Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell
Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if you want fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms list.
Winner overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms | #3 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms |
| Pick label | Best overall | |
| Brand | Bowflex | NordicTrack |
| Key features | 5 to 52.5 lb per hand, 2.5 lb increments; Dial-turn selector, roughly 3-second changes; Molded storage trays included | Up to 55 lb per hand; 2.5, 5, and 10 lb increments; iFIT connected workout compatibility |
| Biggest strength | Fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category | iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout |
| Main trade-off | 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path | Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period |
| Best for | home gyms | beginners and first-time buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best overall
Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if…
- 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
Best for: home gyms
Prefer the alternative? See the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell section.
#3 pick
Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if…
- iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
- Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
- Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned
Best for: beginners and first-time buyers
Prefer the alternative? See the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) section.
Pros and cons of each
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)
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
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell
Pros
- iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout
- Fine low-end increments help beginners find the right starting weight
- Dial mechanism is fast and familiar once learned
Cons
- Full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period
- More expensive than Core Home Fitness for a comparable core mechanism
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) vs NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell: common questions
Which is better, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) or the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) if you want fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category. Choose the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell if you'd rather have iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. Overall we rank the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms list.
What is the difference between the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) and the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) stands out because fastest, most proven adjustment mechanism in the category, while the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell stands out because iFIT's guided strength programming is genuinely useful for beginners unsure how to structure a workout. The trade-offs differ too: the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)'s main caveat is that 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path, and the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell's is that full iFIT programming requires a paid subscription beyond any trial period.
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) worth it over the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead if 52.5 lb ceiling with no official expansion path is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell instead of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)?
The NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell suits beginners and first-time buyers, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) is best for home gyms.