Adjustable dumbbells are not some passing fad. Many brands have come out with their own version of the technology and there’s a reason for that. We’ll discuss the benefits of using these convenient, space-saving weights and tell you what we think about the Bowflex SelectTech® 552 adjustable selectorized dumbbells set.
There are many advantages to adjustable dumbbells including replacing freeweight dumbbells, needing very little space for storage and the technology makes training more convenient.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Pro
Pros
- Sold as a pair
- Conveniently adjust dumbbells from 5 – 52.5 lbs
- Replaces 15 sets of weights
- Storage trays keep the weights on the floor
- Includes 1-year JRNY membership
- Free shipping
- 6-week money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not cheap
- Dumbbells are quite long due to having to accommodate various weights
Product Details
- Dimensions: 16.9″ L x 8.3″ W x 9″ H or 43 x 21.2 x 22.8 cm
- Assembled Weight with Base: 55.6 lbs/25.2 kg
- Warranty: 2 years
- Material: Steel, Nylon, ABS, Thermoplastic Rubber
What Are Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are one of many adjustable dumbbell options offered by one of the most well-known brands in the fitness and workout equipment industry.
Like all of their models, they use a type of dial technology that allows you to quickly and easily select the desired dumbbell weight. The dial is located on the outside of the dumbbells and you select the weight (numbered) by turning it.
This engages and disengages the weights depending on how much resistance you choose. When you pick up the dumbbells off the stands, the rest of the weight will remain in place in the trays.
The dumbbells must be in the trays to select different weights.
The SelectTech 552 dumbbells can be adjusted from 5 – 52.5 lbs (hence the model number 552) each so they are made for both beginners and more advanced exercisers. What we really like about these dumbbells is that you can adjust them in 2.5 lb increments from 5 – 22.5 lbs (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lb).
The weights are adjustable in 5 lb increments from 25 – 50 lbs and the heaviest weight is 52.5 lbs per dumbbell.
What Are The Benefits of Using Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
There are many advantages to having a pair of adjustable dumbbells, especially from a top brand known for their high-quality options.
Let’s discuss the benefits of having a pair of adjustable dumbbells like these.
Space-saving design
This is perhaps the biggest advantage of having adjustable dumbbells. SelectTech 552 weights replace 15 dumbbells… how about that!
Unless you have a home gym or are ok with taking up a lot of space in your house, it’s easy to see why there’s a massive advantage to selectorized dumbbells.
These can easily fit in a closet or any limited space and not be in the way. You could even transport them from one place to another much more conveniently than you could free weights.
Related: Home Gym Essentials For A Complete Training Setup
Replace dumbbells
We already mentioned that the 552 model from Bowflex replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells. But saving space is not the only advantage to this.
For example, instead of doing a set of an exercise and then having to walk over and grab a different pair for another set (e.g., drop sets), you can change the weight right then and there where you are.
Place the weights stands/trays close to where you’re performing the exercise and this is a more convenient option.
Select weight in smaller increments than you could with dumbbells
One of the great selling points here is that you can increase the poundages in smaller, 2.5 lb increments. Many times, we’re not quite ready to make that 5 lb leap (e.g., going from 10 to 15 lb dumbbells).
Five pounds can make a big difference in how a weight feels. Or maybe you just want to increase the weight just slightly and try to get the same number of reps. Just because most dumbbells come in 5 lb increments doesn’t mean it’s the best way to progress.
It may not even be the best working weight for you. Maybe 22.5 lb dumbbells are the sweet spot whereas 20 and 25 lb dumbbells are slightly too light or heavy for what you’re trying to accomplish.
More versatile compared to conventional adjustable dumbbells
You know those adjustable dumbbell sets that include a handle and two twist-on collars to secure the weight plates? While they are still very useful and inexpensive for the most part, there are some obvious drawbacks. Now, yes, there are different versions and the quality can and does vary.
But common issues people have with them is the collars untwisting making the weights loose and the handles that awkwardly stick out, making certain movements uncomfortable or impossible.
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells may not offer the comfort that fixed freeweight dumbbells do. But they seem to offer more comfort during exercises, even though they are a bit long.
More exciting
If we’re being honest, humans like to look at and use cool technology. Selectorized dumbbells are much different than conventional dumbbells. This may increase their appeal and it may mean that people are more likely to pick them and do a workout.
Includes JRNY® Workout App
When you purchase these dumbbells from Bowflex, you’ll also get a 1-year membership that includes a large database of on-demand trainer-led workouts. It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices. This is a great add-on bonus in our opinion because, well, there’s no excuses not to get started.
Users can learn from the trainers and it’s a good feature for those who need some guidance. This may also make them more likely to stick with a workout program and actually get good results.
Need a quality weight bench? Here are our 11 best picks for 2022.
Potential Drawbacks
While these dumbbells are top-quality overall, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
Complex design
While the design and construction make these dumbbells what they are, you still have to consider that they have moving parts unlike a regular fixed dumbbell. These SelectTech dumbbells are good quality but sometimes internal parts can cause issues.
It’s also important to note that these should not be used to support your body weight such as performing push-ups or similar activities. That’s because it’s possible to cause damage to the dial system.
Plastic parts
The dumbbells do have some plastic components such as the mechanism that holds the weights on the dumbbells. A lot of users may not like this and there’s the question or concern about durability after a while of using them.
A bit long
The dumbbells can be a bit long which could make certain exercises and positions more difficult. You’ll have to determine whether or not this is an issue for you and maybe also have a few pairs of regular dumbbells for those movements.
Would We Recommend Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells?
We’d have to say for what these Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells offer, yes we would definitely recommend them. Overall, they are solidly built and we discussed the many advantages of selectorized dumbbells such as these.
We really like that the weight ranges from 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell which is enough for most beginners and intermediate exercisers to do a variety of workouts and make good muscle and strength gains.
If you’re more advanced or the weight is too light for certain movements, you can still benefit from these dumbbells though. They will still challenge more advanced lifters in exercises such as biceps curls, triceps extension, Bulgarian split squats, lunges, chest flyes and more.
Another reason we would recommend these dumbbells is that they can be adjusted in 2.5 lb increments. This is great for making small progressions but the option is still there to make 5 lb jumps if needed.
We should also add that Bowflex is a reputable and well-known brand that has been around for many years.
Who Should Buy Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells
These dumbbells are a great addition to any home gym because of their space-saving and fast-adjusting design. While they are not the best option for all types of training, especially athletic workout programs, having the option to adjust one set of dumbbells from 5 -52 lbs in 2.5 and 5 lb increments has its advantages no doubt.
Being able to increase the weight in small increments is ideal for beginners and making smaller progressions in weight which is very advantageous.
If you like convenience and are someone who likes fancy training gadgets and equipment this should also meet your training needs. Sometimes the equipment makes all the difference when it comes to staying motivated to train and if that means buying a pair of adjustable dumbbells then so be it.
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are best for people who like variety in their training but who are also serious about making progress. Otherwise, it may be better to just buy a couple pairs of freeweight dumbbells.
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