Which Powerball is Right for Me?

If you're looking to purchase a Powerball, then you'll notice that there are many different models to choose from. While some Powerballs differ only slightly, others have very unique features which can make a big difference to training results. The main things you need to consider when choosing a Powerball are:

1. What is your main goal of using Powerball: strengthening and injury prevention or rehabilitation?

2. Do you have a current injury or reduced mobility that would make it difficult to start the Powerball?

3. Do you want a Powerball that tracks your spin metrics for strengthening and rehabilitation monitoring?

4. What is your budget for this product?

1. Strengthening vs Recovery

The most important thing to consider when choosing a Powerball is to decide if you want to use it for strength training and injury prevention, rehabilitation or both. 

• For strengthening and injury prevention, we recommend either 280Hz or 350Hz models, with 350Hz models being the top choice for powerful strength training. You can use 350Hz models for rehabilitation as well, but as these have very powerful metal rotors, it is not generally recommended and if so, only at very low speeds.
• For rehabilitation,280Hz models are best as they provide a gentle, balanced resistance at low spin speeds.

All Powerball models can be used effectively for strength training - you just need to decide how intense you want your training sessions to be. 280Hz and 350Hz (metal) Powerball models each have a max. output of RPMs (revolutions per minute). The higher the RPM output, the more resistance the Powerball can generate and the more intense your strength training can be.

2. Starting Mechanism

There are three types of starting mechanisms to choose from: Cord-Start, Auto-Start and Electric-Start. 

• The easiest Powerball models to start are E-Start or Electric-Start models. These can be activated at the simple touch of a button.
• Auto-start models are more budget friendly than E-Start models and are also a good choice for those who want a simple starting process. You can wind the Autostart Powerball rotor back with your fingers or simply run the rotor along a flat surface and it will activate. 
• Cord-start models are slightly more finicky, as they require activation with the included starting cord. We really just recommend these if you have no preference to how you start the ball and if you are looking for a lower-budget model.

You can read more about each type in our article on the Different Powerball Starting Mechanisms.

3. Performance Tracking

Our Powerball models are available with a simple original cap ("Classic" models) or with an integrated LCD display that will monitor and track your spinning performance ("Pro" models).

"Pro" Powerball models all have LCD counters that track your activity metrics like highest spin speed, current spin speed and rotations per minute (RPM). They offer built-in timed training programmes and are powered solely by the Powerball rotor as you spin it, so they do not require a battery to operate. You can read more about the functions of the Powerball LCD display here.

Opting for a "Pro" Powerball model with an LCD display is a good idea if you wish to track your strength or recovery improvements over time, however it is not essential for use and is entirely down to personal preference.

"Classic" Powerball models are fitted with a simple cap in place of an LCD counter and do not track any metrics.

4. Budget

Of course, your budget is also something to consider when purchasing a Powerball. 

• Cord-Start models are usually lower in price as this is our original starting mechanism.
• Classic Powerballs will usually be lower in price than Pro models, as they do not have an LCD display. 
• 250Hz and 280Hz models with polycarbonate rotors are also generally lower in price than our metal range, simply because they are less powerful and the material less expensive.

5. Other factors to consider

Hand Size

All Powerballs are a standard size with the exception of the Titan and Diablo models. Titan is a larger ball and therefore more suitable for people with larger hands. Diablo is about 10% smaller than the standard Powerball and so, may be an option for someone with smaller hands.

E-Start/Electric-Start models are also slightly larger to accommodate for the internal starting mechanism.

Lights

The 280Hz Auto-Start Fusion Powerball has a blue/purple shell, but has the added feature of integrated lights that illuminate as the ball spins.

Material

280Hz Powerballs are all made with a robust, military-grade polycarbonate shell and rotor, while 350Hz Metal Series Powerballs feature a metal shell and/or metal rotor:

• Hybrid: Polycarbonate shell, zinc rotor
• Diablo: Stainless steel shell, zinc rotor
• Titan: Aluminium shell, zinc rotor

While these material features can impact spin performance (mainly, the zinc rotor generates more resistance than a polycarbonate one), they are generally just a personal preference that you can factor in when choosing a Powerball.

If you are looking to purchase a Powerball and still unsure which model might be right for you, contact info@rpmpower.com and we'll be happy to advise you.