Bowflex Dumbbells Review: Are the SelectTech 552 the Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024?
Bowflex
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Dumbbells are one of those home gym staples nearly everyone’s acquired at some point or another—they barely take up any space and can be used for all kinds of strength training variations. But that single set of 20-pound dumbbells or rack of light aerobic weights aren’t going to get you very far. That’s why you’ll find racks of dumbbell sets that can span an entire wall at the gym.
With adjustable dumbbells, though, two dumbbells can do the work of 10, 15, or even 20. All you need to do is spin the dial or flip a level to rack each dumbbell with anywhere from five to 90 pounds. Whether you're using them for serious weight training, cross training or just casual lifting, they're one of the most versatile fitness tools. And the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are one of the most popular and accessible on the market. In this review, we’ll cover why they’re worth your notice and who should (or shouldn’t) add them to their home gym station.
What are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
Bowflex
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a set of adjustable dumbbells made from steel, nylon, ABS plastic and thermoplastic rubber. They’re essentially 15 free weights in one package: You can adjust the weight from five to 52.5 pounds. From five to 25 pounds, you can add weight in two and a half pound increments, and in five-pound increments after that.
How Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Work
Each SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell sits in its own tray. To set the weight, spin the dials on opposite sides of each individual dumbbell to a specific number. When you pick it up, any unused weight plates will be left in the tray (i.e. when it’s set at five pounds, most weight plates will still be in the tray; at 52.5, all of the weight plates will be on the dumbbell). To increase or decrease the weight, simply re-rack the dumbbells and spin the dial to your preferred weight—it only takes a few seconds. You don’t have to change the weight on both dumbbells at the same time, each dumbbell operates individually; you do need to align the dials precisely, or you won’t be able to get the weight off the tray.
The Pros of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
The main selling point of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells is that you get 15 weights in one. That completely eliminates the need for a bulky weight rack, and gives users plenty of ways to progress their strength training without constantly having to purchase new weights.
While they’re not exactly cheap, they are priced competitively—especially considering Bowflex’s long-standing reputation for high-quality, durable home gym equipment. Compared to other sets, these offer a wide range of weight options, feature an intuitive design and come with their own storage trays.
Plus, not only do the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells come with a free year’s membership to JRNY, Bowflex’s adaptive fitness training app, they also give you access to the totally free SelectTech app, where you can manually track your weight, reps and sets while following advanced video coaching—a huge plus for those who are new to training with dumbbells and for those who need some help switching up their workouts to stay motivated.
The Cons of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
The main pain point that comes with adjustable dumbbells is their bulk. In order to accommodate all the weight plates needed to offer 15 different weights in one, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are nearly 17 inches long; a standard 20-pound dumbbell is closer to 12 inches long. That extra length can take some getting used to, and may feel awkward, especially when using lighter weights (which sit closer to the ends of each individual dumbbell).
Since the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells adjust between five and 52.5 pounds, those who want to lift heavy may prefer the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells, which adjust from 10 pounds to 90 pounds. But neither Bowflex set is equipped with the ability to add on expansion packs for even more weight.
Who Are Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Best For?
Bowflex
Adjustable dumbbells will always be a great option for anyone looking to save space, but the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are an especially good investment for those who are new to strength training. They provide six weight options below 20 pounds, which is a big range for anyone who’s just getting comfortable with lighter weights. And with nine more weight options, there’s still plenty of room to challenge yourself once you’ve progressed. The ability to adjust by two and a half pound increments is also great for newer users because adding 10 pounds—five to each side—at a time can feel like a lot. And, again, the dumbbells are compatible with Bowflex’s SelectTech app, which includes individual workouts and longer training plans—all for free.
Who Should Avoid Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
Because the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells max out at 52.5 pounds and can’t be upgraded with an expansion pack, they may not be the right fit for people who want to lift heavy. A better option might be the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells, which individually adjust from 10 pounds all the way up to 90 pounds in five-pound increments. Another alternative are the PowerBlock Pro EXP Dumbbells, which have a weight range of five to 50 pounds and can be expanded to 70 and 90 pounds per dumbbell with two add-on kits.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Specs
Dimensions (each): 16.9 inches L x 8.3 inches W x 9 inches H
Assembled weight with base (each): 55.6 pounds
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Bowflex Dumbbells
Bowflex
Price
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells cost $429, which is lower than most of their competitors (for example, Rogue Fitness, NordicTrack and MX Fitness Supply).
Weight Increments
Each SelectTech 552 dumbbell can be set to weigh five, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or 52.5 pounds.
Storage
When you’re not using the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, rack each of them in the included interchangeable trays. Other adjustable dumbbells may not require a tray, but you do need the one that comes with the 552s in order to change the weights. You don’t, however, need the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand, which is sold separately and lifts the SelectTech 552 and 1090 dumbbell bases 25 inches off the ground to protect your lower back.
Design
With an unracked footprint of 15.8 inches L x 9 inches W x 8 inches H per dumbbell, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are bulkier than a single-weight dumbbell. But, remember, that extra heft allows you to fit 15 sets of dumbbells on one handle. The heaviest weight plates are towards the middle of each dumbbell and taper down to the lighter weights at the end. The tray increases the size slightly—when racked, the weights are 16.9 inches L x 8.3 inches W x 9 inches H each—which can make them difficult to store out of sight (under a bed or couch, for example).
Membership
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells come with a one-year complimentary membership to JRNY, an adaptive fitness app that renews at $19.99 per month or $149 per year. “Adaptive” means the app learns from your behavior, then acts as a kind of virtual coach to help you progress. You start with a baseline test to determine your fitness level; then, the app designs workouts specifically for you that will automatically adjust over time and can be recalibrated each day based on how you’re feeling. You can also find tons of trainer-led workouts in the app, not just for the dumbbells but for kettlebells, barbells, Bowflex machines and bodyweight exercises. JRNY also allows you to integrate your favorite streaming platforms into your workouts (think: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and more), with easy access to metrics, coaching and more near the bottom of your screen.
Warranty and Return Policy
Bowflex offers a two-year warranty on the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells. You can return them within six weeks of delivery for a full refund, minus shipping and handling.
How Do Bowflex Dumbbells Stack Up Against Competitors?
Bowflex
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells earn high ratings—4.8/5 stars on both the Bowflex website and Amazon—but the right set of adjustable dumbbells for you will depend on your fitness level and strength training goals.
The 552s appeal is largely due to their price, $429, which is less than competitors like the Rogue NÜOBELL ($595), NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set ($499) and the MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells ($499). The main differences? The NordicTrack and MX55 dumbbells don’t go below 10 pounds, and the Rogue dumbbells are only adjustable in five-pound increments, which may be less appealing to newer users.
Related Post: Nuobell Dumbbells Review
The 552s are comparable in price and weight to the ProForm Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set and PowerBlock Sport EXP set, but the former only adjusts in 10-pound increments, while the latter offers expansion kits that bring the weight up to 70 or 90 pounds per hand—a feature Bowflex doesn’t offer. For heavier weight options, Bowflex offers the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells.
There are cheaper options available, as well: The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is $359, but you get only 10 different weights; the Ringstar Starring Adjustable Dumbbells are $199 and require you to manually remove and replace the weight plates; and the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells adjust between five and 25 pounds for $110 each (they’re sold individually) or 11 and 55 pounds for $200 each. In addition to differences in weight options, more budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells may be less durable and of lower quality.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 FAQs
Are Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells worth it?
One of the reasons the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are so popular is because of the value you get for your money. A set of 15 individual dumbbells ranging from five to 50 pounds might cost you over $1,000—and that’s without the storage rack, which will also be pricey. The 552s ring in at $429, which puts them solidly in the mid-range of the category. And you’re not sacrificing much—just the potential for a little more weight—for the lower cost. Plus, you get a one-year membership to JRNY (a $149 value), with all kinds of virtual coaching options, completely free of charge.
What is the difference between Bowflex 552 and 1090?
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells are $799, and replace 17 sets of weights. They start at 10 pounds (five pounds higher than the SelectTech 552 dumbbells) and adjust in five pound increments all the way up to 90 pounds, which is nearly 40 pounds heavier than the 552s. They’re made of the same materials and come with the same one-year complimentary JRNY membership, but have a slightly larger base (17.5 inches L x 9.5 inches W x 10 inches H) and offer an extra year on the warranty.
For more information, check out our in-depth Bowflex 1090 Dumbbells review.
Do adjustable dumbbells break easily?
Adjustable dumbbells are generally made from steel and iron, so they should be pretty sturdy and durable. However, if you drop one, the pins and locking mechanisms that hold them together can be knocked out of place. That sort of damage obviously isn’t great for the dumbbell, but it can also cause injury, especially if they’re loaded with heavier weight plates. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbell trays are plastic, which can crack if you drop the weights into them with too much force, and the weights themselves can be scuffed and scratched.
How often should you use dumbbells?
You could use dumbbells almost every day if you want. Research suggests that when it comes to strength training, a minimum of two days per week is needed to maximize muscle growth. The general recommendation is to take at least 48 hours of rest between training the same muscle group; so if you did arm exercises on Monday, you could do leg exercises on Tuesday before doing arm exercises again on Wednesday. Those two days give your muscles time to repair themselves and get stronger. If you’re looking to gain strength, one set of eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise is effective, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, although two or three sets may be even more effective.
If you’re not familiar with using dumbbells or haven’t used them in a long time, it’s always best to start with just your body weight; once you’ve nailed the proper form and technique, you can progress to lighter weights and continue from there. Increasing the amount of weight isn’t the only way to make gains; you can also work out more often (still making time for recovery) or increase the number of repetitions and sets you do for a given exercise.
Final Thoughts
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells can save you money, save you space and provide endless workout options. That’s a win-win-win.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
