Bowflex’s versatile SelectTech 552i dumbbells promise good bang for your buck, but their bulky size might prove irksome for some exercises.

Finding space-saving fitness equipment for your home gym can feel like a workout in itself. With space at a premium, it’s becoming increasingly tricky to make room for bulky fitness gear. That’ll be why adjustable dumbbells have quickly become the go-to piece of kit for those looking to upgrade their at-home routines without cluttering up their living room or garage gym. 

The Bowflex SelectTech 552i is probably one of the most recognised adjustable dumbbells on the market. Whether it’s the relatively low price point, great reviews or a mixture of both, these dumbbells are known for their wide weight range and easy of use while promising to replace an entire weight rack with just two dumbbells.

But do they live up to the hype? Over the past few months, I’ve been putting these adjustable dumbbells through their paces to see if they really deliver on their promise.

Men’s Fitness verdict

With a robust build, wide weight range and quick-change dial system, the Bowflex SelectTech552i is hard to beat. However, its bulky design can be a bit off-putting.
Pros
  • Practical and space-saving for home gyms
  • Wide weight range
  • Simple to operate
Cons
  • Weight selection dials need changing at both sides
  • Lacks aesthetic polish
  • Bulky, even at low weights

Why you can trust Men’s Fitness

Every product you read about on mensfitness.co.uk has been rigorously tested by our experts – whether freelance reviewers or the core MF team. Over the past few months, consumer tech expert Lee Bell put the Bowflex SelectTech 552i adjustable dumbbell to the test, incorporating the dumbbells into his fitness routine to find out if they live up to their claims. He assessed its performance, features and design to find out whether these dumbbells are worth the investment.

Bowflex SelectTech 552i design and build

It might sound harsh, but it feels like Bowflex focused more on function than form when designing the SelectTech 552i dumbbells. And style has suffered as a result. Looking rather garish and cumbersome, they’re not exactly easy on the eye. Sure, you can’t expect too much from a pair of dumbbells, but when compared to the likes of the super sleek JaxJox DumbbellConnect, it’s clear more could have been done in the design stakes.

The black plastic casing around the plates feels somewhat bulky and even a little cheap, compared to more premium-looking metal alternatives. That said, the dumbbells feel solid during use, with no noticeable rattling or shifting of the plates during lifts, which is what really matters. Another big plus is the compact storage trays the dumbbells come with. These trays allow the dumbbells to slot into place when not in use, keeping your workout space tidy. 

Each dumbbell replaces up to 15 individual weights, covering a range from 2kg to 24kg. This makes them perfect for home gymers who don’t want to clutter their space with multiple dumbbells of varying weights. However, even at lower weight settings, the dumbbells still carry their full bulk, which can feel awkward during some exercises, like curls or lateral raises, but more on that later.

Bowflex SelectTech 552i performance

When it comes to performance, the Bowflex SelectTech 552i is as versatile as they come. The weight range is ideal for everything from light accessory work to more demanding strength exercises. The small weight increments of 2.5kg works well, too, making it easy to progressively overload during workouts.

For most exercises, the dumbbells perform really well. The dial system allows for quick transitions between different weights, which is especially helpful for supersets and drop sets. It’s a huge advantage over traditional dumbbells, where switching weights can take valuable time out of your workout. What’s more, the weight plates feel securely attached during all exercises, from bench presses to deadlifts.

However, as mentioned earlier, the dumbbells’ bulky design did cause some issues. During moves like bicep curls and triceps extensions, I found that the wide plate design would occasionally bump into my body, interrupting the flow of the movement. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use these for more dynamic exercises.

Weight selection

Another minor gripe is the weight selection mechanism itself. While it’s generally smooth and easy to use, having to adjust both ends of the dumbbell adds a few extra seconds to the process. For high-intensity workouts where timing is key, this can slow you down slightly.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the SelectTech 552i is an excellent pair of dumbbells. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build strength or a more experienced lifter, the weight range and ease of use make them a great addition to any home gym setup.

If you’re after a versatile and space-saving solution for your home gym, the Bowflex SelectTech 552i adjustable dumbbells are a solid investment. The wide weight range and quick-change dial system make them a solid contender for all kinds of workouts – from strength training to more intensive routines like supersets. While the bulky design and dual-dial mechanism might be slightly cumbersome for some exercises, these dumbbells deliver on performance where it counts.

How do they compare?

When pitted against competitors like the JAXJOX DumbbellConnect or the MuscleSquad Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbells, the Bowflex SelectTech 552i dumbbells definitely hold their own. The smaller weight increments are a major advantage, allowing for more precise progressions in strength. However, in terms of aesthetics, competitors like JAXJOX offer a sleeker, more modern look. That said, Bowflex wins in terms of price-to-performance ratio and durability.

Reducing the bulk of the dumbbells, especially at lower weight settings, would definitely make them easier to handle in my opinion – especially when it comes to more dynamic exercises. It might also help if the weight selection process was simplified somewhat – perhaps by allowing weight changes from one dial instead of two – as this would just speed things up a touch.

Should you buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552i?

If you want to elevate your home gym game with a reliable, space-saving dumbbell set, the Bowflex SelectTech 552i is a worthy contender. Despite a few design quirks, their ease of use and performance makes them a solid choice for anyone looking to get serious about their home workouts.

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