Powerblock range

jaz050465

There seems to be three toes- sport, urethane and classic. I've read the website but am interested in what people think it best for a female for use for Chalean extreme.

I've seen some on eBay which the owner says has 'personal' written on them. Does that mean anything to anyone?

contingencyplan

For ChaLEAN Extreme it doesn't really matter. However if it matters to you the sport range have come under a lot of criticism for not being as heavy as labeled due to the metal they shaved off to give it its unique shape over the others. Each plate is something like 1 pound less than advertised, so the increments are actually 9 lbs rather than 10.

The urethane is the newest and best, however its only real advantage over the classic range is the fact that it's quieter (no clanging as you use them) and the wide variety of accessories available (such as the kettleblock handle). Also it has a redesigned grip that is supposedly more ergonomically comfortable but some people prefer the older one. It's preference. The important thing to note is that whichever one you get, get the one that is expandable beyond 50 lbs. One day you will progress beyond these video workouts and to real strength training, and when you do, anything less than 50 pounds won't cut it as you progress. Personally I have no interest in the accessories, and the kettleblock handle sucks compared to real kettlebells, so I would let the noise factor (whether or not clanging metal as you lift bothers you) decide whether or not the Urethane ones are worth the extra money. The most important thing when you're spending this much money on a piece of equipment is not to do it with the thought that you're doing it for one specific program. You're doing it for life, and if you keep at it, you won't be following these DVD programs for the rest of your life. You will progress beyond them. And you will need something that can grow with you.

The reason for the "personal" ones is that supposedly when you order they make you specify whether it's for personal or commercial use, and the commercial ones are built to a higher durability standard. But I've never heard of anyone having issues with the personal ones so I wouldn't let this bother you.

jaz050465

So how does the sport differ from the classic?

contingencyplan

The sport has ergonomically designed handles (like what's on the Urethane series) which again some people like and some people don't, and also the shape of it is more compact which supposedly lends itself to more complex moves. However that shape is also the reason for the weight inconsistencies.

jaz050465

Thanks very much.