The PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP adjustable dumbbells are the newest addition to my dumbbell collection.
I own the Powerblock EXP sport version so I’m excited to see what’s new with the Pro version.
What I really like about the EXP series is that they’re expandable so I can add on weight to the base unit as I get stronger.
Let’s check them out!
Unboxing
Table of Contents
Stage 1 Kit
I received a total of 6 boxes from Powerblock because I ordered all 4 stages of the dumbbells and a stand.
When I opened the first two boxes that contain the handles, the first thing I see is the selector pins (I’ll show you how they work later).
After I removed the top styrofoam layer, there they are beautifully coated in urethane.
In case you’re not aware of how Powerblock EXP’s work, you start off with the Stage 1 kit (5 – 40 lbs).
Then you can add more weight to the same dumbbell by purchasing additional “stages” (up to 4 stages in total).
Each additional stage tacks on 20 lbs to each dumbbell with a max capacity of 100 lbs per dumbbell.
Stage 2 Kit
Stage 2 kit goes from 50 to 60 lbs.
Each additional kit comes with 8 weight plates (4 for each dumbbell).
Stage 3 Kit
The 3rd stage goes from 70 to 80 lbs.
Stage 4 Kit
And stage 4 goes from 90 to 100 lbs.
When it’s all set and done, each stage fits into the other in numerical order.
What’s good about this set up is that you can start with Stage 1 and buy additional stages as you get stronger.
If you’re already advanced, you can buy all stages at once and replace 30 pairs of dumbbells without taking up a ton of garage gym space.
Specs
- Dimensions: 19.2″ L x 7.6″ W x 7.7″ H
- Weight range: Stage 1 kit (5-40 lbs), each additional stage adds 20 lbs with a max capacity of 100 lbs per dumbbell
- Weight increments: Adjustable in 2.5 lbs or 5 lbs increments
- Handle: Straight, rubber, 38 mm diameter
- Weight plates: Steel covered in urethane
- Selector pin: Plastic pin with magnets on the inside
Handle
I like that the handle is 38 mm thick and the rubber grip feels good.
The Pro 100 EXP’s come standard with rubber handles but you do have the option to select knurled handles.
At the bottom of the handle you’ll see a color coded chart that matches the weight on the side rails.
So if I insert the selector pin in rails with the color yellow, I’m lifting 60 lbs.
When I wanna use 2.5 lbs or 5 lbs increments, I use the red lever on the top left of the handle.
This red lever opens and closes a pair of holes on the bottom of the handle.
Adder Weights
Here’s what the holes look like and each one holds a 2.5 lbs cylinder shaped weight that Powerblock calls adder weights.
The adder weights are chrome and their function is similar to the fractional weight plates Micro Gainz makes.
Keeping or removing these weights from the handles is what allows me to make 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, or 10 lbs weight jumps.
This genius idea is why Powerblocks are able to replace 30 pairs of dumbbells in a small footprint.
The handle by itself without any adder weights inside weighs 5 lbs.
If I keep one adder weight in, the handle weighs 7.5 lbs.
With both adder weights in, the handle weighs 10 lbs.
Once I select how many adder weights I want in the handle, I pull the red lever up.
This brings down a lip in front of the adder weights to keep them locked in place.
Weight Plates
Each weight plate is covered in urethane and connected to another weight plate on the opposite end by a metal rail.
The metal rails are color coded to match the weight chart on the top of the handle.
When I need to change weight I use the selector pin.
The selector pin is tied down to the first metal rail with an elastic cord which is convenient so that I don’t lose it.
Here I’m showing you the inside of the selector pin.
Notice there’s two rectangular magnets that stick to the rails keeping the selector pin secure at all times.
Using the color coded weight chart at the top of the handle, I attach the selector pin to the rail I want.
Then I push it all the way in until the magnets are touching the rails.
You might be asking yourself, are Powerblocks safe?
I’ve had Powerblock dumbbells for a long time and never had an issue with the selector pin coming out when using the dumbbells.
So yes, they are safe.
How to Use Powerblock Dumbbells
Above I posted a video showing how to use the Powerblock EXP dumbbells.
It works just like the weight plate stack on a functional trainer cable machine.
I insert the selector pin at the color coded level I want to lift, everything else stays behind.
When I want to work with 2.5 lbs or 5 lbs weight increments, I remove one or both of the adder weights.
Powerblock Stand
Powerblock has 5 different stands for their dumbbells but I went with the Home Rack Stand because it looks like the most robust.
It’s made of steel with a black powder coat finish.
The dual trays have a non-slip rubber mat on top to protect both the dumbbells and the weight stand when racking.
If you’re curious about the four center holes like I was, they’re for the adder weights.
Here’s what it looks like when all adder weights are on the stand.
I like how the stand is angled downwards which makes it easier to rack them.
The front of the stand is 29 inches high and has a front lip to keep the dumbbells from sliding.
What I like about Powerblock dumbbells is that I don’t need a base or stand to change weight.
Many adjustable dumbbells have to be on a stand in order to make weight changes.
This Powerblock feature works great for me because I do a lot of super sets and drop sets.
I just bring the heaviest weight I’ll be lifting and switch weight from the floor without having to go back to the stand.
Add Ons
Powerblock Kettlebell Handle
Powerblock has a few add ons that work with the dumbbell’s core weight stack to make it more functional.
This first one here is the kettlebell handle.
It converts the adjustable dumbbell into an adjustable kettlebell.
I prefer to use this for kettlebell swings but if you have good technique, it can also be used for kettlebell cleans and snatches.
Without good technique, the sides of the cage hitting your forearm can be uncomfortable.
Stick the handle into the center of the Pro 100 EXP weight stack and it’s ready to use.
The Powerblock kettlebell handle weighs 10 lbs and has a 25 mm diameter grip that can be rotated 90 degrees.
Notice has the handle is currently parallel to the Powerblock sticker.
This position lets me do kettlebell swings without having to straddle my legs wide open.
I can turn the handle 90 degrees by pulling the red knob.
Here I turned the handle 90 degrees and now it’s perpendicular to the stickers.
Now I can use it like a traditional kettlebell.
EZ Curl Bar
The Powerblock EZ curl bar add converts the Powerblock 100 EXP into an adjustable curl bar.
It’s two handles stuck to an EZ curl bar that insert into the Powerblock cage.
Once inside the cage, I can pick my weight with the selector pin and adder weights.
This knurled bar is 25 mm in diameter and is 32.75 inches long.
Straight Bar
And just like the previous bar I showed you, the straight bar uses the same concept except it’s a barbell.
The barbell is 28 mm in diameter, knurled on the sides (no center knurling), and 41 inches long.
Cool idea but with a short barbell similar to the Jayflex Hyperbell, I won’t be able to rack this on my weight rack.
This makes it difficult to do barbell exercises like heavy bench press or squats, where I need the weight on J-cups.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durability: Made out of steel, Powerblock has stood the test of time plus they have a 5 year warranty
- Space saving: Each 100 lbs dumbbell measures 19″ long so they don’t take up a lot of home gym real estate
- Expandable: I can buy these in stages which saves me money and allows me to add weight to the same dumbbell as I get stronger
- Micro loading: Adder weights give me the ability to make 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, and 10 lbs weight jumps
- Add-ons: Powerblock has made the dumbbells compatible with a straight bar, kettlebell handle, and EZ curl bar for more versatility
Cons
- Cage: Cage around the handle limits some exercises where two hands are placed on one dumbbell. Exercises like waiter curls, dumbbell pullovers, and overhead tricep extensions. But for the majority of exercises, the cage is not an issue.
Powerblock Pro 100 EXP vs Other Adjustable Dumbbells
Trulap vs Powerblock Pro 100 EXP
When comparing a dumbbell of similar weight range as Powerblock, Trulap adjustable dumbbells come to mind.
Trulap ranges from 8.5 lbs to 92 lbs, have a rotating handle to adjust weight, and replace 26 pairs of dumbbells.
Powerblock Pro 100 EXP’s range from 5 – 100 lbs, use the selector pin to change weight, and replace 30 pairs of dumbbells.
Snode AD80 vs Powerblock Pro 100 EXP
One thing Powerblock dumbbells are known for is durability because of their all metal construction.
And that’s the same direction Snode adjustable dumbbells are heading with their all metal, drop-proof design.
Snode dumbbells have a traditional dumbbell feel, change weight using a dial, and go up to 80 lbs.
They replace 8 pairs of dumbbells and go up in 10 lbs increments.
Size wise, the 80 lbs Snodes are about the same length as the 100 lbs Powerblock.
Powerblock Discount Code
The Powerblock Pro 100 EXP currently start at $489 for Stage 1 (5 – 40 lbs).
Each additional stage adds $199 to your bottom line.
But I’m gonna hook you up with my exclusive coupon code that gets you a $20 discount.
Click the red button below to reveal the coupon code.
Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells Review
Are the Powerblock Pro EXP 100 worth it?
When it comes to durability, they have stood the test of time.
In fact, I’ve seen people in groups say they’ve owned their Powerblocks for 20+ years.
If you don’t mind the cage design, they’re a solid option that will replace a whole rack of dumbbells.
Check Out The Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells
Powerblock 100 EXP Dumbbells
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews