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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is one of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market, offering 15 weight settings from 5 to 52.5 lbs. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to help you decide if it's right for your home gym.
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The Bowflex SelectTech 552 earns its reputation as a top-tier adjustable dumbbell set. Its dial-based weight adjustment is fast and intuitive, and the build quality is solid for home use. The max weight of 52.5 lbs per dumbbell is enough for most intermediate lifters, though advanced users may outgrow them. The main trade-offs are length (longer than some competitors at heavier weights) and a non-reversible cradle. Overall, it's an excellent choice for space-conscious home gyms.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Quick and easy dial adjustment system
- Compact storage in included cradle
- Smooth weight transition without changing plates
- Solid build with metal handle and plastic weight plates
- Wide weight range (5-52.5 lbs) covers many exercises
- Dumbbells are long at heavier settings, can be awkward for some moves
- Cradle is not reversible for left/right placement
- Weight plates are plastic coated, not solid metal
- Max weight may be too low for advanced lifters
- Price is higher than some competing models
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells have been a staple in home gyms for years. With over 18,000 reviews on Amazon, they are one of the most popular options for those who want a compact, versatile weight set. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you this honest review.
Design and Build Quality
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 features a steel handle with a rubber grip and nylon-coated plastic weight plates. The cradle is made of durable plastic with a foam base to protect floors. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, fitting well in most home gyms. The build quality is solid for home use, though the plastic plates feel less premium than solid metal. The dial mechanism is robust and has held up well for most users over years of use.
Weight Adjustment Mechanism
The standout feature is the dial system. Simply turn the dial to your desired weight and lift the handle. The mechanism locks the selected plates onto the handle and releases the rest. It is fast, intuitive, and eliminates the hassle of changing plates manually. The weight increments are 2.5 lbs, allowing for gradual progression. The mechanism is reliable, but some users report that it can become stiff over time or if not properly aligned.
Performance and Weight Range
The 5 to 52.5 lb range covers a wide variety of exercises, from bicep curls to shoulder presses. The weight is accurate and well-balanced. However, at heavier settings, the dumbbells become long (over 15 inches), which can make exercises like rows or lunges feel awkward. The max weight of 52.5 lbs per dumbbell is sufficient for most intermediate lifters, but advanced users may need more. For lower body exercises, the weight may be insufficient for some.
Ease of Use
The SelectTech 552 is extremely easy to use. The dial adjustment is quick and requires minimal effort. The cradle keeps the dumbbells organized and prevents them from rolling. Changing weight takes seconds, allowing you to move through circuits efficiently. The only downside is that the cradle is not reversible, so you must place it with the dials facing outward, which may not suit all setups.
Common Buyer Complaints
Most complaints center on the length at heavier weights and the plastic plates. Some users wish the plates were metal for a more premium feel. Others report that the dial can stick or that the dumbbells are too long for certain exercises. A few have experienced cracking in the plates after drops, though this is rare. Overall, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative, with most users satisfied with their purchase.
Who Is It Best For?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is best for home gym users who want a space-saving, convenient adjustable dumbbell set. It is ideal for beginners to intermediate lifters who do not need more than 52.5 lbs per hand. It is also great for those who value quick weight changes and compact storage. If you are an advanced lifter or prefer solid metal dumbbells, you may want to look at other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the weight adjustment mechanism work?
Turn the dial on the end of the dumbbell to your desired weight, then lift the handle. The selected plates stay on the handle, and the rest remain in the cradle. It takes about 2 seconds to change weight.
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 durable?
Yes, for home use. The handle is steel, and the weight plates are nylon-coated plastic composite. They can withstand drops from low heights, but repeated heavy drops may crack the plates. Most users report years of reliable use.
Can you use these dumbbells for exercises like rows or lunges?
Yes, but at heavier weights the dumbbells become long (over 15 inches). This can make exercises like bent-over rows or lunges feel awkward. Some users prefer shorter adjustable dumbbells for those moves.
What is the warranty on the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Bowflex offers a 2-year warranty on the SelectTech 552 dumbbells. This covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or drops.
How much space does the set take up?
The cradle measures about 15.8" x 6.2" x 9" per dumbbell, and the base is roughly 20" x 16" total. It fits on a small shelf or corner of a room, making it very space-efficient.
Specs that matter
| Weight range | 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell |
| Weight increments | 2.5 lbs (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 52.5) |
| Adjustment mechanism | Dial-based selector |
| Dimensions (each dumbbell) | 15.8" L x 6.2" W x 9" H (at heaviest setting) |
| Material | Steel handle with nylon-coated weight plates |
| Warranty | 2 years |
You want a quick, space-saving adjustable dumbbell for home workouts and your max lift is under 50 lbs per hand. Ideal for beginners to intermediate lifters who value convenience and compact storage.
You are an advanced lifter regularly using over 50 lbs, or you prefer solid metal plates. Also skip if you need a reversible cradle or shorter dumbbells for exercises like rows.
Questions before you buy
How does the weight adjustment mechanism work?
Turn the dial on the end of the dumbbell to your desired weight, then lift the handle. The selected plates stay on the handle, and the rest remain in the cradle. It takes about 2 seconds to change weight.
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 durable?
Yes, for home use. The handle is steel, and the weight plates are nylon-coated plastic composite. They can withstand drops from low heights, but repeated heavy drops may crack the plates. Most users report years of reliable use.
Can you use these dumbbells for exercises like rows or lunges?
Yes, but at heavier weights the dumbbells become long (over 15 inches). This can make exercises like bent-over rows or lunges feel awkward. Some users prefer shorter adjustable dumbbells for those moves.
What is the warranty on the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Bowflex offers a 2-year warranty on the SelectTech 552 dumbbells. This covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or drops.
How much space does the set take up?
The cradle measures about 15.8" x 6.2" x 9" per dumbbell, and the base is roughly 20" x 16" total. It fits on a small shelf or corner of a room, making it very space-efficient.
