Bowflex SelectTech 552 Assessment

A flexible possibility for dwelling gyms, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells can add some selection to your strength-training exercises. By merely turning a dial on the finish of the dumbbell, you possibly can change the load to fit your train and health stage. With the selection of 15 totally different weight increments, the dumbbells are a budget-friendlier method to broaden your property fitness center with out the large value and house allotment for a rack of dumbbells.

Since I like understanding at dwelling and attempt to fluctuate my strength-training exercises, I used to be excited to check the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Over a interval of 9 months, I used them regularly, performing a wide range of totally different higher and decrease physique strengthening workout routines with numerous masses. Throughout my classes, I evaluated the dumbbells’ high quality, sturdiness, and grip, whereas additionally listening to components which can be distinctive to adjustable dumbbells, similar to the benefit of adjustability.

Verywell Match editors and testers additionally spent 16 hours testing this and different adjustable dumbbells in our Lab. After testing 15 of the preferred adjustable dumbbells, this one got here out on high as our greatest general choose.

Who It’s For

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are perfect for individuals who power practice at dwelling (good in the event you use stability boards or different related gear) and wish straightforward and handy entry to dumbbells of varied weights. They’re particularly appropriate for many who have restricted house for train gear or don’t need to buy a big rack of dumbbells. For the reason that weights regulate from 5 to 52.5 kilos, the set works for newbie or skilled weightlifters, and can maintain your exercises difficult as you make progress over time.

That being stated, the set is expensive, and can run you much more than buying a few pairs of dumbbells. So it’s well-suited for many who are dedicated to a house exercise routine and are assured they’ll use a variety of weights.

Setup and Use: Handy and hassle-free

The set comes totally assembled, so unboxing them was a cinch. As soon as I used the included Allen wrench to take away the protection strap that holds them in place, they have been able to go.

The dumbbells are a bit longer and barely bulkier than common dumbbells, even on the smaller weight increments, which is often the case with adjustable dumbbells. Nevertheless, I nonetheless discovered them comparatively straightforward to maneuver. And, not like another adjustable dumbbells, they keep the standard dumbbell form, even on the increased finish of the load capability. Consequently, I may carry out conventional power coaching strikes, utilizing numerous masses, with out considerably altering my kind.

Adjustability: Fast and easy

Every dumbbell could be adjusted to weight increments of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 kilos. To alter the load, you merely flip the dial on the finish of the dumbbell, which clicks the right weight plates into place and leaves the unused ones within the storage tray if you choose up the dumbbell. When you hear the satisfying click on, you understand the plates for that weight are locked into place and also you’re good to go.

A cool function is that the weights regulate in increments of two.5 kilos as much as 25 kilos, and 5 kilos from 25 to 50. What which means is that newbies can progressively improve the load quantity, relatively than making an enormous soar and risking accidents, or plateauing at a sure weight for a very long time.

When re-racking the dumbbells, it’s a must to watch out to line them up correctly, however that was additionally fairly easy. The short adjustment course of makes the transition between workout routines very seamless. I like that I may rapidly and simply change the load on the finish of a set so I didn’t waste time and vitality fumbling with gear. Total, the 552s exceeded my expectations for ease of adjustability.

Grip: Comfy and safe

After I first grasped the dumbbells, I used to be instantly impressed. The grips on the 552s are barely cushioned, which feels extra ergonomic and cozy than common metal dumbbells.

In lots of months of use, I’ve discovered the grip to at all times really feel safe, even when my palms are sweaty or clammy. I haven’t seen any slipping in any respect, whatever the train or load used.

Sturdiness: Deal with with care

The 552s have some plastic elements, such because the connector items, which look like they could be weak to cracking if dropped. The stand can also be manufactured from plastic and, whereas I haven’t seen any put on and tear, I’m wondering the way it will maintain up over time.

We did assess the dumbbells’ sturdiness in The Verywell Testing Lab by performing some drop assessments. They weren’t broken when dropped on fitness center flooring, however they did get a bit scratched from a drop on concrete. Nevertheless, it didn’t have an effect on the dumbbell’s use or efficiency.   

On the whole, it appears that evidently these dumbbells weren’t made to be dropped or slammed, so if that’s your lifting type, you might have considered trying a extra sturdy possibility.

Portability and Storage: Compact and straightforward to retailer

One of many set’s most interesting advantages is its small footprint, which takes up considerably much less house than a rack of the 15 pairs of dumbbells that it replaces. If your property fitness center measurement may be very restricted, or for example your elliptical machine takes up a lot of the house, they’re a compact possibility.

The plastic storage trays, though not probably the most engaging possibility, work effectively for storing the dumbbells when not in use. The trays additionally maintain the metallic plates from banging collectively, serving to to attenuate noise. With that stated, it could be good if the trays had rubber or silicone toes on the underside to guard the ground. To date I haven’t seen any marks on my hardwood ground, however I’m wondering if the trays may scuff them over time.

How We Examined

I used the dumbbells for about 9 months in my dwelling fitness center, performing a wide range of dumbbell-based strength-training workout routines with totally different resistance ranges. Earlier than I began my dwelling exercises, I unboxed the dumbbells and took be aware of their look and portability, in addition to ease of setup.

I usually do three to 4 power coaching classes per week and have used the dumbbells for quite a few higher and decrease physique workout routines, together with lunges, deadlifts, squats, hip thrusts, chest press, chest flyes, tricep presses, tricep extensions, tricep kickbacks, rows, bicep curls, overhead press, Russian twists, and extra.

Throughout my classes, I evaluated the dumbbell’s ease of use whereas performing every train, paying attention to any modifications I needed to make. I additionally assessed how simply and rapidly I may change the load increments in between workout routines. All through my exercises, I paid consideration to how every dumbbell felt in my palms and if the load felt evenly distributed. In fact, my palms inevitably get sweaty throughout exercises, and I famous whether or not my grip felt safe after they have been moist.

In The Verywell Testing Lab, our testing staff additionally put the dumbbells by means of a drop take a look at to judge their sturdiness. We dropped the dumbbells from hip top as soon as on foam fitness center flooring and as soon as on concrete slabs to see how they’d maintain up.

Value: Reasonably priced and nice worth

Though the value ($429) could appear excessive, the set is unquestionably cheaper than shopping for 15 pairs of dumbbells and it’s really priced very competitively for adjustable dumbbells. For individuals who have dwelling fitness center house constraints and need to broaden their exercise choices, they’re a wonderful funding.

The Competitors

Whereas there are some cheaper adjustable dumbbells accessible, the 552s are a wonderful worth for his or her superior grip, ergonomics, and ease of use and so they stack up properly towards the competitors.   

Core Dwelling Health Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have related specs to the 552s, boasting a weight vary of 5 to 50 kilos and straightforward, fast adjustability. Nevertheless, they require some meeting and so they regulate in 5-pound weight increments, so they might not work for newbies.

Powerblock Elite Dumbbells: For superior weightlifters who desire a increased weight vary, this set, which maxes out at 70 kilos with the enlargement equipment, is a pleasant possibility. They’re fast to regulate and have a snug grip, however the distinctive sq. design could take somewhat getting used to.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell: If you happen to’re seeking to spend much less, this dumbbell is extra reasonably priced than the 552s and really related in performance and efficiency, though it does have a smaller weight vary of 5 to 25 kilos. A sensible choice for newbies, it comes assembled and is simple to regulate.