Bowflex SelectTech 552
5–52.5 lb per hand, 15 settings, replaces 15 pairs.
- 5–52.5 lb
- 15 settings
- Dial
Fitness
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 worth it?
Yes for most home workouts: the 552 replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells from 5 to 52.5 lb per hand with a turn of the dial. It isn’t worth it if you already press or row more than 52.5 lb, or if you only need light weights.
The SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell in 15 settings, with 2.5 lb steps at the low end. The plates make it longer than a fixed dumbbell, and it shouldn’t be dropped. Here is who gets value from it.
Based on CDC · Bowflex · NÜOBELL (Nüo Athletics)
Which one should you buy?
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable Dumbbells
5–80 lb in 5 lb steps, twist handle.
- 5–80 lb
- 5 lb steps
- Compact shape
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Stand
Light fixed neoprene pairs with a stand.
- Fixed
- Stand
- Budget
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: Worth it for beginners and intermediate lifters short on space. Choose NÜOBELL (5–80 lb) if you’re already strong, or a cheap fixed neoprene set for light toning and rehab.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best adjustable dumbbells.
Bowflex 552 vs the alternatives
Swipe the table sideways to see all three →
| Spec | Worth it for mostBowflex SelectTech 552 | If you’re already strongNÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable Dumbbells | If you only need light weightsAmazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Stand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 5–52.5 lb | 5–80 lb | Light fixed pairs |
| Increments | 2.5 lb at low end | 5 lb | Fixed |
| Adjustment | Turn dial | Twist handle | Pick a pair |
| Shape | Long, wide | Compact for range | Compact |
| Type | Adjustable | Adjustable | Fixed set |
| Best for | Most home gyms | Stronger lifters | Light starter work |
| Price & stock | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Why pick Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Fifteen pairs of fixed dumbbells would fill a wall; the 552 fits in the space of one pair and changes weight in seconds, which keeps workouts moving.
Small 2.5 lb steps at the low end make progress smoother for beginners. The long shape can feel awkward for some moves, and you shouldn’t drop it.
Great if you
- Have limited space
- Train most muscle groups
- Want quick changes
Skip it if you
- Need more than 52.5 lb
- Drop weights
- Do lots of overhead swings
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?
For stronger lifters, 52.5 lb runs out quickly on rows, presses and lunges. NÜOBELL goes to 80 lb, so you won’t outgrow it as soon.
It costs more and the heaviest settings are bulky.
Great if you
- Lift heavier
- Want even 5 lb jumps
- Want a classic dumbbell feel
Skip it if you
- Only need light weights
- Have a tight budget
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 Why pick Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Stand?
For rehab, toning or classes with light weights, a neoprene set is cheaper and simpler than any adjustable dumbbell.
It isn’t adjustable, and most people outgrow light weights for lower-body and pressing work within months.
Great if you
- Start with light weights
- Do classes or rehab
- Want the lowest cost
Skip it if you
- Want to progress beyond light weights
- Want one compact pair
Key specs
- Type
- Fixed-weight neoprene pairs
- Storage
- Stand included
- Grip
- Neoprene coated
- Maker
- Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set with StandOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon How to decide if the Bowflex 552 is worth it
Write down the heaviest dumbbell you’d use for your main exercises in a year. That number decides it.
Your ceiling
Under 52.5 lb: Bowflex 552. More: NÜOBELL.
Space
Adjustables replace a full rack in one footprint.
Steps
Smaller steps help beginners progress smoothly.
Care
Don’t drop adjustable dumbbells; set them down in the cradle.
Bowflex SelectTech 552Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Is the Bowflex 552 worth it? Common questions
Is the Bowflex 552 worth the money?
For most home lifters, yes: it replaces 15 pairs in one footprint.
Will I outgrow the Bowflex 552?
If you progress to more than 52.5 lb on main lifts, yes. Stronger lifters should look at 80 lb options.
Can you drop Bowflex dumbbells?
No. Dropping can damage the mechanism.
How much strength training do adults need?
The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week.
How we judged value
We compared manufacturer specifications and the sources on our main adjustable dumbbell guide, as of October 2026.
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?
- CDC: adult physical activity guidelines (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Bowflex: SelectTech 552 (accessed October 23, 2026)
- NÜOBELL (Nüo Athletics): official US store (accessed October 23, 2026)