I have owned and used the original Pro EXP’s (90lbs set) for just under 2 years now. I have upgraded to the knurled handle and absolutely love them. It does take a bit to get used to the block design but I have gotten very used to them. I totally recommend them if you are in the hunt for an adjustable dumbbell. I will say REP just put their new REPxPEPPIN adjustable dumbbells on preorder and those look amazing.
I called out another popular "reviewer" earlier this week for recommending the poorly built Nuobells and he got pretty offended. This is why I come to Gluck when I want an honest opinion and view some of the other guys purely as light entertainment. I've had my U-90s for over 10 years now and while they aren't perfect by any means, I've been happy with them and expect them to last for decades more.
There’s a pretty famous reviewer out there that have made comparison videos between the Nuobells and every single other type of adjustable dumbbell, and somehow, he still says that he prefers the Nuobells . 🤦🏻♂️I don’t understand how
I bought my 90lb power blocks from a used equipment store 22 years ago , they are the best. I would buy again (if I ever need to 😉). Surprised that the foam grips are still intact (would have preferred nurled
This helped me cope with spending ~2250 (CAD) on the (commercial) Pro 100s in light of The Announcement (I passed on my fellow countryman due to the overwhelming price). I love powerblocks and have been using them for well over a decade but those new peps. . .
I love my Power Block Elite USA. I thought of getting the Pros but I thought the rubber coating would eventually flake off. It happened to a pair that my friend owned.
Love my Elite USAs I got cheap off of Woot, and the 70lb expansion via FB Marketplace. Not as flashy or fun as some of the newer adjustable dumbbells, but they're tough and get the job done. Those 100s look sweet though!
Excellent point about the different sizes availability. I own 2 sets of Powerblocks- 2nd generation Elite (50) and New Pro Series 90lb and they are great! Durable and I love the feel of them when pressing- only complaint in the new ones is the adder weight switch lever gets caught in my shorts some times when racking them - pretty minor complaint
I've got the Power Block EXP that go up to 50 lbs (can be expanded to 90lbs) and they are fantastic. I mostly do isolation exercises with them such as curls, and lateral raises. If I want to use 100+lbs on dumbbells then I'll use the spin lock dumbbells that go up to 125lbs. I got tired to taking all of the weight off of the spin lock dumbbells and got the power blocks specially for lighter movements. Now I just keep the spin lock dumbbells always loaded with 105lbs instead of having to load them plates on and off just to do lighter and heavier movements. It definitely took a little while to get used to them, but once you do, they really aren't that bad.
The commercial model is the one to get . They don’t have the adder weights which makes them feel much more natural and don’t roll like these versions do . Pro exp commercial 100 . You do lose out on those in between weights though but that can be fixed with bare steel 1.25 ib magnet weights .
I recenlty received my set powerblock 100 exp and your graphic made me smile cause I actually did something similar with a color code on an excel sheet that I printed. I had to do it cause i'm used to Kg and not lb but overall these dumbells are crazy good and it's a super addition to a home gym. I really didn't consider the commercial as i'm not going to go above 100lb anytime soon, i'd just use a bar at this point
I'm doing the Weight it Out plates, which go up to 140 lbs if you use their 3/8" thick 5lb plates. If you use 10lb plates, you can fit 200 lbs, assuming 5" of loadable length.
Might be the best review yet then. Don’t make us wait that long though without at least some discussion about them before getting your hands on assuming that will take a month to get them and review fully
I have a real old set of power blocks I bought at the start of covid. The simplicity of the adjustment system is great. Yeah, the supports kind of suck and are in the way when trying to use straps, but it's fine. In my model there's bars I can remove to get a five pound instead of ten pounds increment, but it's too much effort tbh
I think the Urethanes are more durable because the welds on the Elites are more prone to snapping in a drop but both lines are easy to swap parts out on and very durable vs a lot of other adjustables.
I sold my beloved Elite 90s when I got the Pro 100s. The handles took a while to get used to, but it doesn't bother me much now. My one gripe is that they feel so horribly balanced compared to my old Elite 90s.
Regarding the love/hate: I bought a set of powerblocks a few years ago to replace my Bowflex 552s. I immediately could not stand how clunky the weight changing system felt, ESPECIALLY having to undo everything to remove the 2.5lbs to make smaller increment changes.
Does the open handle design make it possible to use straps? I got PowerBlocks with the caged design and it's not really possible to use straps. I can't even get my versagripps locked in and they usually require less effort than normal straps.
How many likes before we get the Adrian oiled posing guided? Or does the sub committe on arms need to open a formal hearing, 7:32 has a *prime* forearm and tri shot
I hated using power blocks underway. Big hands in that cage was uncomfortable, and the adjustment was always getting caught on stuff when changing weights. I wanted to love them but had to get a different system
Powerblock's marketing department has lost their mind. it's just chaos and confusion. dumbbells, weight, size that's like it. Man I would throw up my hands in despair trying to figure that mess out.
I will never buy from them ever again !!! Not even 10 years ago I bought powerblock up to 22kg; there were an upgrade at the time to go up to 48kg. Now I need more weight, i am ready to buy the upgrade, they not sold the upgrade anymore for my elite powerblock, and the new one are not compatible !!!! COMON its the same design, but they made it not compatible. Insane, they wanted to sell me their new line at huge price. So mad.
I say to each his/her own and really believe it. I lead with that because I have tried and I mean really given it the ol' college try to like or at least understand why someone would want to spend their good money on powerblocks which to me are just iron and plastic shoe shine boxes and the higher in weight you go the bigger the shoe shine boxes attached to your hands get. I wish I liked them because I think they might be the most durable but I just can't like them so to each his/her own. Take Care
People getting on that hype train for the Rep x Peppins.. i get it, i really do. But the adult in me is like.. "pssst, Powerblocks are tried and true with decades long track record, and you can change weights without a cradle, both down AND up. Also, the urethane look, feel incredible, and also make no sound, can add a kettlebell handle to add versatility AND a bar bell handle. Tell me again about Reppin?" 😁
I'm on the same boat. I don't have so much money that I can keep buying something new to market and find out that it was not worth the cost. I would rather let other people figure that out first.
Got to say. Another amazing review video by the Glucks. I’ve always been a fan of PowerBlock dumbbells but had no idea they made that many different models. The PowerBlock Pro 100lb EXP do seem like the option I would pick over all the adjustable dumbbells Gluck has reviewed.
I was looking into the newer pro 100 exp then I discovered the commercial pro 100 that look very similar but come with 5lb/10lb separate and more balanced handles. They even come with the Pro Stand for 1499. Now I’m pretty set on those, any option on the commercial pro 100/125 which are also urethane?
Maybe, but there are still some advantages here. Namely, completely flat ends and not needing a cradle to change weights. But yeah, I think overall the Reps will be the ones to beat.
@@plmn93 Not needing the cradle to change weights is one of my favorite aspects of Powerblocks. On REP's site, it says that you can change weight on them without the cradle.
@@Oli-Ravioli I'm glad to see Rep's two new good lifetime-type designs at reasonable prices instead of the disposable junk that has started to take over the market. I don't see enough reason here to trade in my Powerblocks which have served me well, but if I were buying new today these would probably be my first choice. Still some compromises.
They should stick to 90lbs and the 32mm knurled handles. The Pro 100 is a mistake. The new Pro 100 is too big, the handle is redundantly thick. I got the Pro EXP (90 lbs) with their knurled handles (normal 32mm, of course) and get barbells etc. for that version, it's all great. They should stick to what works.
The missing 2.5 increment was only noticeable to me for exercises like lateral raises, where a 5lb jump can feel a good bit heavier. I have old Powerblocks from about 15-20 years ago and they are still going strong. I've only had to replace one plate because it got a little too bent, but to Powerblocks' credit, they still had a replacement plate available for it. Not a lot of companies would still have parts for a model that old.
Another out of the stadium review my friend. I already own a pair of Elite EXP powerblocks and still came running to see your video😂 awesome job as usual.
Probably going to buy the elite usas. Powerblock needs to move production to USA on this 100 set and more models to survive. The reppins are going to destroy their made in China sales. They’re clearly better in every meaningful way and cost LESS lol.
@@rjm656 Yeah that's why Rogue is as big as it is and Strength Co plates quickly went from random SS guy no one has heard of to being called out by 200 people on Coop's last review for not mentioning them as the best plates on the market... No doubt PowerBlock's market share is going to drastically decrease. If they don't make a big change (like moving more production to USA) their market share is going to be zero though. These 100 sets were their first real "innovation" in decades and they're already getting out priced by Reppin's overnight. There's very little competition for made in USA dumbbells though. Personally I and most people I know buy Made in USA if it's available and not a 100%+ premium. Or at least "not made in China." They're not exactly our friends.
I went with the power blocks right before the adjustable Dumbell craze hit. Aka…..right before nueabell. I got them up to 90 lbs……I’m going to get the knurled handles and call it a day.
I have a set of the old pro commercial 90, one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Maybe because they are an old model Gluck didn’t show them in detail but they actually have a 5 and 10lb set of handles so you don’t have to deal with adder weights, you just switch handles which imo is the ideal approach 🥰
I am not sure the urethanes are more durable - the older models seem to break down and fall apart after 10 years or so. They need thicker connections. That being said, you pick your poison as they are more flexible and handle drops better
Powerblocks haven't been around this long for nothing. I love my EXP 90s (sport). (They have the open handle design with a more compact size than the urethane ones.) I added the Baresteel Equipment knurled handles too. I wouldn't feel comfortable dropping them too much because of the welds, but I've had some accidental drops with no problems. I did however, drop one weight increment by itself and it broke at the weld. Powerblock replaced it for free with a small shipping charge. Great customer service!
Nooo... you left out the regular people budget Sport 24. The biggest questions I have is: Are the different grip modules really not interchangeable? And then their straight bar and EZ bars... again claimed to be fitting only to specific models? (Actually, only because of your IG post of today and mis-tapping I landed on Powerblock's own profile and a post just from a few days ago about a new(?) Straight bar specifically for the Sport 24 model (which I own) and I could flip by this nonsense. (Not to mention the bar not being available in Europe.) They're driving customers away because things are just not compatible with one another. What they are doing is just incredible nonsense from a customer's point of view. Grips should be the same - always (ok, two different ones for sports and the other models i.e. with and without incremental weights). Weight sets should be possible to be used on any grip set (maybe with the exeption from Sport to all the others and vice versa), knurled handlebars should be MUCH cheaper then 99 freaking dollars and all weights should most certainly fit on any of the bars. I'd upgrade my weights for sure to an extendable set at some point but I certainly won't spend the money for a whole different set just to get to a higher weight. I rather switch to loadable dumbbells or a competitors model (should I ever outgrow the Sport 24) which likely are even cheaper. I'm so annoyed by this non-compatibility BS... especially with the long bars - they should have one single version each (straight and EZ) which should fit for any set of dumbbell where you just hook it in and lock in place rather than replacing their whole grips... anything would be better than what they are doing. Ok. Enough venting. Nobody will read it anyways. Certainly not those responsible for this nonsense.
Is there a reason the newer 100s went back to square and bigger on the height and width? I’m considering the 90s or 100s and can’t decide. Of course there is 10 more lbs, but I’d sacrifice that if the 90s are better overall.
The new REP x Pepin just crushed all adjustable dumbbells in the market - sorry about the timing of this video! And the quickdraws look good for anyone wanting 60lb and under.
There's definitely a slight pull with 1 or even both the adders. The DB wants to turn a little. The higher the weight the less I noticed and I don't mind it but it's there.
Yeah this is a great review. It’s a reminder of how well your engineering and teaching background are needed in this space. You pointed out every issue and explained the whole system in short order while keeping it interesting/funny. Fully entertaining plus fully informative, you are a gem
Gluck, pretending you never started this channel and you make good money but are not rich, which adjustable dumbbells do you, Gluck buy?????? I'm thinking the REP--Pepin new adj. Dumbbells are about to take over the market although the lighter version is a little pricey when you consider the 85 lb. Version of REP--Pepins are $900 and the Nuobells which are 80 lbs. are $750 and the Trulaps at 92 lbs. are $730. However the 125 lbs. version is $1300 and that is a comparable price compared to others that reach 125 lbs., the Iron Masters, the fast series Pepins and the good ol' Powerblocks but are the Powerblocks really in the running when compared to the other options, to some maybe. If these new REP--Pepins are all they are hyped to be I think all the other adj. Dumbbells are fighting for second place, especially the options over 100 lbs. Just my opinion, I have been wrong before. I do know one thing Rogue better get on the ball because REP is slowly taking over as the #1 home gym equipment company. Take Care Gluck Great Review
Rep Pepin will probably be the popular choice now. We filmed this before they were announced but I'd still like to get my hands on them before I make any recommendations. Rogue could have something up their sleeves but they already sell PB, Nuobell, and others as a 3rd party so I don't think they're feeling as much pressure as we might think. They've also teased a new fixed DB that I thought looked awesome. Time will tell.
I've been a Powerblock fan for a long time, but I think I'd have to go with the Reps now. I wonder how they cut the price by half? Outsourcing to China doesn't save THAT much money. Pepin must be really bad at manufacturing efficiencies, lol.
They’re hand made in Canada. Canadian taxes on production and shipping plus manufacturing efficiencies in China compared to hand made absolutely account for the 40-50% savings.
@@lawrence09151 I was actually thinking about that. However, if you make changes to the dumbbell using a third party product, then something goes wrong, you void your warranty. Says just that in the pamphlet that I got with my Powerblocks.
@@FlashGamer521 I looked into possibly getting the stainless steel handles for my Powerblocks. However, according to the Powerblock manual if you install a product from a 3rd party, and something goes wrong, your warranty is void. I just got my Powerblocks and I'm ok with the chrome plated knurled handles. I know some people upgraded to stainless steel handles from a 3rd party, and had some issues with the adder weight latch after installation. Not worth it, at least to me.
@@stevesorensen9648 Yeah, I got my pro exp knurls directly through Powerblock as well. While not aggressive, my dumbbell handles seem extremely high quality but they don't really have the classic chrome look. Despite what their site says, to me they look more like an electroless nickel. I don't know if you have the Powerblock Barbell handles to compare, but those to me do look like chrome -- not sure why the two differ.