The Best Affordable Option

There are a lot of adjustable dumbbells on the market these days. It can be hard to know which one to choose for your home gym. In this review, we will take a look at the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells. These are some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells around, and for good reason! They are affordable, easy to use, and have a high weight capacity. Let’s take a closer look at why the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells might be the right choice for you!

There is a reason the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are possibly the most sought after adjustable dumbbells in the world. You can find them almost anywhere.  They have a fair price tag with a max weight that most people can appreciate. They are also easy and fast to change. In addition, you will find that these dumbbells, with their adjustable features, don’t impact your wallet nearly as much as their pricier alternatives. Yes, there are more expensive adjustable dumbbell sets out there, but the Bowflex SelectTech 552 provides a truly great value. Even though people may like other more expensive adjustable dumbbells better than these, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are a much more affordable option, and for good reason. Let’s look at my review in further detail, especially if you’re on a tighter budget. My in-depth review of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells will show you why. 

A Quick Look At The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Pros:

• Smooth and fast weight changes
• Great for those with a limited budget.
• These adjustable dumbbells with a weight-changing dial are simple to use and offer a wide range of weight options from 5 to 52.5 pounds each.  
• No set-up required and it arrives in one complete package. 
• Free fitness app.
• Due to the construction of these dumbbells you should never slam or drop them (which can cause damage to the dial mechanism, so be careful).  
• The incremental increases are 2.5 lbs. and not the standard 5 lbs and this factor means they replace 15 separate pairs of dumbbells, which means they save space. Two dumbbells do the work of 30
• Comfortable rubberized grip/knurl (however you will likely need work-out gloves to improve grip)
• Storage trays for your dumbbells have a safety strap (use the provided 7/64 Allen key to to unlock)
• Dumbbell stands are also included
• Heavy-duty
• Ergonomic design
• Secure and silent to use because there are no metal plates clanking together since they are encased in a mold. (Your sleeping family will appreciate this even more if you do your workouts early in the morning.)
• Consider the savings when you compare the cost: Separate dumbbell pairs can sell for $40+, but each set of the Bowflex dumbbells is $27 a pair. If you want to save money, the adjustable dumbbells are the way to go with a price point of just under $400.  
• The Bowflex SelectTech 1090s Max weight is 52.5 pounds, so look at other options if you need more.

Cons: 

• The rubber grip on the 5 inch handle at some point will end up spinning and eventually come off. This is where knurling would be a marked improvement for the Bowflex team to address in both the 552 and the 1090’s handles in the future. 
• Plastic finishes vs. metal alternatives
• They are not upgradeable beyond 52.5 lbs
• Premium up-front price tag just under $400
• Somewhat bulkier than standard individual pairs of dumbbells
• May feel bulky in goblet position
• Powerlifters (need much heavier workouts beyond the 52.5 lbs)
• If you are someone who drops or abuses dumbbells (because this will likely damage the dial mechanism)

Is the Bowflex 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Set Worth Buying? 

The Bowflex 552 adjustable dumbbell set is a great value for those looking for an affordable adjustable dumbbell set. However, it has some drawbacks in comparison to other brands.

The Bowflex 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are different from standard fixed dumbbells, yet they compare well in pricing and competitiveness for less than $400 + shipping costs. These are the best value adjustable dumbbells for those with tighter budget constraints and limited space.

However, the adage holds true: you get what you pay for. They have a maximum weight of 52.5 pounds, which may not be sufficient for heavy lifters. In addition, Bowflex 552s cannot be upgraded. Weight on other brands like Powerblocks and Ironmasters can be increased with the purchase of expansion kits, but the 552s don’t have this feature.

Make the most of your Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells with this workout app

In addition to the weights themselves, you’ll get a free membership for one year to JRNY, Bowflex’s online training platform where you can take yoga, strength, and pilates courses led by instructors. Your SelectTech 552 dumbbells are ideal for your strength training courses. 

Specs

• Weight Range – 5 to 52.5 lbs in each dumbbell
• Materials – Metal and Plastic
• Adjustment Increments – 2.5 lbs to 25 lbs, then 5 lbs to 50 lbs, + 1 added adjustment of 2.5 lbs
• Replaces – 15 sets of dumbbells
• Color – Black
• Adjustable – Dial Mechanism
• Warranty – 2 Years

Quick and Easy Weight-Adjusting Mechanism for Dumbbell Routines

The vast majority of Bowflex dumbbell users are more interested in either broad-spectrum fitness or more specific bodybuilding routines. Thus, it is crucial to have a fast and easy weight-adjusting mechanism at your disposal. This tends to be a great selling point for users.

You can quickly and easily go from one kind of dumbbell workout to another by simply adjusting the weight on the dial. Adjusting the weight of these dumbbells takes less time than it would with loadable or even conventional adjustable dumbbells, making them ideal for doing supersets.

The Benefits of Fine-Tuning Your Weights 

With SelectTechs, you will have more versatility than you might find in gyms. The ability to fine-tune your desired weight increments allows for a slower progression for you as you  increase the weight at a slower pace, which allows more time to achieve your fitness goals while maintaining linear progression as you increase weight on your lifts for each successive workout. This produces a better and more refined progression. 

How the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells Allow for Easy Storage

The 552 and the 1090 are two of the dumbbells in the SelectTech line. When the dumbbells are not in use, the unused weights are left in the tray on which they rest (as is the case with the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell). Associated: Look at our top picks for kettlebells.

If you move the dial between weight increments, the whole carriage can be moved by simply gripping the dumbbell handle. This allows you to conveniently relocate your dumbbell set to another less conspicuous storage area if needed. This is a nice feature that Bowflex considered for folks who prefer to workout in their homes.  

The Eye-Catching Appeal of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell

There’s a certain eye-catching appeal to the Bowflex SelectTech 552s black and red colors and the relatively small 15.8 x 9 x 8-inch footprint as compared to a complete set of dumbbells.  The stylish features tend to have an affect on the beholder which reminds you they are ready for the next workout.  

Important to Note: You cannot attach more plates unless you put the dumbbells back onto the  proper tray slots first, nor are they designed to support your body weight.  

The 552s (and the 1090s) are rather bulky, even at a lesser weight, which is something you should be aware of. The length of the dumbbell remains the same regardless of the weights being employed. Bench presses, curls and rows on the weight bench become more challenging as a result. The SelectTech 552 Dumbbell with a 5 pound weight still has the same length as a full set of weights as compared to a standard 5 pound dumbbell, which is much shorter.

Dumbbells that Don’t Make Noise

The dumbbells are also quiet, which doesn’t matter to some folks, because no metal plates are banging against each other. The plates are made of metal, but they have a casing between them. This can be helpful if you want to work out early in the morning but don’t want to wake anyone else up.

The handle is about 5 inches long and makes it feel balanced in the hand. which is about the same as fixed dumbbells. The 5 inch handle ends up spinning, and the rubber grip can be pulled off, which is quite annoying. Knurling would be a big improvement, but not the nippling “knurl” as seen on the handles of the 1090, which is also not good.

How to Properly Use Them to Avoid Damage

A drawback to the 552s is that they use a lot of plastic, which makes them break down faster than metal.  The inside connector pieces are made of plastic and can crack and break, which could cause a weight plate to fall and hurt someone. This is also true of the plastic dumbbell stand, which can crack and break. As with anything you purchase, if you want it to last, don’t mistreat your equipment.     

The SelectTech Dumbbells will break if you drop them because the plate dividers are made of plastic. Before you max out on your exercises, you should leave enough energy to properly set the dumbbells back on the stand, which will greatly reduce the chance of damaging them, especially in light of the fact that once you damage and break them, the warranty is void.  

The Powerblock Elite Series vs. the Bowflex SelectTech 552: a Comparison

The Powerblock Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells hold up to 90 pounds and can be expanded with extra sets. They are very easy to change, as are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.  Both have a unique click system that has been patented and works very well.

This is a unique click system that has been patented and works very well.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are also quieter than the Powerblocks Dumbbells, which can make some noise when you use them. 

Additionally, the Powerblocks Elite Set has heavier weight choices. 

The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells vs. the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are better if you want a wider range of weights, as they go from 5 to 75 pounds by default. There are also extra kits that can raise the weight limit to 120 or 165 pounds. Like the 552s, the Ironmasters have weight increments that go up by 2.5 pounds.

When it comes to price, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells do have the advantage.  With the 552s, you don’t have to figure out how much metal to add each time.  For those who want to lift more weight then the Ironmasters would be more suitable.

Nuobell vs Bowflex: Which Adjustable Dumbbell Set is Right for You?

The durable steel construction of the NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells is much more costly than the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, but if you want better construction and up to 80 lbs of weight, then the Nuobell is going to be a better choice for you than the Bowflex SelectTech 552 with a weight limit of 52.5 pounds. 

When compared to the Bowflex 552, the NUOBELLs are the only dumbbells that can switch weights in less time. In spite of the fact that the SelectTechs and the other sets are considerably different in terms of price and maximum weight, I believe the Boxflex 552s provide greater value.

How to Fit a Boxflex SelectTech 552 in a Crowded Area

If you already have a crowded area for your workout equipment, then it’s likely you will be able to fit the Boxflex SelectTech 552s with no problem.  With a workout bench, a barbell rack, and a treadmill or rower, space is at a premium in most spare rooms or garages.

The Bowflex Guarantee

There haven’t been many hiccups with my Bowflex orders or deliveries. Products may be returned within six weeks after delivery if you change your mind. Although you may use the product, it must not be damaged or show signs of obvious usage in order to get a refund.

The 552s Dumbbells – A 2-Year Warranty

The 552s come with a two-year warranty, which is reasonable. If you happen to drop the dumbbells, please be aware that doing so might render your warranty null and void.

The Best Adjustable Dumbbells for the Price

For the price, I don’t think you can beat the 552s for adjustable dumbbells. You can easily change the resistance using the dial system and have at the ready 15 sets of weights for about $400. Remember that they aren’t designed to withstand being dropped and that the maximum weight on each dumbbell is 52.5 pounds. For those training at home, this should be quite appealing. In addition, for the price, you should be able to use them for years with proper care. 

Bowflex Bench

If you can afford it, go ahead and get a Bowflex bench if you have room for one in your home. You will be able to do compound and isolation workouts with much more ease due to the quality and comfort. At least, that’s what I did.