Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Last updated: December 23, 2020
This adjustable dumbbell truly impresses with its one-of-a-kind dial system, earning it a top spot among competing products. You'll enjoy ease of use when you dial your desired weight and lift the dumbbell off its stand. After you've completed your daily workout, you have the bonus option of downloading the free Bowflex SelectTech App and tracking your progress. We liked how easy it was to switch the weight level without having to use plates. We also like the built-in safety feature that makes sure you have the same weight on both sides.
We looked at the top Adjustable Dumbbells and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Adjustable Dumbbells you should buy.
Product Details
Key Takeaway: Adjustable dumbbell set with a one-of-a-kind dial system that's super easy to use.
In our analysis of 193 expert reviews, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells placed 2nd when we looked at the top 14 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.From The Manufacturer
With just the turn of a dial you can automatically change your resistance from 5 lbs. all the way up to 52.5 lbs of weight. No more picking up 30 different dumbbells to get the results you want, these adjustable dumbbells replace 15 sets of weights! All you need is two SelectTech 552 Dumbbells to transform your body for good. Compatible with the free Bowflex SelectTech training App for iOS and Android.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
A top choice for it's easy weight adjustments and an innovative dial system for customized workout.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells accept adjustments in increments of 2½ pounds for the first 25 pounds (and 5 pounds after that), allowing a smaller progression than our pick’s static 5-pound increment.
They can switch from five pounds to 52.5 with just the turn of a large dial on the side. When you've turned the dial to the intended weight, the dumbbell will "lock" into place so you can pick it up off the stand with only the correct plates attached, leaving the remaining plates on the stand.
The handle, core, and brackets are all made with high-strength metal for a secure fit with no rattling weights, and the weight plates have a thick hard plastic coating to withstand any regular gym use.
The best feature of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells is that they save so much space, while still providing a complete strengthening workout.
If you have less space in your home or apartment for exercise equipment, then you will definitely love the space-saving design of the Bowflex SelectTech 552. These nice dumbbells replace 15 sets of free weights. Now, you can finally say goodbye to huge mess.
The first thing you notice with the 552s is that they feel solid and comfortable, thanks to rugged steel construction and ergonomically-designed, textured rubber grips.
The max weight of 52.5 lbs is great for beginner and intermediate level weightlifters. Plus, the increment between each weight is fantastic (2.5 lbs each increment).
- MMA Life
They don't take up a lot of space.
It has ompact weight set. It’s a huge space saver when compared to a full set of individual weights. Very little space is required to store the Sellecttech 552. Compared to a full set of dumbbells the space required is far less with Bowflex.
The dock works great, the weight change is easy and smooth, and they take up minimal space.
The thing I like most about Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells is that they enable Bowflex 552 reviewme to exercise my chest, shoulders, arms, back, legs, and abs efficiently and optimally.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 series takes about 5-10 seconds to adjust to higher or lower weights, putting you well within the 15-20 second time period allowed in P90X. Non-P90X users will also appreciate the speedy adjustment time.
- ratingle
There are 15 different settings in all, which means that you can adjust the dumbbells for as many different exercises. With easy-to-use dials on both sides of the bar, switching between these settings is very simple and takes no longer than 5-10 seconds.
It is highly versatile, offering the possibility to quickly adjust weight in order to alternate exercises.
Reports say it is the best company with easily adjustable dumbbells and best dumbbell set combination.
Its weight can be easily adjusted through its unique dial system.
With a hardy steel construction and textured rubber hand grip, this unique pair of adjustable dumbbells is both comfortable and durable.Customers receive a generous two year warranty from Bowflex which covers the frame and parts.
Includes black base to hold unused weights.
By simply rotating the dial on the outside of the dumbbells to your desired weights, the Bowflex equipment automatically adjusts the weights to what you need.
Compared to other traditional dumbbells Bowflex 552 is absolutely space saver dumbbell. If you are struggling for space then it can be your best company.
It has more than 30 exercise options.
It features a unique dial system that combines 15 sets of weights into one, making this an excellent deal for those who are on a tight budget.
The weight plates are coated with a durable molding, which prevents the dumbbells from scuffing floors and makes the dumbbells quieter (although, slightly less durable) than metal models.
It is easy and simple to change weight resistance.
The SelectTechs have a really great design. Being able to adjust the weight of the dumbbells in 2.5 lb increments by simply turn a plastic dial at each end of the bar is very very clever. It means that with two dumbbells, you replace a large number of fixed dumbbells (e.g., hex dumbbells) or a huge amount of the weight plates that accompany traditional adjustable dumbbells.
Space efficient and the weight range is wide.
The weights can be used with the BowFlex mobile training app for iOS and Android, connecting you with tools to maximize your training and workout potential.
Eliminates multiple dumbbells cluttering in the workout space.
They adjust quickly in small increments from 5 to 52.5 lbs. to provide you with a slew of workout options.
Each dumbbell 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.
The adjustable dumbbell has an impeccable design that enables trainers to perform rough workouts. Buyers are impressed with the durability of this fantastic product that does not wear out during the fast-paced exercises.
How quick and easy it is to adjust these top-of-the-line adjustable Bowflex dumbbells is their most significant selling point and also what I most love about them.
The nice ergonomic handle is perfect for a comfortable grip while working out. Your hands won’t slip and there is no added discomfort due to the textured, rubber handles.
The 15 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set provides great functionality and saves space.
Able to change weight quickly by turning the dial clockwise or anti-clockwise.The adjustment settings which allow small increases in weight is practical for gaining strength.
It provides quick and easy 15 different weight settings to adjust the weight.
The positive side with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 comes with a two year warranty on both the parts and the metal plates.
The adjustment mechanism is easy to use and the weight increments make a lot of sense. They start out with 2.5-lb increases with the lower weights and jump up to 5-lb increases at the higher end.
The plates are sure not to slip because they are held in place with quality locks made of metal, which lowers the risk of injuries associated with low-quality adjustable dumbbell sets. They are held firmly in your hands with their ergonomic grips, which gives the assurance of maximum comfort even when used for numerous types of exercise.
What reviewers didn't like
There's a bit of learning curve for those who are used to traditional dumbbells.
The 15¾-inch-long bars don’t get shorter as you change the weight, making this set a bit harder to handle, especially for smaller-framed people.
Due to size and weight, they're not the best travel companions.
However, I did have a slight issue with the length. Each dumbbell is nearly 16 inches long, and because of Bowflex’s bracket-style weight design, the overall length of the dumbbell doesn’t change with the amount of weight you have attached. This means that no matter what weight you have selected, whether it’s 10 lbs or 50 lbs, the dumbbell will always be 16 inches long.
Some users report dials need replaced after 1-2 years.
For serious bodybuilders, these dumbbells may not be enough. With only a 52.5 pound weight setting, some weightlifters may want to get a heavier set of dumbbells to maintain their current level of fitness.
A problem that gets annoying with the Bowflex dumbbells is when its dial system jams due to misalignment between the weight plates and the handle. These occurrences can be disruptive to your workouts, especially if your workout routine only allows for short rest time or you are following along to a fitness video.
- MMA Life
The size of the dumbbells might be something that some people have to get used to
Although 15 different weight settings are available, the 552 system taps out at 52.5 pounds per side.
Expandability isn’t there.
At 16 inches long, these dumbbells may be cumbersome for some users. The efficacy of most exercises is not influenced by dumbbell length; however, users buying these dumbbells specifically for P90X exercises should be aware that the longer length does affect the general comfort of some P90X-specific exercises.
- ratingle
The metal plates might clang together while you’re working out.
The discs which sustain the weight plates may break if the dumbbells are dropped or thrown.
It is not expandable beyond 52lbs. for people who lift more weights than the rest 90%.
With its 2.5lb. increment weight adjustments, it is not ideal for users working out at a high-intensity.
One downside is that this model can only be adjusted up to 52.5 pounds. Beginner and intermediate level users will likely find the range of weight challenging and more than enough.
Some users experience quirks with the locking mechanism.
As mentioned weight range will be suitable for beginner and professional but the limitation that it cannot be expandable beyond 52.5 lbs.
Some customers expressed the fact that they found the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells dangerous when dropped.
Weight is off by a couple of ounces.
Adjustment dials may need replacing due to wear and tear.
t may be difficult to return to base, as it can be misaligned.
The clips that hold the weights onto the handle are a touch fragile, and if they get damaged and break then the weight plates will fall off, sometimes without warning. You don’t want to be holding these above your head when that happens. Yikes!
These are made of plastic mostly so the grip can be challenging.
Quite a bit more expensive than similar models.
If dropped too much, the weight brackets are prone to damage.
When mishandled, the plastic pieces can break (although this occurs infrequently)
Weight brackets are fragile and susceptible to breakage if dropped frequently
The maximum weight for these dumbbells is 52.5 pounds, which is way too low for many lifters. Even for me, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are not heavy enough for me to use for Farmer’s Walks and deadlifts. I have a couple of much heavier hex dumbbells for these heavy exercises.
These dumbells are expensive, there’s no denying that.
Stand is sold separately and is expensive ($149). However, you should probably buy it because it is really hard on your lower back to pick up heavy weights from the floor. As a heads up, many reviewers commented that the instructions for the stand are awful and it is very difficult to assemble.
Quite fragile, the dumbbell has a lot of plastic and is not designed to be dropped.
Maximum weight range which can be achieved on both sides cannot exceed beyond 52.5 lbs.
The only problem that happens every so often is that a little bit of shifting can prevent the plates to lock into place but if jiggled a little bit then it will lock back to the right place.
The plates do move around a little bit, which can be scary at first.
View our Adjustable Dumbbells buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.