Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Review

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.