Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Bowflex says on the product page that the 552s will replace 15 weight sets. The combined weight of 105 pounds will be enough for most hobbyist lifters, but powerlifters may find the limit unsuitable. Buying two pairs seems like a solution until you realize there is no way to combine them. We're also not sure you can augment these dumbbells with even a small lifting chain, which adds resistance and can increase the effectiveness of core exercises. As far as we can tell, nobody has thought to try this.

The limited weight capacity, lack of accessories, and inability to perform certain lifts all point to one fact: the SelectTech dumbbells are less useful for dedicated long-term lifters, and more suited to the recreational lifter who may never approach lifting fifty pounds in a single hand. This is not an awful thing, it's just something to consider in a purchase decision. The Bowflex way may line up with your personal fitness practice and goals, or it may not. If it sounds like it will, read on to learn more.

Each dumbbell has 15 weight settings. The minimum is 5 pounds, with a maximum of 52.5 per dumbbell. They will be suitable for those who incorporate a bit of muscle pump into cardio routines, but also heavy enough to do a farmers carry around the gym floor. Outdoor farmer carries are probably a bad idea, as the plastic isn't designed to withstand the impact of a fall on concrete.

From 5 to 25 pounds, you adjust the weight in 2.5-pound increments. After 25, the only increment is 5 pounds. But then, at 50, you can adjust to 52.5. Bowflex does not explain why the change, or why they didn't just max each dumbbell out at 55 pounds. We would guess allowing 2.5-pound adjustments all the way would involve too many extra parts and make the dumbbells cumbersome to use. The increment setting won't bother most people, but some lifters like to use precision adjustments and there are even fractional weights that let you make slow progress. It's a great way to get a sense of accomplishment when you are injured or facing a plateau. The SelectTechs hamper your ability to do that, but not by much.

The product page says there "32+" exercises you can do with the 552s. We dug up the user's manual, which illustrates all of them. There is also a workout guide, which is a standard issue for anything Bowflex makes. We're certain you can come up with your own exercises to add to the total. Exercises where you hold one dumbbell with two hands, like goblet squats or French tricep curls, are either out or will be a lot more difficult. That's because the bar is enclosed in the housing, and the housing is only big enough for one hand. Most chest exercises, like flys and presses, are still available. Bowflex sometimes offers package discounts with the selectorized dumbbells and adjustable incline benches that they make.

Each dumbbell is 15.75 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. That's longer than some dumbbells, shorter than others. The height will take some getting used to, as most weight plates are not that tall. Anyone used to traditional dumbbells, looking at these for the first time, will wonder how in the heck their hand can fit and how they will get a full extension without pinching. But after using them for a bit, you get used to it. The housing opening, where you grab the bar, is wider and more open than previous models. This is one of the design improvements Bowflex made after listening to their customers.

People seek out the SelectTech dumbbells, and Bowflex enjoys brisk sales, for one main reason. The dumbbells take up far less room than any traditional dumbbell or set that offers the same range of working weight. You really can eliminate a lot of redundant equipment, and do away with bulky storage racks. That makes a big difference in any home or office gym. For most recreational lifters, the slight loss of a few exercises and the inability to add fractional resistance will be less important than the space factor. There is also the added convenience of adjusting resistance with a dial, instead of taking off-spin collar or locking collars between sets. Your total workout time can be shorter and more effective with the SelectTech 552 dumbbells.

You can set these dumbbells on top of a table or workbench, or even a utility bench. That keeps them off the floor and always at hand. You will want to use the molded tray that comes with the dumbbells to rest them in. This ensures they will not roll off a surface. Bowflex also sells metal stands that are a perfect match for the SelectTechs. The only problem there is that the stand is so specialized, you will not be able to use it for anything else.

The dumbbells are durable and will last a long time, although you don't want to drop them as this may cause damage. Construction is hard plastic and some steel, with inner gears and springs for the selections. The inner works are not accessible to users, and attempting to adjust them will void the warranty.

There are some decent troubleshooting tips in the user's manual, and usually, you can fix basic problems without needing to contact Bowflex.

Often, the problem is a connection that needs to be made, not a defect or malfunction. If the dial is set between increments, the handle will not insert into the base, so that is something you can address that would otherwise make it impossible to use the dumbbells. After adjusting, you have to make sure the weights are locked in place before you start lifting. Otherwise, the weights could fall and injure you. The manual explains how to do a lock test, and the lock mechanism is a simple two-position lever on the side of the housing.

Maintaining the dumbbells is easy. You will want to wipe the base and other parts down with a wet rag and a bit of gentle dish soap. Then dry the dumbells off with another rag. There aren't any exposed steel parts that will be affected by rust. The working parts inside are lubricated before sealing, so that's not something you'll need to deal with. Again, Bowflex specifically warns not to take the housing apart and not to try and service the inner parts. Doing so can render the dumbbells useless, and will void the warranty.

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are expensive, and you can't buy just one as they come in pairs. A few exercises are off-limits, because of the range of motion, and you probably shouldn't use them outside. The upper limit of 52.5 pounds will dissuade some users, too. Not everybody can or needs to curl that much weight, but you may be able to press over a hundred pounds on your back. The SelectTech 552s will not let you do that. And there's no way to add more weight as you can do with most adjustable dumbbells.

It's really a trade-off. Can you use the extra space from not having a big metal rack with different sizes of plates and bars? If so, and if the limitations we pointed out are acceptable, then this product is for you. No matter what they look like or how they load, training with dumbbells will always make you stronger and increase your balance. The Bowflex SelectTech presents a different way to do that, which will be appealing to many of our readers.