Also U-90's are much longer than the XXL's for each comparative weight. As they get heavier by almost 2-4". Trade off is that XXL's are about an inch or so wider. The only thing that was weird at first was laterals and curls, but I was used to it by the 3rd time using them.
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01-16-2018, 03:45 PM #19
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01-18-2018, 10:43 AM #20
I used to have a set of the rubber encased pro style Ivankos. Those mother fLlckers are BULKY! I got rid of them as soon as I could since they were borderline useless to me from 80 pounds on up.
Im not a big guy, if the Powerblocks work for me, theyll work for anyone.EQUIPMENT CREW VATO #72
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01-24-2018, 04:21 PM #21
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01-24-2018, 04:58 PM #22
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Powerblocks are bulky for the first 30 seconds and then they do just fine. I have the U-90 and they're just fine.
except they're not great for goblet squatsDomicron's Basement Gym and Fun House
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=652376&p=1451901723&viewfull=1#post1451901723
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01-24-2018, 06:32 PM #23
Dom brings up a good point, the one downside imho is that Powerblocks are not good for 3 exercises. Goblets, pullovers and single db overhead Tri ext. I dont really care about the goblets since I've never done them, or the overhead tri, since my elbows hate that exercise in my advancing age, but I miss heavy pullovers.
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01-24-2018, 06:38 PM #24
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01-24-2018, 07:03 PM #25
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I've had my set for 10 years now!
Mine is basically the current "Elite" model and maxes out at 90 lbs.
I think the thought of them is more awkward than actual use. In use, no issues.
The massive cost savings and space savings over traditional dumbbells is awesome.
And as long as you're resting a couple minutes between sets, it's no big deal to change weights.
When I first got them I was doing P90X and it was tough to change weight settings fast enough if I had to swap out the inner weights.
I just talked to customer service the other day because I needed to order the 50-70 upgrade kit. Wanted to make sure it would work with mine.
Pretty cool that 10 years later it's still compatible!
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01-24-2018, 07:44 PM #26
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01-24-2018, 08:00 PM #27
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01-27-2018, 10:52 AM #28
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