The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells make it simple to vary your training by consolidating many pairs of weights into one unit.
They’re particularly attractive for folks with limited room or for those wanting to upgrade their home gym without buying an entire set of dumbbells.
That said, these dumbbells are somewhat longer and bulkier than conventional dumbbells, which can make certain movements feel awkward.
I tested the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells to help you determine whether they’re a good match for your home setup.
SelectTech 552 basics
Bowflex produces two adjustable dumbbell models: the SelectTech 552 and the SelectTech 1090.
The SelectTech 552 is intended to replace 15 pairs of dumbbells, spanning 5 pounds (2.3 kg) up to 52.5 pounds (23.8 kg).
Weight adjustments are available in 2.5-pound (1.1-kg) steps up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg), then in 5-pound (2.3-kg) steps up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg); a final 2.5-pound (1.1-kg) increment yields the maximum 52.5 pounds (23.8 kg).
The dial mechanism—operable from both ends—is user-friendly and changes weight smoothly.
Shop nowHow the SelectTech 1090 compares
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 replaces 17 pairs of weights and provides 10–90 pounds (4.5–40.8 kg) in 5-pound (2.2-kg) increments.
Like the 552, the 1090 uses a straightforward dial to select weight.
Design
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are built to substitute for 15 pairs of dumbbells, making them a flexible option. You can realistically perform a full-body routine at home with just this set.
Each dumbbell has a dial on both ends that you rotate to pick the weight you want.
The dumbbells incorporate an automatic locking system that secures the selected plates and leaves the other plates in the tray. When you’re done, you align the dumbbells with the remaining plates to re-rack them.
These elements let you choose heavier or lighter loads depending on your program and objectives.
SelectTech 552 features
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells come with several notable attributes meant to boost their usefulness.
For example, they have premium grips to improve stability and comfort, and the plates are encased in molding to promote quieter, smoother use.
The dial system makes changing each dumbbell’s weight quick and simple, saving space by removing the need for multiple dumbbell sets.
The dumbbells are compatible with the JRNY app, which offers an extensive catalog of guided workouts and training plans.
Bowflex also sells accessories—benches, stands, barbells, and kettlebells—on its site to complement the dumbbells.
The dumbbell stand is a particularly worthwhile add-on. Because you’ll likely change weights frequently during a session, the stand prevents constant bending to the floor to swap plates.
How much does it cost?
The suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is $429.
When purchased directly from Bowflex, the dumbbells include free shipping and a complimentary 1-year JRNY membership, which is a handy perk given that JRNY typically costs $149 per year.
Financing choices are available as well.
The SelectTech 552s are backed by a 2-year warranty; Bowflex also offers extended protection plans for an extra cost.
I also tested Bowflex’s dumbbell stand with a media rack, currently priced at $179. It includes a 10-year frame warranty and a 1-year warranty on the media rack.
Shop nowSetup and assembly
The 552s arrive already assembled in their trays, which is convenient—once you unbox them they’re ready to go.
The stand did need to be assembled, but it ships with the required hardware and fairly clear instructions.
Putting the stand together took roughly an hour; I recommend two people so one can hold pieces steady while the other tightens bolts.
My experience using the SelectTech 552 dumbbells
I normally use conventional, fixed dumbbells, so the first thing I noticed about the SelectTech 552s was their length.
Although the combined footprint of the stand and dumbbells is much smaller than a rack of 15 pairs, each dumbbell is relatively long.
The size makes them slightly awkward initially, and I adjusted some of my planned moves to accommodate the dimensions.
For example, during a standing shoulder press I rotated my elbows forward so my palms faced inward. The dumbbells are long enough that attempting a standard press with palms forward and elbows out nearly clips my ears.
For certain exercises, like a single-arm overhead triceps extension, I found the 552s a bit too large for comfortable use. Still, they perform well for many other movements, and you can achieve an effective full-body session with them.
The grips on the 552s are slightly padded, which is a pleasant contrast to the knurled steel of my usual dumbbells. However, the grips are also noticeably thicker in the middle, so they feel a bit different in hand.
We use these weights in our garage, so noise isn’t a major concern, but I did observe that the 552s are fairly quiet—without the clanging that sometimes accompanies steel dumbbells.
Adjusting the weight and reracking
Turning the dial to change weight is easy, and the dumbbells sit well in their trays. You must align them properly when re-racking, but it’s not especially tricky.
That said, I do have concerns about the long-term durability of the hard plastic trays; they seem susceptible to cracking with heavy use.
I had no trouble re-racking the 552s, but my husband and our 15-year-old son both said it felt a bit cramped.
The trays include a small notch in the center to help accommodate your hands when returning the dumbbells. If you buy the stand, though, those notches are covered by a large strap and plastic buckle used to secure the trays to the stand.
That design isn’t ideal for people with larger hands — which is a shame because the stand itself is very convenient. Without it, you’d be bending over often to change weights.
The media rack holds any tablet or phone, which is handy if you’re following the JRNY app.
Using the app
The JRNY app provides many workouts created specifically for the SelectTech dumbbells as well as sessions for yoga, Pilates, bodyweight training, barre, HIIT, stretching, mobility, and more. You can filter workouts by duration, difficulty, activity type, or trainer.
Although filtering by class type is useful, you can’t filter specifically for workouts that use the SelectTech dumbbells. That means you need to scroll through strength classes and pick based on the thumbnail.
The JRNY app has a few other downsides: you can’t fast-forward or rewind sessions, which I found mildly frustrating. Also, when I connected my Apple device to the TV, the video played vertically only, making it rather small on the screen.
I didn’t find the guidance particularly necessary since I already knew the movements and technique.
Customer feedback
Both the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 have generally positive reviews on Bowflex’s site, averaging about 4.8 and 4.7 out of 5 stars, respectively.
Buyers commonly praise the space-saving nature and the ease of switching weights mid-workout.
Many reviewers also appreciate that the plastic molding reduces noise and prevents plates from striking each other—beneficial for apartment dwellers or those in shared living situations.
On the other hand, some customers complain that the dumbbells’ bulk makes certain moves harder and that plates can sometimes shift, complicating re-racking.
Other frequent issues include concerns over longevity and occasional jamming of the locking mechanism.
Are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells worth purchasing?
Dumbbells are costly, and buying a full set is an investment. You’ll pay far more for 15 pairs of fixed dumbbells than for the Bowflex 552s, which have the advantage of taking up much less room.
If you want an economical, space-conserving option, the 552s are a solid pick. But if you’re accustomed to traditional dumbbells, be prepared for the longer, bulkier feel.
Purchasing the 552s directly from Bowflex includes a free 1-year JRNY membership. If you already know your way around dumbbell training, the app might not add much value, but it could be appealing to beginners.
Comparison with competitors
Although Bowflex makes some of the most recognized adjustable dumbbells available, there are other choices worth considering.
Here’s a quick look at how Bowflex compares with other models:
MechanismPrice (MSRP)Weight rangeTraining optionsBowflex SelectTech 552adjustable dial$4295–52.5 pounds (2.3–23.8 kg)1-year JRNY app membership includedBowflex SelectTech 1090adjustable dial$79910–90 pounds (4.5–40.8 kg)1-year JRNY app membership includedNordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbellsadjustable dial$49910–55 pounds (4.5–25 kg)30-day iFit family membership includedPowerBlock Sport EXPweight-locking pin$4092.5–50 pounds (1.1–22.7 kg)noneRemember that retail prices can differ depending on the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Bowflex 552 adjustable dumbbells worth it?
It depends on your situation. If you value versatility and have limited space, the 552s are a good option. But if you prefer traditional dumbbells, be aware you’ll need to adapt to their bulkier dimensions.
Are PowerBlocks better than Bowflex adjustable dumbbells?
Neither is universally superior; the choice largely depends on personal preference and whether you want a more conventional dumbbell feel.
PowerBlocks use a pin-and-stack adjustment and have a different form and weight distribution than traditional dumbbells. They can also be expanded with add-on packs to reach up to 90 pounds (40.8 kg) per dumbbell on some models.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price?
Again, it depends on your goals. Adjustable dumbbells cost less than buying many individual pairs and occupy far less space. The 552s are straightforward to use and versatile enough for a full-body routine.
The bottom line
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are more compact and convenient than a traditional set, making them an excellent option for those working with limited space.
With quality grips, molded plates, and an intuitive dial system, they can be a worthwhile addition to a home gym.
However, there are trade-offs: their bulk may not suit everyone, and some users prefer simpler or less expensive alternatives.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.