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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells [Discontinued]
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Bowflex Brand: Bowflex Model: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell Set Product features: - Combines 15 sets of weights into one, using a unique dial system
- Lets you rapidly switch from one exercise to the next
- Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds; adjusts in 2.5 lb increments up to the first 25 lbs
- Say goodbye to 16 dumbbells cluttering your workout space
- Five-year warranty on weight plates, two-year warranty on parts
Accessories:
Sports reviews of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells [Discontinued]Customer Review: Information filled review. Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I've been an Amazon shopper for a long time now, and when I decided to buy a set of these, I was very disappointed in the reviews. Not the scores, but the lack of information about these dumbbells. So, I did my homework from going to sports stores and trying them out to reading professional reviews, which weren't any better than the member reviews here, and now I've had these for a month or so and feel comfortable enough with them to review them completely and hopefully, informative enough to help you decide.
The design is very nice, these were originally known as the Nautilus Select Tech Dumbbells. Nautilus to me is a better known name than Bowflex is for quality, so take that into consideration when looking at these. Though the Bowflex name is on these, they are still made by Nautilus. These are high enough quality to be found in a professional level gym.
Some things that I questioned and couldn't find answers to, that I now know.
These dumbbells come in stands. The stands are not really enough, and I do recommend the 552 stand for them. But what these stands that come with the dumbbells are used for is to make it much easier to change the weight of the dumbbells. You sit the dumbbell in the stand, turn the knob on each side of the dumbbell to the desired weight, and the plates that you are not using, STAY in the stand. You finish that set and want to add 10 pounds, sit the dumbbell back in the stand, turn the dial to the higher weight and lift it back out. It is that simple.
I had read reviews that talked about changing 4 dials each time. This is true if you are using both dumbbells at a time. Two dials per dumbbell. Not four on one dumbbell.
I had read reviews that said the plates are plastic. Not true. There is a coating over the plates, but that does not mean the plates are plastic. The coating does cut down on clanking, especially when changing the weight.
Next up, the range of motion and bulkiness of these dumbbells, I do not have any problems with these. Here are a few exact measurements to let you see the difference.
I have a regular dumbbell, with the spin off collars that hold the weights on. With 50 pounds, 2x10 and 1x5 cast iron plates on each side, from end to end it measures 14 1/2 inches long, the weights are 7 inches high.
The Bowflex with all plates on it 52.5 pounds, is 15 1/2 inches long, the weights are 7 1/4 inches high.
The 1 inch difference in length is the 1/2 inch on each side for the dial. The difference is not the least bit noticeable.
Next, the amount of available weight. While I do agree that the price seems steep for a dumbbell that maxes out at 52.5 pounds, I don't think it is that much different than other sets. Here is what I mean.
I was sold on the idea that I should get the Powerblocks because I can use more than 52.5 per arm on several movements I do, but the Powerblocks, at the same price, actually a little higher priced for the Elites 50 pounds max, have to be upgraded for 239 more to give you 90 pounds per dumbbell. Which makes that set around 700 total or the same as the Bowflex 1090 which is also 700 dollars.
I include that to hopefully help anyone out that was stuck like me for well over a month, trying to figure out which would be better.
While it is true that these are not upgradeable, I'm finding that 52.5 pounds is more than enough for what I'm looking for. I'm no beginner by any stretch of the imagination, having lifted since the 80s. But, for a home gym that doesn't take up much space, these are perfect.
Last, in what I considered a strange practice, Amazon shipped these free through ABF. ABF is an excellent freight company, BUT I live in a community of condominiums. The guy called me and was laughing because he didn't think he could get his truck into the community. He was driving a small tractor trailer, not a delivery truck. He did get in though, but thought I would mention it if you order and see ABF as your deliverer that you might have some problems getting them delivered to your door if you live in a tightly packed area. He did offer to wait on me to come get them and said he would load them into my car and even ride to my condo with me and bring them in, if his truck couldn't make the turn.
All in all, I am very happy with these dumbbells. The supposed risks of using them are no more than any dumbbell has. When you turn the dial, you hear a clear click to let you know the locking mechanism has the weights secured. Once secured, these plates are not falling off unless by way of something very rare happening, which also is a risk with any weight training product. Do watch the price, it seems to be changing weekly, these were 20 dollars cheaper when I ordered them, but were 75 dollars higher when I checked them out months ago.
Hope this helps someone.
Description of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells [Discontinued]Powerful results at the turn of a dial. They're one of the most innovative breakthroughs in home fitness. You're going to love what they can do for you. Combining 15 sets of weights in one, Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are an amazing new strength solution that gives you dramatic results and saves you tons of workout space. With just the turn of a dial you can automatically change your resistance from 5 lbs all the way up to 52.5 lbs of weight. No more picking up 30 different dumbbells to give you the results you want! All you need are two Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells to transform your body for good. Special Bonus - FREE Bowflex SelectTech workout DVD - "Secrets of the 4 Step Rep" - with every purchase. Get the most out of your workout - work smarter, not harder. Over 30 exercises with over 80 variations. If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don't have much space, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are an ideal solution. The 552 SelectTech combine 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It's one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available. Say goodbye to 16 different dumbbells cluttering your workout space. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up. Manufacturer Warranty Two-year limited warranty on all parts; five-year warranty on weight plates; one-year warranty on labor
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