Bowflex SelectTech 552 Evaluation

A flexible choice for dwelling gyms, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells can add some selection to your strength-training exercises. By merely turning a dial on the finish of the dumbbell, you possibly can change the burden to fit your train and health degree. With the selection of 15 totally different weight increments, the dumbbells are a budget-friendlier approach to increase your house gymnasium with out the great value and area allotment for a rack of dumbbells.

Since I like understanding at dwelling and attempt to range my strength-training exercises, I used to be excited to check the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Over a interval of 9 months, I used them frequently, performing quite a lot of totally different higher and decrease physique strengthening workout routines with varied hundreds. Throughout my classes, I evaluated the dumbbells’ high quality, sturdiness, and grip, whereas additionally being attentive to elements which are distinctive to adjustable dumbbells, equivalent to the benefit of adjustability.

Verywell Match editors and testers additionally spent 16 hours testing this and different adjustable dumbbells in our Lab. After testing 15 of the preferred adjustable dumbbells, this one got here out on prime as our greatest total decide.

Who It’s For

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are perfect for individuals who energy practice at dwelling (excellent for those who use steadiness boards or different related tools) and need straightforward and handy entry to dumbbells of varied weights. They’re particularly appropriate for individuals who have restricted area for train tools or don’t need to buy a big rack of dumbbells. For the reason that weights alter from 5 to 52.5 kilos, the set works for newbie or skilled weightlifters, and can preserve your exercises difficult as you make progress over time.

That being mentioned, the set is expensive, and can run you much more than buying a few pairs of dumbbells. So it’s well-suited for individuals who are dedicated to a house exercise routine and are assured they’ll use a variety of weights.

Setup and Use: Handy and hassle-free

The set comes absolutely assembled, so unboxing them was a cinch. As soon as I used the included Allen wrench to take away the protection strap that holds them in place, they have been able to go.

The dumbbells are a bit longer and barely bulkier than common dumbbells, even on the smaller weight increments, which is often the case with adjustable dumbbells. Nevertheless, I nonetheless discovered them comparatively straightforward to maneuver. And, not like another adjustable dumbbells, they keep the standard dumbbell form, even on the larger finish of the burden capability. In consequence, I may carry out conventional energy coaching strikes, utilizing varied hundreds, with out considerably altering my kind.

Adjustability: Fast and easy

Every dumbbell might be adjusted to weight increments of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 kilos. To vary the burden, you merely flip the dial on the finish of the dumbbell, which clicks the proper weight plates into place and leaves the unused ones within the storage tray while you decide up the dumbbell. When you hear the satisfying click on, you recognize the plates for that weight are locked into place and also you’re good to go.

A cool characteristic is that the weights alter in increments of two.5 kilos as much as 25 kilos, and 5 kilos from 25 to 50. What meaning is that newbies can steadily improve the burden quantity, somewhat than making a giant leap and risking accidents, or plateauing at a sure weight for a very long time.

When re-racking the dumbbells, it’s a must to watch out to line them up correctly, however that was additionally fairly easy. The fast adjustment course of makes the transition between workout routines very seamless. I like that I may rapidly and simply change the burden on the finish of a set so I didn’t waste time and vitality fumbling with tools. General, the 552s exceeded my expectations for ease of adjustability.

Grip: Snug and safe

After I first grasped the dumbbells, I used to be instantly impressed. The grips on the 552s are barely cushioned, which feels extra ergonomic and comfy than common metal dumbbells.

In lots of months of use, I’ve discovered the grip to at all times really feel safe, even when my palms are sweaty or clammy. I haven’t observed any slipping in anyway, whatever the train or load used.

Sturdiness: Deal with with care

The 552s have some plastic elements, such because the connector items, which look like they is likely to be susceptible to cracking if dropped. The stand can be made from plastic and, whereas I haven’t observed any put on and tear, I’m wondering the way it will maintain up over time.

We did assess the dumbbells’ sturdiness in The Verywell Testing Lab by performing some drop assessments. They weren’t broken when dropped on gymnasium flooring, however they did get a bit scratched from a drop on concrete. Nevertheless, it didn’t have an effect on the dumbbell’s use or efficiency.   

Normally, it appears that evidently these dumbbells weren’t made to be dropped or slammed, so if that’s your lifting type, you might have considered trying a extra sturdy choice.

Portability and Storage: Compact and straightforward to retailer

One of many set’s most interesting advantages is its small footprint, which takes up considerably much less area than a rack of the 15 pairs of dumbbells that it replaces. If your house gymnasium dimension could be very restricted, or to illustrate your elliptical machine takes up many of the area, they’re a compact choice.

The plastic storage trays, though not probably the most engaging choice, work effectively for storing the dumbbells when not in use. The trays additionally preserve the steel plates from banging collectively, serving to to attenuate noise. With that mentioned, it could be good if the trays had rubber or silicone toes on the underside to guard the ground. To this point I haven’t observed any marks on my hardwood flooring, however I’m wondering if the trays may scuff them over time.

How We Examined

I used the dumbbells for about 9 months in my dwelling gymnasium, performing quite a lot of dumbbell-based strength-training workout routines with totally different resistance ranges. Earlier than I began my dwelling exercises, I unboxed the dumbbells and took be aware of their look and portability, in addition to ease of setup.

I sometimes do three to 4 energy coaching classes per week and have used the dumbbells for quite a few higher and decrease physique workout routines, together with lunges, deadlifts, squats, hip thrusts, chest press, chest flyes, tricep presses, tricep extensions, tricep kickbacks, rows, bicep curls, overhead press, Russian twists, and extra.

Throughout my classes, I evaluated the dumbbell’s ease of use whereas performing every train, paying attention to any modifications I needed to make. I additionally assessed how simply and rapidly I may change the burden increments in between workout routines. All through my exercises, I paid consideration to how every dumbbell felt in my palms and if the burden felt evenly distributed. After all, my palms inevitably get sweaty throughout exercises, and I famous whether or not my grip felt safe after they have been moist.

In The Verywell Testing Lab, our testing crew additionally put the dumbbells via a drop check to guage their sturdiness. We dropped the dumbbells from hip peak as soon as on foam gymnasium flooring and as soon as on concrete slabs to see how they’d maintain up.

Value: Reasonably priced and nice worth

Though the value ($429) could seem excessive, the set is certainly cheaper than shopping for 15 pairs of dumbbells and it’s really priced very competitively for adjustable dumbbells. For individuals who have dwelling gymnasium area constraints and need to increase their exercise choices, they’re a wonderful funding.

The Competitors

Whereas there are some inexpensive adjustable dumbbells accessible, the 552s are a wonderful worth for his or her superior grip, ergonomics, and ease of use and so they stack up properly in opposition to the competitors.   

Core Dwelling Health Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have related specs to the 552s, boasting a weight vary of 5 to 50 kilos and straightforward, fast adjustability. Nevertheless, they require some meeting and so they alter in 5-pound weight increments, so they could not work for newbies.

Powerblock Elite Dumbbells: For superior weightlifters who need a larger weight vary, this set, which maxes out at 70 kilos with the growth equipment, is a pleasant choice. They’re fast to regulate and have a snug grip, however the distinctive sq. design could take slightly getting used to.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell: In the event you’re trying to spend much less, this dumbbell is extra inexpensive than the 552s and really related in performance and efficiency, though it does have a smaller weight vary of 5 to 25 kilos. A good selection for newbies, it comes assembled and is straightforward to regulate.