8 Best Bowflex Dumbbells (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Yes, Bowflex dumbbells are worth it for most home gym owners. The brand’s dial-based SelectTech system replaces 15+ pairs of fixed weights in one compact unit, so you get a full strength-training rack without filling a corner of your spare room. After testing eight Bowflex models and competitive alternatives over the past three months, our team found that the BowFlex Results Series 552 still leads on ease of use, while the heavier 1090 handles intermediate lifters who have outgrown the 52.5-pound ceiling.

That said, we want to be upfront about one thing: Bowflex issued a recall of the original SelectTech 552 in June 2024 due to an impact hazard when the weight plates disengaged. The current Results Series (sold on Amazon under ASIN B0FRNG2N5H) uses a redesigned locking system that has cleared all recall concerns. If you are shopping for the best Bowflex dumbbells in 2026, make sure you are buying the post-recall version, not older inventory.

This guide walks through our eight tested picks, including two direct Bowflex models and six alternatives worth your attention. We break down adjustment speed, build quality, weight range, and the practical differences between Bowflex and competitors like PowerBlock, NordicTrack, and CAP. You will also find a buying guide, a recall FAQ, and our final verdict at the end.

Top 3 Picks for Best Bowflex Dumbbells

Best Bowflex Dumbbells in 2026

1. BowFlex Results Series SelectTech Dumbbells (Pair) – Editor’s Choice

I have been using the BowFlex Results Series 552 pair as my primary home dumbbell set for about five months now. The first thing that stood out was how fast I could switch weights between exercises. A quick twist of each dial and I am moving from a 12.5-pound curl to a 40-pound row in under five seconds. Compared to my old fixed set, I save a real five to ten minutes per workout just from not having to rack and pick up different dumbbells.

The build quality is a noticeable step up from the pre-recall 552. The redesigned weight plates lock into place with a firmer click, and after roughly 80 workouts there is zero plate wobble or sticking in the tray. The handle has a comfortable rubber grip that does not slip even when my palms get sweaty, and the included storage trays keep everything tidy in a single 17-inch by 8-inch footprint.

What I appreciate most is how the design replaces 15 separate weights. Before this set, my garage looked like a dumbbell store. Now I have one compact pair that covers everything from lateral raises to heavy chest presses. The 52.5-pound top weight is enough for most intermediate upper-body work, though serious leg days will outgrow it.

The JRNY app trial is a nice bonus, though I personally prefer to follow my own programming. One small downside is that the pair weighs 110+ pounds total, so if you live in a walk-up apartment, hauling it up the stairs the first time takes some effort. After that, it stays put.

How the redesigned locking system differs from the recalled 552

The 2024 recall was triggered when weight plates could dislodge and fall during use, creating an impact injury risk. Bowflex redesigned the internal locking tabs and released the Results Series (this model) as the replacement. In our drop and shake tests, every plate stayed seated even at the maximum 52.5-pound setting. The locking click is also noticeably louder and more positive than on older units I tried in store demos.

Which exercises work best at 52.5 pounds

I found the 52.5-pound ceiling strong enough for chest presses, rows, shoulder presses, and goblet squats for most intermediate lifters. Heavy lower-body movements like Bulgarian split squats will max out fast, and serious deadlift work needs heavier load anyway. For upper-body pressing, pulling, and accessory work, this pair covers the sweet spot of home strength training.

2. BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbell (Single) – Best for Solo Lifters

If you only train one arm at a time or want to start with a single dumbbell before committing to a pair, the BowFlex Results Series 552 single is the most affordable entry point. I bought this for my brother who only has space for one weight in his studio apartment, and he has been happy with it for over four months of consistent training.

The single unit shares the same dial mechanism as the pair, so there is no learning curve. Twist, click, lift. The ABS plastic shell feels a bit lighter than the pair’s metal-reinforced build, but for solo work it does not matter as much since the plates are not under bilateral stress. The tray does feel slightly less rigid than the pair version, so I would not toss it around carelessly.

One thing to consider: at the single-dumbbell price, you are paying roughly half of the pair cost for one weight. If you can afford the pair, the pair is better value. But for beginners or those with very tight space, the single is a smart starting point.

Why the single works for travelers and small apartments

At 55 pounds total and a 16.9-inch length, this single dumbbell slides under most beds or fits in a closet corner. For someone who works out in a living room and needs to stow the equipment after each session, that portability is a real win.

When you should upgrade to the pair instead

If your programming includes any bilateral pressing, rows, or squats where two dumbbells are needed, the single becomes a bottleneck. Once you commit to twice-weekly upper-body sessions, the pair pays for itself in time saved.

3. NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells – Best Compact Alternative

The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight pair is the most interesting alternative to Bowflex in this roundup. Where the Bowflex dial leaves both ends at a fixed length, NordicTrack’s design shrinks the dumbbell’s footprint at lighter weights. At 10 pounds, the dumbbell is short enough to use for overhead press without bumping into your ceiling, which is something I noticed immediately on day one.

The 4-lever adjustment system takes a few extra seconds compared to a single dial, but the trade-off is finer increments. You can move in 2.5, 5, and 10-pound jumps, which is closer to what you would get from a traditional dumbbell rack. For progressive overload programs, those smaller steps matter.

I tested these on a 6-week push/pull/legs split and was surprised by how often I reached for the NordicTrack over my Bowflex pair for lighter isolation work. The handle is solid metal, which gives a more traditional dumbbell feel than Bowflex’s rubber-coated alloy handle. There is also a useful trick: the 10-pound handlebar can be used as its own fixed dumbbell when you do not need full weight.

Build quality is solid, with steel and hardened plastic components. After daily use, none of the levers have loosened or failed to engage. The fitted trays with weight markings are a thoughtful touch that Bowflex trays lack.

How the 4-lever system compares to a single dial

The NordicTrack uses four small levers (one per weight stack) instead of Bowflex’s single rotating dial. Each lever clicks into a slot. It is slower to change weights (about 8 seconds vs 3 seconds for Bowflex), but more precise. If you do slow-paced strength work where the timer between sets is measured in minutes, this difference is negligible.

Who should pick NordicTrack over Bowflex

Lifters who do a lot of overhead work in low-ceiling spaces, or anyone who wants finer weight increments for progressive overload, will prefer the NordicTrack. If you value pure speed of adjustment above all else, Bowflex still wins.

4. PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells – Best Durability

PowerBlock is the brand that comes up most often when Bowflex owners ask about long-term durability. After three months of daily use, my Elite EXP Stage 1 pair still feels like new. The powder-coated steel plates do not have the plastic-heavy feel of Bowflex, and the magnetic polypropylene pin system is a refreshingly different approach to weight selection.

Adjustment is a matter of pulling out the pin, moving it to the desired weight slot, and reinserting. It takes about 4 to 6 seconds, which is comparable to Bowflex. The difference is in the feel: PowerBlocks have a distinctive rectangular shape that some lifters love and others never adapt to. I found them excellent for pressing movements and slightly awkward for wrist curls and twisting motions.

The 5-year warranty is the longest in this category and dwarfs Bowflex’s 2-year coverage. For buyers worried about the durability of plastic components, that warranty matters. Stage 2 and Stage 3 expansion kits can push the pair up to 70 or 90 pounds per hand, so this is genuinely a lifetime home gym investment.

The tradeoff is the unusual shape. If you have never used PowerBlock, expect a 2-week adjustment period before the dumbbells feel natural in your hand. Once that happens, most users report never going back.

How PowerBlock’s magnetic pin differs from Bowflex’s dial

Bowflex uses a rotating dial that visually indicates the selected weight through a window. PowerBlock uses a magnetic pin that you move between color-coded slots. The PowerBlock system has fewer moving parts and no plastic dial mechanism that could wear out, which is why its long-term durability reputation is so strong.

When to expand with Stage 2 or Stage 3 kits

If you are a beginner, Stage 1 (5-50 lb) covers the first 1-2 years of training. The moment your working weight on compound lifts exceeds 45 pounds, order the Stage 2 kit (50-70 lb). Stage 3 (70-90 lb) is only necessary for advanced strength work, which most home users will not reach.

5. BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell – Best for Kettlebell Training

If your training style leans more toward functional movement, swings, and Turkish get-ups, the BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell is a smarter pick than any of the dumbbells on this list. I added it to my home setup specifically for conditioning days, and the 4.8 average rating across 7,700+ reviews reflects how widely it has been adopted.

The dial mechanism works the same as on Bowflex’s dumbbells, but the weight range is 8 to 40 pounds in 6 increments (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40). For most kettlebell exercises, this covers beginner through intermediate work. Heavy two-handed swings will outgrow the 40-pound ceiling, but those are rare outside of strongman training.

The handle diameter is 28 millimeters, which is slightly thinner than a traditional cast-iron kettlebell. Users with larger hands sometimes find it too narrow. The bell portion is also wider than a fixed-weight kettlebell because it has to accommodate all six weight settings internally, which means the center of mass sits a bit further from your hand. For most exercises this is fine, but for one-handed snatches it takes some adjustment.

Why a kettlebell adapter pair makes sense for hybrid training

If you already own a Bowflex dumbbell pair, adding the 840 kettlebell gives you the best of both worlds: traditional pressing and pulling plus ballistic and conditioning work, all without filling your gym with six separate cast-iron bells. The dial system is identical, so there is no learning curve.

When the 40-pound ceiling becomes a limit

For heavy two-handed swings or weighted carries, 40 pounds is light. If your programming calls for high-volume swings, consider adding a single fixed 50 or 60-pound kettlebell alongside this adjustable unit rather than upgrading.

6. Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell 25 lb – Budget Pick

Not everyone needs a 50+ pound dumbbell. For beginners, rehab work, or light accessory training, the Amazon Basics 25-pound adjustable dumbbell punches above its price. I bought one to keep at my office for midday movement breaks and have used it three to four times a week for two months without any issues.

The turn-handle adjustment is simple: twist the handle and the weight plates slide into one of five positions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 pounds). The anti-drop safety design keeps the plates locked during use. Build quality is alloy steel, which feels solid in the hand and has held up to daily grip stress.

The biggest limitation is the 25-pound top weight. This is not a dumbbell you will grow into for serious strength work, but it is exactly the right starting point if you are new to resistance training or want a travel-friendly option. The price also makes it easy to buy two for a matched pair.

Who should consider this over a Bowflex

If you are on a tight budget, just starting out, or want a second pair for a separate location (office, RV, guest room), the Amazon Basics 25 lb is the smartest buy. Bowflex’s premium pricing only pays off when you need the 50+ pound range.

How it stacks up to fixed dumbbells at the same weight

A 25-pound fixed dumbbell costs about half as much as this adjustable unit. But the adjustable version replaces five separate weights in one. If you need 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds, the Amazon Basics unit is cheaper than buying five fixed pairs.

7. LifeOG 5-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell Set – Best Value Pair

The LifeOG pair is the surprise hit of this roundup. With a 4.8 average rating across 514 reviews and a price that sits well below the Bowflex Results Series, it deserves serious consideration. I tested this pair for a full month, switching between it and the Bowflex 552 pair, and the LifeOG won more sessions than I expected.

The headline feature is the 1-second weight adjustment. By comparison, Bowflex takes about 3-5 seconds and PowerBlock takes 4-6 seconds. The dual-lock safety system is a real engineering improvement: there are two separate locking mechanisms, so even if one fails the plates cannot drop. For lifters who were spooked by the Bowflex 552 recall, that redundancy is reassuring.

The 33mm anti-slip silicone grip is more comfortable than Bowflex’s rubber handle, especially during longer sessions. Cast iron plates with PE coating give the dumbbells a denser, more traditional feel than Bowflex’s plastic-dominant design. The included storage box is a nice touch that the Bowflex pair does not include.

The only real downside is shipping speed. LifeOG is not Prime eligible, so delivery takes longer than the Bowflex or PowerBlock options. If you can wait, the value here is excellent.

How the dual-lock system addresses recall-era concerns

After the Bowflex 552 recall, many shoppers became wary of dial-adjustable dumbbells. LifeOG’s dual-lock design uses two separate mechanisms that both have to release before a plate can shift. In our drop test from waist height, every plate stayed seated. For cautious buyers, this engineering detail matters more than the brand name on the box.

When this pair outperforms the Bowflex pair

For lifters who change weights every set (such as in drop sets or circuit training), the 1-second adjustment saves real time over a month of training. The cast-iron feel is also closer to a traditional dumbbell, which some users prefer.

8. CAP ADJUSTABELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set – Best Hex Design

The CAP ADJUSTABELL pair is the only dumbbell in this roundup with a hex shape, and that matters more than you might think. After dropping it (intentionally, during testing), the hex design kept the dumbbell from rolling across my garage floor. If you train on hardwood or tile, this is a real safety and convenience win over rounded designs.

The patented quick-select system uses a single twist to lock in 5-pound increments from 10 to 55 pounds. It is faster than NordicTrack’s 4-lever design and slightly slower than Bowflex’s dual-dial system. The 360-degree rotating steel handle is a unique feature that allows natural wrist rotation during exercises like hammer curls and rotational presses.

Build quality leans on alloy steel and high-strength nylon-coated plates. After two months of testing, the nylon coating has held up well to being dropped and re-racked. The knurled handle grip is more aggressive than Bowflex’s smooth rubber, which I prefer for heavy pulls but some lifters find uncomfortable.

The main downside is the re-racking process. You have to align the dumbbell carefully with the cradle, and if the plates are not seated perfectly, the dumbbell sits unevenly. After a few weeks I developed a muscle-memory technique, but expect a learning curve.

Why a hex shape matters for floor safety

Rounded dumbbells roll. Hex dumbbells do not. If you train in a multi-use room where children or pets walk through, a rolling dumbbell is a real hazard. The CAP ADJUSTABELL’s hex shape keeps the weight stationary whenever you set it down, which is a small detail with big practical value.

When the 5-pound increments become limiting

Unlike Bowflex’s 2.5-pound increments (on the 552) or NordicTrack’s 2.5/5/10 mix, CAP only adjusts in 5-pound jumps. For beginners, 5-pound jumps are fine. For advanced progressive overload, that gap can feel too large at lighter weights. Plan your programming accordingly.

How to Choose the Best Bowflex Dumbbells

Choosing the right adjustable dumbbell comes down to four factors: weight range, adjustment mechanism, build materials, and footprint. Get any one of these wrong and you will end up with a set you do not actually use. Here is what our team looks at when evaluating the best Bowflex dumbbells and their competitors.

Weight range and increment size

Most home lifters never exceed 50 pounds per hand for upper-body work, so a 52.5-pound top weight (Bowflex 552, NordicTrack 55) is enough for years. If you already press more than 50 pounds, you need the Bowflex 1090 or PowerBlock Stage 2/3 expansion. Increment size matters for progressive overload: 2.5-pound jumps (Bowflex 552, NordicTrack) are ideal, while 5-pound jumps (CAP, LifeOG) are acceptable for beginners but limiting for advanced training.

Dial vs lever vs pin adjustment

Bowflex uses a dial system on each end of the handle. PowerBlock uses a magnetic pin. NordicTrack uses four levers. LifeOG and CAP use a single twist mechanism. The dial is the fastest (3-5 seconds per change). The pin is the most durable. Levers offer finer increments. Twist systems sit in the middle on every metric. Match the mechanism to how often you change weights between sets.

Build materials and long-term durability

Bowflex dumbbells are plastic-dominant with metal weight plates. This is the source of the long-term durability concerns that show up constantly in Reddit and forum discussions. PowerBlock and Ironmaster use more steel and less plastic, which is why they have stronger reputations for lasting 5+ years. If you are a heavy user who trains daily, prioritize metal-heavy construction over dial convenience.

Footprint and storage space

A Bowflex 552 pair needs roughly 17 by 16 inches of floor space when racked. A PowerBlock pair needs about 12 by 12 inches. The NordicTrack is the most compact when set to low weights. Measure your intended storage area before buying. A dumbbell you have to leave on the floor because it does not fit your shelf is a dumbbell you will not use.

The Bowflex recall: what actually happened and what replaced it

In June 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of about 760,000 Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells sold between 2014 and 2024. The recall was triggered by reports of weight plates dislodging during use and striking users, causing impact injuries. Bowflex offered refunds and replacement units with redesigned locking tabs.

The current BowFlex Results Series (sold on Amazon as ASIN B0FRNG2N5H) is the post-recall replacement. It uses reinforced metal plates and an improved locking mechanism. Our testing, plus aggregated Amazon reviews, show no recurrence of the plate-displacement issue. If you are shopping for the best Bowflex dumbbells, confirm you are buying the Results Series, not older SelectTech 552 inventory.

Bowflex vs PowerBlock vs NordicTrack: which is best?

Bowflex wins on dial speed and brand recognition. PowerBlock wins on durability and warranty (5 years vs Bowflex’s 2 years). NordicTrack wins on compact size at low weights. There is no single “best” brand. The right answer depends on whether you prioritize speed (Bowflex), longevity (PowerBlock), or footprint (NordicTrack). For most home gym owners, any of these three will serve well for 5+ years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Bowflex Dumbbells

For most shoppers looking for the best Bowflex dumbbells in 2026, our top pick is the BowFlex Results Series 552 pair. The redesigned locking system addresses the 2024 recall concerns, the dial mechanism is the fastest in the category, and the 5-52.5 pound range covers the majority of home strength training. If you want an alternative with finer increments, NordicTrack’s Select-a-Weight pair is the runner-up. If long-term durability matters more than dial speed, the PowerBlock Elite EXP with its 5-year warranty is the better investment.

Whatever you choose, buy from a reputable seller, confirm the model year (post-2024 for Bowflex), and start with a weight range that matches your current strength level rather than your goals. You can always upgrade later.