My Bowflex adjustables are going on about 8 years without anything but a light silicone oil twice.
Praise
Fitness Equipment
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Best Dial Dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lbs via a simple dial mechanism, replacing 15 sets of traditional weights. A Canadian bestseller for home gyms, compatible with the Bowflex JRNY app for guided strength training.
15 mentions · 10 threadslast mention Apr 2026ClearPick Score
6.8 / 10
Buyer Beware
Score informed by 15 owner mentions across 10 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
4 positive3 mixed8 negative
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Best Dial Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
~$499 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
Depending on what you're using your DBs for, you may find the Bowflex run out of weight pretty fast. 52.5 isn't much for legs, chest, rows, etc. I wish I had just gone with heavier adjustable DBs from the start.
Complaint
Do your research on them, if you're even remotely serious about lifting then avoid these. The plastic has a tendency to break on them. If you want a high quality adjustable dumbbell set check out either Ironmasters or Powerblocks.
Comparison
The recall only offers a **prorated store voucher**, rather than a full refund or equivalent replacement. For instance, I paid **$399 in 2021** for a pair of dumbbells, and I was offered just **$95** in store credit.
Complaint
I've had a set of 552s since January 2012, use them with pretty much every workout (this morning included).
Praise
I've never used any of the less popular systems, only the big three; Bowflex, PowerBlock, and Ironmaster. I was never a big fan of the bowflex, they're okay I guess, but they're allegedly a bit more delicate.
Comparison
I've had mine for a few years and within the first 6 months one of the weight plate clips broke and it no longer engages to lock it. Mine broke when setting the weight down, but I didn't drop it.
Complaint
i own a pair - i like them - the main cons in my opinion is the handle grip is awkwardly large and rough - i covered mine with athletic tape. - also you can't drop them.
Complaint
I’ve had by 552’s since 2010 and my 1090’s since 2015. I’ve used them both multiple times a week since the and have never had an issue.
Praise
BTW, 2 of my plates have fallen out due to the flange breaking and I resorted to gluing them back into place. The changer still works as intended, but they broke in the first year after use.
Complaint
I prefer the Nuobell design to these, but the locking mechanism isn’t durable and just as fragile as the bowflex select tech dumbbells.
Comparison
Outside of Powerblock, which is a great budget option, there are way better ones than those listed here. Flybird, Core, and Bowflex are pretty bad unless you only want to go up to 50lbs and want the cheapest option possible.
Comparison
My only experience with these is from in store displays, but I can say this. Of the dozens I've played with- at least half of them were either: 1)Stuck at one weight 2)Very tough to change to another weight 3)Jammed in the built in stands
Complaint
About 2 years ago, I bought the 552’s(w/o the stand) and a similar bench from a coworker for $200 and have definitely got my money’s worth.
Praise
I went with the Rep quick draw. Super happy with my decision. They are so much better than the Bowflex.
Comparison
✅ What Works
- Adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments with a single dial turn — the fastest adjustment mechanism of any adjustable dumbbell system for users who prioritize speed between sets
- Traditional dumbbell shape feels natural during all exercises unlike the block format of PowerBlock alternatives — no adjustment period for lifters switching from standard dumbbells
- Wide weight range in a single compact footprint replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells — meaningful space savings for Canadian home gyms in basements and spare rooms
- 3-year warranty on parts reflects reasonable confidence in the mechanism for normal home use
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- ACTIVE SAFETY RECALL — As of June 2025, Johnson Health Tech has recalled the Bowflex SelectTech 552 due to plates potentially dislodging during use and causing impact hazards. If you own this product, contact Bowflex for a refund or replacement. Check CPSC.gov for current recall status before purchasing.
- Dial mechanism has documented durability concerns under heavy use — the plastic dial components are the most common failure point reported by long-term owners
- Better for moderate home gym use than daily heavy lifting — the mechanism holds up well under normal use but shows wear faster than the PowerBlock's magnetic pin system under aggressive training
ClearPick Verdict
The 552s split Reddit into decade-long owners who have never had an issue and owners whose plastic clips broke within the first year — the 2025 recall confirmed the second group exists in numbers. Complaints center on broken plates and flanges, reported more often than any single praise theme, and on prorated recall vouchers that left buyers with a fraction of what they paid. If you lift controlled and never drop them, owners report 8-14 year lifespans; if there is any chance they hit the floor, owners point to PowerBlock instead.
