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Bowflex Dumbbells: Spin the Dial to Adjust the Weights
The innovative technology of Bowflex dumbbells allows you to replace an entire rack of dumbbells with just two sets of weights. Users love the look of these adjustable weights, as well as the space-saving design.
The Weights
These smooth adjustable weights let you go from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs (SelectTech 552) or 10 lbs to 90 lbs (SelectTech 1090) with the turn of a dial. Bowflex dumbbells have comfortable handles and feel just like the expensive weights you have been using at the health club.
There are two versions of Bowflex adjustable dumbbells:
The Bowflex SelectTech® 1090 Dumbbells: Resistance ranges from 10 lbs (4.5 kg) to 90 lbs (40.8 kg) of weight. Weight settings are as follows: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 pounds. Two dumbbells replace 34 dumbbells. The set sells for $699.
Compare Bowflex® SelectTech Dumbbells Here
The Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells: Resistance ranges from 5 lbs (2.27 kg) to 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg) of weight. Weight settings are as follows: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 pounds. Two dumbbells replace 30 dumbbells. $449.
- Warranty - All sets come with a 2-year limited warranty on all parts; 5-year warranty on weight plates; and 1-year warranty on labor. In addition, Bowflex offers a 6-week money back guarantee.
- Free DVD - In addition, you also get the Bowflex SelectTech Workout DVD, “Secrets of the 4-Step Rep.” It explains 30 dumbbell exercises with over 80 variations.
Optional: the SelectTech stand ($140).
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The Buzz
If you want to replace a rack and a set of 30 to 34 hexagonal dumbbells, the SelectTech weights could be your answer. The design is a bit bulky, but the dumbbells are simple to use; just turn the end cap dial to add or remove weight plates. Trainers find that these Bowflex dumbbells are faster to adjust than traditional adjustable dumbbells consisting of a short steel bar with plates held on by a clip. The advantage to the SelectTech design is that you can quickly change the weight amount in seconds and get on to your next set of reps.
Compare to PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells
Compared to their main competitor, the square shaped Powerblocks, users find the shape and the attractive black finish of these adjustable dumbbells to be more ascetically appealing. As for performance, the Bowflex SelectTech works well, even if they are not as rugged as traditional weights. Despite plastic used in the dials, users had no apprehension about lifting the Bowflex weights over their head; the “click” of the dial ensures that the plates are secure and won’t fall out. The patent pending locking mechanism works flawlessly so there is no chance of a plate coming down on your head.
Our Take
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are decent weights — attractive, functional, easy to use, versatile, safe, and effective for your strength training needs. The only caution would be that they are the most fragile of the brands of adjustable dumbbells due to the internal locking mechanism; hence, dropping or otherwise abusing the weights can cause damage. (Note: Dropping the dumbbell voids the warranty.) Cost-wise, they are also the most expensive adjustable weights when compared to PowerBlocks. For our money, we would go with the PowerBlocks instead of the Bowflex dumbbells.
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