Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells Review
Best Feature:
Adjustable dumbbells with 17 weight resistances (10-90 lbs)
Worst Feature:
Expensive and was recalled due to safety issues
Best Uses:
Space-saving set for serious strength training
Pricing:
$599 (3-yr warranty, 6-wk satisfaction guarantee)
Overview
Compact and efficient, the Bowflex® SelectTech® 1090 Dumbbells can do the work of seventeen sets of dumbbells all in one for the ultimate strength training in your home gym. As with the Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells, the 1090 Dumbbells allow you to change your weight resistance with the simple turn of a dial. The weight resistance ranges from 10 pounds to 90 pounds and is adjustable in 5-pound increments, so you’ll be able to fine tune your training routine and improve your fitness level without needing any other dumbbells. In addition to making it easier to control how challenging your workouts are, the dial adjustment also allows you to quickly switch weights. This feature is especially helpful if you like incorporating speed circuits into your session. The 1090 Dumbbells have a durable coating around the metal plates to eliminate loud clanking sounds, and they also have an ergonomically designed stand available that makes it safer and easier on your lower back to lift up heavier weights. Bowflex® SelectTech® includes a free DVD with your purchase to help you get the most out of your dumbbells. The DVD will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations that you can do with your 1090s to get a total body workout. The 1090 Dumbbells make it completely unnecessary to have 34 individual dumbbells cluttering up your home when you can just have one set that can be easily stored away in a closet after you are done working out.
You can purchase the Bowflex® SelectTech® 1090 Dumbbells online for about $599 (list price is $799).
Product Report Card Grade
We give the Bowflex® SelectTech® 1090 Dumbbells an A- because they are excellent, space-saving dumbbells for an office or home gym. At just the turn of a dial, you can quickly and easily change between 17 different weight resistances (10 - 90 lbs). The dumbbells are incredibly versatile and allow you to challenge yourself with a wider range of full body exercises. While customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, we had to deduct a few points because there were some safety issues with the dial adjustment system, which resulted in a product recall in June 2012. Additionally, some customers felt the size of the dumbbells was a bit awkward for certain exercises and that the oval design of the handle made the grip uncomfortable.
Date Reviewed
May 2012
May 2012
May 2012
Pros
Highly rated, space-saving and functional design with 17 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set (replaces the need for 34 individual dumbbells); great for speed circuits where you need to change weights quickly; wide range of weight settings means you can do more challenging and varied full body exercises
15 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set provides great functionality and saves space; can increase weight resistance in small increments, which helps prevent muscle strain and is better for building muscle strength and endurance; durable design; dial adjustment system does a good job of securing the plates to the handle, which eliminates clanking noises and pinching; comfortable grip, so weight lifting gloves are optional; great for P90x enthusiasts
Very affordable traditional dumbbell set for home or small gym; handles have comfortable and secure grips; hexagon shape keeps them in place when put down; great for P90x enthusiasts
Cons
Expensive; originally recalled due to safety issues with dial adjustment system; stand is sold separately for $149 and is definitely encouraged to avoid hurting your back; 1090 Dumbbells are bigger than traditional dumbbells, and some reviewers felt they were a bit awkward for certain exercises; handle design is oval (not cylindrical), which some reviewers felt made the grip awkward; grips are very rough, so you may need weight lifting gloves
Relatively expensive; a few complaints about the dial adjustment system sticking or catching on plates; stand is sold separately and expensive ($149) but somewhat necessary to avoid back strain
Manufacturing quality is reportedly average (ex. paint chips really easily and metal burrs in grip that were never polished down); some reviewers were annoyed that you had to buy dumbbells individually; takes up a lot of space depending on how many dumbbells you buy; noisier than rubber coated dumbbells; Warning: "This product contains one or more phthalate chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."
Type
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Dumbbells (sold individually)
Weight Range
10 - 90 lbs
5 - 52.5 lbs
1 -50 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
Price (MSRP)
$799 MSRP (available for around $599)
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
Available for around $9.49 - $69.99
Warranty
Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 3-year warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 1090 Dumbbells in your home. If you don't like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 2-year limited warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 552 Dumbbells in your home. If you don't like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
If you purchase from CAP Barbell or from an authorized retailer, the dumbbells have a 30-day warranty that only covers manufacturing defects. It does not cover "paint peeling, rust, rips, cuts and tears, dents, bent handles, loose heads if dropped or any other signs of misuse such as knocking dumbbells together."
Weight Options
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 5-lb increment from 10 - 90 lbs.
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 2.5-lb increments up to 25 lbs. Between 25 lbs - 50 lbs, you can adjust the weight resistance in 5-lb increments, and then the last weight setting only increases by 2.5 lbs.
Dumbbells are available in the following weights: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 50, 35, 40, 45 and 50. (While not listed on the CAP Barbell website, Amazon has 55 and 60 pound weights as well.)
Product Design
The dumbbells are black metal with red detailing and have plastic tabs that hold the weights in place.
The dumbbells are black metal with red detailing and have plastic tabs that hold the weights in place.
The dumbbells are 100% cast iron and have solid steel handles for weight over 15 pounds. They are coated with a semi-gloss finish that helps to prevent rusting.
Dumbbell Shape
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Hexagon
Dimensions
The dumbbells are 17.5" x 10" x 10" (L x W x H). The optional stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
The 552s are 15.75" x 8" x 9" (L x W x H). The optional stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
Varies depending on weight
Extras
A free DVD ("Secrets of the 4-Step Rep") is included with your purchase and will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations.
A free DVD ("Secrets of the 4-Step Rep") is included with your purchase and will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations.
N/A
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Great design and functionality for home gym, especially one with space constraints (replaces the need for 34 individual dumbbells)
- Great for speed circuits where you need to change weights quickly
- Wide range of weight settings means you can do more challenging and varied full body exercises
Cons
- Product recalled due to safety issues with dial adjustment system
- Expensive
- Stand is sold separately ($149), but it is important to have (especially for your lower back) if you are going to be lifting 90 lb weights off the floor very often. As a heads up, many reviewers commented that the instructions for the stand are awful and it is very difficult to assemble.
- 1090 Dumbbells are bigger than traditional dumbbells, and some reviewers felt they were a bit awkward for certain exercises
- Handle design is oval (not cylindrical) which makes the grip awkward
- Grips are very rough, so you may need weight lifting gloves
Key Features
Product Size
Each dumbbell measures 17.5" x 10" x 10" (L x W x H) and weighs up to 90 lbs. The stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5” (L x W x H).
Weight Resistance
Each dumbbell has a weight resistance that ranges from 10 to 90 lbs. There is an easy to read dial adjustment system that allows you to change weight in 5 lb increments for a total of 17 weight settings.
Warranty
For the 1090 Dumbbells, Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 3-year warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 1090 Dumbbells in your home. If you don’t like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
Reputation
The Bowflex® SelectTech® 1090 Dumbbells have received good reviews from customers online, including a 4.4/5 on Buzzillions.com, a 4.6/5 on bowflexselecttech.com (185 reviews), and a 4.6/5 on Amazon.com (108 reviews). However, on June 7, 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Nautilis (parent company of Bowflex® SelectTech®), issued a voluntary recall of the 1090 Dumbbells due to reports Nautilus received regarding a defective weight selector dial causing the plates to fall off the handle and injuring some consumers (16 cited cases). That aside, most customers were happy with 1090’s compact size and the versatility of adjustable dumbbells, so they seemed willing to overlook some of the more minor complaints mentioned above. In light of the safety issues, however, you might be better off looking into the 552 Dumbbells. They are also very highly rated and more than a few reviewers preferred them to the 1090s. If you don’t mind that the weight resistance range only goes to 52.5 pounds, the 552s apparently have a better designed handle and grip, and they aren’t as awkward as the 1090s during certain exercises.
Reviews
Customer Responses, Reviews, or Complaints
Username: cpratt1999
Location: Arvada, CO
Age: 44
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Pratt's Dumbbells Review: Bowflex Select Tech 1090
Review submitted: 2013-09-16
Bowflex's Select Tech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are an excellent set of dumbbells for the at home lifter. A little on the pricey side, but when you consider the price of a set of traditional dumbbells, combined with the price of weight racks, and then you combine the fact that these can easily be stored without taking up excessive amounts of space, they are completely worth the price, and perfect for your home gym!
The Bowflex 1090's are also very easy to use, good looking, good quality. At first I was skeptical about how this design could be easy to use, and above all; how it could last without breaking. However, they have stood the test of time! I am very satisfied.
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