PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 Review: A Better Pro 50 at a Steep Price

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 is the residential Pro 50 rebuilt for commercial use. It uses the same plates and the same dimensions, and it tops out at the same 50 lbs. But it costs $1,049, which is a whole $500 more.

I’ve tested both models side by side along with every other current PowerBlock model. And in this PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 review, I’ll cover where that extra $500 goes and whether the upgrade is worth it once you compare it to the regular Pro with matching dumbbell stands.

The Short Answer

For most home gym buyers, the extra $500 on the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 is hard to justify.

The upgrades are real, yes. You do get knurled stainless steel grips, stainless rail hardware, better balance, faster adjustments, and a nice stand included.

But you give up the 2.5 lb increments that the residential Pro 50 offers, and you can put PowerBlock’s own knurled grips on a Pro 50 for about $109.

The price of the Commercial Pro 50 is justified for lifters who truly value a better-balanced, faster-adjusting 50 lb dumbbell and are fine with 5 lb jumps.

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 Specs

How the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 Adjusts

Every PowerBlock has to solve the same problem, which is how to hit the weights between block sizes. Residential models have 2.5 lb micro-weights that go into the handle. The heavier commercial models make you swap between handles of different weights.

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 does neither. Its plates are 5 lbs each, so every weight change from 5 to 50 lbs entails just one move of the selector pin. There are no cylinders to load, no lock lever to check, and no second pair of handles to grab.

That makes it among the easiest-to-adjust PowerBlock models. And its 5 lb jumps are relatively small plate increments compared to the heavier expandable models. Of course, since you’re just moving the pin in the nested weight plate stack, there are no skipped increments like on some models. You just miss out on any “in-between” increments.

For presses, rows, and lunges, 5 lb jumps are normal progression. For lateral raises, rear delt work, and rehab-style progressions, which is where the residential Pro 50 stands out, you’ll sometimes notice the missing 2.5 lb increments.

Balance

Losing the micro-weights has a second benefit you feel on every single rep. Micro-weights put extra mass in the handle that shifts the center of gravity, which can feel a bit “off.”

The Commercial Pro 50 has none of that, so it balances noticeably better than the residential version. The difference is most obvious against a Pro 50 running a single micro-weight, which is its most lopsided setting.

Some of the weight is distributed on the side rails of the Commercial Pro 50, as is the case on every PowerBlock, so it won’t feel like a fixed dumbbell where the weight is just on the ends. Still, it’s one of the better-balanced sets in the lineup.

What the Extra $500 Buys

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 and the residential Pro 50 share a lot in common. The dimensions are identical, the plates are the same size and shape, both use urethane-coated plates, and the handles are interchangeable between them. Here’s everything that differs:

The stainless hardware is the connection between the rails and the urethane tabs. It’s the same upgrade every commercial model gets over its residential counterpart. It’s a small detail, but it’s the part most exposed to sweat and humidity over years of use, so it does improve durability to an extent.

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 vs Pro 50: The Real Price Gap

The sticker difference is $500, but that compares a set with a stand to a set without one. A fair comparison pairs the residential Pro 50 with a stand and adds knurled grips, since those are the two things you’re otherwise paying the commercial premium for.

So a knurled residential Pro 50 on a compatible stand costs $112 to $282 less than the commercial set.

For that difference, the Commercial Pro 50 gives you stainless hardware, better balance, and pin-only adjustments. The Pro 50 gives you 2.5 lb increments.

That’s a much closer call than $500 suggests. Beyond budget considerations, it comes down to which you value more: faster, better-balanced adjustments or finer increments.

Where the Commercial Pro 50 Wins

The case for the Commercial Pro 50 is how it performs in training. There are no micro-weights, so there’s nothing to load into the handle and nothing throwing off its balance. You move the pin and lift. The knurled stainless grips and stainless rail hardware are also a step up from the residential set’s TPR grips and black zinc hardware.

If those things matter more to you than 2.5 lb steps, the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 is the better 50 lb PowerBlock model.

Using It in a Home Gym

Plenty of people buy commercial sets for their home gyms because of the premium features, so the warranty is worth a closer look.

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 carries a 1 year commercial warranty. However, PowerBlock confirmed to me directly that if you use a commercial set solely in a residential setting, the 5 year residential warranty applies instead. So buying a commercial for a home gym doesn’t mean you sacrifice warranty coverage.

The real question at home is whether you’ll miss the 2.5 lb increments. If your 50 lb set handles general strength work, you probably won’t. If you have low overall strength levels and you plan on using them for small-muscle and accessory work, you will.

Build and Plate Shape

The plates are urethane-coated steel on PowerBlock’s “flex frame,” where the rails run through urethane tabs so each end of the block flexes slightly and absorbs impact (though that doesn’t mean they’re designed for dropping). That keeps racking quiet and makes the dumbbells more comfortable to rest on your thighs between sets than the all-steel Elite models.

The plate profile is arched, a bit like a slice of bread, rather than the square blocks on the Elite line. The residential Pro 50 and the Sport 24 share the same plate look. It’s a purely cosmetic detail.

The weight indicators are colored rings embedded in the rails on both sides of the blocks. You can grab the dumbbell from either direction and still read your weight, and the rings can’t slide out of position the way the strip indicators on the Elite and Sport models can.

At 12.5″ × 7″ × 7.25″, the Commercial Pro 50 is compact enough that its length never gets in the way, including when you bring the dumbbells together at the top of a press.

Grip and Handle

The grip on the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 is knurled stainless steel with the same medium-intensity volcano pattern used on every knurled PowerBlock. It holds securely without tearing up your hands on high-rep sets.

At a 50 lb max weight, you don’t strictly need knurling. TPR grips hold fine at this weight for most people. The knurled grip is more of a durability and personal preference upgrade than a performance one.

The handle features the wedge-shaped open design used across the Pro line. Your hand and forearm have room to move side to side, which I prefer over the closed handles with wrist supports on the Elite models.

The Included Pro Rack Stand

The set ships with the Pro Rack Stand, so you don’t have to choose which stand to buy. While that’s nice in that it’s one less thing to think about, it’s also a negative because you can’t choose a cheaper stand or opt for no stand at all (for those who would prefer a DIY or third-party stand).

There’s also a quirk with the included Pro Rack Stand. It has center slots designed to hold the spare handle pairs that come with the heavier commercial models. The Commercial Pro 50 has no spare handles, so those slots sit empty. They work well for storing other small gear, and there’s a bottom shelf for more storage, but it’s still a bit odd.

It’s also worth noting that the Pro Rack doesn’t have caster wheels, so plan on it in the same spot most of the time.

Attachments

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 uses the Pro Series attachment family, the same one that fits the residential Pro 50 and the discontinued Pro EXP.

• Kettlebell handle ($149 each): officially compatible. It’s the older fixed (i.e. non-rotating) handle design, so the blocks can knock into your legs on swings once you load it up. Though, since the plates only go up to 50 lbs, it’s less of a problem than on a heavier set (like my discontinued Pro EXP 90 that also works with this kettlebel handle). Still, a rotating handle would be preferable for more exercise options.
• Straight bar and EZ curl bar ($199 each): they do fit on the Commercial Pro 50, but PowerBlock doesn’t list them as compatible because the bars aren’t warrantied for commercial use. But in a home gym, that’s a non-issue. However, I generally am not a fan of PowerBlock’s bar attachments since the oblong plates throw off the balance quite a bit. They’re only worthwhile, in my opinion, if you don’t have the space for a full Olympic barbell and weight plate set.

If you do use the bars, plan on buying micro-weights separately. The Commercial Pro 50 doesn’t include any, and without them your bar loading jumps in larger increments.

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 Pros and Cons

Here’s the condensed version of this PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 review.

Pros:

• Pin-only adjustment (no micro-weights)
• Better balance than the residential Pro 50
• Knurled stainless steel grips standard
• Quiet, comfortable urethane-coated plates
• Stainless steel rail hardware
• No skipped increments
• Pro Rack Stand included

Cons:

• $500 more than the residential Pro 50
• 5 lb increments only, no 2.5 lb steps
• Non-expandable, so it can never go past 50 lbs
• Kettlebell attachment is the older style with a non-rotating handle
• Included stand has unnecessary center slots
• Can’t purchase without the stand (or choose a different stand) to save money

How It Compares to Other PowerBlocks

vs. Pro 50 ($549): covered in detail above. It’s the same dumbbell, but with TPR grips, 2.5 lb micro-weights, and black zinc hardware. And it’s the better buy for most home gym owners, especially if you upgrade the grips with PowerBlock’s $109 knurled option.

vs. Commercial Pro 100 ($1,649): if there’s any chance you’ll need more than 50 lbs, this is the commercial set to look at instead. It goes to 100 lbs, adjusts in 5 lb increments using swappable handles, and works with the Pro 100 attachments, including the rotating kettlebell handle. It’s my favorite PowerBlock overall. My Commercial Pro 100 review covers it in depth.

vs. Pro 32 ($379): a lighter urethane set, also listed as a commercial model, that tops out at 32 lbs in 4 lb steps. Worth a look if you won’t need more than 32 lbs. You can read my PowerBlock Pro 32 review for more details.

Who Should Buy the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50

Buy it if:

• You want the simplest possible adjustment, with no micro-weights to manage
• Balance and commercial hardware/knurled handles are worth paying for
• 5 lb increments suit how you train

Look elsewhere if:

• You want 2.5 lb steps, in which case get the Pro 50 (and consider adding knurled grips if you that’s important to you)
• You might outgrow 50 lbs, in which case look at the Commercial Pro 100 or an expandable residential set
• Price is a deciding factor

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 FAQ

My Rating

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50

The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 is the commercial version of the residential Pro 50, with the same plates and dimensions. It uses knurled stainless steel grips and stainless rail hardware, and it comes with the Pro Rack Stand. It has no micro-weights, so you adjust in 5 lb increments by moving the pin. That makes adjustments faster, and it balances better than the residential model. At $1,049 vs. $549 for the residential Pro 50, it's hard to justify unless you specifically want a knurled set with a bit better balance and slightly better build quality.

Editor's Rating:
3.9

Pros

• Pin-only adjustment (no micro-weights)
• Better balance than the residential Pro 50
• Knurled stainless steel grips standard
• Quiet, comfortable urethane-coated plates
• Stainless steel rail hardware
• No skipped increments
• Pro Rack Stand included

Cons

• $500 more than the residential Pro 50
• 5 lb increments only, no 2.5 lb steps
• Non-expandable, so it can never go past 50 lbs
• Kettlebell attachment is the older style with a non-rotating handle
• Included stand has unnecessary center slots
• Can't purchase without the stand (or choose a different stand) to save money

PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 Review: Final Verdict

Compared to the residential Pro 50, the Commercial Pro 50 is the better dumbbell. It has no micro-weights, so it balances better, and you change weight just by moving the pin. It also has knurled stainless grips, stainless hardware and an included stand.

The problem is what you give up for the price. You lose the 2.5 lb increments, so you’re limited to 5 lb jumps, which may or may not matter to you. And you pay $112 to $282 more than a residential Pro 50 with the same stand and PowerBlock’s knurled grips added. That setup gets you most of what makes the commercial version better, with finer increments, for less money.

So for most people, the residential Pro 50 with knurled grips is the smarter buy. The PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 makes sense if you can’t stand fiddling with micro-weights, 5 lb jumps are fine for your training, and you’d rather pay more for the better-balanced dumbbell.

You can purchase the PowerBlock Commercial Pro 50 here, and don’t forget that code KING20 gets you $20 off.

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