Bowflex SelectTech 552 Evaluate

A flexible choice 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 may change the load to fit your train and health degree. With the selection of 15 completely different weight increments, the dumbbells are a budget-friendlier method to develop your own home health club with out the super value and area allotment for a rack of dumbbells.

Since I really like understanding at dwelling and attempt to range 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 frequently, performing a wide range of completely different higher and decrease physique strengthening workouts with numerous masses. Throughout my periods, I evaluated the dumbbells’ high quality, sturdiness, and grip, whereas additionally taking note of components which might be distinctive to adjustable dumbbells, equivalent 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 most well-liked adjustable dumbbells, this one got here out on high as our greatest total choose.

Who It’s For

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are perfect for individuals who power prepare at dwelling (excellent when you use steadiness boards or different comparable gear) and wish simple and handy entry to dumbbells of varied weights. They’re particularly appropriate for individuals who have restricted area for train gear or don’t need to buy a big rack of dumbbells. Because the weights alter from 5 to 52.5 kilos, the set works for newbie or skilled weightlifters, and can preserve 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 individuals 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 absolutely 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. Nonetheless, I nonetheless discovered them comparatively simple to maneuver. And, in contrast to another adjustable dumbbells, they preserve the standard dumbbell form, even on the increased finish of the load capability. Because of this, I may carry out conventional power coaching strikes, utilizing numerous masses, with out considerably altering my type.

Adjustability: Fast and easy

Every dumbbell will 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 vary 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 whenever you choose up the dumbbell. When you hear the satisfying click on, the plates for that weight are locked into place and also you’re good to go.

A cool characteristic is that the weights alter in increments of two.5 kilos as much as 25 kilos, and 5 kilos from 25 to 50. What meaning is that novices can step by step improve the load quantity, somewhat than making an enormous bounce and risking accidents, or plateauing at a sure weight for a very long time.

When re-racking the dumbbells, you must watch out to line them up correctly, however that was additionally fairly easy. The fast adjustment course of makes the transition between workouts 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 power fumbling with gear. General, the 552s exceeded my expectations for ease of adjustability.

Grip: Comfy and safe

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

In lots of months of use, I’ve discovered the grip to all the time really feel safe, even when my fingers are sweaty or clammy. I haven’t observed any slipping in any way, whatever the train or load used.

Sturdiness: Deal with with care

The 552s have some plastic elements, such because the connector items, which seem to be they is likely to be weak to cracking if dropped. The stand can also be fabricated from plastic and, whereas I haven’t observed 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 health club flooring, however they did get a bit scratched from a drop on concrete. Nonetheless, it didn’t have an effect on the dumbbell’s use or efficiency.   

Typically, it appears that evidently these dumbbells weren’t made to be dropped or slammed, so if that’s your lifting fashion, it’s your decision a extra sturdy choice.

Portability and Storage: Compact and simple to retailer

One of many set’s most interesting advantages is its small footprint, which takes up considerably much less area than a rack of the 15 pairs of dumbbells that it replaces. If your own home health club dimension could be very restricted, or for example your elliptical machine takes up many of the area, they’re a compact choice.

The plastic storage trays, though not essentially the most enticing choice, work nicely for storing the dumbbells when not in use. The trays additionally preserve the metallic plates from banging collectively, serving to to reduce noise. With that stated, it will be good if the trays had rubber or silicone ft on the underside to guard the ground. Thus far I haven’t observed any marks on my hardwood flooring, 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 health club, performing a wide range of dumbbell-based strength-training workouts with completely different resistance ranges. Earlier than I began my dwelling exercises, I unboxed the dumbbells and took observe of their look and portability, in addition to ease of setup.

I usually do three to 4 power coaching periods per week and have used the dumbbells for quite a few higher and decrease physique workouts, 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 periods, 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 workouts. All through my exercises, I paid consideration to how every dumbbell felt in my fingers and if the load felt evenly distributed. In fact, my fingers 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 group 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 health club flooring and as soon as on concrete slabs to see how they’d maintain up.

Worth: Reasonably priced and nice worth

Though the worth ($429) could seem excessive, the set is certainly cheaper than shopping for 15 pairs of dumbbells and it’s really priced very competitively for adjustable dumbbells. For individuals who have dwelling health club area constraints and need to develop their exercise choices, they’re a wonderful funding.

The Competitors

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

Core House Health Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have comparable specs to the 552s, boasting a weight vary of 5 to 50 kilos and simple, fast adjustability. Nonetheless, they require some meeting they usually alter in 5-pound weight increments, so they could not work for novices.

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

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