PowerBlock Elite EXP vs Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

Introduction to PowerBlock Elite EXP vs Pro 100 EXP Series

Adjustable dumbbells have become increasingly popular for their space-saving design and versatility, and PowerBlock is one of the top brands in this category. The Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP are two standout models, each offering distinct features that cater to different fitness needs.

If you're in the market for adjustable dumbbells, you're likely looking for a set that balances ease of use, durability, and a wide weight range to fit your fitness goals. Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP deliver on these fronts, but with their own unique perks. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down everything—from design to weight expansion options. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which set will better support your fitness goals.

Overview of PowerBlock Series

PowerBlock dumbbells are known for their innovative design and versatility, making them an ideal choice for home gym enthusiasts. The PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP stand out as fantastic options for those seeking to enhance their strength training routines without compromising on space or convenience.

Known to have a focus on durability and user-friendly features, these PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells not only save time and effort in weight changes but also promote effective workouts that can be tailored to any fitness level. But what features really set these two models apart? Let’s find out! In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at what the Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP can offer. 

Distinct Features of PowerBlock Elite EXP vs Pro 100 EXP Series

Design and Build Quality

The Elite EXP series features the iconic square shape that PowerBlock is known for. This design isn’t just for looks—it’s practical too, giving you a sturdy, reliable feel during your lifts. The weight plates are securely held in place, and the overall build is robust, perfect for those who prioritize durability in their equipment.

On the other hand, the Pro 100 EXP takes a slightly different approach with a sleeker, more modern look. It features a compact, streamlined design that includes a caged-handle system, which adds an extra layer of convenience. This also provides a comfortable grip and helps keep your hands in place, especially during heavier lifts. 

Knurled Handle vs Contoured Grips

Handle designs play a big role in comfort. The Elite EXP comes with a classic knurled handle, giving you a solid grip even when your hands get sweaty. This knurled steel grip is perfect for heavier lifts where a firm hold is a must.

The Pro 100 EXP, however, offers more flexibility with both knurled and contoured grips. The knurled steel grip delivers the same solid grip as the Elite, while the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) grips fit naturally in your hand, making them ideal for high-rep or longer workouts. This variety lets you pick the grip that best matches your workout style, without compromising on safety or performance.

Manufacturing Process and Durability

PowerBlock products, including both of these models, are designed with high-quality materials and offer strong build features that hold up over time. However, specific manufacturing choices can impact your experience.

Manufactured with welded steel plates and a durable powder-coated finish, the Elite EXP is built to withstand frequent use. The design features nested weight blocks that fit securely within each other, reducing wear and tear. Its selector pin system is rated for heavy use, ensuring it remains functional even during intense workouts​.

Similarly, the Pro 100 EXP features a high-end manufacturing process with steel plates and a black urethane coating that resists chipping and damage over time. The urethane-coated weight plates provide a quieter, smoother experience compared to traditional steel. The knurled grips on this model are made of steel designed for heavy-duty lifting, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip during intense sessions, adding to the overall durability​.

The Pro 100 EXP’s other grip type, contoured TPR grip (Thermoplastic Rubber), provides a more cushioned, comfortable experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer grip during longer workouts. This grip is also less abrasive on the hands, offering a good balance between comfort and durability​.

Weight Range

Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP offer impressive weight expansion options, making them a great option for home gym owners looking to boost their strength.

The Elite EXP starts at 5 to 50 lbs, but you can boost it up to 70 lbs, and eventually max out at 90 lbs by adding the compatible expansion kits. What’s great is the 2.5 lb weight increments with the adder weights, so you can gradually increase weight without making big jumps—perfect for gradual progressing.

Similarly, the Pro 100 EXP kicks off at 5 to 50 lbs, and with expansion kits, you can take it from 40 to 60, 80, and all the way up to 100 lbs per dumbbell. Just like the Elite, it offers 2.5 lb increments, making it easy to fine-tune your lifts. The biggest difference in these models’ weight range is that the Pro 100 EXP can go up to 100 lbs, while the Elite EXP is capped at 90.

Selector Pin and Weight Adjustment Method

Both use a selector pin system for fast and easy weight adjustments. In the Elite EXP, a durable polypropylene pin is used to securely lock in the desired weight. The Pro 100 EXP improves on this with a magnetic pin, providing extra security during intense lifts. The nested weight blocks in both models help keep the design compact. This simple, hassle-free adjustment system allows you to focus on your workout without interruptions.

Attachment Options

The Elite EXP Series and Pro 100 Series give you some awesome attachment options to take your workouts further. For the Elite EXP, you can pair your adjustable dumbbells with the PowerBlock Elite EXP Straight Bar, transforming them into a barbell setup for exercises like squats or curls. You can also add the PowerBlock Elite EXP EZ Curl Bar, which is perfect for targeting those biceps and triceps with a more ergonomic grip.

The Pro 100 Series is also compatible with its corresponding Pro 100 Straight Bar and Pro 100 Curl Bar, but it goes a step further by including the kettlebell handle option.

Versatility for Different Users and Exercises

Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP are highly versatile and suited for a wide range of users and exercises. Each model provides quick weight adjustments, making them practical for workouts like curls, presses, rows, and more.

• Elite EXP: Suitable for both beginners and intermediate users. Although it can handle various exercises, it may be limited in terms of heavier weight needs for advanced lifters​.
• Pro 100 EXP: This model expands up to 100 lbs per hand and is designed with advanced lifters in mind. It excels in versatility with the addition of attachments, allowing for a broader range of exercises, including barbell rows and kettlebell swings.

Both models offer great flexibility for exercises, but the box-like shape of these dumbbells can make certain exercises such as snatches or deep overhead movements awkward or nearly impossible compared to traditional round dumbbells.

Home Gym Compatibility and Space Efficiency

Both are excellent space-saving solutions for home gyms, replacing multiple sets of traditional dumbbells. Their compact, stacked design minimizes the need for storage space, making them ideal for smaller gym setups.

The Elite EXP is particularly suited for home gyms with limited space, as it replaces up to 28 pairs of dumbbells and offers a maximum weight of 90 lbs per hand. Its compact footprint and easy-to-store design make it perfect for those who don’t need extremely heavy weights​.

On the other hand, the Pro 100 EXP offers slightly more weight capacity, expanding up to 100 lbs per hand and replacing 30 pairs of dumbbells. Though it is slightly bulkier, it’s still compact and efficient for serious lifters who require more versatility and weight range in their home gym setups​. 

Storage Options

Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP are compatible with several storage stands designed to enhance organization and ease of use in home gyms:

• Small Compact Stand (Stage 1 sets only)
• Large Compact Stand
• PowerMax Stand (Supports up to 90 lbs per hand; suitable for Elite EXP or lighter configurations of the Pro 100 EXP)
• Large Column Stand
• Home Rack Stand

Price and Value for Money

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP models, including their various stages and weight capacities:

Consider how these prices line up with your fitness goals. If you aim for gradual progression, the Elite EXP may be more cost-effective initially. If you prefer equipment that grows with your increasing strength, the Pro 100 EXP provides this flexibility.

Pros and Cons of PowerBlock Elite EXP

Now that we’ve seen what these models can offer, let’s consider any drawbacks they may also have. We’ll also point out each model’s advantages over the other.

Pros:

• Compact Design: Slightly more compact than the Pro 100 EXP, especially in higher weight stages. 
• Lower price: More affordable, offering best value for beginners and intermediates. With additional expansion kits, users can increase the weight capacity as needed, without the higher upfront cost of the Pro 100 EXP​.
• Heavier starting weights: Starts heavier at 50 lbs vs the Pro 100 EXP’s 40 lbs, making the elites a better initial choice for users needing slightly more weight right away.

Con:

• Lighter weight range: It provides a lighter maximum weight capacity at 90 lbs.

Have you heard of PowerBlock’s Elite USA adjustable dumbbells? If you're curious about how they compare to the Elite EXP, take a look at our in-depth guide on PowerBlock Elite USA vs Elite EXP.

Pros and Cons of PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP

Pros:

• Weight Range: Starting at 50 lbs, you can expand up to 100 lbs, offering more weight for advanced strength training.
• Knurled grip options: The Pro 100 EXP offers both knurled steel grips and TPR grips, allowing users to choose their preferred handle based on comfort and performance.
• Magnetic Selector Pin: The magnetic selector pin provides additional security during intense workouts, ensuring a firmer lock than the standard pin used in the Elite EXP.
• More versatile: The Pro 100 EXP supports a wider range of PowerBlock attachments.

Cons:

• Size: Even though it offers more weight, this comes with increased bulkiness.
• Price: The Pro 100 EXP Series is often at a premium compared to other models, which might make it less cost-effective

Purchasing Considerations

Before choosing between the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP Series, you might also want to consider service parts, customer service, and shipping options.

Service Parts and Customer Service

PowerBlock offers a solid range of service parts for their products, including selector pins, handles, and lb adder weights, ensuring that your adjustable dumbbell set remains in peak condition. Their customer service is well-reviewed, providing timely responses and reliable support for issues like shipping, part replacements, and troubleshooting through their official website.

Shipping Options and Special Offers

Strength Warehouse USA offers free shipping for all PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells to customers in the contiguous states, which is a significant cost-saving feature. We occasionally run special promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking our website or subscribing to our newsletter for the best deals on the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP.

Which PowerBlock Dumbbell Series is Right for You?

Choosing between the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP Series can depend on your personal fitness goals, preferences, and budget.

For Beginners and Casual Lifters:

If you're just starting out, the Elite EXP Series might be more suitable. It offers a range from 2.5 to 50 lbs, which can be expanded as you gain strength. The adjustable features allow you to gradually increase the weights.

For Intermediate and Advanced Lifters:

Because of its higher weight options, the Pro 100 EXP Series is ideal if you're an experienced lifter looking for more advanced training. It’s also compatible with a kettlebell attachment, which may be important if using kettlebells is part of your workout routine. 

Budget Considerations:

Both series represent a considerable investment, but the Elite EXP Series typically has a lower initial cost. It's a practical choice if budget is a concern, and you can invest in expansions over time. However, if you're planning to expand your set and need additional versatility, the Pro 100 EXP offers more long-term benefits for those willing to invest a little more upfront.

Conclusion

Both the PowerBlock Elite EXP and Pro 100 EXP offer excellent solutions for home gym owners looking for high-quality adjustable dumbbells that cater to a wide range of workouts. The Elite EXP is perfect for those starting their strength training journey, offering a cost-effective option that can expand with your progress. 

On the other hand, the Pro 100 EXP is designed for advanced users who need more weight and greater durability. With its maximum weight of 100 lbs, this model is ideal for more intense strength training and professional athletes aiming for serious gains.

Still undecided? Explore both models on our website and find the perfect fit for your home gym and take the next step toward your fitness goals with high-quality, durable PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells.