Best Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells: SelectTech 552, 52, 1090 or 90?

The best Bowflex adjustable dumbbells for most people are the Results Series SelectTech 552 (or its traditional-shaped twin, the 52), which adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds and replace 15 pairs of dumbbells. Choose the SelectTech 1090 or 90 only if you already press or row more than about 50 pounds per hand, or will soon. Those adjust from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound steps. In the current US lineup, the main choice is between the 52.5 lb and 90 lb ranges. The 552-versus-52 and 1090-versus-90 choices mostly come down to shape and feel.

The 2026 SelectTech Lineup

Bowflex now sells four SelectTech dumbbell models in the US, all under the Results Series name, plus the SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell. Each weight range comes in two shapes: a curved design with tapered plates (552 and 1090) and a more traditional dumbbell shape with uniform plates (52 and 90).

Bowflex runs frequent sales, so the gap between list price and selling price can be $70–$150. That’s why the ranges above are wide.

552/52 or 1090/90? Use Your Current Lifts

The choice depends on your heaviest dumbbell exercise, which for most people is a press, a row or a goblet squat. Use this rule of thumb:

Also consider small jumps. On the 552 and 52, the first half of the range goes up in 2.5-pound steps. Going from 10 to 12.5 lb is a 25% increase, compared with 50% for a jump from 10 to 15 lb. That matters for lateral raises, curls and rear-delt work, where small muscles stall on big jumps. The 1090 and 90 only move in 5-pound steps, starting at 10 lb, so they are clumsy for isolation work. Many lifters who choose the 90-pound sets keep a pair of light fixed dumbbells for raises.

Curved vs Traditional Shape

• 552 and 1090 (curved, tapered plates): the plates get smaller toward the outer ends, which gives a slightly more compact feel near the hands. This is the classic SelectTech look.
• 52 and 90 (traditional, uniform plates): all plates are the same size, so the dumbbell looks and feels more like a conventional fixed dumbbell. Some lifters find it more natural for presses and floor work.

Weight ranges, settings and dial operation are the same within each pair, so pick whichever shape you like the look and feel of, or whichever is cheaper during a sale.

Size and Handling Realities

The length is the big compromise. A SelectTech dumbbell is the same length at 10 lb as at 52.5 lb, so light exercises like flyes and lateral raises feel bulkier than with fixed dumbbells. The 1090 is wider still at full load, so the plates can touch at the top of a dumbbell bench press if you bring them together. Many lifters press the 1090 slightly apart for that reason.

What Wears First, and How to Avoid It

• Don’t drop them. SelectTech plates and the selector mechanism use plastic parts. Dropping a loaded dumbbell from the top of a press can crack plates or misalign the dial, and impact damage is generally not covered by the warranty. Lower dumbbells to the floor or bench under control.
• Set both dials to the same number. Turning only one end leaves plates unequal. Bowflex’s selection system is designed to lock fully only in proper detent positions. If a dial feels stuck halfway, reseat the dumbbell in the base and turn again.
• Return the dumbbell fully to the base before turning the dials. Turning the dials while the dumbbell is half out of the cradle is the classic cause of plates staying on or falling off.
• Keep the bases clean. Dust and grit in the cradles make plates seat badly. Wipe the cradles and plates with a dry cloth occasionally. Don’t use oil or solvent sprays.
• Use a stand. A stand at waist height saves your back from lifting a 90-pound pair off the floor before every set. Bowflex sells stands and media racks separately.

Cost per Pound vs Fixed Dumbbells

A full set of fixed rubber hex dumbbells from 5 to 50 lb in 5 lb steps totals 550 pounds of iron. At a typical $1.50–$2.50 per pound, that’s roughly $825–$1,375, plus a two- or three-tier rack and about 5–6 feet of wall space. The 552 or 52 covers the same range, adds 2.5-pound steps in the lower half, and stores in about a 2 × 1.5-foot footprint for well under half that cost. The 1090 or 90 covers a range that would need more than 1,000 pounds of fixed dumbbells.

Bottom Line by Lifter

If you’re recovering from an injury or new to strength training, a physical therapist or qualified coach can help you choose starting weights that progress safely.