Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Bowflex, a renowned company from Vancouver, Washington has helped people to reach their desired goals for more than 20 years.The Bowflex home gym equipment are space-saving machinesthat are manufactured in such a way that may include all the strength-building equipment which are only found in local gyms.

There Adjustable dumbbells known as Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells,which are one of the most highly rated dumbbells present in the market. Due to its immense user rating they have been ruling the adjustable dumbbells market for many years. The reason behind it is its one of a kind dial-a-weight adjustment system which simply makes them stand out from rest of the adjustable dumbbells. As being a fitness enthusiastic I even couldn’t stop myself from purchasing these, so here it is a detailed review on  Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Overview
2. Specifications and Features
3. Weight Range
4. Adjustability
5. Durability and Quality
6. Warranty
7. Images
8. Feeling about Bowflex Select Tech 552?
9. Negative about BowFlex Select Tech 552?
10. Final Verdict and Summary

Overview

Adjustable Dumbbells were first introduced by PowerBlock in the early 90’s hence Bowflex took these dumbbells much further by making their product faster, easier and more desirable to every fitness athlete. Regardless of their stand out design, SelectTech 552 turned the tables of home dumbbells category.

The reason why they looked unique than rest of the adjustable dumbbells is due to their SelectTech dial adjustment system. Whereas, rest of the adjustable dumbbells were using the concept of adding screw or pin for adding the desired weights manually therefore SelectTech 552 simply vanished this method and added twist a dial adjustment for weight. This method was very efficient and easy to use by the consumers. Hence, making it the best-selling adjustable dumbbells of all time and still to this day they are used widely across the globe.

Specifications and Features

• Weight range of 5lbs – 52.5lbs per dumbbell.
• Gives an increment of 2.5lbs for the first 25lbs.
• Provides Fifteen different weight settings: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs with an increment of 5lbs after 25lbs.
• Two years warranty.
• Six week Fitness Results Guarantee with a money-back guarantee.
• Bonus workout DVD present in each set.
• Dimensions are (L x W x H)15.75″ x 8″ x 9″
• Ability to replace 30 pair of traditional dumbbells.
• Weight selector that dials on end.
• Rubber handles that reduce slipping and hand injuries.
• Tendency to adjust weight in seconds.
• Saves a lot of space.

Weight Range

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable

The Bowflex SelectTech 552’s gives a wide variety of weight rangeto work with, from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs(per dumbbell). It consists of fifteen different weight settings to select from. The best part of SelectTech 552’s  is that you can adjust the weight in 2.5 lbs increments for the first 2.5 lbs then with an increment of 5lbs from 25lbs to 50lbs respectively. Rest of the dumbbells mostly gives an increment of 5lbs or 10lbs which seems a problem for beginners facing a struggle in maintaining good form. Hence, SelectTech 552’s can vary in small increments of 2.5lbs and 5lbs,it provides you to enhance weight at a steady pace giving you good form, endurance, confidence and ability to complete full set of workout.

However, there is a problem faced mostly by professionals regarding weight range is that you cannot add additional weight after 52.5lbs and  to do that you have to purchase a complete different set of dumbbells having much higher variety of range.

Adjustability

Bowflex SelectTech dial-a- weight adjustment systems is one of the best features of Bowflex 552’s. This is the only feature that is present in Bowflex 552’s then rest of the adjustable dumbbells making it look very popular from the rest. To select different weight settings there is a numbered dial which you have to twist to select your desired weight. Each handle consist of weight plates which are attached using brackets, so when you turn the dial  and select a weight the brackets therefore grabs the weight according to the number you have dialed.  Base cradle is set up in SelectTech 552’s which is a tray that holds all the weight plates and so when you change the weight setting it can easily slide up and down. It nearly takes 2-3 seconds to change the weight that is why SelectTech 552’s are the fastest and easiest to adjust.

Durability and Quality

Bowflex a brand from USA is known for producing high quality gym equipment, so practically there isn’t any a chance that Bowflex will compromise its prestige on Select 552 Adjustable dumbbells regarding Quality. What makes them best from the rest is that there design and presentation when it comes out giving a look of fresh as possible. Bowflex Select 552’s are the highly rated and best-selling adjustable dumbbells present in the market right now. They having a positive review rate of ninety six percent on Amazon which clearly shows that how outstanding Bowflex SelectTech 552’s are. When you are performing a good pace of fast and rough workout these dumbbells adjust up very well. The smoothness of these dumbbells how durable they can be in future. The bracket, core and handle are made gently by Heavy-Duty metal giving them a secure fit hence neglecting wobbling weights, and also the beefy hard plastic on weights can face any regular gym abuse.

There are some people that showed discomfort regarding SelectTech 552’s durability. Brackets are used to attach the weights on each handle so you can’t drop the dumbbell very frequently as it may damage the bracket. In gym there are some people who lifts weight a bit roughly so you have to make sure that core bracket doesn’t get affected by landing or this solution can be solved by using a form as a base to land SelectTech 552’s. Therefore, these are not really big issues that may destroy Bowflex SelectTech 552’s prestige in the market.

Warranty

Bowflex gives a two year warranty on SelectTech 552’s which handles both parts of the product and the labor work it may require. The company will send their manufacturers if there is any issue regarding the product. It also gives you 6-week Fitness Results Guarantee that just in case you receive the product and was unhappy about them so you can return back to the company without any question asked. In my opinion this is a very brave step by Bowflex that they are standing by their stuff and also with the help of this guarantee it makes you purchase without any worry and you can even try it like a free trial but your upfront amount going to be charged.

Images

Feelings about BowFlex Select Tech 552?

Select Tech 552’s gives a very comfortable grip due to its rubber handles which are comparatively larger than natural dumbbells also the round design of weight gives you a feel of traditional dumbbells more so it helps you to lift properly. There is a drawback regarding its un-adjustable length of dumbbell as one dumbbell is nearly Sixteen inches long and because of the Bracket the length of the dumbbell doesn’t changes whatsoever the weight is. The dumbbell will always be Sixteen inches long no matter the weight is 5lbs or 52.5lbs. This long length design sometimes can lead you to have bad form in lighter weights but once you get used to it there is also a lot of benefits from this design. Longer design makes your workout more challenging and putting more muscles at a time.

 

One of the good feature of this SelectTech 552 is that it lets you to add more weight on one side of the dumbbell than the other. This gives you a free hand on the type of movement you would like to perform. Somehow if a dial is not adjusted properly the dumbbells automatically keeps them locked in the tray making them very safe and equipped.

There is a DVD in each set of Select Tech 552 Model called “Secrets of the 4 step Rep”. Basically, it is a guide that will show you different workouts and benefits out of our adjustable dumbbells. This DVD will show  around thirty exercises that you can perform with Eighty variations of exercises you can do in your own home.

Negative about BowFlex Select Tech 552?

Bowflex SelectTech 552’s are one of the dumbbells I really liked , so subsequently I won’t say anything negative about them. However, there are few drawbacks that should be taken into account before buying just to make sure they are the right choice of Adjustable Dumbbells Review for you.

The first thing you have to take into consideration that you cannot add up the desired set of weight over 52.5lbs.Majority of the people are okay with the weight range of 5-52.5lbs, but if you are planning to use these dumbbells for a long term and to make your fitness goals to be very invincibly stronger, then you should go for Bowflex’s higher-weight model, the SelectTech 1090. Basically they are  the same as SelectTech 552 but the only major difference is of higher weight range from ten to ninety lbs. Despite of having a money back guarantee in my opinion, you should make up your mind before purchasing any series by BowFlex as it may become costly if you are switching from SelectTech 552 to SelectTech 1090.

The second thing about BowFlex Select Tech 552 to be considered is the size, which I discussed in above section. The size of the SelectTech 552  is a bit longer than other models which can give you a feel of  awkwardness, especially to those who are using old-school dumbbells from start. But it isn’t a big deal, as you get used to it the way you get used to traditional dumbbells alike.

If you check out on Amazon about BowFlex Select Tech 552 there are many positive reviews about its adjustable grip, its design, increment etc. But some of the bad verdicts are mostly because of its length and that the weight rattles a bit. The reason of rattling weights is due to the plastic part used in the construction of plates and bracket. It was reported in 2009 that BowFlex updated Select Tech 552 and replaced all plastic parts with Heavy-Duty metal which created a much stiffer fit and eliminated the rattling problem. So as far as I’m concerned there may be some people who had problems before there update but right now if you purchase there won’t be and shouldn’t be any regarding rattling

Having extra ordinary features Bowflex Select Tech 552 Adjustable dumbbells are very expensive to purchase then old traditional dumbbells.

These adjustable dumbbells are bestseller for Bowflex for the past few years. However these dumbbells are not recommended for athlete since they are looking for a greater variety of range. With this weight limit of 5-52.5lbs it is an ideal choice for the ones looking for durability and good start up.

Final Verdict and Summary

 

Pros	Cons
User Friendly.	Not expandable weight range beyond 52.5lbs
Highly rated adjustable dumbbells.	Larger size gives a bit awkward feels.
Efficiently adjusts weight.	Bracket gets damaged if dropped very often.
Have an increment of 2.5lbs and 5lbs.	Expensive.
2 years warranty.	Grip is a bit larger in hands.
Comfortable rubber gripped handle.	Doesn’t have Bluetooth.
Gives you fifteen sets of dumbbells in one pair.
Durable due to Heavy-Duty steel construction.
Offers free app for exercises.
Weight selector having dial on ends.
Gives a traditional look.
Tray got an auto lock if the dial isn’t adjusted properly.
Money back guarantee within six weeks.
Eliminates clanking and banging due to coating on weight plates.

 

Overall, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are the best sets adjustable dumbbells reviews 2018 I’ve ever used. What made them look outstanding that they were surpassed from every dumbbell in every feature. With a wider weight range,pretty design, precise and small weight settings, but the best of all, they are highly efficient and are easy to use thanks to the dial adjustment system.

Having a textured grip and ergonomic shape the dumbbell bar is far from standard. This can help you to do worry less training and reducing the chances of injuries like pain on wrist and loosening of grip while lifting.

Below there is a general review of how I and other customers using Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells rated this product:

 

	Review
Affordability	3 Stars
Ease of Access	4.5 Stars
Durability	4 Stars
Shipping Time	3.5 Stars
Variety	3 Stars