POWER BLOCK ELITE EXP (2020 MODEL) After One Week Are They Worth It?

[@Dissimulate]

A family member got these 6 months ago and I was skeptical at first. Since then, I have been using these for just about everything and I am now upgrading to stage 2. The cost is totally worth it.

[@SelfBuilt]

That's awesome! It's funny how after having them you use them all the time! I can't imagine not having them. It's cool you can upgrade as you go too! I saw some black Friday deals on expansions on Amazon. Hopefully you got to take advantage of that!

[@Redmaile25]

This is a thorough review. Thank you! Range of motion and feel is rarely covered

[@SelfBuilt]

I appreciate it! I hope it helped give you all the info you needed. If not you can always ask. Thank you for watching!

[@califoo]

1:00 that plug on the wall... yikes. Buy a Plugrand down angle adapter... They come in black too. 😊

[@SelfBuilt]

@@califoo Hey you're looking at the wrong thing haha. Thank you for the great tip, I've moved my mini fridge about a year ago and the outlets are much happier 😁 Thank you though, I hope you have a great day!

[@georgeannmarsh]

Great video and I love your sense of humor.😊 I just got these and was looking for a quick overview. Thanks for covering everything. I’ve had a Bowflex set for about 15 years. They were in a bit of an accident and not repairable, although I’ve repaired them a couple of times for minor things and customer service is great. Looking forward to all the positive points you mentioned for these. Not having them dig into the legs is awesome! They switch so much faster too.👌🏼

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it! That's great you've had Bowflex ones so long! YES! Your legs will thank you haha! Mine are still going strong! I've done a handle upgrade, they have become a centerpiece of most workouts! If you have any other questions let me know, I'm so excited for you! 💪

[@Dlee45]

Amazing review! Thanks for breaking it down both figuratively and literally.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you so much! I'm glad I could show you it from the inside out 😄 I've also got a 2 year review in the description of you are interested. Thank you for watching, I hope you have a great day!

[@Dlee45]

@@SelfBuiltthanks I just watched it and purchased a pair!

[@SelfBuilt]

@@Dlee45 That's fantastic! I'm so excited for you! I hope you enjoy and use the heck out of them! 💪

[@abhasbodas]

Thank you SO MUCH for showing product numbers for the expansion kits!! This is super helpful!!

[@SelfBuilt]

No problem at all! I'm happy to help!! I feel like that was the worst part of not knowing what to look for with the expansions.

[@FrankZen]

Great review, guy! I have the Sport EXPs and I love them!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you I appreciate it! Very nice! How long have you had yours? How have they been?

[@FrankZen]

@@SelfBuilt Since August. I also have BowFlex SelectTech. I didn't think I'd like the PowerBlocks but pressing feels so much better with them!

[@unclet4853]

Good review. You made a lot of good points that aren’t immediately recognizable. Also, the comment about shake weight was very funny.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful and funny. They are still going strong!

[@user-wq6hr9xi2n]

Good review man, thank you

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you for watching! I hope it was helpful!

[@nectar8990]

Great in-depth review, this was super helpful!!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you so much! I'm glad I could help! 😁

[@estwarcast]

Awesome video very informative and you touched on the one flaw I found with mine too...the overhead tricep excercise. I do skull crushers on my bench to supplement since it still feels a bit off. More vids please, possibly on work around or work outs?

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! Yes it's doable to do overhead tricep extensions but it's goofy for sure. That is a great idea and I will be sure to make some great workout videos with them! 💪 Do you have the same model or different ones? How long have you had yours?

[@henryfernandez2533]

Best review for sure, I got these during the peak of the pandemic which inflated prices so I paid 525 off ebay and their amazing so I had no regrets. Only cons were that they started to stick together but I easily solved it with some cheap silicone spray on to a rag the wiped each section down and boom never happened again plus I like the chest supported rows but I can't fit my wrist supported hooks for pulling so I'm starting to consider Versa Gripps since they look like they would fit through the narrow gap to grab the handle and oh the foldable table to set them is a must.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! That's crazy how much they inflated the price but man once you got them they pay for themselves over and over. I don't know how I went without them! I like the table idea, I've been setting mine on a little fridge that's pretty good but would like a better setup.

[@scooobyj8714]

I have the original 90lb set. It has been awesome. I got them used in 2017 and they are still awesome.

[@SelfBuilt]

That's awesome! Do they have any wear and tear other than normal use? They seem to be like tanks as long as you don't drop them from a great height they last forever.

[@scooobyj8714]

@@SelfBuilt just minors rust spots. A wire brush gets the off. I have had to tighten the bolt for the handles a few time. No complaints. They have been awesome.

[@SelfBuilt]

@@scooobyj8714 Very cool! Glad to know they really hold up well. Thank you for sharing and your support! 💪

[@gbC4mpos]

Great review. A very quality video!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! I hope it was helpful! 👍

[@SpryGuy289]

Thanks for the vid, I just order the same 2020 model today. Excited to give em a go.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you I hope it was helpful. I'm excited for you! I still use mine like crazy.

[@maaax573]

How are they?

[@craigpage1261]

Great vid. Really cool getting the perspective on a product from someone that builds a lot of stuff.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! I like to share it so you'll know exactly what you are getting. I'll probably do a 1 year of use review to see how they hold up.

[@craigpage1261]

@@SelfBuilt cool. I’m sold. I really need a set of these. It’s a hassle dealing with spin lock adjustables. You should have made an affiliate link for people that might buy these and you could get a couple coins in the process.

[@SelfBuilt]

@@craigpage1261 I dealt with the spinning ones too. I was initially thinking these would just be a nice luxury but they've turned out to be a cornerstone in my workouts instantly. The link in the description is an affiliate link, if you use it to buy it I would totally appreciate it! I recently started adding in links and should probably mention that in my videos. You'll have to let me know how much you like them when you get them!

[@craigpage1261]

@@SelfBuilt definitely man. When I get ready, I’ll use your link.

[@KS-wl2rq]

Great job on this review!!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! I hope it helps!

[@briand5047]

Based on intro and a quick review through video topics, looks like an interesting channel.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you, I hope you find some helpful videos.

[@ghayath2011]

Thank you very much for the video

[@SelfBuilt]

@@ghayath2011 you are very welcome! Thank you for watching and feel free to ask any questions that come up!

[@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52]

Friendly heads up! It's not always a 2.5lb increment. It's sometimes a 5lb increment. You can't do any weight ending in 2.5 (2.5, 12.5, 22.5. 32.5, 42.5, etc. is not an option all the way up to 82.5). I bought these from Amazon on black friday 2021 for $340 that was the lowest price in the past year. This is an awesome value. The 5lb jump is my only complaint. I think their marketing needs to make some corrections. Great video!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! They have been a gym changer and I wish I bought them sooner. You can do 2.5 increments in. A lot of different weights but you are right you can't do 82.5. How have they been for you? Any complaints?

[@mikeconley3068]

I use Plate Mate 2.5 lbs on each side for 5 lb. adjustments.

[@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52]

@@mikeconley3068 Cool product. Never heard of it. Thanks for the heads up!

[@chevelleflorida]

@@mikeconley3068 how are the Plate Mates working out for you?

[@wingandhog]

I’ve been using my stage 1 set for about a month now. I can get great workouts with them but they take a bit to get used to. I also find doing goblet squats a little more difficult when holding them with two hands.

[@SelfBuilt]

I'm glad you're enjoying them! Yeah they do take a second to get used to but they are pretty great for what they are! Yeah they are a little limited with goblet squats unless you have steel thumbs haha. Thank you for watching!

[@jjaime429]

For the 2 handed overhead extensions I just grab the 2 thicker bars on the backside

[@SelfBuilt]

That's a great idea! I'll have to play with that 💪

[@gerbilman1]

thank you for this. I'm on the fence. this def helps.

[@SelfBuilt]

I'm happy to help! It's an investment but if you use them they are incredibly convenient. Thanks for watching!

[@pravond]

Great stuff. I may pick these up today. How do curls feel with the hand in the cage? Are there things you can't do with them?

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! They are great and I've been loving them! Curls feel good, with it having a cage around your wrist you can let an edge rest against your wrist and it helps it be more comfortable and stable when it gets heavier. You are limited to about 60lbs when you want to do two handed overhead tricep extensions but other than that I've been able to do everything else.

[@pravond]

@@SelfBuilt awesome thank you. They’re on prime sale today going to pick one up for a starting home gym. Excellent review

[@SelfBuilt]

@@pravond That's a great idea! I just checked and they are on a good sale. If you have any questions on them when you get them or with starting your home gym let me know, I'll do my best to help! Thank you for watching!

[@JustAdude93]

Got mine for 300 because they were the display ones 😎

[@SelfBuilt]

You got a smoking deal!! Basically brand new, they just took them out of the box for you. Good for you man! 💪😀

[@steverapos3904]

I often end up holding the bottom outside handles for things like triceps extensions - works well as long as the exercise doesn't require more then 50-60 pounds - cause any more then that and there is not enough room to grab the bottom cylinders anymore.

[@SelfBuilt]

I like that I'll have to give that a try! 💪

[@Ghost29050]

Thanks for all the info makes me more interested in buying them but after a couple months are they still holding up nicely?

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you for watching! Yes they are holding up perfectly. I'm using them to their full weight often and they have been as sturdy as the first day.

[@seymour5000000]

Thank you for commenting on fitness watches. I need my watch and that is a pass for me. Sad bc they look really cool.

[@SelfBuilt]

I'm glad I could help! It would be a little risky using a watch with these. They offer some with more hand room like the power block pro. They are a little more expensive. Thank you for watching!

[@Superman-xr1oh]

Wear your watch higher up on your wrist. Problem solved.

[@candacepeterson2484]

Those are pretty cool!

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! You gotta come try them out! They are fun!

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Doyle 🐺 Wolfgang Von Frankenstein from the band Doyle. I picked up my Powerblocks at dicks sporting goods haven't been disappointed these things are kicking my ass everytime

[@SelfBuilt]

That's awesome man! I'm glad you are liking them! I seriously don't know how I went so long without them! They are worth every penny!

[@SDA5up]

is having the 2 cylinder 2.5 pound inserts only on one side annoying or is it barely noticeable? I feel like it wouldve been better if they put them on opposite corners instead of one side so theyre balanced

[@SelfBuilt]

If you have a good account of weight is barely noticable. Although if it's light weight you can use it to your advantage by which hole you use so it tilts and makes it even easier to hold.

[@steverapos3904]

I have a pair of the sport block ones and my biggest complaint is also the difficulty of doing 5 pound jumps. There are other negatives that bother people, but for me it is mostly the 5 pound jumps...I end up re-arranging my workout to work with 10 pound denominations or 5 pound denominations.

[@SelfBuilt]

It does take a lot more steps to use the 5 lb increments. From the 1 step to 4. Although it is really nice to be able to make those small changes to to challenging yourself safely I totally get it.

[@beachumz]

Coop on garage gym reviews had a video with magnetic 2.5lb plates made to stick on classic dumbells. I might just end up getting those to avoid the cylinder hassle. Just food for thought.

[@mzollnerable]

Where are they made? I don't know if you mentioned that or not. Thank you...

[@SelfBuilt]

The plates are steel and the handle housing and weight selector is plastic. They have been holding up great! I hope this helps!

[@mzollnerable]

@@SelfBuilt Where? China, USA, where?

[@SelfBuilt]

@@mzollnerable Sorry I read that way too fast. These ones are made in China.

[@spencerevenhouse8175]

Thanks for this review! I'm gona order the elite model tonight. I was originally considering buying a dumbell set 5-60 lbs from some guy on market place but he wanted like $1100 these are way more cost effective and will save a decent amount of space

[@SelfBuilt]

I'm glad I can help! It's crazy how expensive buying all the dumbbells can be. It's really cool looking but not ideal for the majority of home gyms. These aren't 💯 just like dumbbells as I showed but man I can't imagine my gym without them! Let me know what you think, I hope you enjoy them!

[@533lpunit]

I’m about to pick some up new on offer up for $500 It’s has the expansion all the way up to 90lbs

[@SelfBuilt]

That's a great price! I hope you enjoy them! 💪

[@pkdawg2]

Was thinking about maybe adding some rubber, spring or felt in the adder weight tube. Would the keep the rattle down? I don’t have a set yet.

[@SelfBuilt]

Yeah I think that would definitely keep the rattle down. It has the smallest amount of play inside and that would help keep them all snug. They are on a really good sale right now! Last I saw you could get them for like $287!

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Doyle recommend them I'm not doyle sorry my bad but thank you for recommending these it's cool your sponcerd by them

[@SelfBuilt]

I'm not sure who Doyle is. I'm not sponsored by them, I wish! Just a happy customer and help give my review. Thank you for watching!

[@julianp.2840]

Do the plates move around a bit on the handle? I really notice it while doing curls. They shift towards me at the top of the motion.

[@SelfBuilt]

They really don't move unless I really try to shake or throw the weight around. Are they the same ones?

[@SanFrantixXx]

Im so confused on the difference between the elite exp vs elite usa version

[@SelfBuilt]

They have a lot of similarities to each other. The biggest difference is the EXP ones have a slightly bigger diameter of handle, an auto lock feature and typically a cheaper price tag. The USA ones are made in USA as opposed to China and has a nice stamp of that on the plates. They both are expandable to 90lbs and have a 5 year warranty and would be a great option.

[@giorgioalexander]

What is the difference between these and the USA ones? Thanks

[@SelfBuilt]

They are very similar. There are only a couple differences. The USA has a manual lock where the Chinese ones have an auto lock. The handle diameter on the USA is 1.2 and Chinese one is 1.5. That's it. I chose these cuz they were by far the best price at the time. Either would be a great choice!

[@giorgioalexander]

@@SelfBuilt thank you for the quick reply! Have these been holding up well for you?

[@SelfBuilt]

@@giorgioalexander No problem! Yes they have been amazing. I'm thinking of doing a 1 year review on them cuz they are very popular and hold up so well. There are a couple chips in the paint from use but still look new and have become a central part of just about every workout. I would 100% buy them again!

[@giorgioalexander]

@@SelfBuilt awesome, I’m thinking about getting them. I’ve also noticed there is powerblock exp and powerblock pro. Are these much different then the elite exp?

[@SelfBuilt]

@@giorgioalexander yeah the pro is different. It looks different, is more expensive and doesn't expand beyond 50lbs unlike the EXP that can go to 90lbs.

[@GeorgyGobozov]

I just got these, like the idea and size but... to get 5lb increment you need to pull/put metal cylinders every time, very annoying

[@SelfBuilt]

@@GeorgyGobozov Yeah I totally understand. I usually leave the incremental weights in or out so it doesn't slow my workout. I'll just do more reps if the weight is a little lighter.

[@maaax573]

Hey how are they holding up?

[@SelfBuilt]

Hey man! Funny you should ask, I recently uploaded a 2 year review! The short answer is they are holding up great and I still love them! Definitely check out my lasted review cause I share some good to know secrets! 💪

[@SelfBuilt]

I have the 2 year review in the description of this video if you are interested 😁

[@maaax573]

@@SelfBuilt thanks dude I will check it out. I've been thinking about getting them because they're on sale ATM I've just been concerned about their durability since they're made in china

[@SelfBuilt]

@@maaax573 it's my pleasure to help! I totally understand your concern. I bet there are some good black Friday sales going on or coming up!

[@lawrence09151]

They have steel handles now. Also average Joe has been been selling them.

[@SelfBuilt]

Funny enough, I've actually been looking into a handle upgrade from average Joe. I'll probably do a video on that when I do. Thank you for watching!

[@SomeFrenchDude]

Do you think the urethane version would be worth it? Very nice review by the way.

[@SelfBuilt]

Thank you! I haven't researched a lot on the urethane version. The only thing I know is that they were discontinued in 2015 for reports of them Cracking and breaking when they are in warm conditions. If you can pick them up for a good price and seem in good condition I don't see why not. I'd keep them cool though.

[@plmn93]

@@SelfBuilt Yes I read about that too, evidently the steel underneath doesn't extend out to the brackets, which is a poor design. That said, mine are still like new after 10 years indoors.

[@ThatBoyJuke]

Just bought the stage 1 pair for $270!

[@SelfBuilt]

What a steal!! Congrats on getting them! You will use the heck out of them! I just wish I got them sooner haha

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

So without the 2 inserts the max weight is 85?

[@SelfBuilt]

That is correct.

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

@@SelfBuilt and then without them the first 10lb setting is actually 15lbs?

[@SelfBuilt]

@@user-fi6hg8vq6c Yes that's right. There is a sticker layout on the dumbbells that have a breakdown on all the different weight variations.

[@Superman-xr1oh]

Knurled handles should come standard on these. I shouldn't have to spend $400+ on Powerblocks, and then have to spend an additional $100 to $200 extra on just handles...

[@SelfBuilt]

@@Superman-xr1oh I totally agree with you. The newest model powerblocks can come with a knurled grip but they are more expensive than these models. I can tell you if you like knurled then it's worth the money. I was hesitant but so glad I did the upgrade.

[@Superman-xr1oh]

@SelfBuilt It sucks because big A has a cyber Monday deal going on for the Powerblocks Elite EXP for $299. But they're have the rubber handle...

[@SelfBuilt]

@Superman-xr1oh True. That's a great deal! You could use the rubber handles for a while until you get knurled ones. The rubber ones are still good until you get the knurled. It will make you like knurled that much more haha.

[@SelfBuilt]

What gym setup would you like to see next?

[@ddkim619]

I literally said ain't no shake weights lol😂

[@SelfBuilt]

Only shakes that go with these are protein shakes 😂💪 thanks for watching!

[@nichts_als_die_Wahrheit]

this things are very cool, but for my level I need the 90 lbs version and the price is just over the top, with that money I can buy a car

[@SelfBuilt]

If you can buy a car under $1000 that would be amazing. They are a luxury item since you can buy cheaper things but it's a total game changer if you get them. I don't know how I went so long without them!

[@nichts_als_die_Wahrheit]

@@SelfBuilt I think I will buy them, it is only a matter of time ;)

[@nichts_als_die_Wahrheit]

@@SelfBuilt additional information: I am from Germany, here you can buy cars under 1000$. They look like shit and they are very rusty, but yes you can buy them under 1000

[@beachumz]

Price out a FULL set of 5 to 90 lb PAIRS. That is 1710 total pounds. Weight now is closer to $2/pound. So the classic $1/pound so the full set of dumbells is still over $1000 more than those expanded to 90 pounds.

[@treasurethetime2463]

The company was really stupid to create these confusing lines. They got lucky with the pandemic, but competition is on the rise. This is coming from a 10 year owner of elite 90s. I'm familiar with the brand and I even wouldn't know which ones are expandable, made in the USA etc.

[@SelfBuilt]

I agree that they made way too many different kinds and it makes it confusing. It took a lot to research to find out that these ones are expandable. These ones are made in China also.

[@scottthegeneticfreaksteine393]

The USA elites are only sold on power block made in the USA. The elite exp are sold by vendors and made in China.