Best Reviewed
Dumbbells
- Generic, fixed-weight dumbbells Fixed-Weight Dumbbells *Est. $1
- Lightweight hand weights Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights *Est. $10
- Best adjustable dumbbells Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells *Est. $400
- High-weight, adjustable dumbbells PowerBlock Sports Series Dumbbells *Est. $150
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Best adjustable dumbbells
- Lots of variety
- Easy to adjust
- Takes up less space than traditional dumbbells
- Expensive
- Plastic pieces can break easily
- Can be awkward for some exercises
Instead of buying 10 pairs of individual dumbbells, many experts recommend an adjustable dumbbell set like the Bowflex SelectTech. These dumbbells garner excellent reviews from users, and they are consistently the top-rated adjustable dumbbells on review sites like Amazon.com. With the selectorized dumbbells you can quickly select the weight you want without having to screw and unscrew weight plates like most adjustable dumbbells. The SelectTech system uses a dial system to change weights and comes in two versions. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 (*Est. $400) has a weight range from 5 to 52.5 pounds, adjustable in 2.5-pound increments. A heavier set, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 (*Est. $600), adjusts from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments.
Users say the adjustment system is very easy to use, and they love how quickly they can change weights. However, some say the plastic pieces can break easily, and since they're bigger than traditional dumbbells, they can feel awkward when performing certain exercises. The PowerBlock Sport Series Dumbbells (*Est. $150 and up) are also recommended.
The best information on the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells comes from user-review sites like Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com. Buzzillions compiles owner-written reviews from SportsAuthority.com and DicksSportingGoods.com. Both of these sites have a good number of reviews for the SelectTech dumbbells. The dumbbells are also covered in some publications, including Women's Health, Esquire and Outside magazines, although these sources don't provide much detail.
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| Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) | |
(314 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  1,352 store reviews | In Stock. | $314.99 | See It |
| Bowflex Treadclimber |  0 store reviews | In Stock. | $399.00 | See It |
 | 9 store reviews | In Stock. | $314.99 | See It |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
More than 100 users review the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells at Amazon.com, giving them an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five. Reviewers are impressed with the weight adjustment, saying it's quick and easy to use. Most users are very satisfied, but a few report that the internal plastic parts can break easily.
Review: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Jan. 2010
The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells also earn a 4.5-star rating in more than 80 reviews compiled by Buzzillions.com. Users say the dumbbells are great for cramped apartments, and many say they are comfortable to hold. However, some think the dumbbells feel awkward during certain exercises and others complain about the price.
Review: Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
There are a number of threads about the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells on the Bodybuilding.com forum. These are serious weightlifters, and many prefer the PowerBlock dumbbells because they can accommodate higher weights. Users also caution that the Bowflex dumbbells can break easily.
Review: Bowflex SelectTech, Contributors to the Bodybuilding.com forum
4. Women's Health magazineDetails/Subscribe
Women's Health recommends the Bowflex SelectTech as among the best dumbbells for women, saying they are easy to adjust and don't rattle like some adjustable dumbbells. The older version they discuss here has been incorporated into the Bowflex SelectTech 552.
Review: Best Dumbbells for Women, Editors of Women's Health, Dec. 26, 2009
5. Outside MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Outside magazine also picks the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells as a good choice for those who want an adjustable set, praising it for offering 15 dumbbells in one system.
Review: Essentials: Home Fitness, Matthew Fishbane, Jan. 2009
6. Esquire magazineDetails/Subscribe
Physicians Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen, authors of a popular diet book, recommend investing in high-quality exercise equipment rather than paying money for a gym membership. In passing, they recommend the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells, but not much detail is shared here.
Review: Better Man: Day 2, Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen, April 22, 2008
Dumbbells Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
