Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review

Overview

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the most popular adjustable dumbbell set in the world — and for good reason. After testing it for six weeks across a variety of workouts including chest press, rows, curls, and shoulder exercises, we can confirm it earns its top-seller status.

The SelectTech 552 replaces 15 separate pairs of dumbbells, ranging from 5 lbs all the way up to 52.5 lbs. The iconic dual-dial adjustment system lets you change the weight in seconds without fumbling with pins or locks.

Design & Build Quality

The dumbbell features a combination of durable plastic housing and steel weight plates. While the plastic exterior initially raised eyebrows in our testing, we found it to be surprisingly robust under daily use. The chrome metal handle provides a secure, comfortable grip even during sweaty sessions.

Each dumbbell weighs approximately 52.5 lbs at full load and 5 lbs at minimum — a 47.5 lb range in a single footprint. The storage tray is included and keeps everything organized neatly in your home gym space.

The Dial Adjustment System

This is where the SelectTech 552 truly shines. Simply rotate the dials at each end of the dumbbell to your desired weight, lift it off the tray, and any plates you didn’t select stay behind. The mechanism is smooth, reliable, and — most importantly — fast.

We clocked weight changes at under 5 seconds in our testing, which is ideal for most strength training routines. The only caveat: you must set the weight while the dumbbell is on its tray. You can’t adjust mid-set or away from the cradle.

Performance in Workouts

We ran the SelectTech 552 through over 40 different exercises:

• Chest: Flat press, incline press, flyes — all felt stable and balanced
• Back: One-arm rows, renegade rows — the grip held firm under load
• Shoulders: Lateral raises, front raises, overhead press — 5 lb increments were appreciated here
• Arms: Bicep curls, hammer curls, tricep kickbacks — no rattling or instability
• Legs: Goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, lunges — felt secure even at 52.5 lbs

The 2.5 lb micro-increments (up to 25 lbs, then 5 lb increments from 25–52.5 lbs) are a major advantage for progressive overload training.

Who It’s Best For

The SelectTech 552 is ideal for:

• Beginners to intermediate lifters who want versatility without buying multiple dumbbells
• Home gym owners with limited space
• Anyone who values convenience over raw performance aesthetics

If you’re an advanced powerlifter pushing 80+ lbs per hand, you’ll want to look at the SelectTech 1090 or Ironmaster instead.

Verdict

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the best all-around adjustable dumbbell for most people. The combination of fast adjustment, solid weight range, and proven reliability justifies the price. If you’re looking to invest in a single pair of adjustable dumbbells for your home gym, this is our top recommendation.