Complete PowerGrade - A Grading System …: is this $59.9 stack worth it for Films?
You’ve probably spent more time fighting a tangled node tree than actually grading. You add a node for exposure, another for contrast, a third for color, and suddenly your timeline looks like spaghetti—functional, maybe, but impossible to tweak when a client asks for “a little more warmth” or “less halation.” That’s the gap Complete PowerGrade is built to close. Instead of handing you a preset that locks you into one look, Emre Ekin Akduman packages the exact 28+ node pipeline he uses on real client projects into a drag-and-drop system for DaVinci Resolve. At $59.90, you’re not just buying a .drx file; you’re buying the logic behind a professional colorist’s workflow, complete with the training to understand why every node exists.
Quick answer
| Best for | Editors and colorists who want a repeatable, organized grading structure instead of a one-off preset. |
| Skip if | You only need a single fixed “look” for one project, or you don’t use DaVinci Resolve. |
| Price | $59.90 |
| Format | .drx node trees, 75-min video tutorial, 32-page eBook, lifetime updates |
| One-line take | A full grading system that teaches you the why behind the nodes, not just the what. |
What you’re actually buying
At first glance, a $59.90 price tag might feel steep for a “template,” but that’s the wrong mental model. You aren’t buying a look; you’re buying a workflow. The core of Complete PowerGrade is a complete node tree that walks you through six distinct stages: color management, primaries, secondaries, masking, look creation, and textures. This structure mirrors how professional colorists actually break down a grade, meaning you learn to build exposure, contrast, and color in the correct order rather than guessing.
The deliverables are dense and practical. You get the main PowerGrade .drx files ready to drag into your Resolve Gallery, plus a simplified version of the node tree specifically for DaVinci Resolve Free users who might not have access to certain nodes. For those who want to dive deeper, the pack includes a 75-minute full workflow video tutorial and a 32-page eBook that explains the logic behind every single node. It’s a rare $59.90 bundle that gives you the tools, the training, and the reference material all in one 597 MB download. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
What makes this feel like a genuine system rather than a quick cash-grab is the inclusion of lifetime updates. As the workflow evolves or Resolve updates its engine, you keep receiving refinements at no extra cost. There are no subscription tiers or hidden upsells. You buy the Complete PowerGrade system once, and it stays in your toolkit, improving over time.
Why it’s on our radar
This product stands out because it explicitly rejects the “preset pack” model that floods the market. Most grading resources give you a fixed look that works for one specific type of footage and fails the moment your camera or lighting changes. Complete PowerGrade is built around a DaVinci Wide Gamut pipeline, which gives you full control over every step of the grade using only native Resolve tools. It’s designed to work across different cameras and skill levels, making it a versatile asset for a solo operator who might be cutting a wedding one week and a commercial the next.
The specificity of the deliverables also signals quality. You’re not just getting a vague “grading guide”; you’re getting a 28+ node pipeline that handles everything from log conversion to final output, including cinematic textures like halation, bloom, grain, and film print emulation. It’s a complete stack that saves you the hours of trial-and-error usually required to build a robust grading pipeline from scratch. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
Buyers seem to appreciate the educational depth behind the files. One reviewer noted that “Ekin is truly skilled at color grading and has created an excellent guide for both beginners and advanced colorists. He is very helpful and responds to all your questions.” Another highlighted the clarity of the instruction, saying, “It was very helpful with understanding the logic behind grading. Ekin with great communication skills, he explains every detail, don’t hesitate to take the lesson!” Gumroad reviews
What actually matters
Before you checkout, verify that your version of DaVinci Resolve matches the pipeline’s requirements. The main node tree is built for the full version, but the pack includes a simplified version and halation/grain alternatives for DaVinci Resolve Free users, so you should be covered either way. Check the Complete PowerGrade listing to confirm the exact node compatibility for your current Resolve version.
Second, consider your learning style. If you prefer to just drag and drop a preset and move on, this might be overkill. But if you want to understand why a grade works, the 32-page eBook and 75-minute video tutorial are the real value here. They break down the logic of each node, which is invaluable for troubleshooting when a client requests a change. The video tutorial and eBook are where the “system” part of the product really shines.
Finally, keep in mind that this is a workflow, not a magic button. It requires you to follow the structure: color management first, then primaries, then secondaries, and so on. If you’re used to a chaotic, ad-hoc grading process, you might need to adjust your habits. But for anyone who wants a clean, organized, and repeatable process, Complete PowerGrade offers a professional-grade foundation that’s hard to find at this price point.
Mid-check
If you’re ready to upgrade your grading workflow from a guesswork exercise to a structured system, this is the moment to act. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
FAQ
Is Complete PowerGrade just a preset pack? No. It’s a full grading system with a 28+ node pipeline that teaches you the logic behind each step. You can adapt it to different cameras and footage types, unlike a fixed preset.
Does it work with DaVinci Resolve Free? Yes. The pack includes a simpler version of the node tree, plus halation and grain alternatives specifically for DaVinci Resolve Free users. You get the core workflow regardless of your license tier. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
What if I’m a beginner? The 75-minute video tutorial and 32-page eBook are designed to explain the “why” behind every node, making it accessible for beginners while still being useful for advanced colorists. You’ll learn how to build a grade from scratch, not just apply a look. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
Are there any hidden costs or subscriptions? No. It’s a one-time purchase with lifetime updates included. You won’t be charged for future refinements or new versions of the system. (Complete PowerGrade - A)
Bottom line
If you’re tired of wrestling with a messy node tree and want a professional, repeatable grading workflow that actually teaches you how to grade, Complete PowerGrade is a strong investment. At $59.90, you get the exact system a working colorist uses, complete with the training to understand it. It’s not just a tool; it’s a way to think about color that will serve you for years.