Powerblock pro vs elite vs exp?

[NiR]

I am wondering what’s the difference between them and which ones do you guys recommend? Is the pro worth the extra price tag?

Also just realized there is also a sport ... my god

[Duplicitous]

The Elites have the standard cage-style handle (bar on each side of the handle near your wrist) and bare metal plates. The EXPs have a sport handle (no side handles near your wrists) and bare metal plates. The Pro EXPs have the sport handle and urethane-coated plates. I chose the Pro EXPs because I prefer the more open handle design and urethane-coated plates. Whether or not either of those things is worth a price bump is up to you.

As an aside, you can pick up the Elites very often on the used market (e.g. ******** Marketplace). The 90s go for about $400 in my area with the stand included. The EXPs show up every now and then. The Pro EXPs I have only seen 3 times in the last 12 months. They haven't been around long enough to show up on the used market nearly as often as the other models. Powerblocks are one of those items that carry virtually no risk when buying used as you can easily spot the problems (bent pins or plates). If the plates and pins are straight, you're good to go.

[NiR]

The Elites have the standard cage-style handle (bar on each side of the handle near your wrist) and bare metal plates. The EXPs have a sport handle (no side handles near your wrists) and bare metal plates. The Pro EXPs have the sport handle and urethane-coated plates. I chose the Pro EXPs because I prefer the more open handle design and urethane-coated plates. Whether or not either of those things is worth a price bump is up to you.

As an aside, you can pick up the Elites very often on the used market (e.g. ******** Marketplace). The 90s go for about $400 in my area with the stand included. The EXPs show up every now and then. The Pro EXPs I have only seen 3 times in the last 12 months. They haven't been around long enough to show up on the used market nearly as often as the other models. Powerblocks are one of those items that carry virtually no risk when buying used as you can easily spot the problems (bent pins or plates). If the plates and pins are straight, you're good to go.

Is there any drawbacks with the caged bars for doing any exercises? Also is the total size of the bars any different between the 3?

[Duplicitous]

Is there any drawbacks with the caged bars for doing any exercises? Also is the total size of the bars any different between the 3?

The Pro EXPs have an ergo-type handle. Last I checked the Elites had a straight handle. In terms of overall size of the blocks, the urethane-coated are a little bigger due to the urethane coating.

The handles won't have any significant impact upon any exercises I can think of. For me, the bars hit the back of my hands and I just feel like the open design feels more like a regular DB. FWIW, you can fit 2 hands in the open design, but not the cage design. However, DB pullovers and tricep extensions aren't really doable imho even with the open design. You just can't get your hands into the proper position.

[NiR]

The Pro EXPs have an ergo-type handle. Last I checked the Elites had a straight handle. In terms of overall size of the blocks, the urethane-coated are a little bigger due to the urethane coating.

The handles won't have any significant impact upon any exercises I can think of. For me, the bars hit the back of my hands and I just feel like the open design feels more like a regular DB. FWIW, you can fit 2 hands in the open design, but not the cage design. However, DB pullovers and tricep extensions aren't really doable imho even with the open design. You just can't get your hands into the proper position.

Wow tricep extensions aren’t doable? That sucks. But are you sure? Which one would you pick if you were to pick now? The site or exp?

[C123C]

Wow tricep extensions aren’t doable? That sucks. But are you sure? Which one would you pick if you were to pick now? The site or exp?

Single arm sure...double arm with both hands on a single dumbbell no.

I do miss dumbbell pullovers though. Can always do one dumbbell per hand or use a barbell or ez curl.

[NiR]

But can you hold the 2 bars on the side with each hand to do the pullovers or extensions?

[C123C]

But can you hold the 2 bars on the side with each hand to do the pullovers or extensions?

When it's light, yes but the bars that connect either side of the plates restrict then remove access to those bars through the sides.

Have you considered Ironmasters? Totally different design and solves this problem. Then again so does a $40 ez curl bar.

I have an older set of PBs similar to the elites with all expansions through 130lbs...love them but most of what I do is Barbell. Otherwise I'd probably own both Ironmasters with expansions and use Powerblocks for 5-90 which is where they really shine.

[Duplicitous]

But can you hold the 2 bars on the side with each hand to do the pullovers or extensions?

I supposed you could, but I've never tried it. As above though, you can still do one-handed versions.