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Power Block Review: Are They Worth It?

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Gripping powerblock dumbbells

Since the pandemic started, working out at home has become all the rage. Workout equipment, especially dumbbells, has been flying off the shelves and hard to track down. One of those companies that have been having a fantastic year is Power Block. Power Block specializes in professional-grade dumbbells. Their dumbbells are both adjustable and expandable, making them highly versatile and sought after on the market today.

The Pro Series is adjustable from 5 to 50 lbs and comes in a unique form factor, unlike traditional dumbbells.

About the company

Aaron Tilton founded Power Block in 1993 in Owatonna, MN. He took a leap of faith and purchased the building and equipment needed to fulfill his dream of creating the world’s best dumbbells. Today, Power Block created one of the most unique-looking and straightforward dumbbells. Dumbbell adjustments have always been clunky and prone to damages if dropped. The engineers at Power Block solved this problem by creating a U-shaped pin adjustment mechanism. The result is a simplified dumbbell with few moving parts, making it indestructible since there’s nothing to break.

The Features

The Power block Pro Series is made from a series of solidly constructed weight drawers stacked on top of one another. Each drawer is color-coded to let you know the weight.

The weights are from 10lbs to 50lbs in increments of 5 lbs. However, there’s a nifty little feature that lets you make micro 2.5-5lb adjustments by removing a steel bar inside the handle.

The dumbbells have a matte powder coating that’s soft to the touch but seems pretty durable. Overall, the Power Block Pro Series dumbbells are a well-engineered piece of equipment that’s durable and simple to use. I like that there are no gears, levers, or complicated turning mechanisms to adjust the weights.

How to adjust the Power Block Pro Series

Usually, adjustable dumbbells have a twist and lock mechanism on the handle. The challenge with that is you have to perfectly align the discs every time you put them back, which can be a hassle after a serious arm workout.

The Power Block’s drawer design doesn’t require any precision to put back. Adding and removing weights can be done by sliding the U-shaped pin into the correct slot. It’s a no-frills, no-complex design that gets the job done.

Pros & Cons of Power Block Pro Series

After using the Pro series for most of my home workout routine, I noticed a few awesome things you can do with it and one major issue with the design.

Pros: 

  1. Easy to take out and put back
  2. Solid construction. I’m not afraid to drop the weights (not that you should)
  3. It doesn’t roll. The box design keeps it in place when laying them on the floor.
  4. Comfortable grip.
  5. Micro adjustments. The ability to remove one or both of the 2.5lbs mini weights on each dumbbell is genius!
  6. Multiple grips. You use it like a kettlebell by gripping the bottom bars instead of the actual handle. Not sure if this was intended.

Cons: 

  1. Limited range of motion. You’re putting your hand inside a metal box. This limited my range of motion, and there were a couple of exercises I had to use a regular dumbbell.

Overall, there are far more Pros and Cons. However, the limited range of motion is a big one for me. I couldn’t fully relax my wrist without the rails pressing against my forearm when doing concentrated curls. There were a few other exercises where the cage-like design limited my wrist’s movement.

Is the Power Block Pro Series Expandable?

Yes, they’re expandable up to 70 and 90lbs per dumbbell. For $169, you can buy the Pro EXP Stage 2 Kit to expand the weight capacity from 50 to 70 for each dumbbell. The Pro EXP Stage 3 Kit allows you to expand further from 70 to 90lbs.

However, to upgrade to 90lbs, you’ll need to buy both the Pro EXP Stage 2 AND 3 kits. Your total will be $338 to upgrade your dumbbells set to 90lbs per dumbbell.

Also, keep in mind there’s a non-expandable version. So if you plan on expanding later, make sure you get the expandable version.

Is the column stand worth it?

At $129 – $139, they’re certainly not the cheapest accessory. However, the column stand makes reaching your weights much more accessible and looks good enough to put inside a gym. I recommend picking the column stand if your budget allows for them. Just like the Power Block dumbbells, these are well made and can withstand abuse. They also happen to look great.

Final Verdict

The Power Block Pro Series is a piece of professional-grade equipment that lives up to its name. They’re extraordinarily well-engineered, and the drawer designs with the U-shape pin are a game-changer. Gone are the days where I have to align the discs when putting my dumbbells back perfectly. The micro 2.5 – 5lbs adjustments are also helpful in increasing the intensity by just a hair. Depending on your daily exercise routine, the limited range of wrist movement may or may not be an issue.

Overall, I highly recommend the Power Block Pro Series. They’re usually out of stock and often marked up quite a bit online. But if you do manage to get your hands on them, they’re well worth the investment.

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Reviews

10 Design Pickle Alternatives to Get Even Better Designs

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Looking for an alternative to Design Pickle? We have just the list for you.

Design subscriptions are now popular amongst entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even corporate giants. The model is simple: you pay a flat monthly rate and get as much design help as you need – websites, custom illustrations, branding assets, ad design, packaging design, and more.

In a world where traditional agencies charge exorbitant fees and the freelance market is hit or miss, more and more brands are opting for this simple, comprehensive design solution. If you have no time to vet freelancers for every project and no budget for a team of in-house designers, this might be a perfect fit for you.

We went ahead and ranked the top unlimited graphic design companies in the industry that rival Design Pickle.

1. Penji

One of the top competitors of Design Pickle is Penji. This is because Penji offers a very comparable gamut of design services at a lower price point. Penji is one of the biggest unlimited graphic design providers in the industry and has consistently received strong reviews (4.8 average) across sites like Trustpilot, Facebook, and Google.

Penji stands out for its responsive customer service and exceptional designers. Their user-friendly platform makes requesting designs simple, allowing users to easily navigate and communicate with their designer. Each tier of Penji’s subscription is tailored to cater to diverse requirements, be it ad creatives, presentation designs, or motion graphics, ensuring various types of clients get the most value for their dollar.

Why we recommend:
– Designers are matched to your project based on their skillset and your specific need
– Penji offers logo designs, illustrations, and UX/UI for apps & websites
– Their customer support is responsive and quick
– There are over 100 design services to choose from
– You get access to a Project Manager or Art Director at higher tiers

Price: $499-$1497

2. Superside

Superside is a well-known company offering scalable design solutions that are suitable for brands of various sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Their services are priced significantly higher than other graphic design services, so they’re best for companies with larger budgets.

Why we recommend:
– You get access to a dedicated design team
– They offer static and motion ad creative for testing ads
– They’ve worked with big brands like Google, Shopify, and Meta
– Superside’s video production quality is top notch
– If you run out of design credits, you can order more at any tier

Price: $5,000-$13,000 (50-150 credits)

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is the only non-subscription service on the list, but many people don’t realize that individual freelancers can now offer subscriptions on Fiverr. The platform is famous for its wide range of freelance services at an incredibly affordable price. Typically, Fiverr matches you with a freelancer for a one-off project like a logo or website design. You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.

Why we recommend:
– Fiverr manages the relationship, making financial transactions safer
– There’s no need to waste time or money hiring a full-time designer if you don’t need one
– You can choose from hundreds of designers to find the exact style you like

Price: varies widely (You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.)

4. Flocksy

Flocksy is another unlimited graphic design service much like Penji and Superside. The company has a decent reputation online and offers comparable services to other design subscriptions. However, there are two major differences: They offer copywriting and video editing. Flocksy gives you access to an easy-to-use platform for submitting requests, tracking progress, and communicating with the creative team.

Why we recommend:
– Flocksy offers video editing and copywriting in their two highest tiers
– You can get Zapier integrations at every tier if desired
– They offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you choose not to continue

Price: $499-$1695

5. ManyPixels

Manypixels is another growing company that offers a similar service to Design Pickle at a comparable price. The company boasts clients like Teachable and Buffer. You can also get free stock assets from Manypixels, which is a nice perk to complement unlimited designs.

Why we recommend:
– Have an intuitive online platform for communication and storing files
– Pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly (save 10% quarterly, 20% yearly)
– Get a designated designer at the highest tier and collaborate in real-time

Price: $549-$1299

6. Kimp

Kimp is similar to other graphic design subscription services but offers unique pricing tiers. Unlike its competitors, Kimp provides both design and video services without requiring separate plans, ensuring a comprehensive creative solution. Clients also benefit from dedicated design and video teams, ensuring consistent quality and brand alignment across all projects.

Why we recommend:
– Choose only what you need: video, graphics, or both
– A speedy 2-4 day turnaround for video projects
– Kimp offers a 2-month discount as you’re getting started
– Get free stock video, audio and images in their top tier

Price: $599-$995

7. DesignJoy

DesignJoy came along just two years after Superside and have similar price range. They’re a big name in the design industry because they’ve worked with brands like Google and Verizon. Their standard tier allows you the manage unlimited brands along with unlimited users and stock photos.

Why we recommend:
– Webflow development available on both tiers
– Unlimited users on their higher tier
– You can refer a friend and get 5% monthly recurring commissions

Price: $4,995-$7,995

8. Delesign

Delesign has existed since 2017 and has leveled up its services each year. For the same price as many others on the list, Delesign also offers 2D animation videos. We’re not sure of the quality, length, or requirements, but this is a great bonus for brands that want to incorporate it.

Why we recommend:
– 2D animation videos are included in the package
– Guarantees quick turnaround times for initial drafts: 24 to 48 hours
– Zapier and Slack integrations on every plan

Price: $599 – $1799

9. No Limit Creatives

Roughly the same age as Delesign, No Limit Creatives is another design services that has grown in notoriety in recent years. They’re unique in that they offer 4 tiers for graphic design while most offer 3. Like Kimp, they have a tier for graphics and video, and each tier allows a different number of requests at a time. Their lowest price tier uses design credits much like Superside’s model.

Why we recommend:
– Get a dedicated design team on 3 out of 4 tiers
– A whopping 3 requests at a time are available at the highest tier
– The highest tier also offers real-time communication through Slack
– NLC provides video editing and video creation

Price: $499-1499

10. Kapa99

Kapa99 is a small company but they compete well with larger competitors like Design Pickle. They’ve been around since 2014 and thus have had plenty of time to perfect their craft. Kapa’s tiers are split into just two: Business and Business Express. Express offers speedier delivery for clients with more pressing deadlines.

Why we recommend:
– They offer a significant discount for the first two months of your subscription
– There’s no limit to how many ‘active tasks’ you can have on your dashboard
– Native Adobe source files
– Canva file delivery

Price: $499-$999

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Reviews

Ataman M2R Bullpup Air Gun Review

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ataman m2r bullpup

Air guns are used for pest control, small game hunting, recreational shooting or plinking, and competitive sports. There are several air rifles, but a bullpup weapon stands out. The overall length of the air gun can be significantly decreased without reducing the barrel length. This enables a bullpup weapon to be more easily maneuvered and concealed in tight spaces than a traditional weapon with a similar barrel length. Whether you are an avid air gun enthusiast or a newcomer looking for a versatile air rifle, the Ataman M2R Bullpup can be the best option. In this article, we will explore the unique features of the Ataman M2R Bullpup. 

Ataman is a Russian brand known for manufacturing air guns. The company is famous for developing high-precision weapons for various shooting purposes, including target shooting and hunting. This includes the Ataman M2R Bullpup air rifle, Type 2 Walnut model.

Overview 

ataman m2r bullpup review

With the legendary expertise of Russian gunsmiths, these guys bring distinct details out in this model. It features a Lothar Walther barrel and an ergonomic walnut stock. In addition, the adjustable trigger provides a personalized setup. Overall, the Ataman M2R Bullpup is an ultra-lightweight and versatile air rifle. Learn more about its specifications in the next section. 

The M2R air rifles are a leading product of the Ataman factory. In producing M2R rifles, the company uses barrel blanks from the German brand Lothar Walther. In addition, the energy source of this PCP pneumatics rifle is a high-pressure tank with a volume of 250 cubic meters and a working pressure of 300. The design of the M2R air rifles allows for adjustments in stroke, force, and length.

Ataman M2R Bullpup Technical Specifications 

ataman m2r bullpup

The Ataman M2R Bullpup has advanced features, making it a popular choice for better performance and maneuverability. When Ataman designed this air rifle, they focused on creating a compact, maneuverable option for tight spaces. It’s noticeably smaller compared to other rifles we’ve checked out. The clockwork trigger is a standout feature for its easy customization, providing a match-grade experience, and the built-in pressure regulator ensures your shots stay consistently accurate.

Below are the technical specifications of Ataman M2R Bullpup:

Caliber: .22, .25, .357

Velocity: Up to 980 FPS

Barrel Style: Rifled

Barrel Length: 520 mm

Energy: Up to 55 foot-pounds

Safety: Manual

Loudness: 4-Medium-High

Shots Per Fill: 4

Weight: 3.8 kg. 

Pros: 

  • Ambidextrous walnut stock
  • Lothar Walther’s free-floating barrel
  • Self-indexing magazine
  • Integrated Picatinny rail
  • Built-in air pressure gauge
  • 1-Year Limited Warranty

Cons: 

  • Heavier than other brands
  • Rather loud

What are the Other Leading Brands of Air Guns? 

Here are some favorite options to help you choose the best air gun for your next hunting adventure. 

1. AirForce Texan LSS Hunter Combo

airforce texan lss hunter combo

One great feature of Airforce Texan LSS is its variety of options. Customers can choose among the .45, .357, and .30 caliber barrels depending on their preference and purpose. You also get a scope, air tank, bipod, and other goodies in the combo kit. Plus, it offers a lifetime limited warranty. 

Features:

Caliber: .30, .357, .45

Velocity: Up to 1100 FPS

Barrel Style: Lothar Walther

Energy: Up to 600 foot-pounds

Safety: Automatic on cocking

Pros: 

  • Pressure relief device
  • Adjustable power
  • Two-stage, adjustable trigger
  • Relatively quiet firing
  • Low-effort, side-lever cocking
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive 

2. Seneca Wing Shot MKII Shotgun

This air rifle is customizable to suit the preferences of upland or bushy-tail hunters. Thanks to the weapon’s removable choke, which will reduce the inner barrel down to .486 feet from .494 feet. This feature will enable  a consistent shot stream and a 12-foot spread at 20 yards out.

Features: 

Caliber: .50

Velocity: Up to 1130 FPS

Barrel Style: Smooth Bore

Energy: 245 foot-pounds

Safety: Manual

Loudness: 5-High

Shots Per Fill: 5

Pros: 

  • Removable choke.
  • Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
  • Single air reservoir (244cc)
  • Built-in manometer
  • 1-Year Limited Warranty

Cons: 

  • This air rifle is very loud.

3. Hatsan Blitz

hatsan blitz

The Hatsan Blitz is a fully-automatic air gun with a pre-charged pneumatic tank. It is among the top choices for full-automatic PCP air rifles. This automatic feature makes it a thrilling experience at the range, providing a Rambo-esque feel. Likewise, it can be effective for hunting coyotes and other small vermin.

Features: 

Caliber: .22, .25, .30

Velocity: Up to 1050 FPS

Barrel Style: Rifled

Energy: Up to 53 foot-pounds

Safety: Manual

Loudness: 3-Medium

Shots Per Fill: 130

Pros

  • Full or semi-automatic mode
  • 1,000 rounds/minute cyclic rate
  • Detachable SwingLoad Magazine
  • Combo 11mm dovetail and 22mm Weaver optics rail
  • Three Picatinny forearm accessory rails
  • Built-in manometer
  • Available in 1-Year Limited Warranty

Cons: 

  • Full auto mode consumes many pellets.

4. Benjamin Bulldog .357 Bullpup 

If you are looking for the best big-bore air gun for hunting, consider this Benjamin Bulldog Bullpup air gun. It is a fine hunting weapon. However, the Ataman M2R Bullpup still stands out in accuracy and versatility. 

Features:

Caliber: .357

Velocity: Up to 910 FPS

Barrel Style: Rifled

Energy: 200 foot-pounds

Safety: Manual

Loudness: 4-Medium-High 

Pros: 

  • Rubber recoil pad
  • 2-stage non-adjustable trigger
  • Picatinny optics and accessory rails
  • Ambidextrous synthetic camp stock
  • 5-Year Limited Warranty

Cons:

  • Loud

5. Umarex Hammer

Umarex Hammer is a .50 caliber big bore air rifle that fires pellets at 700 foot-pounds of energy. Airgun Depot considers it the most potent PCP big-bore air gun. 

Features: 

Caliber: .50

Velocity: Up to 1000 FPS

Barrel Style: Rifled

Energy: 700 foot-pounds

Safety: Manual

Loudness: 5-High

Shots Per Fill: 4

Pros: 

  • 2-round chamber magazine
  • Built-in manometer
  • Weaver/Picatinny optics rail
  • AR Magpul-style grip
  • Accept M-LOK®attachments
  • 5-Year Limited Warranty

Cons: 

  • Requires 550-grain lead pellets for optimal power

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Reviews

99Designs: An Honest Review From a Non-Designer

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99Designs is one of the go-to graphic design services online. It’s a platform full of professional designers that will make branding easier for you. Here’s an honest 99Designs review of the service from a non-designer. 

99Designs: Overview

99Designs is a graphic design service that helps clients connect with various web and graphic designers worldwide. The platform offers the following design services: 

  • Logos
  • Websites
  • Stationary
  • Business Cards
  • Postcards 
  • Posters
  • Clothing
  • Brochures

How Does it Work

#1 Brief Your Requirements

First, you need to create a simple design brief to help graphic designers visualize your requirements. 

#2 Connect with a Designer

Second, you need to choose how you’ll connect with a designer. In99Designs, you have two options: 

  • Work Directly

You can choose to work with a graphic designer directly.99Designs will help you find the designer that matches your preferred design style. This option allows you to review the portfolio and request the designer’s quotes. 

  • Start a Contest 

For this option, you’ll open your design brief to the99Designs community. After that, designers will submit ideas to you, providing you multiple styles to choose from.

#3 Collaborate

Lastly, after choosing your preferred design process, you’ll collaborate with your graphic designer. Once satisfied with the output, you can release the payment securely to the designer. Take note that all copyright and ownership entirely belongs to you. 

99Designs Review: The Pros and Cons

Pros of99Designs

  • Built-in design process 

It guides the non-designers to organize their design requirements. The platform provides questions that help clients define their requirements to help designers visualize what is needed. So if you also have a hard time translating the creative path you want your designer to take,99Designs’ platform will help. 

  • 100% Money-back warranty

99Designs offers a 100% guarantee within 60 days of payment. The warranty is available for all types of contests. However, it does not apply to contests with a guaranteed prize. When we say “guaranteed prize,” it means that the contest already proceeded to the final round. 

  • Estimated quantity of submissions

As you pick a package for your design requirement,99Designs will provide an estimated quantity based on the budget. Each bid will have a fixed amount of price. So, it’s safe to say there are no hidden fees. 

  • Large Marketplace

99Designs is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. Its popularity is evident by the number of bids a client receives on a single project. Although it’s a disadvantage for the designers, as the client, you have more gains. 

Cons of99Designs

  • Limited Options

As you scroll through several design proposals for your contest, you can’t research more about the designers. It’s impossible to dig deeper about the designer’s portfolio, resume or feedback from previous customers. 

  • Misleading Pricing

According to99Designs, “you can set your price.” However, there are minimum prices for each design category. Although the minimum fee is reasonable, the claim of setting your rate as a client is somewhat misleading. 

  • Newbie Designers

There are a handful of people who believe newbie designers often join design contests. For some, this claim is valid, but seniority is not an issue as long as they produce quality works.  

  • Unpaid Efforts

This is the advantage for designers when joining contests. Of course, designers are aware of this downside. However, they often take it as a learning experience. 

99Designs Review: Monthly Plans

The following are the fixed pricing for contest packages. Using the contest option in99Designs, you’ll receive creative concepts from multiple designers around the world. 

Logo Design 

  • Bronze, 30 designs at $299
  • Silver, 60 designs at $499
  • Gold, 90 designs at $899
  • Platinum, 60 designs at $1,299 (Top-level designer entry requirement) 

Web Page Design 

  • Bronze, 15 designs at $599
  • Silver, 25 designs at $899
  • Gold, 35 designs at $1,599
  • Platinum, 25 designs at $2,499 (Top-level designer entry requirement) 

Other Pricing Includes: 

  • 3D
  • Album cover
  • App design
  • Banner ad
  • Book cover
  • Business card
  • Car, truck, or van wrap
  • Character or mascot
  • Landing page design
  • Merchandise design
  • Graphic illustrations 
  • Other Branding assets

Maximizing Your Experience with 99Designs

Here are several expert tips to help you utilize 99Designs effectively:

  • Define Your Vision Clearly: Begin with a comprehensive and clear design brief. The more details you provide about your vision, the better designers can align with your expectations.
  • Choose the Right Engagement Model: Decide whether direct collaboration with a designer or launching a contest fits your project better. Each has its benefits, with direct hires offering personalized engagement and contests providing diverse creative options.
  • Engage Actively with Designers: Whether you opt for a direct hire or a contest, actively engaging with the designers is crucial. Provide feedback promptly to refine designs closer to your vision.

Final Note

In the end, this99Designs review proved that the platform is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. If you’re still contemplating if you need their service, you can explore the99Designs website. However, if you’re searching for a design service that’s perfect for non-design,99Designs is worth considering.

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