Bowflex is well known for having high quality product designs, and this model is no different. The problem is that it’s easily grown out of- making it great for beginners and women who aren’t looking to build a ton of muscle. This is because It only builds up to a weight capacity of around 52.5 pounds.

The Bowflex SelectTech’s claim to fame is that it combines 15 weights into one, giving you a unique dial that lets you change things up on the go. This is better for many who find taking weights on and off all of the time bothersome. Plus, it comes with a complete 2 year warranty on all plates and parts, for a little over $399.

If you’re just starting out, or you’d like to have a dumbbell model that works well for endurance training, the Bowflex model could be just what you need. Because it’s so lightweight, you can use it for hundreds of workouts, no matter how muscular or trained you are in lifting. Because it’s lightweight and ergonomic, you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself or really “bulking up”.

If you’re really new to lifting, you’ll also appreciate Bowflex’s Free SelectTech workout DVD that comes with your purchase. Right now, they’re one of the hottest adjustable dumbbell discounts, selling on Amazon for about half of their suggested retail price.

It’s important to mention that this model wasn’t designed to take a lot of abuse. Rather, it was designed to be used from a squatting or seated position where you sit the weights on the floor. Even if you are in a professional gym, you aren’t supposed to drop the weights on the floor.

The biggest perks of this dumbbell set include:

• They’re great for beginners or people doing lengthy workout videos that need to change weights between repetitions. Compared to other models, the Bowflex design is the easiest to switch.
• They’re very affordable right now, making them in line to compete with other, more robust brands (with the effortless weight adjustments)
• Bowflex is a premium name, offering a premium 2 year warranty.

Some cons to consider include:

• These aren’t the sturdiest weight set out there, but you would kind of expect it with all of the adjustability.
• They aren’t really built for people building muscle, just people toning and cutting muscles with endurance routines. Realistically, there are only a few exercises that you’d need 50 pounds or more for (such as lawnmowers or chest presses) UNLESS you were focusing on weight lifting, so it isn’t a major concern.

This particular set of adjustable weights was built specifically for the strongman in you. You’ll feel extraordinarily tough pressing these hunks of metal into the sky. Plus, they’re extremely affordable, $359.79 for the set, and what you’ll find is that it’s the largest amount of weight offered in most models.

While the paint isn’t sturdy as you might expect and some of the higher priced models; it really doesn’t matter for someone who’s looking for a set of weights they could probably use until the day they die.

As you might also expect, this set of dumbbells is pretty cumbersome to use, and you probably won’t be changing it much between sets. That being said, the turning mechanism is solid (even though you should check and make sure that everything is tight before you start another set).

This could save you a ton of money over other, more expensive models, as long as you’re okay without having a bunch of features. Sometimes models have features that are just too good to pass up.

Simply put, you’ll never find a set of adjustable dumbbells this is Affordable as this set. You might want a better model for easier use, and you might even want to buy a smaller lift bar- but you can afford to make these purchases and more, accessorizing this affordable set of adjustable dumbbells to your heart’s content. They’ll still be some of the best weights you can get for the price (but they might not be for everyone).

The Biggest Pros of this model are:

• The size and weight limit are perfect for people looking for weight lifting sets. It’s unlikely that the average guy would ever grow out of these affordable dumbbells.
• The design is sturdy and reliable. You don’t have to worry about the bar breaking on you, even if the product is affordable.
• Free, fast shipping. Most of the people who purchased this product received it in just a few days (although some received several packages instead of just one), and shipping is completely free (through USPS).

Some Negatives about these Adjustable Dumbbells would be:

• There are a few add-on costs you might not have considered. Some people sprayed the iron down with spray paint to prevent chipping, while others bought shorter bars that were easier for smaller people to use.
• There’s no rack with this model, so you’ll have to figure out how to store the weights.
• The locking mechanism gets loose after use. You have to double-check and ensure everything is screwed together tightly.

The Rapid Strike Adjustable Dumbbells offer a durable steel construction and push-button weight selector. With weight ranges from 10 to 50 pounds at 10-pound increments, the dumbbells are offered via the ProForm lineup and match up well with the iFit workout app. For a more detailed look, read our review here.

Colored black, the units measure 20.16″ x 16.93″ x 12.17″ and slide into fitted holders. With a patented quick-lock design, the dumbbells feature premium grips. A relatively new addition to the ProForm lineup, the Rapid Strike Adjustable Dumbbells match well with other equipment and are often used as part of a value combo pricing-wise.

Purchase includes a trial iFit membership as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. Reviews to date suggest the dumbbells are quite well made and easy to use. The fitted holder does a great job at limiting the opportunity to accidents.

Pros of the Rapid Strike Adjustable Dumbbells:

• Good-looking units and easy to store.
• Good lock system that doesn’t break easily.
• Included iFit package.
• Manufacturer does offer a money-back guarantee.

Cons of Rapid Strike Adjustable Dumbbells:

• The weight selection is not as great as rivals.
• A new product, the unit is a bit pricey relative to peers.
• A new product, we haven’t seen longevity reports yet.

PowerBlock Elite created one of the most high quality set of dumbbells that you can find, and they’re available in a wide variety of styles ranging from 2.5 to 50 pounds, expandable up to 70 and 90, with a design that feels great, is very secure, and replaces over 28 pairs of dumbbells. One of the things that really sticks out about this model is the durability, most reviewers said they’re well worth the price because they fill a huge void in any lifter’s arsenal.

Unfortunately, the design is kind of funky with 4 pillars around your hand and wrist. it’s kind of difficult to switch weights when you’re looking for smaller increments, and most users recommended using 10 pound intervals to reduce the time that it takes to change weights. That being said, they’re some of the most well-built dumbbells you will find on the market, and they set the standard that most professionals judge an adjustable weight set by in reviews.

They’re made in America, built to withstand the test of time, and look incredibly high tech when you’re lifting them. If you had these dumbbells in your hand one thing you would notice is house move and effortless the operating mechanism is, and how easily the additional plates are added in to make your job of lifting that much easier. It really doesn’t get much better either, the shape is contorted enough that it’s comfortable to lift, seamless to engage, and highly enjoyable to lift.

One thing that reviewers mentioned was making sure that nobody dropped the package. It was noted that the design is very heavy and everything is shipped together, so when they received it, they thought nothing of damage to the box. When they added the expansions, they realized that the dumbbells were bent out of shape and wouldn’t fit right when they were added. The comment was made that flexible crossbars on this model wouldn’t have bent (so make sure you aren’t regularly dropping them).

Pros of the PowerBlock Set of Adjustable Dumbbells:

• Very well-built and easy to change weight with, even if they’re in your hands.
• Solid system, without any noise, creaking, or shifting of weight
• Very high tech looking- plus you get all of the fancy features of other models.

Cons of PowerBlock:

• The heavier model is pretty expensive, topping out at under $600. If you’re serious about lifting, the price might be right for you.
• Kind of awkward to lift and operate regularly, making other models a little more appealing.
• Some exercises are kind of difficult with the square-like design (such as skull crushers for your triceps), and you had better make sure the magnetic pins are in place, holding back the weight.

Considered the big brother to the 552s, Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells offer additional weight and options. With a dial’s turn, one can quickly adjust resistance from 10 pounds to 90 pounds of weight. One set of dumbbells now offers the same options as using 17 different sets. Priced at $799, each unit  measures just 17.5 x 10″ x 10″ and it’s easy to see why folks with limited space like them.

Purchase of the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells come with a warranty of three years for parts. An additional 5-year protection plan can be purchased for an additional $69.

Pros of the 1090s

• They make for a very compact home gym setup.
• A wide variety of possible exercises (30+) is offered.
• They replace up to 34 dumbbells.
• Neither assembly nor maintenance is required.
• Up to 90 pounds per unit.
• Great warranty.

Cons of the 1090s

• A little pricier than their counterparts.
• The weight dials have been known to break.