Friday, March 29, 2024

Dumbbells: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Pros
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
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
Cons
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
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
Type
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Weight Range
5 - 52.5 lbs
10 - 90 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
15
17
Price (MSRP)
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
$799 MSRP (available for around $599)
Warranty
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).
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).
Weight Options
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.
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 5-lb increment from 10 - 90 lbs.
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.
Dumbbell Shape
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Dimensions
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).
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).
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.
Made In...
China
China
 
Product Grade
Product Grade