This product should be reduced in length. It is too bulky, especially for women. It would be more convenient if this product was scaled a bit more, rather than attempting to get everything in on or two devices. I could see a set of two for the same weight range. Even though this product has the total range of weight, it still doesn't make me want to get rid of my other dumbells as they are better for some exercises.
best investment to my health I have made this year. Screw the gym and fighting for weights. Get to workout at home and at my own pace. The only con is no hot girls at my place...
They are way more compact and convenient than multiple sets of dumbbells. It is a piece of cake to switch from one weight to another. Some reviewers have commented that it's strange that the weight selection dials rotate in opposite directions, but I do not find this inconvenient at all. Reviewers have also commented on the weights sticking. I have owned these dumbbells for about two months and have not yet experienced this, despite heavy use. My boyfriend has owned his set for approximately a year. His did start sticking about a month ago, but he cleaned them thoroughly per manufacturer's guidelines, and they are working perfectly now. The dumbbells themselves are larger than standard dumbbells, so they was a short adjustment period where they felt a little weird or awkward to use. However, that period passed quickly. I am a 41 year-old female who works out 6-7 days per week (3-4 days with weights). Having outgrown my lighter set (up to 25 pounds), I feel that the Bowflex weights will last me a good long time. They probably are not suitable for hardcore body builders who are training competitively or are used to throwing around Olympic style weights. You should NOT drop these dumbbells from a great height. I love this product and highly recommend it.
Pros: Compact, Durable, Easy To Use, Good Price / Value, Multifunctional, Targets Muscles
The weights work flawlessly, very smooth, durable & functional. However, I'm finding the weights to be too long for an active workout. They knock together for moves where you need to have hands close together.
It is compact in a sense that it doesn't take up much space compared to having dozen of weights, but the large design gets in your way when you actually work out. I bought it mainly to be used with my P90X, and some exercises aren't easy with using Select Tech. If you have a large, designated work out place at home, plain/ordinary dumbbells might work better with P90X. If not, Select Tech is your only other option like myself.
If you don't have the money or the space for an entire set of dumbbells and/or the money (about$1200) these are for you. I am doing an exercise program called P90X. If you know about it, you know that it is intense and fast paced. It also requires a complete range of dumbbells. As you progress, the weight needed changes and the SelectTech 552s are more than enough. I have not come close to needing more weight. The stand is great as the weights are not on the floor or all over the room (there are only two so how much mess can you make?) So far they have held up to hard use and are a joy to use. The grips are soft and contoured to your hand so they don't bite into your skin. I highly recommend these to anyone considering purchasing more than a few individual dumbbells.
Pros: Compact, Durable, Easy To Use, Multifunctional, Targets Muscles
The SelectTech 552 has a sturdy rubber grip that bulges outward for a great grip that the 1090 lacks. The 1090 grip is metal, asymmetrical, and has hundreds of thick metal knobs that are designed to provide better grip, but actually lead to hand irritation. The 552's provide a relatively small footprint which provides better range of motion during certain exercises, but still lack the compactness that a 55 pound weight would provide. However, this problem is especially noticeable on the 1090's which severely limit range of motion since the weights are so long that they bump into each other during standard motions. Overall, I would highly recommend the 552's. They provide the 2 most important elements of a weight; easy to use and easy to hold. Not so bulky that they limit your workouts. You should be more weary of the 1090's, which avid weight lifters will be drawn to for the higher weight threshold. They are unevenly balanced, harder to handle, and very long. There are a few other changeable weights on the market that might solve these issues, but none of which would have the easy select knobs which make these weights so great. If you only need up to 52.5 pounds, go for the 552's. You will fall in love with them, despite there tiny flaws. The 1090's require more careful consideration of the pros and cons associated with their use.