If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don’t have much space, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are an ideal solution. Newly designed, the innovative pair of 552 SelectTech Dumbbells combines 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It’s one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available with its unique and effective design. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up. Specifications:Change the dumbbell’s weight with just the turn of a dial [Read More...]
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September 6th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
1.0 out of 5 stars
DANGEROUS!
Mine are 9 months old and used about 4 hours a week with light home use. Last months one of the 5 lb plates just fell off.
September 6th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I was torn between these and the PowerBlock dumbells I kept reading about. I had a chance to check out the 2008 and prior model Bowflex Select Tech’s at Dicks Sporting Goods, and I remember thinking about how easy it was to spin the dials to adjust the weights.
My only concern and hesitation was that a few reveiws mentioned the possibility of the weights rattling and people were worried they could fall off? I had not heard this before, so I researched it more and although the PowerBlock dumbells had gotten good reviews, I simply could not get past how ugly they were, and the fact that they used a magnetic pin to hold the weights in.
I decided to spend the few extra dollars on these 2009 model Select Techs (assuming any prior issues they may have had were corrected) and boy am I glad I did, they are AWESOME! The dials, in my opinion, are ten times easier than the magnetic pins of PowerBlocks, and these Bowflex dumbells look ten times more fashionable (our gym equipment is on our loft, so yes my wife and I have a style standard). These dumbells are about 15 inches long, but neither of us have any issues with their size (I think the PowerBlocks were only a 3 inch difference anyways).
We are 100% happier we bought these, and we bought the stand from Amazon to go with them also (it is better for your back if you lift dumbells from a standing position instead of from a squatting one). I hope you enjoy your SelectTechs as much as we enjoy ours!
September 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
I love em, the only negitive thing i could say is it’s sometimes hard to get the dumbbells back in the grooves of the holder when you have the whole 52.5lbs in hand.
September 6th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I just got them, and my first impression upon getting them out of the (decidedly ample) packaging was “wow, these things are MASSIVE.” They really are huge, in a way you may have to see to really appreciate; they’re around 16.5 inches long and they’re about 8.5 inches wide at the largest plate, and will have a pretty commanding presence in whatever room you keep them. That being said, they space they take up is relatively minor compared to an actual set with this range of weight, and it’s really nice not having to stack plates or slide weight awkwardly on and off of traditional adjustable dumbbells (anyone who’s done it knows what I mean).
My second thought was that I was surprised how well-designed they actually are. These guys look and feel like a pretty stunning example of modern technology; sleek and slick despite their size, you will likely not mind that they get looks. I’ve not seen previous models, but these are really a pretty space-age feeling package, especially once you turn the rubberized dials to your desired setting and lift the bells out, exposing all manner of intricate and refined-looking innards between plates that were not chosen. I really can’t say enough about how nice these things are to look at (but i am a design geek, you may not be so impressed or really even care at all).
In use, they are almost as nice - dials turn with a satisfying click, they lift out of their stands smoothly and cleanly, and there is very little wobble or jingling between the plates (definitely not enough to leave me worried at any time that something is going to go wrong). The overall size of them doesn’t actually feel like it reduces my range of motion, but it is something I’m always aware of while lifting, so we’ll see how that works out. They slide back onto their stands without problem, and there’s no awkwardness in setting them down - no waiting for a click, or shifting them to find their intended resting spot. They’re then ready to have their weights reset, and you’re off doing another exercise in a few seconds.
Overall, they were expensive but I feel like I got what I paid for. Recommended.
September 6th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
No question great design - 5 out of 5 rating for sure. Support is a 4, pretty good. Where they fall down is on ruggedness. There may be improvements in the 2009 versions but the main problem with my 2008 set is many of the parts are made with plastics. There is 52 lb maximum of weight and thats alot to ask to support of some of the types of plastics used to construct this product. The minor flaw in my view is the choice of materials for this product. For example, the spindles that pick up and hold each plate in place are made of a thin hard but brittle plastic. If you do a set on a bench, get exhausted and drop these weights by more then a inch or 2 on the floor, these plastic spindles have a tendency to break. The hand unit, minus the weights will need to be replaced. Bowflex has a 2 year warranty and were pretty good about sending out a new handle. The handle got to me within about 5 days. For me I would rather they make the spindles out of a metal and pay $50 more. That is a testament to how much I love these weights. I am more careful with them now. So if you can see your way to either being very caring with these weights or rough on them and getting replacements (for free under the 1st 2 years warranty), I would not hesitate in buying these units. Otherwise, save yourself some aggravation and buy something else.
September 6th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love these dumbbells
I had been trying to decide for 2 months whether to buy these, before finally deciding to do so. I had purchased the Chalean Extreme program and she uses them.
September 6th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bowflex 552 Dumbells
Nice quality dumbells although a bit bulkie compared to individual standard dumbells. ie, when you take 25lbs…the spaces are still there as if it was 50 lbs….
September 6th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
Extremely easy to use and such a great product. The quality of the weights is great and the handles are really comfortable.
September 6th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
JUST BUY IT!
I bought the model from two years ago and all I have to say is that its a great product. Worth EVERY PENNY.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:12 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
I waited far to long
I have been on the fence for about a year since I first started reading reviews on the SelectTech’s .
September 7th, 2009 at 1:02 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Like these dumbells but sometimes too big for certain exercises
Just a short little review from me. These babies are nice and sturdy and save you a lot of room, if you have been buying separate weights like I have over the years.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:54 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love these weights
I did a lot of research before buying these. I am very happy I went with the Bowflex. They were about $75-$100 more than some of the other adjustable dumbbells I looked at, but…
September 7th, 2009 at 6:22 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Some minor glitches, but overall very good.
I’m generally very happy with these dumbells. I’m a little underwhelmed with their warranty of only 2 years.