Bowflex SelectTech 552 Evaluation

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’ll be able to 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 approach to broaden your property gymnasium with out the large value and house allotment for a rack of dumbbells.

Since I really like figuring out 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 completely different higher and decrease physique strengthening workout routines with varied hundreds. Throughout my classes, I evaluated the dumbbells’ high quality, sturdiness, and grip, whereas additionally taking note of components which are distinctive to adjustable dumbbells, comparable 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 general decide.

Who It’s For

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are perfect for individuals who energy prepare at dwelling (excellent in case you use steadiness boards or different related gear) and need simple and handy entry to dumbbells of varied weights. They’re particularly appropriate for individuals who have restricted house for train gear or don’t need to buy a big rack of dumbbells. Because the weights regulate 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 mentioned, 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 security strap that holds them in place, they had 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 simple to maneuver. And, in contrast to another adjustable dumbbells, they keep the standard dumbbell form, even on the greater finish of the load capability. In consequence, I might carry out conventional energy coaching strikes, utilizing varied hundreds, with out considerably altering my kind.

Adjustability: Fast and simple

Every dumbbell might 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 while you decide up the dumbbell. When you hear the satisfying click on, you recognize the plates for that weight are locked into place and also you’re good to go.

A cool characteristic 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 inexperienced persons can step by step improve the load quantity, somewhat than making a giant bounce and risking accidents, or plateauing at a sure weight for a very long time.

When re-racking the dumbbells, it’s important to watch out to line them up correctly, however that was additionally fairly easy. The fast adjustment course of makes the transition between workout routines very seamless. I like that I might shortly 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 at all times really feel safe, even when my fingers are sweaty or clammy. I haven’t observed any slipping in any respect, whatever the train or load used.

Sturdiness: Deal with with care

The 552s have some plastic components, such because the connector items, which appear to be they could be susceptible to cracking if dropped. The stand can 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 exams. They weren’t broken when dropped on gymnasium 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.   

Normally, plainly 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 gymnasium measurement may be very restricted, or as an example your elliptical machine takes up many of the house, they’re a compact possibility.

The plastic storage trays, though not probably the most engaging possibility, work properly for storing the dumbbells when not in use. The trays additionally preserve the steel plates from banging collectively, serving to to reduce noise. With that mentioned, it could 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 might scuff them over time.

How We Examined

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

I usually do three to 4 energy 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 shortly I might change the load increments in between workout routines. 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 had been moist.

In The Verywell Testing Lab, our testing staff additionally put the dumbbells by way of a drop check to guage their sturdiness. We dropped the dumbbells from hip top as soon as on foam gymnasium 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 appear excessive, the set is certainly cheaper than shopping for 15 pairs of dumbbells and it’s truly priced very competitively for adjustable dumbbells. For individuals who have dwelling gymnasium house constraints and need to broaden their exercise choices, they’re a wonderful funding.

The Competitors

Whereas there are some inexpensive 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 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 they usually regulate in 5-pound weight increments, so they could not work for inexperienced persons.

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

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell: If you happen to’re trying 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 good selection for inexperienced persons, it comes assembled and is simple to regulate.