The 5 Best Calf Raise Blocks And Platforms

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Calf raises are an extremely powerful exercise to grow and strengthen your calves. By using a good calf raise block or platform you can increase your range of motion and in turn, get more results faster.

Best calf raise blocks and platforms top picks

1. TDS-Calf Block Platform
2. Ironmaster Calf Block
3. Body-Solid Calf Squat Block
4. Roger Stewart Extreme Calf Machine
5. FORCE USA Calf Block (Australia only)

Something to keep in mind is that the fifth option only ships to Australia. The reason this model is still present is that there are currently not many quality brands that offer calf raise blocks and platforms.

That being said, the options that did make this list tend to be high-quality. Do keep in mind that it is not possible to create one perfect ranking, sometimes picks lower on the list will be better for your training goals, strength capacity, budget, and personal preferences.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of calf raise blocks and platforms. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

• Material, weight capacity, height, width, etc.
• User reviews
• Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
• Price
• Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

5 Best calf raise blocks and platforms reviewed

Most people are able to make a quick decision with the list of top picks. You can also look at each of the best calf raise blocks and platforms reviewed in depth to make sure you are choosing the right model.

1. TDS-Calf Block Platform

Our top pick for the best calf raise blocks and platforms is the TDS-Calf Block Platform. With a weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg), most people will find this piece of equipment more than sturdy enough for their calf workouts.

Two of the other most important dimensions are the height of 5″ (12.7 cm) and the top surface width of 5.5″ (14 cm).

These details decide whether you are able to put your feet on the platform and lower your heels enough to go through the full range of motion. This last point is generally helpful for muscle growth and strength progress.

The top block length of the TDS model is above average at 24″ (61 cm). This is nice to have but slightly shorter would be fine for most people too.

From a few customer reviews, it looks like there were a few cases in the past where individuals did not get the exact same product from the pictures. However, more recent reviews mention they got the right model so this issue seems resolved.

Something else to note is that some people prefer a grip tape surface instead of the diamond steel plate pattern. Whether this is an issue for you depends on how much extra grip the shoes you use need and personal preference.

All in all, the TDS-Calf Block Platform has a relatively high number of customers who tend to be really happy with their investment. At the same time, this option also has a reasonable price.

2. Ironmaster Calf Block

This Ironmaster Calf Block is a bit lower (3.5″ = 8.9 cm) and narrower (3″ = 7.6 cm) than some of the other calf raise platforms but if you don’t mind this, this model is another great option.

Something else that is somewhat different is the grip tape surface. This generally offers a better grip than the diamond steel pattern but could need replacement sooner.

One downside is that the specific weight capacity is not mentioned. That being said, the smaller construction and positive customer reviews imply that this calf raise block should be more than enough for most people.

If the Ironmaster Calf Block is in stock, it is another reasonably priced option that is a great choice for individuals who don’t mind the smaller dimensions and prefer a grip tape surface.

3. Body-Solid Calf Squat Block

This next option is a two-in-one combination of a calf raise block and squat wedges. On top of that, the Body-Solid Calf Squat Block is very sturdy with a weight capacity of 2000 pounds (907 kg).

The main downside of these things is that the investment required for this option is higher than most of the other models on this list.

Two other things to keep in mind are that some people prefer a grip tape surface and that some people find the calf raise part a bit narrow. Body-Solid also does not mention any specific width.

Individuals who don’t mind a somewhat narrow calf raise platform, need a lot of weight capacity, and/or want to use squat wedges, can consider the Body-Solid Calf Squat Block and its included lifetime warranty.

4. Roger Stewart Extreme Calf Machine

The main thing that stands out in the Roger Stewart Extreme Calf Machine is that you are able to pivot the surface you stand on. This is mostly a personal preference feature.

Something to keep in mind is that this calf raise block is already on the lower side at 4″ (10.2 cm). If you put it at a slanted angle you may not be able to go through the full range of motion with your calf muscles.

Another potential reason for choosing the Roger Stewart model is that it has a grip tape surface. If the Ironmaster is out of stock this is the next best option unless you live in Australia.

Something that would be nice is more specific details about this model. For example, the width of the top platform and the weight capacity are not mentioned.

That being said, if you don’t like the previous calf raise blocks and platforms, like the pivoting surface, and/or happen to stumble upon any good deals, you can consider the Roger Stewart Extreme Calf Machine.

5. FORCE USA Calf Block

This FORCE USA Calf Block is another great calf raise block but for most people, the main downside of this piece of calf workout equipment is that it only ships to Australia.

That being said, if you happen to live there, this calf raise block can be a good budget-friendly option. While the specific weight capacity is not mentioned, a construction like this should be sturdy enough for most people.

A detail that is generally more relevant is the somewhat low height of 3.9″ (10 cm). For some individuals, this may not be enough to get a full stretch on their calf muscles.

Something else to keep in mind is that the specific width of the calf block is not mentioned. Additionally, the grip tape on the top platform seems a bit narrow if you consider that most people will put their feet towards the edges.

On the other hand, the FORCE USA Calf Block does have a relatively budget-friendly price, a lot of happy customers, and a lifetime warranty. If you live in Australia, this is another model worth considering.

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