Why you'll love them: The
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight of each dumbbell anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds.
The first time I saw a pair of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, they were sitting on the ground in my friend's garage beside his brand new padded weight bench, a brand new heavy bag, and new padding on the concrete floor. I have to admit, I was skeptical at best. The weights just looked odd, what with a dial controlling how much weight was loaded onto each bar and the dumbbells looking almost dainty when not loaded up to their full 52.5-pound capacity. And what a waste of time fiddling around with dials when you could just have a larger set of multiple solid weights to grab as needed.
Then I did a few reps of chest exercises and curls. Guess what? The skepticism was gone. These dumbbells feel sturdy whether laden with just a few pounds for a lateral raise or with more than 50 pounds for bench presses or lunges. They adjust so quickly — you just set the dumbbell into its base among the weight discs, turn the dial to the desired load, and pick the bar up again. And given the fact that this one pair of dumbbells can replace fifteen separate sets, there is simply no comparison when it comes to price.
Yes, the $250 price tag is not exactly a lightweight, but think of it like this: Assuming each of the 15 pairs of dumbbells you would have to buy to match this set cost only $25 each, which is in fact about half the price of most pairs of hand weights, you would still pay $375. The actual price to match the variety of weights offered by this pair would probably be closer to $600 or more, in fact.
Also, while many people might not need every single weight configuration offered by the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, their broad range of adjustments makes them suitable for multiple users. There is only one drawback here, and it's the fact that 52.5 pounds is not enough weight for some exercises for some people. But hey, you can just buy the heavier weights you need, you big strong someone.
With nearly 4,000 reviews logged at the time of this writing, these dumbbells have a stellar 4.7-star average rating on Amazon. One satisfied exercise enthusiast loves the convenience of these dumbbells, saying: "With very little time to get to the gym ... these to maximize the time I do have to workout." Another owner notes their "amazing flexibility" and said "the weight changes are fast and seamless."
The product review experts at The Wirecutter called these dumbbells "user-friendly" and felt they represented a great value, too. A FitRated writer said the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells had a "sturdy feel and solid rubber grip" and were ideal for home gyms.
Pros: One pair of dumbbells replaces 15, quick and easy weight changes, comfortable grips
Cons: Maximum weight of 52.2 pounds too light for some users
Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells on Amazon for $250