The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are an excellent entry-level dumbbell for people who want to exercise at home. Here is a full review of these popular dumbbells, and why they just might be the right adjustable dumbbells for you.
Bowflex is one of the leading makers of at-home fitness equipment on the planet.
Whether we are talking about adjustable kettlebells, adjustable weight benches, all-in-one-home gyms, or in this case, dumbbells, Bowflex is one of the big names in the game.
And with good reason.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, the “intro” model of their quick-change dumbbells, has a respectable maximum weight, they are easy to change weight, and compared to the other best adjustable dumbbells on the market, are very affordable.
While they aren’t my number one pick for an adjustable dumbbell—we will get to why later—this adjustable dumbbell makes a lot of sense for a lot of people.
Read on, let’s take a look at the key features of the SelectTech 552’s, and see for yourself if these adjustable dumbbells are the ones for you and your workouts.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 — Quick Look
- Up to 52.5lbs per dumbbell
- Replaces up to 15 pairs of individual dumbbells
- Starts at $399 (available at Amazon—check for current pricing and availability)
- Includes access to free Bowflex app that has workouts and training log
- Two-year warranty on plates and parts
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells – The Breakdown
There’s lots to like about the 552’s.
Here are some of the highlights.
✔️ Affordable (for adjustable dumbbells)
So, here’s the million-dollar question… are Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells worth it?
Yes.
And here’s why—adjustable dumbbells are both expensive and they also save you a ton of money.
The upfront investment is always a bit of a kick to the wallet. The 552’s, for example, start at $399 (goes up from there if you want a stand for them). So yes, the initial cost can seem like a lot.
But when you compare this to the cost of buying 15 pairs of dumbbells (as well as the shipping that goes into ordering this many dumbbells), the price tag for one pair of adjustable dumbbells quickly begins to look like a steal.
✔️ Plenty of weight options to choose from
The variety of weight options on the SelectTech 552’s is another thing I really like about them. You get 15 different levels of weight resistance.
From 5 to 25lbs, the weight increments are in 2.5lb jumps; north of 25lbs the weight increments are in 5lb jumps, with the exception of the final increase from 50 to 52.5 pounds.
The resistance levels on the 552’s include: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 52.5lbs.
✔️ Change weights rapidly
The Bowflex SelectTech 552’s, and Bowflex’s adjustable kettlebells have this feature as well, change weight through a dial system. Turn to the weight you want, it clicks into place, and it’s go time. It takes literally seconds to go from the lightest weight on the dumbbells to the heaviest setting of 52.5 pounds.
This is in stark contrast to other dumbbells designed for home gyms, like Olympic dumbbell handles, loadable dumbbells, or even other adjustable dumbbells, like the IronMasters.
Being able to change weight rapidly and easily is perfect for people who like to do circuit training, drop sets, supersets, or workout with their partner. Move the dial to change weight, and off you go. It’s really that simple and that fast.
✔️ Includes the Bowflex SelectTech training app
Having awesome fitness equipment is one thing, but having the accountability that comes with a proven training plan, challenges, and a training journal is another.
Bowflex has a free app with the dumbbells that includes 6-week challenges, training programs, a training log, video demonstrations of exercises, and more.
The app is a little basic compared to other fitness apps on the market, but for people looking for ideas for how to workout with these dumbbells or who need a little push of accountability, this app does more than the trick.
✔️ The SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are very quiet
One of the things I love about working out at home is the convenience. No drive to the gym, no wasted time in traffic—just walk over to the designated workout area and do work. With the home being a shared space, I am always on the lookout for gym equipment that is on the quieter side.
The SelectTech 552’s, especially compared to cast-iron dumbbells and even the PowerBlock Pro EXP adjustable dumbells, which can rattle a little bit, are exceptionally quiet.
Between the patented click-and-go system and the molding around the steel plates, the 552’s don’t make a lot of noise when being used. Not a huge deal for some people, but for people who want to exercise without the clanging and banging, something to consider.
✔️ Same dimensions regardless of weight
The SelectTech 552’s are the same dimensions regardless of the amount of weight you have on them. That’s because the weight plates are loaded on the inside of the dumbbells (if that makes sense).
Other reviewers on the interwebs cite this as an issue, but because of the consistent dimensions, I find that you quickly habituate yourself to the size of the dumbbells, which can feel a little clunky at first. With time, you get comfortable lifting a variety of weights knowing exactly how much range of motion you will have with them.
I like that no matter how much weight you have on them, the dimensions of the dumbbells are the same.
❌ They are bulky
Okay, so I’ve been singing the praises of these bad boys for a few minutes here. What’s the catch, right?
Well, there’s a couple.
The first is the limited maximum weight (which you can correct by investing in the 1090’s, which have a maximum weight of 90lbs), so that’s not really a critique.
For most lifters, the main issue I have with these is the bulkiness.
The 552’s, as with many other adjustable dumbbells, take some getting used to, especially if you are used to rubber hex dumbbells or something similar.
For people just getting started out, and want to use the dumbbells at 15lbs, for example, the dumbbells are just as bulky as when you are maxed out.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells – Where to buy
The Bowflex SelectTech 552’s are well-built. They are affordable. And they effectively remove the need to invest in 15 pairs of dumbbells, saving you a ton of space in your home gym as well as a ton of money.
While they probably aren’t built for more serious lifters, they are an excellent pair of adjustable dumbbells for most.
