If you’re looking to build or upgrade a home gym, adjustable dumbbells are a convenient way to get a range of weights without crowding your workout space. Two popular options are the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set and the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells. Both are designed to replace multiple pairs of traditional dumbbells, saving you space and streamlining your workout routine. But how do they stack up in terms of weight range, increments, ease of adjustment, and overall design? Below, we’ll break down each product’s key specs and features to help you decide which set is best for your fitness goals.
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
Key Specs & Features:
- Price: $399 (NordicTrack official site)
- Weight Range: Adjusts from 10 lbs to 55 lbs per dumbbell.
- Slightly bulkier design but with a secure handle grip.
- Adjustment Increments: Offers 2.5-lb increments at certain intervals and 5-lb increments at others. The available weights typically include 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 lbs.
- Number of Replacements: Replaces up to 30 individual dumbbells, saving significant space.
- Adjustment Mechanism: A Rapid Strike™ handle and locking mechanism. You select your desired weight by sliding the handle, which locks in the appropriate plates.
- Storage Tray: Comes with a molded tray that keeps each dumbbell’s plates organized.
- Durability: Metal weight plates with plastic coating for noise reduction.
- Dimensions: 19.4” x 7.9” x 7.75” per dumbbell.
- Metal weight plates with plastic-coated edges for a quieter experience.
Best For:
- Lifters who need heavier weight options (up to 55 lbs) for progressive strength training.
- Those who want 2.5-lb increment steps for fine-tuning their workout intensity.
- Anyone looking for a space-saving solution that replaces multiple dumbbells in one set.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Key Specs & Features:
- Price: $399 (Bowflex official site)
- Weight Range: Adjusts from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell.
- Compact and ergonomic design with a rubberized grip for comfort.
- Adjustment Increments: From 5 to 25 lbs, the dial increases in 2.5-lb increments; from 25 to 50 lbs, it goes in 5-lb increments. The final jump is 2.5 lbs from 50 to 52.5 lbs.
- Number of Replacements: Replaces up to 15 sets of dumbbells, reducing clutter in your workout area.
- Adjustment Mechanism: A dial system on both ends of each dumbbell. Rotate the dial to your desired weight, and only those plates remain attached.
- Storage: Includes a basic tray to hold the weights when not in use.
- Durability: High-quality molding around the metal plates reduces noise.
- Dimensions: 16.9” x 8.3” x 9” per dumbbell.
- Metal weight plates covered in plastic molding to reduce noise.
Best For:
- Beginners to intermediate lifters who want to start as low as 5 lbs.
- Individuals who prioritize quick and easy weight changes via the dial system.
- Those seeking a mid-range maximum weight (52.5 lbs) for typical home workouts
Comparison Chart
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NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set:
- Suitable for compound and isolation movements with a slightly heavier max weight.
- Pairs with iFit interactive workouts for structured training programs.
- Better for users who need progressive overload for strength training.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells:
- Best for full-body workouts, including arms, shoulders, chest, legs, and back.
- Supports drop sets and supersets due to its fast weight selection.
- Compatible with the Bowflex JRNY app for guided workouts.
Verdict:
For guided strength training and faster transitions, Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the better option. However, NordicTrack offers a broader weight range and better customization for progressive training.
Pros & Cons
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
Pros:
✔ Higher maximum weight (55 lbs) allows for progressive strength training.
✔ Unique 2.5-lb and 5-lb adjustments for finer control.
✔ Replaces up to 30 dumbbells, making it a space-saving investment.
✔ Rapid Strike™ handle adjustment system offers secure weight selection.
✔ Includes a storage tray for organized weight management.
Cons:
✖ Slightly bulkier length (19.4 inches) may feel awkward for some exercises.
✖ Minimum weight starts at 10 lbs, which may not suit absolute beginners.
✖ Takes slightly longer to change weights than the Bowflex.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
✔ Lower minimum weight (5 lbs) makes it ideal for beginners or rehab exercises.
✔ Dial-based adjustment system allows for quick weight changes.
✔ Replaces 15 dumbbells, reducing clutter in home gyms.
✔ Compact design (16.9 inches) for easier maneuverability.
✔ Well-known Bowflex brand, with additional resources like the SelectTech app.
Cons:
✖ Maximum weight is 52.5 lbs, which may not be enough for advanced lifters.
✖ Dial mechanism requires occasional cleaning to maintain smooth function.
✖ Handle diameter is slightly larger than traditional dumbbells, which some users may find uncomfortable.
Final Verdict—Which One Should You Choose?
Both the NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells provide a convenient solution for home workouts by consolidating multiple weights into a single, compact system.
- Choose NordicTrack if you need heavier weights (up to 55 lbs) and want finer 2.5-lb increments for part of the range.
- Choose Bowflex if you prefer a lighter starting weight (5 lbs) or a slightly shorter dumbbell length that may feel more compact during certain exercises.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to how light or heavy you need to lift, your personal preference for adjustment mechanisms, and your available space. Both options can help you build strength efficiently without cluttering your workout area.
FAQs
How to unlock Bowflex Dumbbells?
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells use a dial system on each end. To “unlock” or adjust them:
- Place the dumbbell in its storage tray.
- Turn the dial on each side to the desired weight setting.
- Lift the dumbbell straight up. Only the plates matching your selected weight will remain attached.
If you’re unable to turn the dial, ensure the dumbbell is fully seated in the tray so all plates align properly.
How do Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells work?
Each Bowflex dumbbell has a series of plates connected to a locking mechanism. When you rotate the dial, you select how many plates will attach to the handle. Plates not in use remain in the storage tray, leaving only the chosen weight on the handle.
How to reset NordicTrack Dumbbells?
“Resetting” typically means returning the dumbbells to their storage trays and choosing a new starting weight:
- Place the dumbbell in its tray so all plates line up.
- Rotate the top dial (or handle) to your desired new setting (often 10 lbs).
- Confirm the dial is locked before lifting the dumbbell again.
How to use NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells?
- Identify your target weight.
- Turn the Rapid Strike™ dial to select your desired load.
- Grasp the handle and lift straight up from the storage tray—only the plates for that weight will come out.
- Return the dumbbell to the tray and adjust again if you need a different load.
What is the difference between NordicTrack and Bowflex Dumbbells?
- Weight Range: NordicTrack goes from 10 to 55 lbs; Bowflex goes from 5 to 52.5 lbs.
- Adjustment Mechanism: NordicTrack uses a single top dial/handle, while Bowflex uses side dials on each end.
- Minimum & Maximum Weight: Bowflex starts lighter; NordicTrack goes heavier.
What weight are NordicTrack Dumbbells?
The NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set can be adjusted from 10 to 55 lbs per dumbbell, with 2.5-lb increments in the lower range and 5-lb increments above 25 lbs.
What weight are Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells range from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell. They increase in 2.5-lb increments from 5 to 25 lbs, then in 5-lb increments from 25 to 50 lbs, with a final jump of 2.5 lbs from 50 to 52.5 lbs. This wide range makes them suitable for beginners to intermediate lifters who need gradual weight progression.
Do Adjustable Dumbbells actually work?
Yes. Adjustable dumbbells provide the same resistance as fixed-weight dumbbells and are ideal for home gyms because they consolidate multiple weight options into one compact piece of equipment. They’re used widely for strength training, circuit workouts, and more.
Joyce Elizabeth
Joyce is a writer who loves creating content that connects and inspires. With a background in psychology, she enjoys understanding what drives people and crafting stories that make complex choices feel simple. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying out new coffee spots, getting lost in a good book, or planning her next adventure.
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