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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

Bowflex

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

  • 5 to 52.5 lb per hand, 2.5 lb increments
  • Dial-turn selector, roughly 3-second changes
  • Molded storage trays included
  • Largest install base in the category
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Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) ranks #1 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms list (best overall). Its biggest strength: fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. The main caveat: 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path.

Overview

What the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) does well

5 lb increments and Largest install base in the category. 5 lb per hand.

Best if you're committed upfront. 5 lb increments and Molded storage trays included. One caveat, costs significantly more than the budget picks in this list.

Best if space allows. 5 lb increments and Molded storage trays included. The tradeoff: widest handle-to-handle footprint of the four picks here, a real factor for tight floor presses.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • 5 to 52.5 lb per hand, 2.5 lb increments
  • Dial-turn selector, roughly 3-second changes
  • Molded storage trays included
  • Largest install base in the category
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category
  • Consistent 2.5 lb increments across the full range for smooth progression
  • Widest parts and accessory availability of any adjustable dumbbell

Cons

  • 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path
  • Wider footprint than block-shaped alternatives
Fit check

Should you buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for home gyms
  • Shopping for heavy lifting
  • Shopping for beginners
  • Shopping for small apartments

Think twice if this matters to you

  • 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path
  • Wider footprint than block-shaped alternatives
Where it ranks

Featured in 4 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms· Best overall#1 / 4
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting#2 / 4
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners#3 / 4
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments#4 / 4
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Head-to-head

Compared with

Buying advice: adjustable dumbbells

  1. 5–52.5 lb covers most lifters; serious strength work wants expansion to 90 lb+. Smaller increments (2.5 lb) matter more than the top number for progression.
  2. Dial-a-weight is fastest between sets; twist-handle is compact; pin/slider systems are simple and durable. Try the motion, you'll do it hundreds of times.
  3. You'll grip these daily. Contoured handles with real knurling feel secure; smooth plastic handles get slippery with sweat.
  4. They replace 15+ dumbbell pairs, but the cradles still need floor space. Measure your workout area.
  5. Plastic-heavy dials can crack if dropped; steel-core designs survive more abuse. Adjustables aren't meant to be dropped like iron hex dumbbells.

Read the full guides

Answers

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair): common questions

Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) ranks #1 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms list (best overall). Its biggest strength: fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. The main caveat: 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path.

Who is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) best for?

Based on our research it suits home gyms, heavy lifting, beginners and small apartments. It's ranked #1 of 4 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms list.

What are the downsides of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path; wider footprint than block-shaped alternatives.

What are the key features of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?

5 to 52.5 lb per hand, 2.5 lb increments, Dial-turn selector, roughly 3-second changes, Molded storage trays included and Largest install base in the category.

What are the best alternatives to the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?

Worth comparing: PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair), NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell and Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set & Stand. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

Do I need a bench in addition to adjustable dumbbells?

A large share of effective strength training, including presses done on the floor, rows, curls, lunges, and carries, works without a bench. A bench adds value for incline and decline pressing variations and for stability during single-arm work, but it's reasonable to buy dumbbells first and add a bench later if your program calls for it.

Are adjustable dumbbells as durable as fixed-weight dumbbells?

The plate-holding mechanisms (dials, pins, collars) are the parts that eventually show wear, typically after several years of regular use, not the weight itself. Fixed dumbbells have no moving parts and effectively don't wear out. In practice, major brands' dial and pin mechanisms hold up well for years of home use, and most sell replacement parts (dials, pins, collars) individually rather than requiring a full replacement when a part does wear out.

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