Bowflex Dumbbells Review: SelectTech 552
Our Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 review: what changed after the 2025 recall, how the redesigned dumbbells compare with PowerBlock, and what owners say.
The redesigned Bowflex SelectTech 552 is still the fastest, simplest adjustable dumbbell to use: turn the dials and lift, from 5 to 52.5 lb. The new metal parts fix the plate-retention problem behind the 2025 recall. But it's bulky and fragile if dropped, it has a two-year parts warranty, and PowerBlock remains the owners' choice for durability.
- Best for
- Fast, compact adjustable dumbbells to 52.5 lb
- Skip it if
- You drop weights or want more than 52.5 lb. Get PowerBlock.
- Price
- About $480 list, often on sale
Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series) specs
| Range | 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell |
|---|---|
| Settings | 15 (replaces 15 pairs) |
| Size | 16.9″ L × 8.3″ W × 9″ H per dumbbell |
| Design | Dial selection; redesigned with metal components holding the plates |
| Warranty | 2 years parts |
| Price | About $480 list, often on sale (checked October 2026) |
What we like
- Turn both dials and lift: fastest changes
- 15 weight settings
- Redesign fixes the plate retention problem
What we don't
- Long and bulky in the hand
- Fragile if dropped
- Two-year parts warranty
What changed after the recall
In June 2025, about 3.8 million older SelectTech 552 and 1090 dumbbells were recalled because the plates could come loose from the handle. The current Results Series versions look almost the same, but Bowflex says they now use premium, durable metal components to hold the plates to the handle.
Owners who have had both versions agree it’s a real fix. On r/Bowflex, one owner of new 552s and 1090s who also owned the recalled ones says the old versions “were really dangerous with plates always falling out”, and the new ones “seem to have fixed that issue with the metal disk”. Another calls the metal discs “a big improvement”, but wishes Bowflex had modernised the decade-old design further.
How the 552 works
Each dumbbell sits in a tray. Turn the dials on both ends to choose from 15 settings between 5 and 52.5 lb, lift the handle, and the selected plates come with it. It’s the fastest weight change of any adjustable dumbbell, and the reason the 552 became the best-known home dumbbell. Each dumbbell is 16.9″ long, 8.3″ wide and 9″ tall.
Bowflex 552 vs 1090
| SelectTech 552 | SelectTech 1090 | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 5–52.5 lb | 10–90 lb |
| Settings | 15 | 17 |
| Grip | Non-slip | Knurled |
| Parts warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
| Price | About $480 list | About $800 |
The recall claims experience
The redesign is good, but Bowflex’s recall handling left many owners angry. On r/Bowflex, owners describe claims that took months, return boxes that took weeks to arrive, and support quoting a “30+ days” processing delay. Owners of older sets often got vouchers or an app subscription worth $20–$95 instead of replacement dumbbells. One owner shipped back a pair and received a single replacement dumbbell. Bowflex did eventually send several owners new sets. We count this against Bowflex’s support score.
Bowflex vs PowerBlock
PowerBlock is the alternative owners mention most. On r/BuyItForLife, an owner who had Bowflex first sold them for PowerBlocks and recommends PowerBlock “10/10 times”, and others report six or more years of use. PowerBlocks are steel, more compact and expandable to 90 lb; their downside is that the expansion weights make them feel unbalanced for some movements, like curls.
Buy the Bowflex if you want the most dumbbell-like feel and the fastest changes, and you’ll always set them down gently. Buy PowerBlock if you want them to last for decades. Compare both in our best adjustable dumbbells round-up.
Buying a used set
Check the serial number against Bowflex’s recall page before you buy, and avoid the older red-accented sets unless they’ve been through the recall. Owners say the new versions drop the red colouring, which is one quick visual clue.
How we rated the Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series)
Our rating is based on verified specifications and owner reports, not hands-on testing. How we research and score.
| Performance and versatility | 4.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Build quality and owner-reported durability | 3.5 | |
| Space, assembly and setup | 4.8 | |
| Warranty and customer service | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 3.8 | |
| Overall | 3.9 |
Head-to-head: Bowflex vs PowerBlock
Featured in: Best adjustable dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Results Series) FAQ
Are Bowflex dumbbells safe after the recall?
The current Results Series 552 and 1090 are a redesign. Bowflex says premium, durable metal components now attach the plates to the handle, and owners on r/Bowflex who have both versions say the new metal discs fix the problem of plates falling out. The June 2025 recall covered about 3.8 million older 552 and 1090 dumbbells; check the serial number on any used set against Bowflex's recall page.
What was the Bowflex dumbbell recall?
In June 2025, about 3.8 million Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells were recalled because the weight plates could come off the handle during use, with at least 111 injuries reported. Bowflex offered replacements or vouchers depending on when the set was bought.
Bowflex 552 or PowerBlock?
PowerBlock for durability and range, Bowflex for convenience. PowerBlocks are steel, compact and expandable to 90 lb, and owners on r/BuyItForLife who owned both recommend PowerBlock. Bowflex's dials are slightly quicker and the shape feels more like a regular dumbbell, but the plastic parts are more fragile and the warranty is two years.
Bowflex 552 or 1090?
The 552 (5–52.5 lb) is enough for most people's curls, presses and rows. The 1090 (10–90 lb, about $800) is for heavier presses and rows, but it's very long at heavy settings, which makes some movements awkward.
What warranty do Bowflex dumbbells have?
The 552 comes with two years of parts coverage as standard, and Bowflex sells a $69 Protection+ plan that extends parts coverage to three years.
Can you drop Bowflex dumbbells?
No. Dial-adjustable dumbbells have plastic and moving parts that can break if dropped. Set them down in the stand. If you train to failure and drop weights, get steel PowerBlocks or Ironmaster dumbbells.
Sources
- Bowflex: Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells
- Bowflex: Results Series 1090 SelectTech Dumbbells
- Bowflex: product recalls
- ConsumerAffairs: BowFlex recalls 3.8 million adjustable dumbbells
- r/Bowflex: My timeline of the Bowflex 552 recall
- r/Bowflex: New 552s vs older recalled (series 2) model
- r/BuyItForLife: Adjustable dumbbells that are worth the price