Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series) (Pair, 5–52.5 lb each) review 2027

What problem does the Bowflex SelectTech 552 solve?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series) is an adjustable dumbbell pair that covers a full weight range in one set. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb across 15 settings via a turn-dial mechanism. Bowflex states this pair replaces 15 sets of fixed dumbbells, which is a real space-saving claim from the manufacturer. For home strength training, that means one pair on a cradle instead of a rack of fixed weights. It is a long-established, widely-sold adjustable dumbbell line, and it ranks second among the 14 products tested in this category.

How did it score in our testing?

We scored the SelectTech 552 at 7.9 out of 10, built from five weighted criteria.

• Materials & build: 26 out of 30. This criterion measures manufacturer-published material, construction and capacity specs. The 552 holds up well here, losing only a few points.
• Effectiveness: 24 out of 25. This measures how well the product does its specific job — resistance range, battery life, cushioning. The 5–52.5 lb range and 15 settings carry it to a near-perfect mark.
• Independent review consensus: 10 out of 20. This criterion only counts genuinely confirmed praise read directly from a named outlet's own page, never a second-hand aggregator claim. The 552 lost the most points here.
• Durability & warranty: 13 out of 15. This measures warranty length and build robustness.
• Value: 6 out of 10. This measures price against materials and capability.

The pattern is clear: the hardware and the core job score high, while consensus and value pull the total down.

What are the standout strengths?

The turn-dial mechanism adjusts each dumbbell across 15 weight settings from 5 to 52.5 lb. That range is the headline feature — it means one pair can serve light accessory work and heavier pressing without a second purchase.

Bowflex states this pair replaces 15 sets of fixed dumbbells. That is a real space-saving claim from the manufacturer, and it is the strongest argument for the design. A fixed-dumbbell collection covering the same span would occupy a rack; the 552 occupies a cradle.

It is also a long-established, widely-sold adjustable dumbbell line, which matters for buyers who want a design with a track record rather than a new entrant.

How does the turn-dial mechanism work?

Dial-based weight selection works by locking a chosen number of weight plates to the handle. You set the dial on each end of the dumbbell to the weight you want, then lift the handle out of its cradle. Plates you have not selected stay behind in the cradle. To change weight, you return the dumbbell to the cradle, turn the dial to the new setting, and lift again. The 552 uses this mechanism across 15 settings from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell. Because selection happens in the cradle, the cradle is part of the system rather than an optional stand.

How does it compare with rival adjustable dumbbells?

Two tested rivals sit close in price. The PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells score 8.1 at $399, with a 5–50 lb per hand range in 2.5 lb increments, expandable to 90 lb with separately sold add-on kits, in powder-coat painted steel. The CAP Barbell ADJUSTABELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set scores 7.7 at $299.99, with a patented twist-handle selector adjusting 10–55 lb per dumbbell in 5 lb increments and no pins or knobs, using nylon-coated weight plates.

Against the PowerBlock, the 552 reaches 52.5 lb per dumbbell versus 50 lb per hand, but the PowerBlock scores higher overall and offers expansion to 90 lb through add-on kits. Against the CAP Barbell, the 552 starts lighter at 5 lb versus 10 lb, which suits lighter movements, but the CAP costs less and reaches 55 lb per hand.

Feature comparison

All three are adjustable dumbbells, so the differences sit in capacity and adjustment style. The SelectTech 552 covers 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell across 15 settings with a turn dial. The PowerBlock Elite EXP covers 5–50 lb per hand in 2.5 lb increments, expandable to 90 lb. The CAP Barbell ADJUSTABELL covers 10–55 lb per hand in 5 lb increments with a twist-handle selector.

Where does it fall short?

The upfront price is the main drawback. It is pricier upfront than a basic fixed dumbbell set, and value scored 6 out of 10 against materials and capability.

The turn-dial cradle takes up floor space even when not in use. That is the trade-off of the design: you save the space a rack would need, but the cradle still occupies a footprint.

One data point we could not confirm: Amazon's own review/rating data could not be independently reloaded to confirm at publish time. We have not treated any unverified rating figure as a result.

Is the price worth it?

The SelectTech 552 is listed at $399, regularly $479, at bowflex.com. That is a manufacturer-confirmed price rather than a promotional estimate. At $399 it sits level with the PowerBlock Elite EXP at $399 and above the CAP Barbell ADJUSTABELL at $299.99. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 5 lb starting weight and the 52.5 lb top end in a single pair.

Who should buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552?

This set is for home strength training wanting one set to cover a full weight range. If you want a single pair that spans light and moderate loads without buying a rack of fixed dumbbells, the 552 fits that brief. If you need heavier loads beyond 52.5 lb per dumbbell, or you want the lowest upfront cost, the tested rivals above are the alternatives to weigh.