Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Review
Summary
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are adjustable dumbbells that allow you to quickly and easily change the weight of each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use set of adjustable dumbbells.
The SelectTech 552’s are a bit more expensive than some other adjustable dumbbell sets on the market, but they do come with a few features that make them worth the extra cost. For starters, they come with an included stand that helps to keep your workout area organized and clutter-free. They also include a built-in weight conversion chart so you can easily see how much each weight
Overall
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Versatility
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Ease of Use
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Price
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Warranty
Pros
- Easily replaces 15 pairs of weights for a compact space
- Easy to use built-in adjustable dials for different weight and pound settings
- Uses premium grips and molding to maximize comfort and reduce noise
- Includes free shipping in the US and extensive warranties
- Has a free Bowflex app for exercise instruction
Cons
- The dumbbells bars are a little wider than what you may be used to
- Bulky dumbbells design that could take a bit to get comfortable with
- Maximum adjustable weight of 105 pounds for a set
Going to the gym is often a nerve-wracking experience. We all have ideas about how we should look because of beautiful social media influencers with rock-hard abs and perfect backsides to measure against. That is why many people prefer the comfort of working out at home.
One of the more rewarding pieces of adjustable weight equipment we have heard of made its way into our review office recently. This is the fully adjustable set of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells. When we say this is one of the most versatile and best dumbbell options for an at home gym compared to standard dumbbells, we are not kidding!
Each of our review team members got the chance to work out using the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells and was amazed at how easy it was to use the adjustable features of the dumbbells so quickly even during HIIT training and strength training.
So, let’s get into our review of the popular adjustable dumbbells with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells so you can make a well-informed decision if these sets of weights are suitable for your personal situation.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Review
First, our review team thinks these are one of the best adjustable weight options. We want to be clear that while we started our dumbbells review unbiased, it did not take long for us to take a shine to these incredibly adjustable weights. You get a decent pounds setting that is easy to adjust to instantly begin your workout, all at a surprisingly affordable price considering how durable these adjustable dumbbells are to purchase.
We have tested many different adjustable home gym equipment over the years. Most deliver on their basic promise but end up being hard to handle or store away. However, these Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are so much easier than others.
Bowflex Overview
Based in Vancouver, WA, in the good old USA, Bowflex is a specific brand owned and operated by Nautilus. The first Bowflex products was sold around 1986 and immediately intrigued the late-night TV buyers of the world because of the promise of getting a complete adjustable home workout at a much lower price than committing to an endless gym membership.
The original model used polymer rods to create constant resistance or tension. This same spirit of innovation was later infused into the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells you see today in our review. So instead of owning a long row of heavyweight, various pounds setting dumbbells, you get an all-in-one adjustable dumbbells solution that is compact and easy to work with.
What is the Bowflex?
A few of our review team members actually purchased the original Bowflex back during the weight and exercise trends of the 1980s and early 1990s. These looked like a bench with a ton of rods dangling out behind it and was a little complicated to understand.
The idea was to use different tension rods that would bend when you did any kind of home workout. Each rod was set to different weights or pounds amount and offered one of the best at-home quieter workouts at the time. Everything was adjustable set it apart, just like with these fantastic best dumbbells.
What makes the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells so special?
It was affordability, ease of use, and adjustable weight/pounds that made for excellent outcomes that set the original Bowflex apart from competitors. If someone stuck to the workout on the adjustable poles, they would see results. Of course, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells in our review, you need to couple your training with a healthy diet, but you can absolutely see gains with these adjustable dumbbells devices.
Affordability was a significant factor with our review team as well. In today’s world, you cannot go two city blocks without seeing Planet Fitness or other types of private gyms. When the Bowflex came out, this meant a high price to work out. However, having an adjustable Bowflex set of dumbbells at home meant no longer being embarrassed, bullied, or confused at the local gym, just like what you get with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells.
Who are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Good for?
The adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are meant for anyone that wants a quality at-home workout without the anxiety of using weights or pounds equipment at the local gym. They provide a wide range of pounds settings that are adjustable for various exercises.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are incredibly compact and affordable. In addition, the adjustable dumbbells offer an excellent alternative for those wanting to put on muscle structure on their own schedule and for less than the annual cost of a gym membership.
These adjustable dumbbells are probably not the best for bodybuilders but will get you to a professional level as starting dumbbells until you are ready for more intensive weight and pounds settings.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
We were thrilled to open our shipment of adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells. These are fully adjustable weights set by pounds rating along the edges of the caps on the ends of the selection dials. In the box, you get two pairs of adjustable dumbbells with weight ranges of 5 to 52.5 pounds. That means they max out at around 105 pounds when adjusted to the highest weight setting.
Each adjustable dumbbell includes about 9-10 discs that rest on a stand and will either lift when you pick them up or stay in their place based on the pound setting you are using on the adjustable dials.
Set-up
The adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are incredibly easy to set up, another reason we think these are one of the best options for weight lifting at home. The adjustable dumbbell sets we received came already ready to use, but we think that could be because we are a review team. Either way, all you need to do is push the bar into place, and things will snap into place on the stand.
You may need a partner to set up the stands if you are attaching the best adjustable dumbbells to any of the larger-sized Bowflex models that are a complete body workout.
How to Use
To use the fully adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, you simply turn the dials on either end to adjust the weight to the correct pounds you wish to lift during your workout. You will hear and feel the weight increments lock into place with each turn of the adjustable dumbbell dials. Once you have selected the desired pound weights for your workout, lift up the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, and you’re good to go. The smooth lift-off will allow you to begin your set the moment you pick them up from the intuitive storage trays, even if you are in the middle of heavy exercises or lighter exercises.
Best Exercises
The adjustable Bowflex dumbbells include 5-pound adjustable weights up to 50 pounds, then one more 2.5-pound increments disc per dumbbell to max out to 105 pounds. That replaces roughly 15 sets of dumbbells that you would see in a row at a typical local gym or training center.
That opens the realm of working out to a wide array of weight-based exercises like:
- Squat Cross Body Punch
- Bicep Curls with Supination
- Lunge Chest Rotation
- Rear Delt Flys
- Lunch with Shoulder Presses
- Deadlifts
- Chest Presses
- Burpees
- And more!
Bowflex includes a free training app that has follow-along exercises that are completed with the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells. We tried out a bunch during our adjustable dumbbells review and have to say you will “feel the burn” after a solid 10-20 minutes of focused exercise. If you don’t, with a turn of a dial you can increase the weight and pounds you are using on the best adjustable dumbbells.
This is an authentically easy-to-use adjustable dumbbells system, and why we think it is the best purchase for your at-home needs.
Below are some free videos you can find on YouTube to help with your workout:
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Pros and Cons
What do Customers Think?
When we did our adjustable dumbbells review, the best information we found about customers using the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells was that they worked as promised. There were a few disagreements over the quality, but Bowflex has excellent customer support and was quick to remedy those problems.
The adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells include a two-year warranty, which is more than enough for you to put the dumbbells through the test at home or in a gym. You have to remember these adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells have been on the market for over ten years. They hold a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on the Bowflex website with more than 5,000 total reviews. That is not bad for a piece of at-home equipment.
Yes, the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are made of plastic and metal plates, but they are still of great quality. Plus, the rubber grip makes these the best adjustable dumbbells we have ever tested in our review office.
On Amazon, the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells enjoy a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 17,000 reviews. That makes these adjustable dumbbells one of the best choices in the world for weight training equipment. In addition, users often pointed out the easy-to-assemble packaging, easy-to-hold weight equipment, and weight distribution of the different pounds settings in their reviews. For example, we found this adjustable dumbbells review from an active military family useful:
“I love this set of dumbbells. However, I was a little hesitant to purchase due to some of the reviews. Some reviews stated the dumbbells were difficult to put back into the stand. I did not find this to be true at all. It is pretty simple to put back in the stand without difficulty. I know people were also saying the price was too high. I disagree. The price was great. These are adjustable dumbbells that are made with great quality. I would not buy a product that was cheap because that informs me the product is made cheaply.”
“My husband and I both use these dumbbells. As a military family who moves every 2-3 years, it is wonderful to not have to pack up an entire dumbbell set and keep track of them during the move. My husband and I both have seen awesome total body results from these. When we change the weight on the dumbbells, it is a nice smooth transition. There is no harsh movement that you might have with other brands.”
“The dumbbells do only go to 52.5 lbs. If you are looking for a set that is higher in weight, the ST1090 would be better for you. These are great for my husband and me right now. I am sure as my husband builds more muscle and becomes stronger, he will eventually need to upgrade to the ST1090 set.”
“I am highly satisfied with this product. I recommend this to anyone who is a beginner to an intermediate lifter.”
Are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Worth it?
Right now, the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are listed on Amazon for $429 for a pair or $219 for a single dumbbell. That includes the dumbbells stand, adjustable dumbbells, and a 1-year JRNY membership on the JRNY app. We still suggest the native Bowflex app for dumbbell exercises.
Considering the average cost of gym memberships in the US is right around $400-$500, these adjustable dumbbells are a pretty reasonable price point, especially considering the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells come with a 2-year warranty.
That makes these adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells one of the best at-home workout options we have ever had in our review office. Tack on top of that the stellar online reviews from customers about the durability and use of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, and you have a home run.
These adjustable dumbbells are especially worth it for beginners and intermediate weight lifters. The different apps make it easy to follow a program while using the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells so you can get the muscle growth you want in the short term. You will definitely need to upgrade to a heavier pounds and weight system for lifting if you need to go beyond the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells capabilities.
Most importantly, these Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are don’t take up much space. We cannot believe how these adjustable dumbbells are the best at reducing oversized dumbbell sets you would find at a gym. Picture a 2×4 set of shoe boxes for a comparison of the adjustable dumbbells size-wise. Anyone, even people living in a small apartment, can make the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells work.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 FAQ
What are the seizes of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
The grips are roughly 4.5 inches long and about 1.5 inches wide.
Are the dumbbells sold as a pair?
Yes, but you can purchase just a single option as well.
Did the dumbbells fall off when you used them?
We never experienced an issue with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells after accounting for adjustable weight. You can hear and feel the different pound discs lock into place.
Are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells hard to assemble?
Our set of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells arrived fully assembled, and from what we’ve read with others, it is the same for them.
How heavy does the adjustable weight max out on the dumbbells?
You get a weight setting of 5 to 52.5 pounds of weight per dumbbell for a total of 105 pounds. This was plenty of weight for our team and for the average person.
Wrapping it Up
The adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are one of the best dumbbell sets we have ever tried in our review office and provide versatility well beyond the traditional dumbbells. They come at a great price point and offer a versatile workout while helping at-home fitness enthusiasts put on the muscle mass desired.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells take up very little space and are fully adjustable for whatever fitness level you are at. We think adding the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells to your weight routine and workout regimen is an excellent idea! In the home exercise equipment market, Bowflex continues to be a leader in the industry. The popularity of the SelectTech 552 continues that tradition.
If you are looking for new pairs of dumbbells, consider the BowFlex SelectTech 552. We’d love to hear your thoughts, leave us a comment and tell us what you think!
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