Depending on what you're using your DBs for, you may find the Bowflex run out of weight pretty fast. 52.5 isn't much for legs, chest, rows, etc. I wish I had just gone with heavier adjustable DBs from the start.
Complaint
Fitness Equipment
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Best Dial Dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lbs via a simple dial mechanism, replacing 15 sets of traditional weights. A Canadian bestseller for home gyms, compatible with the Bowflex JRNY app for guided strength training.
15 mentions · 10 threadslast mention Apr 20265.8/ 10
ClearPick Score
Buyer Beware
Score informed by 15 owner mentions across 10 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
4 positive3 mixed8 negative
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Best Dial Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
~$499 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
Safety notice
BowFlex recalled the SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells in 2025 after more than 100 reported injuries from weight plates dislodging during use — over 3.8 million units affected. Owners in our quote wall independently describe the same failure: plate clips and flanges breaking within the first year. Check whether your unit is affected at bowflex.com/dumbbell-recalls. The remedy owners report is a prorated store voucher, not a full refund. That said, several long-term owners report 8-15 years of trouble-free use — the recall is real and many units never failed.
Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
My Bowflex adjustables are going on about 8 years without anything but a light silicone oil twice.
Praise
Do your research on them, if you're even remotely serious about lifting then avoid these. The plastic has a tendency to break on them. If you want a high quality adjustable dumbbell set check out either Ironmasters or Powerblocks.
Comparison
The recall only offers a **prorated store voucher**, rather than a full refund or equivalent replacement. For instance, I paid **$399 in 2021** for a pair of dumbbells, and I was offered just **$95** in store credit.
Complaint
Outside of Powerblock, which is a great budget option, there are way better ones than those listed here. Flybird, Core, and Bowflex are pretty bad unless you only want to go up to 50lbs and want the cheapest option possible.
Comparison
I've never used any of the less popular systems, only the big three; Bowflex, PowerBlock, and Ironmaster. I was never a big fan of the bowflex, they're okay I guess, but they're allegedly a bit more delicate.
Comparison
I've had a set of 552s since January 2012, use them with pretty much every workout (this morning included).
Praise
i own a pair - i like them - the main cons in my opinion is the handle grip is awkwardly large and rough - i covered mine with athletic tape. - also you can't drop them.
Complaint
I've had mine for a few years and within the first 6 months one of the weight plate clips broke and it no longer engages to lock it. Mine broke when setting the weight down, but I didn't drop it.
Complaint
I’ve had by 552’s since 2010 and my 1090’s since 2015. I’ve used them both multiple times a week since the and have never had an issue.
Praise
My only experience with these is from in store displays, but I can say this. Of the dozens I've played with- at least half of them were either: 1)Stuck at one weight 2)Very tough to change to another weight 3)Jammed in the built in stands
Complaint
About 2 years ago, I bought the 552’s(w/o the stand) and a similar bench from a coworker for $200 and have definitely got my money’s worth.
Praise
I prefer the Nuobell design to these, but the locking mechanism isn’t durable and just as fragile as the bowflex select tech dumbbells.
Comparison
BTW, 2 of my plates have fallen out due to the flange breaking and I resorted to gluing them back into place. The changer still works as intended, but they broke in the first year after use.
Complaint
I went with the Rep quick draw. Super happy with my decision. They are so much better than the Bowflex.
Comparison
✅ What Works
- Long-term owners (10+ years in some cases) report reliable performance
- Compact, space-saving design compared to a full dumbbell rack
- Wide resistance range covers most home training needs
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Subject to an official recall over plastic weight-selector housing cracking
- Recall remedy criticized as a prorated store credit rather than a full refund
- Dial/selector mechanism reported to jam or stick on a notable share of units
- Serious lifters are frequently steered toward Powerblock or Ironmaster instead
ClearPick Verdict
Long-term durability is the recurring theme here, and it's backed by a real, public recall — Bowflex SelectTech 552/1090 dumbbells were recalled over the plastic weight-selector housing cracking, which owners confirm in multiple independent threads. One owner who filed a claim reports the recall "only offers a prorated store voucher, rather than a full refund," getting $95 back on a $399 purchase. Beyond the recall, owners describe dial mechanisms jamming or sticking at in-store display units ("at least half of them were... stuck at one weight"), and several recommend Powerblock or Ironmaster instead for anyone serious about lifting. On the positive side, long-term owners who haven't hit the plastic-failure issue report years of reliable use. Reasonable for casual home use on a budget, but if you lift seriously or want long-term reliability, owners consistently point elsewhere.
