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If you’ve ever looked into getting some weights for home, you know how expensive it would be to purchase all of the individual sizes. On top of that, most people don’t have an empty garage or extra bedroom to fit a whole set. Bowflex’s series of SelectTech adjustable weights are the perfect answers to the age-old question:
“How do I get a gym-style free weight workout at home?”
Bowflex has always been a leader in home workout equipment, but the SelectTech series brings them closer to a REAL gym workout. Their versatile and space-efficient series of adjustable dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells offer the most value to free-weight-lovers.
Which full set of dumbbells would you rather have in your home?
Traditional vs SelectTech
If you already have a home gym started or plan to section off an area to set one up, then the answer is obvious.
In the new world of adjustable dumbbells, there are a lot of look-a-likes and wannabes that have tried to replicate Bowflex. With their newest award-winning members to the SelectTech family, it’s obvious that no one can touch their quality and design. Even their two original models, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090, are still some of your best options.
Even though there’s a lot to like about this family of adjustable weights, there’s are a few things we didn’t. Here’s a breakdown of the complete SelectTech family:
New SelectTech Options
With the two new additions to the SeletTech family, Bowflex has taken a large step ahead of the competition. If you’re already a SelectTech believer, then you know the value these unique adjustable weights bring to your home gym. To put it simply, they give you an extra range of workouts that aren’t possible with the original SeletTech dumbbell models.
Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell and Curl Bar
The 2080 Barbell gives you a more isolated workout, that only a barbell and curl bar can give you. Even though 80 lbs should be enough for the average user, Bowflex also gives you the ability to upgrade to 120 lbs. Altogether you’re replacing anywhere from 14 to 22 barbells and curl bars.
Just like the dumbbell versions, Bowflex offers a rack that holds everything including the extra bar in one space-saving piece. It also gives you space at the base to store the SelectTech adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells. This allows to you store the whole family of weights in a space that’s smaller than a loveseat.
Pros:
- 20-80 lbs
- Upgradable to 120 lbs (sold separately)
- Curl bar and barbell
- Isolate muscle groups better than dumbbells
- Best for benching, squatting, and deadlifts
- 3-year warranty
- Barbell stand holds all weights and both bars (sold separately)
Cons:
- Only adjusts in 10 lb increments
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
The SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is more space-efficient than any other member of the SelectTech family. Giving you 6 different weight levels ranging from 8-40 lbs, you can get that unique kettlebell workout that’s not possible with dumbbells and barbells.
Even though it only goes up to 40 lbs, you can get a pair to double the weight range. On top of that, Bowflex’s workout program has exercises that are designed for either one or two kettlebells.
If you’ve never used kettlebells before, they’re the best style of free weights to improve your core strength and balance. Coming with access to 24-video trainer-lead kettlebell exercise program, they’re even perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- 8-40 lbs (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs)
- Access to 24 unique kettlebell exercise videos
- Best for core and balance workouts
- Super space-efficient
- Most durable member of the SelectTech family
- 2-Year warranty
Cons:
- Wish it went up to at least 50 lbs
- Could use a few more weight increments (No 15 or 30 lb settings)
Bowflex SelectTech 552 & 1090
The two original versions of the SelectTech series are still a force to be reckoned with and are better than any other set of adjustable dumbbells we’ve ever tested. Made with superior quality and craftsmanship, either set is a great addition to your home gym, especially for more experienced lifters, looking for a true free weight workout at home.
The Bowflex SelectTech app will work with these models, but since there are no built-in sensors, like in the SelectTech 560s, it’ll have to take your word for it. Once you start any of the pre-loaded or custom workout routines, the SelectTech app will time your selected workout and cool-down. That way you’ll still get the same charts and “personal best” feedback information as with the 560s.
Bowflex has also integrated the SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells into their new and improved JRNY app. As one of the best app-based fitness programs, you’ll get access to premium trainer-led workout videos, helping you take full advantage of the dumbbells’ versatility.
Even though you need a subscription to access the JRNY app, you can use unlimited users under one subscription. Plus, the 1st year is free with your purchase of either set of 552 or 1090 adjustable dumbbells.
One of the biggest issues with many adjustable dumbbells we’ve tested is safety, and that’s where the SelectTech 552s and 1090s excel. Their design offers great balance and durability. Plus, their 2-3 year warranty is better than any other set of adjustable dumbbells.
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Huge adjustable range of 10-90 lbs (BEST IN CLASS)
- 5 lb. Increments
- Perfect for lower body workouts because of the extra weight
- Grip designed to keep weights under perfect control, especially at higher weights
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Length of dumbbells can be a little bulky for smaller frame people
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Adjustable from 5-52.5 lbs
- 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs; 5 lb increments up to 50 lbs
- Slip-free rubber grips
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Length of dumbbells can be a little cumbersome for smaller frame people
Bowflex SelectTech 560 Adjustable Dumbbells
DISCONTINUED
The Bowflex SelectTech 560 model has been officially discontinued. We haven’t seen an official reason given.
If you can get your hands on a pair of these, it’s worth the trouble because of their premium features. They show a description on the Bowflex website, but you’re unable to purchase directly through them. Right now the only place we’ve seen the 560’s available is on Ebay, but you can always keep your eyes open on Amazon, too.
The Bowflex SelectTech 560 captured our attention because of the Bluetooth integration. With the FREE SelectTech app, you can instantly turn your phone or tablet into a powerful virtual personal trainer and workout tracker.
Tech features aside, these dumbbells destroy the competition in every category. Once you wrap your hands around these bad boys you’ll realize the quality and craftsmanship that went into making them. From the high-quality rubber grips, to the impressive balance, you’ll forget all about the dirty rack of weights at your local gym. The perfect start or addition to your home gym is right here.

Tracking Features
Each dumbbell has a built-in 3DT sensor and LCD display for viewing the automatic rep counting and cool-down timing. The automatic cool-down timer is especially handy for beginners because it helps keep you at your target heart rate. On top of that, all of your data is pushed straight to the SelectTech app. In the app, you’ll see a 6-week challenge, 6 targeted workout routines to hit every area of your body. You also have the ability to customize those workouts, and create your own trackable workouts from scratch.
The most valuable part of the app is the Journal. This is where all of your workout data is stored and compiled into handy charts. It even gives you a shoutout when you break a “personal best.”
The coolest part is that the app is compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit. This allows your workout data to be automatically integrated with your current fitness tracker or smartwatch. This way you’ll still have everything in one place, giving you a more complete view of your overall health. Whatever your health and fitness goals are, these are by far the best tools to achieve them.
Pros:
- Adjustable from 5-60 lbs
- Automatic workout tracking, rep-counting, cooldown timing.
- Compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit apps
- 2.5 lb increments up to 25lbs
- Slip-free rubber grips that rotate for weight selection
- 2-year warranty on mechanical parts; 1-year warranty on electronic parts
Cons:
- Length of dumbbells (15.8 in.) can be a little cumbersome for smaller frame people
- Partner app is a little buggy
- Rotating weight adjustment handle isn’t as secure as the side dials on the 552 and 1090 models

Choose The Ultimate Setup!
Bowflex gives you more power than ever before to get a gym-quality workout at home. While the SelectTech series of premium adjustable weights also comes with the premium price. Compared to what you pay for your gym membership, your investment in the SelectTech family will pay itself back in more ways than one.
Bowflex SelectTech Family
Bowflex Home Gym Accessories
F.A.Q.
Are Adjustable Dumbbell weights worth it?
Unless you’re able to dedicate a large amount of space to your home gym, the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells are one of your best choices. Even if you have plenty of space, you should consider taking advantage of the space-saving benefit of adjustable dumbbells.
With the smaller Bowflex SelectTech 552’s effectively replacing 15 sets of dumbbells from 5-52.5 lbs, that space-saving efficiency makes it well worth some of the minor drawbacks.
What's the difference between Bowflex 552 and 1090?
Besides differences like grip material and dumbbell width, the biggest difference is the adjustable weight settings and overall weight.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552’s have a range of 5-52.5 lbs in 15 different weight settings. The benefit of these is the smaller, 2.5 lbs increments from 5-25 lbs.
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090’s are perfect for people who are looking for heavier weight options. Even though they only adjust in 5 lbs increments, you get an impressive weight range of 10-90 lbs to give you 17 different weight settings. This makes them the better option for full-body workouts like deadlifts, squats, lunges, and more!
Are Bowflex dumbbells enough?
If you’re wondering if adjustable dumbbells are enough to get a good workout, then this is probably the biggest question on your mind:
How many exercises can you do with dumbbells?
Regardless of the style of dumbbells, you’re using, there are thousands of exercises for you to achieve solid workouts with plenty of variety. If you’re a beginner, Bowflex makes it easy to learn with a free 1-year JRNY membership. It’s filled with workouts for any level of lifting experience, so you’ll be able to hit the ground running, and work past those plateaus that can plague anyone’s fitness routine.
Do adjustable dumbbells break?
The short answer is YES! The only thing you should never do with the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells is drop them, but that’s true for almost all adjustable dumbbells brands. Other than that, they’re very durable and require little-to-no maintenance.
Our oldest set of Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells are the 1090’s that we first started testing back in 2012. Over the 10+ years, we only had to replace one internal adjustment disk, and they’re still going strong. Plus, the only reason we had to replace the disk is because, you guessed it, one of them was dropped.