Tomonori Hayasaka
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
I guess I will be the first person to review these blocks. I'll do my best to be as detailed as possible to help athletes and coaches/trainers make their decision. Here it goes!Overview:The block themselves are made out of aluminum and has a "brushed" look to it. Build quality is 10/10 and feel sturdy. It is not the shiny chrome looking blocks you may have seen before. The handle in the middle makes it easy for transport (about 13lbs with pedals attached) and it comes with three 4 1/8" stakes for extra support.Spec Details:The pedal themselves are about 4 1/4" x 9". In comparison to the ATE Olympian School which is about 4 5/8" x 7 1/2". Mind you, the First Place Premier is 5 1/2" by 10" for pedal size.The block is 35 1/2" in length and the back stem is 9 1/2". Compare that with the ATE which is 30 3/8" by 10" (see photos).As for degrees, I do not have a measuring tool but comparing it to the ATE, I believe they are 45, 55, 65, 75 (see photos)They do come with 1/2" spikes which are better than the 1/4" or 3/8" that you see come with other blocks.Comparison: (disclaimer, price may vary based on location)The ATE are pretty common (at least where I'm from) they can range from $120 to $150. Great for smaller/medium sized feet. The Gill G2 ($250+) and the S2 ($200+) are a bit more expensive because they're a brand, no surprise there. Not to mention both G2 and S2 have 8" pedals (medium to larger feet). But here's the catch, no middle handle for transport.First Place Premier is about $350+ plus with a bigger 10" pedal, handle in the middle and 5 levels of angles (vs the 4 on these). But they are HEAVY. For those who own one, you know what I'm talking about.Nitpicks:Honestly, the only nitpick I have is I wish the measurements were in black and not white. It's difficult to see it with the silver/grey color of the blocks (check out the overhead photo comparing it to the ATE).Conclusion:At the end of the day, you or your athletes want to use blocks that are comfortable to them. As titled, these are the in-between of Gill/ATE and the First Place Premier. With build quality, functionality (handle), with a bigger 9" pedal that costs $225 (with tax for me). I don't think you can beat that. Especially if they're lighter than the First Place Premier. Please look at the pictures, hopefully they help. Ask questions and I think I get notified so I can try to answer them.Good luck!