Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Overpriced plastic and terrible warranty

2008-07-06
There is no reason to purchase these dumbells when virtually every other product is of higher quality. These dumbells will shake the entire time you are using them. Bowflex has the best advertising team in fitness ,but too bad their product is faulty. I took these back in for sportblocks. Cheaper and better quality.

Be careful - they break very easily

2008-06-29
I was happy with these at first. Then I dropped one of the barbells a short distance (about 2 feet) while working out and one of the plastic pieces that hold one of the plates broke. Now the barbells are basically useless as I can't put them

on many of the weight settings. Sadly, I'm going to throw them out and buy traditional dumbbells. Bowflex should use stronger materials.

Wish I could give 0 stars

2008-06-19
I was excited to receive these, but within 6 months they were not working well. They do not always pick up all the weights that I adjust them for and occasionally some of the weights slip out after I pick them up. These have been a complete disappointment. I understand, from a personal trainer friend, that the only benefit of these is the brand name - there are a couple of non-Bowflex products that are very similar, cost less and perform better. My discussions with Bowflex for customer service have been completely unproductive. If I could rate these as a zero, I would happily do so.

Everything I hoped for

2008-05-24
These dumbbells are perfect for the small space we have. The video included is very helpful and emphasizes proper form and technique. It's really nice being able to get in a good workout at home instead of battling the morning gym crowd.

Excellent Set

2008-05-22
excellent set of bells. great spacesavers, and very nice for a home gym with users ranging from young teenagers to older teenagers to mom and dad. Very versatile, enable a whole range of exercises.

My have a fix for falling plates...

2008-05-16
SelectTech£ Dumbbells will change your idea of dumbbells forever. Bowflex has re-invented the dumbbell by condensing 30 separate barbells down to just 2, saving you both space and money. SelectTech Dumbbell's unique weight system lets you adjust each dumbbells from 5 lbs. to 52.5 lbs. quickly, easily and safely. Just rotate the dial to the weight you want. SelectTech tumblers automatically fasten to the weight you want to lift.

Only suitable for light workouts

2008-04-23
I purchased the SelectTech Dumbbells but returned them after a couple of weeks for two main reasons. First, they just weren't heavy enough. This is primarily my fault since I knew how much they weighed when I purchased them. 52.5 pounds just isn't enough weight for any kind of halfway serious male workout. Secondly, and more importantly, their build quality appears dangerously low. The mechanism securing the weights (which are allowed the move a great deal) to the dumbbell is plastic, and anything other than very careful handling would likely break it. I was never confident that the weights wouldn't fall off the dumbbell. Further, the mechanism is only warrantied for a year, so apparently Bowflex only had so much faith in the product as well. I subsequently purchased a set of PowerBlocks off Craigslist and am completely satisfied. They're durable, heavy, and backed by a ten year warranty. I would recommend them to anyone. They're also less expensive new.

great product

2008-04-23
The bowflex dumbbells are easy to work with and fast to change. They also have a nice grip. So they are great for the casual athlete who is doing various types of lifts. Just a great product.

Pretty good so far

2008-04-13
They are a little bulky but so far it works perfectly as advertised. Dark red writing on black is not so good for people like me who don't see well without reading glasses, I brought these weights because I currently have absolutely no space in my apartment so that's working out fine for me. I'm currently using these weights with a DVD training program and because they are using regular dumbbells I often fall behind while switching weights but, I find as I get used to them, I am getting a little quicker on the dials and hitting the pause button less often.
I haven't tried anything else other than these so I can't at the moment compare with anything else. If you are about to buy these here are answers to questions I had.
1. Yes they do come in pairs (two each)
2. They both came in one box which is pretty heavy so you may need help or if you open the box each set is secured separately with safety straps
PS handle with care, do not drop these weights.

The product does what it says

2008-04-01
Great product and a good spacesaver; its convenient and reliable. The only issue is that when removing weights from the dumbbell base without the dumbbell attached to be sure to align them interally in the correct order and facing the appropriate direction. There isn't any instructions for that scenario, and it can get the equipment jammed if the weights are inserted out of order or backwards.