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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Review
Best Feature:
15 dumbbell sets (5 - 52.5 lbs) in just 1 adjustable set
Worst Feature:
Expensive & some complaints about the dial adjustment system
Best Uses:
Compact set is great for strength training & P90x
Pricing:
$349 (2-yr warranty, 6-wk satisfaction guarantee)
Overview
The Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells have adjustable weight settings that allow them to do the same work as fifteen different dumbbell sets without all the clutter. They can be easily stored out of sight and are perfect for a small home gym or even at the office. The 552 Dumbbells have a weight resistance that ranges from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds, and they use a quick and easy dial adjustment system to change between weights. Between 5 and 25 pounds, you can vary the weight in 2.5-pound increments, and, between 25 and 50 pounds, you can only adjust the weight in 5-pound increments. The last setting goes back to a 2.5-pound increase. With the ability to gradually add small amounts of weight, you can more effectively build muscle strength and endurance and are less likely to strain your muscles. In addition to fine-tuning your workout, the dial adjustment system also allows you to quickly switch weights, which is especially helpful if you like incorporating speed circuits into your training. The 552 Dumbbells are exceptionally durable and also have coated plates to make them quieter and easier to pull out of the dock. Bowflex® SelectTech® also sells an ergonomically designed stand for the dumbbells that is great for protecting your lower back from strain if you will be lifting the heavier weights a lot. Bowflex® SelectTech® includes a free DVD with your purchase that will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations that you can do with the 552 Dumbbells to help you get the most out of your workout.
You can purchase the Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells for about $349 (list price is $549).
Product Report Card Grade
We give the Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells an A because they are the ultimate dumbbell set for at-home strength training and for P90x fans. With an easy dial adjustment system, the 552s can do the work of 30 individual dumbbells but only take up a fraction of the space. They have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers who can attest to the quality, versatility and effectiveness of the 552 Dumbbells. While there were some issues reported regarding the cost and the dial adjustment system occasionally sticking, it doesn’t sound like you will ever regret purchasing this adjustable dumbbell set for your home or office.
Date Reviewed
May 2012
May 2012
May 2012
Pros
15 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set provides great functionality and saves space; can increase weight resistance in small increments, which helps prevent muscle strain and is better for building muscle strength and endurance; durable design; dial adjustment system does a good job of securing the plates to the handle, which eliminates clanking noises and pinching; comfortable grip, so weight lifting gloves are optional; great for P90x enthusiasts
Very affordable traditional dumbbell set for home or small gym; handles have comfortable and secure grips; hexagon shape keeps them in place when put down; great for P90x enthusiasts
Highly rated, space-saving and functional design with 17 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set (replaces the need for 34 individual dumbbells); great for speed circuits where you need to change weights quickly; wide range of weight settings means you can do more challenging and varied full body exercises
Cons
Relatively expensive; a few complaints about the dial adjustment system sticking or catching on plates; stand is sold separately and expensive ($149) but somewhat necessary to avoid back strain
Manufacturing quality is reportedly average (ex. paint chips really easily and metal burrs in grip that were never polished down); some reviewers were annoyed that you had to buy dumbbells individually; takes up a lot of space depending on how many dumbbells you buy; noisier than rubber coated dumbbells; Warning: "This product contains one or more phthalate chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."
Expensive; originally recalled due to safety issues with dial adjustment system; stand is sold separately for $149 and is definitely encouraged to avoid hurting your back; 1090 Dumbbells are bigger than traditional dumbbells, and some reviewers felt they were a bit awkward for certain exercises; handle design is oval (not cylindrical), which some reviewers felt made the grip awkward; grips are very rough, so you may need weight lifting gloves
Type
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Dumbbells (sold individually)
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Weight Range
5 - 52.5 lbs
1 -50 lbs
10 - 90 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
Price (MSRP)
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
Available for around $9.49 - $69.99
$799 MSRP (available for around $599)
Warranty
Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 2-year limited warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 552 Dumbbells in your home. If you don't like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
If you purchase from CAP Barbell or from an authorized retailer, the dumbbells have a 30-day warranty that only covers manufacturing defects. It does not cover "paint peeling, rust, rips, cuts and tears, dents, bent handles, loose heads if dropped or any other signs of misuse such as knocking dumbbells together."
Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 3-year warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 1090 Dumbbells in your home. If you don't like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
Weight Options
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 2.5-lb increments up to 25 lbs. Between 25 lbs - 50 lbs, you can adjust the weight resistance in 5-lb increments, and then the last weight setting only increases by 2.5 lbs.
Dumbbells are available in the following weights: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 50, 35, 40, 45 and 50. (While not listed on the CAP Barbell website, Amazon has 55 and 60 pound weights as well.)
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 5-lb increment from 10 - 90 lbs.
Product Design
The dumbbells are black metal with red detailing and have plastic tabs that hold the weights in place.
The dumbbells are 100% cast iron and have solid steel handles for weight over 15 pounds. They are coated with a semi-gloss finish that helps to prevent rusting.
The dumbbells are black metal with red detailing and have plastic tabs that hold the weights in place.
Dumbbell Shape
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Hexagon
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Dimensions
The 552s are 15.75" x 8" x 9" (L x W x H). The optional stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
Varies depending on weight
The dumbbells are 17.5" x 10" x 10" (L x W x H). The optional stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
Extras
A free DVD ("Secrets of the 4-Step Rep") is included with your purchase and will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations.
N/A
A free DVD ("Secrets of the 4-Step Rep") is included with your purchase and will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations.
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Saves space by replacing need for 30 individual dumbbells
- Increasing weight resistance in small increments helps prevent muscle strain and is better for building muscle strength and endurance
- Durable
- Dial adjustment system does a good job of securing the plates to the handle, which eliminates clanking noises and pinching
- Comfortable grip, so weight lifting gloves are optional
- Great for P90x enthusiasts
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- A few complaints about the dial adjustment system sticking or catching on plates
- Stand is sold separately and is expensive ($149). However, you should probably buy it because it is really hard on your lower back to pick up heavy weights from the floor. As a heads up, many reviewers commented that the instructions for the stand are awful and it is very difficult to assemble.
Key Features
Product Size
Each dumbbell measures 15.75" x 8" x 9" (L x W x H) and weighs up to 52.5 lbs. The stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
Weight Resistance
Each dumbbell has a weight resistance that ranges from 5 – 52.5 lbs. There is a dial adjustment system that allows you to change weight in 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs. Between 25 lbs and 50 lbs, you can adjust the weight resistance in 5 lb increments, and then the last weight setting only increases by 2.5 pounds. This is a total of 15 weight settings.
Warranty
For the 552 Dumbbells, Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 2-year limited warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 552 Dumbbells in your home. If you don’t like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
Reputation
The Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells have received overwhelmingly positive reviews online including a 4.7/5 on Bowflexselecttech.com (686 reviews) and a 4.7/5 on Buzzillions.com (764 reviews). While the 552 Dumbbells are a little expensive, they are perfect for a home gym where space is limited. They have an excellent weight resistance range for most people, and, since the weight increases in smaller increments, you have more control over the workout and are less likely to hurt yourself. While some customers had issues with the cost and the dial adjustment system, complaints about these dumbbells were really few and far between. Overall, the 552 Dumbbells sound like an excellent buy for light to advanced fitness training at home.
Reviews
Customer Responses, Reviews, or Complaints
Username: KateJusino27
Location: Reading, PA
Age: 38
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Pricey, but well worth every penny.
Review submitted: 2013-09-04
We started our weight loss journey 3 years ago and my husband insisted on getting weights. Where as I thought we could go anywhere and buy what he needed, he insisted on the Bowflex weight system. This was going to cost a couple $100 dollars and I wasn't sold. Of course he won and we bought them. I didn't use them for months but as I needed more weight I decided to give them a try! WOW! I was missing out. These are well made, sturdy, easy to grip and best of all super easy and fast to change the amount of weight needed. These adjustable weights come with a nice black stand that has locks on the wheels and restraints for the weights themselves. Overall I would recommend these weights for anyone who works out at home!
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