Quick Summary
Dumbbells may well be the only home exercise equipment one really needs. Among the most versatile units in the gym, there’s little one can’t do with them. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells are the big brother of the popular 552s. And with the additional weight and options of the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells, they provides an even more flexible strength building workout. With the turn of a dial one can automatically 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, one has the option of getting a 5.1S Bench and stand for only $1,279. The big deal here is that one pair of 90-pound Hex dumbbells alone would cost $325, with a pair of 85-pounders costing $310, and 80-pounders priced at $290. The reason the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells represent such a great bargain is they save the buyer so much money and offer an undoubtedly high quality product.
Learn more in our full Bowflex SelectTech 1090 review below…
Specifications
Model | Bowflex SelectTech 1090 |
Rating | 85.3% |
List Price | $799 |
Best Price | $759 |
Type | Free Weights |
Max. Weight | 90 lbs x 2 |
Exercises | 30+ |
Seat | Bench (Adjustable) |
User Weight | n/a |
Dimensions | Dumbbells: 17.5" x 10" x 10" (Each) Bench: In-Use 61.3" x 28.1" x 49.5" Closed 23.9" x 28.1 "x 52.3" |
Workout Area | N/A |
Legs | |
Abs | |
Curls | |
Pulldown | |
Rows | |
Accessories | - SelectTech Stand - SelectTech Bench |
Warranty | Parts: 3 Years |
Our Rating
Rating: 85.3/100. The SelectTech 1090 dumbbells and bench have quick-turn dials to change weight from 10 – 90 pounds in 5-pound increments on each dumbbell, providing a compact way to increase weight. The upper level model to the SelectTech 552’s which offer 5 – 52.5 pounds, the SelectTech 1090 can in theory give one anything they want in terms of replacing even barbell movements.
In reviewing these units, and testing them for ourselves, we’ve found they’re incredibly well made but customers do need to take a little more care with them than with metal or coated dumbbells. Each unit is equipped with a metal tab that the handle locks into for the weight choice to be secure. This tab has been reported to break in some cases and render effectively the weights above useless. Users should keep in mind that these while these dumbbells are well-made of high-quality plastic, they are not iron and dropping them or banging them on the ground can have ill effects. Bowflex does offer with purchase a 3-year warranty on parts, as well as an additional 5-year protection plan for $69, but care should be taken nonetheless.
Note: This review includes the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells and Bench to more accurately compare to the traditional home gyms we have reviewed.
Pros:
- Affordable means to weight training
- Very compact home gym setup
- Wide variety of possible exercises (30+)
- Bench is high quality, offers more flexibility
- Quieter than metal dumbbells
- Replaces up to 34 dumbbells, much easier
- Neither assembly nor maintenance required
Cons:
- Not as versatile as traditional home gym
- Some claim dials malfunction after 1-2 years
- Hard plastic molding won’t last forever like metal
Introduction
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells and bench combo is a compact, affordable home gym setup that is flexible enough to suit anyone’s workout style and goals. In addition to saving one the space required to store 17 pairs of dumbbells, these adjustable units save the same customer as much as $6,000 if the units were purchased individually.
With each dumbbell measuring just 17.5 x 10″ x 10″ it’s easy to see why the idea of adjustable units is so hot these days. For those unaccustomed to using dumbbells for workouts, consider that any barbell movement in a gym can be replicated with these items. The fact that one can go from 10 to 90 pounds means any exercise from lateral raises for the shoulders to overhead squats and shoulder shrugs is very doable. We’d recommend a customer strongly consider getting the accompanying bench and stand unless they have one already. Made from high-quality plastic, these dumbbells still should not be dropped or banged around carelessly. If using them in a garage gym, consider getting some kind of protective flooring such as the pieces we’ve reviewed here.
The weights offered on this set of dumbbells range from 10 to 90 pounds increasing in 5-pound increments, with users able to make the switch with the slide of a dial. Silent and smooth, these units represent a offer much more comfort than the noisier dumbbells which clang and bang. Bowflex also offers a 3-year warranty on parts with purchase, and an optional 5-year protection plan for $69.
Home Gym Workouts
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 home gym setup offers a plethora of options to your exercise regimen, including over 80 variations of 30 different exercises. If one is unaccustomed to dumbbell workouts, consider that any barbell movement is replicable with these items. A good place for beginners to start would be with the numerous workout apps we’ve reviewed here. One of the great things about dumbbells, or adjustable kettlebells for that matter, is that they can be used for High Intensity Interval Training as well as traditional strength movements.
As an example of an upper body day, one could perform:
- 3 x 10 lateral raises as warm-up
- 5 x 10 dumbbell bench presses supersetted with push-ups
- 3 x 10 front dumbbell shoulder raises
- 3 x 10 rear dumbbell shoulder raises
- 3 x 10 one-arm dumbbell rows
A sample leg day could be:
- 3 x 10 dumbbell lunges as warm-up
- 5 x 10 dumbbell overhead squats
- 3 x 10 dumbbell bench step-ups
- 3 x 10 stiff-legged deadlifts
The fact is, one can devise an infinite number of variations to these workouts using dumbbells, which is why any commercial gym worth its salt has racks of them at any level. To find an adjustable dumbbell which spans 10 to 90 pounds effectively covers the range needed for even seasons lifters.
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Features
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 comes with two dumbbells, ranging from 10 – 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, a case for each dumbbell and a workout DVD. An adjustable workout bench and stand measuring 25″ x 26.4″ x 26.9″ are also available for add-on and can turn this set into a complete home gym. The SelectTech 1090 is compatible with the Bowflex SelectTech Training App, which is available on both iOS and Android, or consider that just about any workout app around has offerings involving dumbbels.
The dumbbell itself measures 17.5″ x 10″ x 10″ and comes equipped with a slide dial and metal tab for locking the desired weight into place. Bowflex does offer a 5-year protection plan for an additional charge in case of damage and we have seen reviews reporting problems with the slide dial and lock. That said, users must remember that these units are made from hard plastic, not iron, and those dials can be broken if bounced on the floor or dropped. Colored an attractive black with red lettering, they look great in any gym or home.
Questions & Answers
- Can the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 be attached to a straight bar or curl bar like weight plates?
No, the dumbbells are not built to attach to a bar for added resistance. - Does Bowflex offer are trade-in programs for the SelectTech Series?
Not at this time, but other online platforms such as Amazon.com could be helpful here. - What material is used to construct the SelectTech 1090?
The discs are constructed from a heavy-duty Nylon material which has been proven to hold up well normal use. - What are the main differences between the SelectTech 1090 and the SelectTech 552?
The 552 units measure 16″ x 8″ x 9″ and range between 5 and 52.5 pounds. The 1090 measures 17.5″ x 10″ x 10″ and ranges from 10 to 90 pounds. The 552 has 15 weight settings while the 1090 has 17.
Warranty & Guarantee
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.
Conclusion
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells and bench provide a well-balanced strengthening program for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home gym. There’s no question that the $799 cost of this unit is significantly better than say $6,000 for a comparable number of dumbbells. That said, one has to question first whether they in fact need up to 90 pounds in dumbbells. If not, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 series goes up to 52.5 pounds and is probably more than enough for the average user. Also, we’d strongly recommend considering the extra protection plan as enough users have reported damaged locking mechanisms to make us cautious. The adjustable dumbbells aren’t glass, but if users drop them on their ends and bang that metal slide, it might be the last time they’re usable. But if having a set of dumbbells ranging from 10 to 90 is what one needs, then this is indeed a great option.
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