They both use the same frame and the barrels are made on the same tooling. The answer is whether you want barrel flutes (pro hunter) or a smooth round barrel (encore).
I picked up two today SS receivers, but they are called Endevers- have slick lines on the sides verses the sloped design. Not sure I like the Endever design- but they belong to my girls now. I plan to shop for a blue one- perhaps as Juan stated- I think Academy has them on sale. Just a weight difference- but the PH barrels are longer and fluted so it break about the same. I ordered 26 inch 220 Swift barrels, will get 257 Roberts (26) barrels made next. Then go light 22 Hornets (24). Enjoy which ever you get- I will sight in these this weekend and boy do they look fun! Stay center. JHG
Pretty much the only difference between the 2 are the Prohunter already has a Limbsaver on it and the hammer can swing left or right to move from under the scope. I had to get my own Limbsaver for my Encore and I had to add a hammer spur, which I perfer over the Prohunters swing hammer.
Other than the swing away hammer spur, the only differences are the fluting and the barrel length, most of them are 26" I believe. Both are good guns. I have 5 barrels for my Encore and I love mine.