PowerBlock Pro EXP Review – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Adjustable Dumbbell

Welcome to the PowerBlock Pro EXP review! In this comprehensive review, I will help you with all the essential details about the PowerBlock Pro EXP, one of the newest additional to their home fitness and workout lineup. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for the best adjustable dumbbell or simply curious about this innovative exercise equipment, I’ve got you covered. From its unique features and benefits to its potential drawbacks, I will provide you with a thorough analysis to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about the PowerBlock Pro EXP

Expandable dumbbell that can be converted to a Kettlebell or Bar using the Pro Series Kettlebell Handle or EZ Curl Bar and Straight Bar attachments

What’s unique about the Powerblock Pro EXP 1, 2 & 3

Unlocking the PowerBlock Pro EXP’s versatility lies in its unique Pro EXP Stage 1/2/3 Sets and Expansion Kits. These sets offer a dynamic approach to customizing your own dumbbell experience. With three distinct stages available, each stage offers a different weight configurations, you have the flexibility to adjust the weight that suits your current fitness goals.

For instance, if you’re beginner, you might opt for the first expansion set which takes you up to 50lbs and then move to the second and third expansion set available, the Stage 3 Set is the perfect choice for someone looking for a 90lbs per hand for their bench press and other workouts.

I personally prefer starting with the lighter option and gradually progress over time. This is why I love this dumbbell set, you can begin with the Stage 1 Set and easily upgrade in the future.

Simply purchase the Stage 2 Expansion Kit which takes you from 50 t0 70lbs followed by the Stage 3 Expansion Kit to reach 90lbs per hand. This modular system is an excellent space saving dumbbell set that you can tailor to your workout needs and your evolving strength and goals. Let’s delve into a comprehensive breakdown of the sets and expansion kits for a closer look.

The Stage 2 Expansion Kit includes a pair of the yellow and blue weight blocks. This lets you go from 50-70 lbs per dumbbell.. The Stage 3 Expansion Kit includes a pair of the yellow and blue weight blocks. This lets you go from 70-90 lbs per dumbbell.

Weight Adjustment

Enter the possibility of seamless weight adjustments with the PowerBlock Pro Exp dumbbells. Experience the efficiency of a two-fold weight adjustment mechanism, designed to cater to your precise fitness needs.

Micro-adjustments add an element of finesse, enabling you to fine-tune the weight by 2.5 to 5 lbs. By adding or removing the adder weights from the dumbbell handles, you can achieve the ideal intensity for your workouts.

That is why we fell in love with this dumbbell set, depending on your desired weight and the increment configuration, you may go for macro-adjustments, micro-adjustments, or a combination of both, based on your workout needs.

Familiarize yourself with the color-coded weight setting graphic at the top of each handle. This friendly image shows the weight settings in pounds on the top, and kilograms at the bottom.

It’s crucial to note that the weight settings presented in the graphic assume the presence of BOTH Chrome blocks added weights. However, if you choose to add only one Chrome Block, simply subtract 2.5 lbs from the displayed weight setting. For example, selecting the green setting with one adder weight results in a total weight of 47.5 lbs (50 lbs – 2.5 lbs). In the absence of any adder weights, subtract 5 lbs from the weight setting to determine the total weight. As an illustration, the green setting with no adder weights corresponds to 45 lbs (50 lbs – 5 lbs).

Master the Powerblock weight adjustment and unlock a new personalized fitness possibilities with the PowerBlock Pro Exp dumbbells.

Difference between Sport and Pro EXP Series:

What sets the Pro Series apart from the Sports EXP series is their exceptional Urethane coating on weight plates — a feature absent in the Elite/Classic Series, the Sport Series, and the PowerBlock Series dumbbells, which solely rely on powder coated steel plates without Urethane protection.

I love the urethane coating because it offers superior safeguarding against minor scrapes and bumps, I know this might be overstated for metal dumbbells, but let’s be honest, you buy these to use for a long time so the more durable it is, the better. Urethane surpasses powder coated steel in terms of scratch resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Furthermore, here are few more advantages to buying the Pro vs Sport:

Enhanced Protection: Urethane coating provides enhanced protection for both the plates and the entire dumbbell against accidental drops or impacts.

Shock Absorption: provides exceptional vibration- and shock-absorption capabilities are far superior to the sport model

Noise reduction: While PowerBlock sets with steel plates are already relatively quiet, there is a slight amount of movement and steel-on-steel contact that generates minimal noise. However, the Urethane almost entirely muffles any noise during use and when moving the dumbbells

Cold: another big advantage is the cold, steel during winter will absorb the cold temperature while urethane makes it more enjoyable to handle

Last but not least, Urethane coating provides complete resistance to rust. The Urethane-covered portion of the weight block remains impervious to rust, unlike steel plates with powder coating that are prone to rusting if the coating is scratched or chipped, leaving the exposed steel vulnerable.

Open Handle

The Pro series is well designed, it features an open handle design eliminating the padded wrist supports that were once the norm across all PowerBlock dumbbell series.

In recent years, starting with the introduction of the Sport Series in late 2016, newer models, including the Pro EXP, have transitioned to the open handle design. The only remaining dumbbells in current production that still feature padded supports are the Elite 50/70/90.

So, why I love the open handle design?

Firstly, it provides ample space for your hand, particularly beneficial for individuals with larger hands like myself.

Secondly, and equally important, it allows for unobstructed movement during exercises like biceps curls, where your wrists flex. The removal of the wrist supports (which was in the old models) enhances the overall dumbbell “feel” and offers a more natural grip.

Notably, the Pro EXP’s handle boasts the most spacious interior among all PowerBlock dumbbell handles, surpassing both the side-to-side and front-to-back designs. What’s more, its open handle design with a distinctive “wedge design” sets it apart from other open-handed models like Bowflex (which I had), such as the Sport and PowerBlock Series. On both sides of the handle, the top portion angles down and inward towards the center, optimizing comfort and control during your workouts.

Embrace the unrivaled spaciousness and ergonomic excellence of the Pro EXP’s open handle design, allowing you to unleash your full potential with every lift. Elevate your training experience and discover the joy of unrestricted movement and enhanced performance.

Grip Material & Design

Discover the ergonomic excellence of the handle grip on the PowerBlock Pro EXP dumbbells. The grip is thoughtfully designed with a contoured shape, featuring a thicker middle section that gradually tapers towards the ends. This contouring aims to provide a more ergonomic fit, molding to the natural shape of your hand when grasped.

While some individuals find the contoured handle more comfortable and easier to hold onto, personal preferences vary. Personally, I tend to lean towards a straight handle as it feels more natural to me. Whether contoured or straight, the handle shape ultimately boils down to personal preference.

Although I prefer a straight handle, I can still securely grip a contoured handle with a little adjustment. While handle shape is a factor worth considering, it is not a make or break feature for me

For reference, it’s worth noting that the Elite and Pro Commercial models are the only PowerBlock dumbbells with a straight handle. Speaking of grip, the handle grip of the Pro EXP is made of a thick, durable plastic compound, covered by a rubber coating. This combination ensures a strong and sufficiently “grippy” hold in various scenarios.

While the rubberized handle grip is more than capable for most users, some may prefer a knurled steel handle for an even more aggressive grip similar to the original Bowflex, particularly during heavy sets or when dealing with sweaty hands but I usually use gloves when I am doing heavy weights so the steel hands is not my go to preference. However, the quality and durability of a knurled steel handle tend to surpass that of a rubber coating over time.

It’s important to note that the rubberized handles of the Pro EXP dumbbells do an excellent job and satisfy the needs of most users. If knurled steel handles are an absolute necessity for you, then consider the Pro Commercial 50 & 90 models which offer a steel handle. These models are kind of similar to the Pro EXP in terms of appearance and basic design.

Weight Selector Pin

The weight Weight Selector Pin with its unique “Flex” design is a user friendly remarkable feature of the PowerBlock Pro EXP dumbbells. Unlike traditional metal pins, this durable pin is crafted from a resilient plastic composite, allowing it to exhibit flexible properties. I was hesitant at first about this pin and if it would last but I was assured that this would last years and years.

The ends of the pin can bend significantly in either direction without the risk of breaking, always returning to their original position. While metal may seem like the superior choice at first glance, it’s not the ideal material for these dumbbells. The primary concern for the such a pin is bending rather than direct impact, and the plastic composite is designed precisely for this purpose. It possesses remarkable flexibility, capable of bending to a greater degree than it should ever require, and effortlessly returning to a straight position.

On the other hand, metal pins lack the desired flexibility. While they may tolerate slight bending, exceeding a limited range can result in permanent deformation, rendering them ineffective.

The flexibility of the new pin design not only ensures durability but also enhances usability and speed during weight adjustments. Unlike its predecessors, this pin does not demand perfect parallel alignment with the weight setting slot during insertion. It can be conveniently slid in at an angle, simplifying the adjustment process.

However, if you want them to last, you should still exercise caution and ensure that both sides of the pin are not accidentally inserted into different weight setting slots, one higher and one lower.

An additional notable feature of the redesigned flex pin is its divided structure. The two prongs are split into a top and bottom half, further contributing to the pin’s flexibility and versatility.

Enhanced Auto-Lock Mechanism

Let’s look at the remarkable Auto-Lock mechanism, a noteworthy feature deserving of its dedicated section. The ingenious Auto-Lock mechanism ensures that the handle’s chrome plates/cylinders securely enclose the added weights when the handle is placed in the weight stack, providing a reliable lock.

This mechanism is controlled by a lever that determines whether the cylinders are open or closed. Pushing the lever downward opens the cylinders, allowing for the addition or removal of the chrome plates as discussed earlier. Of course , pulling the lever upward closes the cylinders, preventing the chrome weights from moving when in use.

The “automatic” aspect of this Auto-Lock feature is seamlessly integrated into the design. When the lever is in the downward position (i.e., open), placing the handle back into the weight stack naturally moves the lever into the upward position (i.e., locked). This smooth operation occurs due to the lever aligning with the side rails on the weights. As you press the handle down into the weight stack, the stack exerts upward pressure on the lever, effortlessly flipping it to the locked position. Such ingenuity exemplifies intelligent design.

While it is possible to manually lock the weight lever, the Auto-Lock feature eliminates the need for this additional step, streamlining an already rapid adjustment process.

It’s important to note that there is one instance where you must remember to manually lock the weight lever: when lifting only the handle with one or two chrome weights loaded (e.g., 7.5 or 10 lbs per dumbbell).

The Auto-Lock mechanism is not exclusive to the Pro EXP dumbbells. It was initially introduced in the newest version of the Sport EXP dumbbells, released in late 2016. Since then, this feature has been incorporated into all subsequent new models and series, including the PowerBlock Series and, naturally, the Pro Series dumbbells. The Classic Series (Elite 50/70/90) retains the older manual-style adder weight lock mechanism.

Compatible Accessories

The range of compatible accessories serves as a compelling factor when choosing the Pro EXP dumbbells over other sets, especially if you’re undecided.

Among the currently in-production PowerBlock models, the Pro EXP dumbbells stand out as compatible with the accessories listed below:

1. EZ Curl Bar Attachment: Designed exclusively for use with the Pro EXP and Pro 50 models, as well as the now-discontinued Urethane Series U50/U70/U90.
   
2. Straight Bar Attachment: Specifically compatible with the Pro EXP and Pro 50 models, as well as the now-discontinued Urethane Series U50/U70/U90.
3. Kettlebell Handle Attachment: Tailored for use with the Pro EXP, Pro 50, Pro 50 Commercial, and Pro 90 Commercial models, along with the now-discontinued Urethane Series U50/U70/U90.

UPDATE – October 2019: The EZ Curl Bar, Straight Bar, and Kettlebell Handle attachments have undergone updates. The changes primarily involve cosmetic enhancements for the Straight Bar and EZ Curl Bar. However, significant modifications were made to the Kettlebell Handle attachment. Further details regarding the differences between the versions will be discussed in the subsequent sections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PowerBlock Pro EXP dumbbells truly stand out as an exceptional product. At first, after my Bowflex 992 failed to function, I wasn’t sure if I should get another Bowflex or get the Powerblock Pro. In my opinion, they are the top choice among non-commercial PowerBlock models, offering a combination of outstanding features, quality, durability, and the option to utilize the EZ curl/Straight Bar/KettleBlock attachments exclusively compatible with the Pro EXP.

When making your decision, it ultimately comes down to your budget. Are you willing to invest more for enhanced features and the ability to expand your workout options with the exclusive attachments? Alternatively, you can consider the Sport EXP, Elite, or PowerBlock EXP sets, which are also excellent choices, albeit with some limitations compared to the Pro EXP.

I highly recommend the Pro EXP dumbbells and believe they are well worth the higher price. If budget constraints are a concern, you can start with the base set and gradually add the expansion kits later on.

As a personal testament, I purchased the Pro EXP Stage 3 dumbbells for myself in early 2019, and I couldn’t be happier with them. They not only met but even exceeded my high expectations.

I genuinely hope that this comprehensive PowerBlock Pro EXP review has provided you with valuable insights to make an informed decision regarding the best adjustable dumbbell for your needs. Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.