Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Many of you are trying to gain muscle mass and loose weight at home without having to pay for a gym membership.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is to look at a pair of Bowflex adjustable dumbbells that will let you get the best bang for the buck when buying any type of home gym fitness equipment.

You could buying a traditional Olympic Weight set or regular dumbbells, but you need to have the room for it and they will cost a lot more in the long run.

This is why they are so convenient. They allow the user to combine a wide range of weights in one little package. When it comes to training equipment, there aren’t many names that are as recognizable as Bowflex.

Bowflex is known for their innovative space saving equipment and the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells falls straight in line with this philosophy.

Let’s take a closer look at the series of Bowflex adjustable dumbbells which include the Bowflex SelectTech 552, 560 and 1090.

3 Bowflex Dumbbell Models

Bowflex 552
5 -52.5lbs
Replaces 15 Dumbbells

Bowflex 1090
Adjusts from 10 – 90 lbs
Replaces 30 dumbbells

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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Most Popular

Today we will be providing a full review of the Bowflex SelecTech552 adjustable dumbbells and a full synopsis of the pros and cons (if there are any) of the product. Before you make that purchase, let’s start reading about the features first.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave the last few years, you’ve probably seen the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells commercial at least once. It’s the one where the really excited guy tells you how awesome these adjustable dumbbells are while images of ridiculously fit models demonstrate their uses.

Although adjustable dumbbells have been around for some time, this particular product created quite a stir…and for good reason. It has been a best seller on amazon for years because it is so easy to use, it’s a big space saver and very easy to operate. The weight range is what 80% of the users will want as well. So, it naturally fits perfect for at home workouts at cheap price.

Let’s look at the main features below to get started to see if this will work for you as it has so many of other fitness enthusiasts.

Bowflex Selecttech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Features

What Makes the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells So Special?

The entire premise of an adjustable dumbbell is that you have the ability to choose how much it will weigh (no, it doesn’t defy gravity. Let me explain).

With the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, the base unit itself, with the smallest setting selected, only weighs 5 pounds. However, all the user has to do is slip it into place, and it will adjust and the bar will attach the desired additional weight range up to 52 pounds. (see image below) So, it’s great for a multitude of exercises and skill sets.

They are also compact and great for small workout spaces and especially those living in an apartment or condo where you don’t have a dedicated home gym workout area.

Pretty cool, right?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells has a weight range that can adjust between 5lbs all the way up to 52lbs within seconds, essentially replacing 15 sets of regular ones, which takes up far less space than traditional sets.

As you can see in the picture above you need to have the set sitting in the storage case. Once it is in the case, you can turn the dial on the adjustable dumbbell to the desired weight setting you would like to workout with. Once you have the desired setting you pull it out of the cradle and start getting after your strength training workout!

Very Easy to Set It Up

The 552 model will come with a workout DVD called “Secrets of the 4 step Rep”. It is a guide that will show you how to get the most exercises and benefits out of dumbbells. They will list out around 30 exercises that you can perform with them and it comes out to around 80 variations of exercises you can do in the privacy of your own home.

You can do typical leg exercises like lunges or squats. You can work on your back doing dead lifts and shoulder presses and much more. If you own a Bowflex home gym model they are easy to integrate into incline or decline bench presses. Either way they will show you how to do the exercises the correct way.

What Makes the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells So Special?

If you do a quick search on Amazon, you’ll find that a single set can get pricey (not counting shipping), like the example to the right for a single 30lb set.

Now, multiple that cost by 15… and look where you end up? Whaaaaat!!!!

Yeah, that’s the price you would pay for the 15 sets of dumbbells 552 model replaces. Now, click on the link below to see how much a Bowflex SelectTech 552 cost on Amazon here.

The savings alone justifies the purchase, but what about everything else?

As mentioned before, the adjustable dumbbell set saves a ridiculous amount of space. Most home owners prefer to use their workout area…well…for working out, instead of being cluttered up with unused weights.

Each set comes equipped with selection dials to easily adjust the weight however you see fit. For the first 25 pounds, the weight plates can be adjusted in 2.5lb increments, which is perfect for women, the elderly, or anyone that prefers to use lighter weights.

Each one also comes with durable rubber handles, which greatly reduces rough callused hands and the incidence of slipping.

From what I’ve seen, the only serious issues arise when used improperly. Although this adjustable dumbbell weight set is durable, some are still made of plastic and have been known to break if dropped from high enough height. However, from all of the reviews I’ve seen, this happens very infrequently and requires a simple replacement part to be ordered.

Will The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Save You Money

Bowflex 552 SelectTech Optional Storage Stand

This does come with a case to sit the bowflex 552 dumbbells in there. This will work for many of you. I did want to mention that there is a stand available that you can buy to set them in that is higher off the ground so you don’t have to bend over and get the dumbbells.

This is probably for folks who will be using the heavy weights in the 40 plus pound range. It just makes it easier to grab and you don’t risk hurting your back taking them off the floor in the normal case it comes with.

Example Dumbbell Chest & Shoulder Workout Video

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Summary

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is a stellar product. Bowflex has been creating revolutionary home exercise equipment for 30 years, and is one of the most trusted names in the industry.

If you’re looking for a piece of fitness equipment to help you reach your fitness goals, without cluttering up your living space, or the exorbitant cost that comes with other equipment, than perhaps the Bowflex SelectTech 552 will make a great addition to your home gym.

Follow the link below to see what others are saying about it…

Bowflex SelectTech 1090

Today, we are going to discuss whether or not the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are as excellent as their other 552 model. I’ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly (if there is any).

One of the main reasons you should be looking at the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell is that you like the 552 model but you wanted more of a weight range, with this set you will get up to 90 pounds.

What is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 ?

Heavier Model than the 552

Over the years, home exercise equipment has undergone a drastic transformation. Innovations in technology have allowed manufacturers to change the way we workout. The 1090 is a completely radical take on the adjustable dumbbell.

For the last 2,000 years dumbbells were either cast iron / heavy rubber, or were adjustable, but required an unreliable collar at the end so the weight didn’t fall off mid exercise which it often did.

Cast iron weights are outstanding, but you’ll require several of them in order to move up and down in weight. Not only is that insanely expensive, but it takes up a TON of space as well.

No one wants to clutter up their living area with unused dumbbells, so manufacturers came up with the bright idea to make adjustable dumbbells.

However, in doing so, not only are they far more dangerous (due to the risk of the collars slipping), but the extra plates still take up a significant amount of surface area.

Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Offer More Settings Than the 552’s

The Selecttech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell not only can it adjust in seconds, but it doesn’t require fickle collars to keep the metal plates on. Plus, it takes up a fraction of the space that cast iron dumbbells and other types of adjustable weights do.

This is perfect for anyone that wants to work out from the comfort of their own home gym, but don’t have the room (or the absurd budget) for other types of dumbbells.

What are the Key Features ?

• Adjusts in 5 pound increments. Weight Range from 10 lbs up to 90 lbs
• Dimensions (Each) (L x W x H): 17.5 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches
• Can be stored almost anywhere
• Adjusts in seconds with the turn of a dial
• Durable molding on the metal plates so they can be adjusted smoothly and quietly
• Rubber hand grip prevents slipping
• Minimizes the need for buying additional dumbbells and a dumbbell stand

With 17 different weight settings ranging from 10 to 90 pounds, you save a lot of space considering that the alternative is to buy 34 separate dumbbells. The wide range of settings allows you to perform a wider range of different and increasingly challenging full-body exercises. You can change the weight quickly with just a turn of the dial, so it’s well-suited for speed circuits.

If you have budgetary concerns, the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 may not be your perfect pair of dumbbells. You can read more here on adjustable dumbbells for more options to buy. But if the cost is not an issue, then you may find yourself agreeing with the thousands of customers who have nothing but praises for buying this set.

Here’s how it works…

In order to add weight, all you have to do is slip it into place.

…and then turn the dial to the desired setting.

And then you’re done…Yes, that’s it. Easy, right?

FAQS About The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells

I’m convinced, that Bowflex has an armada of researchers in white lab coats, whose sole occupation is to come up with new, creative ideas for exercise equipment. It’s the ONLY plausible scenario I could come up with to rationalize why they have so many incredible home gym products like the home gym revolution for instance.

Ok guys hopefully this has cleared a lot of questions for you about the 1090. It’s a great dumbbell, great space saver and it will get the job done.

Bowflex 1090 Summary

My Summary

No one likes tripping over cluttered weights that take up much needed space. No one wants to be hesitant while working out because they’re fearful that the weights will fall off and bonk them on the head.

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbell is the perfect solution to all of these problems. Bowflex has been the top manufacture in home fitness since the mid 80’s and have only solidified their hold with the introduction of this gem.

Read the Product Page and Reviews On Amazon Here.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Features

• The bowflex selecttech 552 dumbbells weight range allows up to 52.5 lbs of weight while the 1090 allows up to 90 lbs, which should be enough for most bodybuilders.
• The bowflex selecttech 552 dumbbells comes with a 2 year guarantee on all parts
• Increments in 2.5 lbs
• Ranges from 5 to 52.5 weight selections.
• Replaces 30 individual dumbbells
• Replaces 15 dumbbell sets
• The Dimensions for it are 15.75″ X 8″ X 9″

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell 1090 Features:

• Weight Range from 10 to 90 pounds
• Can replace up to 17 sets of weights in one
• Replaces 34 individual dumbbell weights
• Perfect for lower and upper body workouts
• SelectTech design allows quick and seamless adjustments
• Made from durable molding
• Comes with a full 2 year guarantee in the case of the 552 series and 3 year for the 1090

Bowflex SelectTech Weights Pros to Consider

The first thing you’ll notice about this set of dumbbells is how easy it is to change the weights. As a matter of fact, this may be the easiest and most intuitive system we’ve seen so far. It is as simple as a turn of a dial. All you have to do is adjust a dial on the side of the dumbbells to the desired weight.

Then, all you have to do is lift the dumbbells and only the desired weight will be attached to it. The remaining metal plates will remain locked into the special tray they come equipped with.

Another great feature about these dumbbells is that they still have a traditional look and feel to them. Many other types of adjustable dumbbells have weird design that can make them feel somewhat dangerous and cumbersome.

With the SelectTech Bowflex series, you will feel right at home. The units are also very pleasing to the eye and will fit great in your home gym.

One more great feature of this dumbbell set is that it allows you to put more weight on one side of the dumbbell than the other. This can be great depending on which movement you’re doing. These dumbbells are also very safe and are equipped with a system that keeps the dumbbell locked in the tray if the dial isn’t adjusted properly. Once again a great plus for the SelectTech series.

Any Concerns about Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells?

Well, one of the issues with the SelectTech series is that the dumbbells can seem a bit long. This can be an issue when you do incline or flat dumbbell presses or shoulder presses. You might have to slightly modify your movements to get optimal results.

Another problem with this set of weight is the grip. While Bowflex did a great job at creating a grip that is as steadfast and ergonomic as possible, the grip’s design, which is slightly larger in the middle, can feel very strange in the hands. I would rather have a regular uniform grip like most traditional models. However, you should get used to it after a while.

My Verdict about SelectTech Dumbbells:

When considering all of its aspects, the Bowflex SelectTech series are definitely one of the best adjustable dumbbell set you can buy for the money and is an outstanding product. That have a smooth lift off and quieter than traditional dumbbells. They encompass everything that makes Bowflex such a great brand when it comes to fitness equipment.

The dumbbells are sleek and stylish and adjusting the weights is a breeze. As a matter of fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find another unit on the market that allows you to switch weights so easily.

Bowflex is one of the only companies that offers a results guarantee in addition to their regular warranty. That means that if you don’t have the desired results within 6 weeks, Bowflex will reimburse your money minus shipping with no questions asked.

So if you’re looking for a versatile and stylish set of dumbbells to add to your gym, then the Bowflex SelectTech series is highly recommended.