January 6, 2009Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (0 Comments)
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Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are designed and marketed for home fitness, providing a means to save space, but still allowing for a full range of interchangeable poundage. They use a unique dialing system where weights on each end of the dumbbell are determined by turning a knob to the appropriate number. Function
As space-savers, they do the job great! Each dumbell is only slightly larger than a shoebox. I generally keep them out, near where I workout, but you could easily find someplace to pack them away if necessary (just watch your back lifting!). In addition, while they're slightly slower than switching weights with a full rack, SelectTech's are much faster for transitioning weights than dumbbell systems that use those removeable plates. Another interesting advantage is the ability to have slightly different weight amounts on each side of a dumbbell. This can be useful for torqueing or corkscrew bicep curls, for instance, that add an extra little twist at the top of each rep. On the down side, Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are definitely clumsier than what you find in a gym. No matter what weight you choose, whether is 5 lbs. or 50 lbs., your dumbbells keep the same width. The size can make certain exercises a little bit awkward, especially for anything that requires bringing your hands close together. Also, the SelectTech plates are secure, but they do wobble slightly during exercises, giving a different feel from what you may be used to. On the other hand, it could be argued that the extra clumsiness is a positive attribute, forcing you to keep balance and work more of those tiny muscles required in the process. Style I don't know how many people out there actually care what their dumbells look like, but Bowflex has done a decent job making them look aesthetically pleasing. More importantly, I like the fact that they look like dumbbells, which can't be said for other brands of adjustable dumbell sets such as PowerBlocks. Cost When I'd been told about SelectTech Dumbbells, I'd heard they were being sold on Overstock for $100. Unfortunately, I missed that boat and purchased mine at full price for $350. Since then, the price tag has jumped even further to $450, excluding tax. I do know they've become much more popular, and obviously someone at Bowflex decided to capitalize on the higher demand. At the new price, I'd recommend hunting online for store coupons. You can generally find something decent when you're planning on spending more than a couple hundred dollars. There's also a payment plan option, but I think you might as well scrape up the cash and pay everything upfront. Skip the hassle! Alternatives I'm guessing it has something to do with patenting, but there aren't that many dumbbells on the market with comparable designs to Bowflex SelectTechs. The closest competitor is probably the PowerBlock system, which uses pegs instead of dials and are slightly less expensive. Other than that, the remaining home fitness alternatives are more "traditional". They include:
resistance bands With each of these alternatives, you may lose some or all the advantages of the SelectTechs, but you could actually save some cash, especially if you shop for something used. Are they worth it?
In my P90X Review, I put together a cost analysis that includes the price of my SelectTech Dumbbells. 
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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell are one of three versions of adjustable dumbells created by Bowflex. At this time, they seem to have stopped selling their lightest set, SelecTech 220's, while the SelectTech 1090 dumbbells are still being marketed and sold directly from the company. The remaining two dumbbell sets differ in weight and price, with the higher number indicating heavier weights.
The 552 Dumbbells allow you to pick a weight from 2.5 lbs. to 52.5 lbs., which I'd say is adequate for most persons' general fitness goals. The Bowflex SelectTech 1020 Dumbbells are more appropriate for people aiming for bulk with a range from 10 to 90 lbs.
For the current price, I still think the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are a worthwhile investment. I've been able to get great workouts with the 552's and I love that they don't take up so much room. Most alternatives aren't that much cheaper, if at all, so the advantages win out over any extra cost. As with any home fitness equipment, too, it'll only be worth it if you use them! So, save the space, but don't just store them away in your closet.
