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Are you on your way towards achieving that perfect looking, physically fit, and healthy body? To add to your gym workout, you are thinking of creating your own at-home gym? Or is your schedule getting in the way and is making you skip your gym? In both cases, you need to equip your home with the right type of home-gym equipment to maximize your workout results.
When talking about an at-home gym, apart from the basic treadmill, there is one thing you definitely need to add to your list, and that is a pair of dumbbells. When you step forward to make the purchase, you will come across several types of dumbbells divided into two basic categories, including fixed dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. Based on the three fundamental factors, including the budget, available space, and preferences, it is easy to say that adjustable dumbbells are a smart choice for home gyms.
Why? Well, the adjustable dumbbells are much less expensive than fixed dumbbells, and they take up minimum space in your home, using their weight settings. Although adjusting to the use of such dumbbells takes time, but experts recommend these dumbbells for home gyms. By evaluating all options in the market, it is safe to say that Bowflex manufactures some of the most amazing adjustable dumbbells. The best models are, of course, the Bowflex Selecttech 552 and Bowflex Selecttech 1090.
Making the right choice between Bowflex Selecttech 552 and 1090 can get tough. Both of these models offer a unique set of features and are suitable for particular scenarios. To help make the process easy for you and ensure that you put your money in the right place, here is a brief description of Bowflex 552 vs 1090 adjustable dumbbells.
Note:
There are some customer reviews for 1090 & 552, which describe a design flaw that Bowflex doesn’t seem to cover with its warranty. Specifically, some people said that some of the large plates are starting to fall because of a broken tab.
Even if those reviews are not the vast majority and especially for 552 are very few, if you don’t feel 100% sure in buying them, you can head on our alternative proposals.
Selecttech 552
The dimensions of this model are 16 inches in length that are a bit longer than the average length of dumbbells found in the market, 8 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. A single Bowflex Selecttech 552 dumbbell offers weight adjustments from 5lbs to 52.5lbs. It supports the quick switch from one exercise to another. Moreover, this model by Bowflex features a dial system that combines 15 sets of weight.
Bowflex 552 Specifications
- Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lbs for each dumbbell
- 15 Weight Settings: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs
- Maximum Exercises Available: 30+
- Dimensions: 15.75″ L x 8″ W x 9″ H (Each)
- Warranty: 2 years
Selecttech 1090
The next model under question is the Bowflex Selecttech 1090. Like its 552 version, it eliminates the need to storing multiple sets of dumbbells. The weight variation it offers starts with a minimum of 10lbs and can be adjusted to a maximum of 90lbs.
Bowflex1090 Specifications
- Weight Range: 10 to 90 lbs for each dumbbell
- 17 Weight Settings: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 lbs
- Maximum Exercises Available: 30+
- Dimensions: 17.5″ L x 10″ W x 10″ H (Each)
- Warranty: 3 years on parts
But you cannot purchase both as it’s an unwise decision. So, which one to put your money on?
Bowflex 1090 vs 552 Comparison
Now that you know the necessary details about each of the dumbbells’ specifications, it is safe to jump to the part where we compare these two based on some critical factors. There are many different factors that you need to put light on in order to choose the right dumbbell for you.
| Series | Appearance | Max Capacity | Increments | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selecttech 552 | Rounder | Up to 52.5lbs | Every 2,5lbs | $$ (Pair) | Customer Reviews |
Selecttech 1090 | Flatter | Up to 90lbs | Every 5lbs | $$$ (Single) | Customer Reviews |
Physical Appearance
The very first factor that we need to consider when choosing between Selecttech 552 and 1090 is the physical appearance of these models by Bowflex. Both these are made of iron, and they look almost identical. They offer a dial that allows you to adjust the weight as per your requirements. A noticeable physical difference is that the 552 dumbbells are rounder, while the weights of 1090 are more towards the flatter side.
Size
The next obvious factor of consideration is the size. The pair of Bowflex Selecttech 552 comes with each offering a weight capacity between 5lbs to 52.5lbs. Up to 25lbs, these dumbbells can be adjusted by a difference of 2,5lbs. The Bowflex Selecttech 1090 comes in a pair and as a single dumbbell. Each of these offers a weight capacity starting from 10lbs and going up to 90lbs. These dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight with 5-lb increments.
Handle Types
Next up is the type of handle. Both the Bowflex Selecttech models in question offer an excellent grip. The 552 model offers a rubber grip while 1090 offers all-metal handles. However, the pattern on the 1090’s handle is designed to provide a better grip.
Types of Exercises
Both the Bowflex Selecttech 552 and Bowflex Selecttech 1090 are suitable for different kinds of exercises. However, when you purchase a 1090 version of the Bowflex Selecttech; you get a single dumbbell. On the other hand, when purchasing 552, you get a pair (for the same price). Thus, you can utilize them in a single exercise! One point for 552 here, as it seems to be the more versatile of the two.
Space Efficiency
One of the most crucial factors of consideration is the space efficiency that each of these models offers. Space efficiency is one of the many reasons why people opt for adjustable dumbbells in the first place. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the two models upon the space efficiency each of them offers. Bowflex Selecttech 552 combines 15 sets of weights into one. Which means that you can get one of these and save the space of 15 sets of weights. While in the case of Bowflex Selecttech 1090, it combines 17 sets of weight into one. A pair of 1090 models collectively saves the space of 34 dumbbells, which is enormous.
Warranty
Another factor that many people forget to consider when choosing an adjustable dumbbell is the warranty. Fortunately, there is not much difference in warranties of these two dumbbell models by Bowflex. Both the 552 version and 1090 versions offer a two-year-long warranty.
Price
For many people, the budget is a very crucial aspect of the purchase process. It is perfectly fine to carry out a price comparison between Bowflex Selecttech 552 and Bowflex Selecttech 1090. When you set out to purchase a Bowflex 552 model, you will get a pair in $279, which is great. However, when you are buying a 1090 model, you get a single dumbbell in $329. If the budget is important for you, the choice is clear.
These are all the possible factors of consideration that you need to focus on when making your choice. The process can get a bit overwhelming, but a thorough analysis with a review of all critical factors can make things easy, simple, and convenient for you.
Comparison – The Bottom Line
It is time that you figure out the answer to the question, “Which one should I choose?” These factors are enough to help you make a choice. The final decision is entirely based on your preferences, but these factors can help you identify what you want. Is price the deciding factor for you, or do you want to go with the one that offers the most weight options. If you do a little more research, you can even find the type of exercises each of them support. Probably you might not see much difference, but when it comes to the intensity of the workout, then the weight capacity might be a driving factor for your choice.
The bottom line is that Bowflex Selecttech 552 and Bowflex Selecttech 1090 are both great options in the market. Identify what you need and make the right choice for maximum results!
Bowflex Selecttech Alternatives
Bonus: Bowflex Selecttech Series Review
The market is filled with hundreds of manufacturers offering thousands of different types of adjustable dumbbells. By evaluating several options, we have found out that Bowflex is offering the two best adjustable dumbbell options in the fitness world. Several factors make Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells the best choice in the market.
Versatility
The first factor that makes these dumbbells the best option in the market is the high degree of versatility they bring to the fitness world. These dumbbells allow you to optimize your workouts as per your needs. Moreover, you do not have to break your workout ‘tempo’ to adjust the weight. You can easily use the dial to change the weight settings.
Space Efficient
Ask yourself whether it is better to keep 17 or 34 separate sets of weights or a single one that combines them into one. Of course, the ones that combine multiple sets of dumbbells into one. The majority of the home gyms are not that spacious, which is what makes these adjustable dumbbells a perfect option for such settings.
Price
When analyzing these dumbbells based on price point, these are much more cost-efficient than traditional dumbbell options in the market. These dumbbells can help you save money in the long-run. How? Well, you gradually intensify your workout for which you will have to purchase different weights or dumbbells. Bowflex adjustable dumbbells eliminate the need to invest in weights or dumbbells separately.
Therefore, if you are struggling between choosing a traditional fixed dumbbell or an adjustable one, you need to consider Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells. It is a much smarter option as it saves not only your space but also your money.
The article has been researched & compiled by the Editorial F5F Team, a group of experienced fitness & health writers.