Bowflex’s flagship dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds, has a simple adjustment mechanism, and feels enough like a fixed set of dumbbells that most anyone will be pleased with them. And at under $500 for the pair, they’re a great deal, which is why they earned our “best value dumbbells” superlative in our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells.
My favorite aspect of these dumbbells is that they adjust in 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds (and then in 5-pound jumps from 25 to 50). It may not seem like a big deal, but five-pound jumps are pretty intense for single-joint exercises like dumbbell lateral raises.
The dial system is clear and easy to use, but it requires you to adjust a dial on either side of each dumbbell. It’s a pretty rudimentary adjustment system compared to the modern dumbbell market, and one that can lead to lop-sided dumbbells if you’re not paying close attention. Is it ideal? No. But is it a dealbreaker? Not a chance. It’s also worth noting that the 552s are mostly made of plastic, which gives them a cheap look and feel. That said, we consider these a budget buy, and plastic is significantly cheaper to build with than steel, so the plastic in this instance is more of a feature than a bug.
Due to their mostly plastic construction, we don’t recommend getting too rough with these dumbbells. I’ve been training with them for over six months and have had zero durability issues, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable dropping them after a set. Additionally, we find the design a bit wide and cumbersome for certain exercises, such as tricep extensions. “In my experience, these work best for chest-supported rows and overhead presses,” says Samuel.
You’re not going to find many—if any—quality dumbbells with more weight than the 552s for a similar price. But, if you’re interested in buying heavier dumbbells, BowFlex offers the Results Series SelecTech 1090s, which boast a maximum load of 90 pounds per dumbbell.
Read More: Our Review of the Bowflex Results Series SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
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