Bowflex SelectTech 552
15 settings from 5 to 52.5 lb, with 2.5 lb steps where small muscles need them.
- 5–52.5 lb
- 2.5 lb steps
- Dial
Fitness
Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs NÜOBELL: which adjustable dumbbells?
Short version: the Bowflex 552 suits beginners and small-muscle work with its 2.5 lb steps; NÜOBELL suits stronger lifters who need up to 80 lb and want a shape closer to a fixed dumbbell.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell with a dial, in 2.5 lb steps at the low end. The NÜOBELL 80 lb adjusts from 5 to 80 lb in 5 lb steps by twisting the handle, and keeps a compact, conventional profile for its range.
Based on CDC · Bowflex · NÜOBELL (Nüo Athletics)
Which one should you buy?
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable Dumbbells
5 to 80 lb per hand, adjusted by twisting the handle, in a compact profile.
- 5–80 lb
- 5 lb steps
- Twist handle
We don't list prices because they change daily; Amazon shows the current price and stock when you click. We earn a commission on purchases, which never decides a pick. How we choose.
The short answer: Bowflex 552 if 52.5 lb covers your heaviest lift and you want small jumps for shoulders and arms. NÜOBELL if you already press or row more than 50 lb, or will soon.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best adjustable dumbbells.
Bowflex 552 vs NÜOBELL: spec by spec
Swipe the table sideways to see both →
| Spec | Best for beginnersBowflex SelectTech 552 | Best for stronger liftersNÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable Dumbbells |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 5–52.5 lb | 5–80 lb |
| Increments | 2.5 lb at low end (15 settings) | 5 lb |
| Adjustment | Turn end dials | Twist handle in cradle |
| Shape | Long, wide plates | Compact for its range |
| Heaviest setting | 52.5 lb | 80 lb |
| Best for | Beginners, general fitness | Intermediate and strong lifters |
| Price & stock | Check price | Check price |
Why pick Bowflex SelectTech 552?
The 552’s small increments are its biggest advantage over the NÜOBELL. Going from 10 to 12.5 lb on lateral raises or curls is manageable; jumping 5 lb at that weight is a 50% increase, which is too much for many people.
You turn the dials at each end while the dumbbells sit in their tray, and the unused plates stay behind. It replaces 15 pairs of weights.
The downside is shape: the plates make it long and wide, which can bump your thighs on curls and feel awkward on presses. And 52.5 lb will eventually limit heavy rows, presses and goblet squats.
Great if you
- Are new to strength training
- Train shoulders and arms with small jumps
- Have one pair to share across a household
Skip it if you
- Already lift over 50 lb
- Want a compact shape
- Want 5 lb steps throughout
Key specs
- Range
- 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell
- Settings
- 15
- Adjustment
- Dial
- Replaces
- 15 pairs
- Model
- SelectTech 552
Bowflex SelectTech 552Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Why pick NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable Dumbbells?
NÜOBELL’s case is headroom. Eighty pounds per hand covers heavy rows, presses and goblet squats that outgrow a 52.5 lb set, so you are unlikely to need a second pair.
You twist the handle while it sits in the cradle to select weight, and the shape stays closer to a regular dumbbell than most selectorized designs, which helps on presses.
Its 5 lb steps are coarse for small isolation exercises at light weights, and it is a bigger, heavier setup to store.
Great if you
- Lift more than 50 lb already
- Want one set to grow into
- Prefer a dumbbell-like shape
Skip it if you
- Need small 2.5 lb increments
- Are just starting out
- Have very little floor space
Key specs
- Range
- 5–80 lb per dumbbell
- Increments
- 5 lb
- Adjustment
- Twist handle
- Model
- 580
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable DumbbellsOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon How to choose between Bowflex and NÜOBELL
Write down the heaviest dumbbell weight you use today and what you expect in a year. That number usually decides it.
Your heaviest lift
If your rows or presses are near or above 50 lb, the Bowflex will limit you. NÜOBELL won’t.
Small increments
Lighter exercises progress best in small steps. Bowflex’s 2.5 lb jumps help here.
Feel in hand
Bulky plates can get in the way on curls and presses. Try a store demo if you can.
Don’t drop them
Selector mechanisms can break if dropped. Set them down in the tray.
Bowflex SelectTech 552Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Bowflex 552 vs NÜOBELL: common questions
Is NÜOBELL better than Bowflex?
For heavier lifting and a more dumbbell-like shape, yes. For beginners who need small jumps, the Bowflex 552 is often the better fit.
Can I drop either?
No. Both use selector mechanisms that can be damaged by drops.
Is 52.5 lb enough?
For many people doing general fitness, yes. Stronger lifters often outgrow it on rows, presses and squats.
Do they need a stand?
Both work from their trays on the floor. A stand saves bending.
How often should I strength train?
The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week for adults.
How we compared them
We compared Bowflex’s and Nüo Athletics’ published weight ranges, increments and adjustment mechanisms, and related them to typical progression for beginner and intermediate lifters.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- Bowflex: SelectTech 552 (accessed October 23, 2026)
- NÜOBELL (Nüo Athletics) (accessed October 23, 2026)
- CDC: adult physical activity guidelines (accessed October 23, 2026)