BowFlex SelectTech 552 Review: Are These Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
Our BowFlex SelectTech 552 review covers the 5 to 52.5 lb range, the dial system, real drawbacks and who should buy these adjustable dumbbells.
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If you have ever tried to fit a full rack of dumbbells into a spare bedroom, you already understand why adjustable dumbbells sell so well. The BowFlex SelectTech 552 is the pair most people picture when they hear the term: two plastic cradles, a dial at each end, and a handle that picks up exactly the plates you asked for.
It has been around for years, and BowFlex now sells it under the Results Series name. That long run is useful for buyers, because the strengths and the annoyances are both well known by now. Here is what the 552 does well, where it falls short, and who should spend their money on something else.
The short version
The SelectTech 552 is still one of the easiest ways to get a full set of dumbbells into a small space. The dial system is quick, the 5 to 52.5 lb range covers most home lifters for a long time, and it replaces a whole rack. The trade-offs are a bulky handle at every weight, a hard ceiling at 52.5 lb, and a mechanism you should never drop.
- Best for: beginners and intermediate lifters training at home who want many weights in a small footprint.
- Skip it if: you already press or row more than about 50 lb per hand, or you like to drop weights at the end of a set.
- Standout spec: 15 weight settings per dumbbell, from 5 to 52.5 lb.
How we put this review together
We did not run a long-term lab test on this one, and we are not going to pretend we did. This review of the SelectTech 552 is built from published specifications, the manufacturer’s product page and independent reviews from established fitness publications. Where sources disagree on a number, we say so. Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here; check the current price on Amazon before you buy.
BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells specs at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight range | 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell |
| Settings | 15 per dumbbell |
| Increments | 2.5 lb steps up to 25 lb, then 5 lb steps, then 52.5 lb |
| Size (each) | 16.9″ L x 8.3″ W x 9″ H |
| Replaces | 15 pairs of fixed dumbbells (per BowFlex) |
| Adjustment | Twist dials at both ends |
| Stand | Sold separately (BowFlex lists a compatible stand) |
| Warranty | 2 years on parts (BowFlex standard) |
| Sold as | Pair |
One note: some retailers and reviewers describe the set as coming with a stand. BowFlex’s own page lists the stand as a separate purchase, so check exactly what the Amazon listing includes before you order.
You can cross-check these numbers on the official BowFlex product page.
What we like about the SelectTech 552
Fast weight changes
You turn both dials to the number you want, lift the handle, and the unused plates stay in the cradle. Going from a 20 lb curl to a 35 lb row takes a few seconds. That matters more than it sounds, because supersets and drop sets become practical at home instead of something you only do at a commercial gym.
Small increments where they matter
From 5 to 25 lb the 552 moves in 2.5 lb steps. That is exactly where most beginners and most shoulder and arm work live. Jumping from 15 to 20 lb on a lateral raise is a big leap; 17.5 lb is a far more sensible next step, and fixed dumbbell sets rarely give you that option.
It really does save space
Two cradles take up roughly the floor area of a small coffee table. If you are working through a small home gym or an apartment setup, that is the main reason to buy these over a fixed set. You get the range of a full rack without the wall of iron.
Enough for a long time
Fifty-two and a half pounds per hand covers goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, rows, presses and lunges for most people for months or years. The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week for adults, and a pair like this is one of the simplest ways to make that happen at home.
What could be better
The handle is always full-length
Even at 5 lb, the dumbbell is the same 16.9 inches long because the frame does not shrink. For curls and presses that barely matters. For moves where the dumbbell passes close to your body, like lateral raises or some fly variations, it can feel clumsy until you get used to it.
Do not drop it
This is the big one. The selector mechanism is plastic and metal, and reviewers and BowFlex both make the same point: these are not meant to be dropped. If your training style ends sets by letting the weights fall, buy solid dumbbells instead.
52.5 lb is a hard stop
Stronger lifters will outgrow the 552 on heavy rows, presses and lower-body work. BowFlex makes a bigger SelectTech 1090 for that, but it costs more and is even bulkier. If you are already close to 50 lb, think about where you will be in a year.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 15 weights per hand in one compact pair
- 2.5 lb steps in the lighter range
- Quick dial changes make supersets practical
- Big brand with long track record and spare-parts support
Cons
- Same bulky length at every weight
- Must not be dropped
- Tops out at 52.5 lb
- Stand usually costs extra
Who should buy the SelectTech 552 (and who shouldn’t)
Buy the SelectTech 552 if you are starting a home gym and want one purchase that covers most upper-body and many lower-body dumbbell movements. It is a strong pick for people who train in a bedroom, garage corner or apartment and who value tidiness.
Skip it if you are already strong, if you train with high-impact moves like dumbbell snatches, or if more than one person will be lifting at different weights at the same time. Two people sharing one adjustable pair quickly gets annoying.
Tips for getting the most from the 552
Always put the dumbbell back fully flat in its cradle before turning the dials. Most selection hiccups come from a tilted handle. Keep the cradle on a level surface or a firm mat, and check the plates are seated before every lift.
Start lighter than your ego wants and progress in the 2.5 lb steps. Our guide to tracking workout progress shows a simple log you can keep, and building strength without a gym has a starter plan built around exactly this kind of equipment.
Alternatives to consider
- Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell: one solid cast-iron piece you can drop, swing and abuse, if you prefer simple and indestructible.
- FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench: the natural partner for adjustable dumbbells; it opens up presses, rows and step-ups.
- Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands: a very cheap way to add light resistance and warm-up work alongside your dumbbells.
FAQ
Does the BowFlex SelectTech 552 come with a stand?
BowFlex’s own product page lists the stand as sold separately. Some bundles and retailer listings include one, so read the Amazon listing carefully.
Can you drop SelectTech 552 dumbbells?
No. The adjustment mechanism is not built for drops. Set them down under control.
Is 52.5 lb enough?
For most beginners and many intermediate lifters, yes, especially for upper-body work. Strong lifters doing heavy rows, presses or lunges may outgrow it.
What is the difference between the 552 and the 1090?
The 1090 goes heavier and has more settings, but it is larger and costs more. The 552 suits most home users better.
Bottom line
The SelectTech 552 earns its reputation. It is not perfect, and the full-length handle and no-drop rule are real compromises, but for a typical home lifter it replaces a rack of dumbbells with two neat cradles. If 52.5 lb per hand will cover your goals for the next year or two, it is an easy recommendation.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have an injury or health condition.