Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review 2026: Is It Still Worth Buying? Results Series, Pros & Cons

Last Updated on: September 1, 2026

If you’ve searched for a Bowflex SelectTech 552 review, you’ve probably also run into two other terms recently: “recall” and “Results Series.” That’s not a coincidence, and it’s the single most important thing to understand before buying a 552 in 2026. This guide covers what the 552 is, how it performs, what changed after the 2025 recall, and whether the current version is worth your money.

This review is based on publicly available specifications, manufacturer information, CPSC recall documentation, and commonly reported owner experiences — not first-hand, long-term testing. Where information is uncertain or version-specific, that’s noted clearly.

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1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review: Quick Verdict

Overall rating: 7.5/10 (current Results Series 552; older/recalled units are not recommended for continued use)

Who should buy it: Beginners and intermediate lifters who want one compact set of dumbbells for full-body home workouts, apartment dwellers short on space, and anyone replacing multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells.

Who should avoid it: Advanced lifters who need more than 52.5 lb per hand, anyone who regularly drops dumbbells mid-set, and buyers considering a used pre-2025 unit without checking recall status first.

Weight range: 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell, adjustable in 2.5 lb increments through the lighter settings and larger increments at the top end.

Adjustment system: Turn-dial selector that lifts the desired weight plates off a storage tray, leaving the rest behind.

Main advantage: Replaces up to 15 sets of traditional dumbbells in the footprint of one pair.

Biggest drawback: Fixed dumbbell length regardless of the weight selected, which can feel bulky at lighter settings.

Worth buying in 2026? Yes — but only the current Results Series 552, and only from an authorized retailer. Older SelectTech 552 units are subject to a 2025 recall and should not be purchased or used without verifying their status first.

Quick Specs

Spec	Details
Weight range	5–52.5 lb per dumbbell
Increments	2.5 lb (lighter settings), larger jumps near the top
Sold as	Pair
Current version	Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech
Adjustment mechanism	Dial selector with tray-based plate storage
Best for	Beginners, intermediates, small home gyms
Not ideal for	Advanced lifters, frequent dumbbell dropping

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2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Specifications

Specification	Details
Weight range	5–52.5 lb per dumbbell
Number of weight settings	15 per dumbbell
Weight increments	2.5 lb increments through the lower settings, with larger increments at heavier settings
Adjustment mechanism	Rotating dial that selects and lifts plates from the storage tray
Handle/grip	Ergonomic, non-slip grip (current Results Series)
Storage trays	Included; one tray per dumbbell, holds unused plates
Dumbbell type	Adjustable, selectorized dumbbell
Locking system	Current Results Series uses reinforced metal components and a locking system to keep plates secured to the handle
Sold as pair or individually	Sold as a pair
Expandability	Not expandable beyond 52.5 lb per dumbbell
Warranty	Varies by retailer and point of sale; confirm current terms directly with Bowflex or your retailer before purchase

A note on accuracy: exact dimensions, weight tolerances, and warranty terms can shift between product runs, so treat the figures above as a general guide and confirm current specifications on Bowflex’s official product page before buying.

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3. What Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is an adjustable dumbbell system designed to replace a full rack of fixed-weight dumbbells with a single pair. Instead of buying separate 10 lb, 20 lb, 30 lb, and 40 lb dumbbells, you buy one pair of 552s and dial in the weight you need.

Here’s how the mechanism works in practice:

• Storage trays hold stacked weight plates when they’re not in use, keeping them off the floor and organized.
• A dial on the end of the handle lets you select a specific total weight.
• When you lift the handle out of the tray, a pin-and-plate mechanism selects only the plates matching your dial setting — the rest of the plates stay behind in the tray.
• The selected plates lock onto the handle so the dumbbell functions as a single, solid unit during your set.

This is why the 552 replaces multiple dumbbells: instead of storing 10-plus pairs of fixed weights, you store one pair and a tray. That space savings, combined with the ability to change weight in seconds rather than swapping plates by hand, is the core reason the SelectTech line became one of the most recognized adjustable dumbbells for home gyms for years.

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4. Bowflex 552 Weight Range and Adjustment System

The 5–52.5 lb range is designed to serve two purposes at once: enough resistance for most compound lifts, and small enough increments to fine-tune isolation work.

2.5 lb increments at the lighter end matter more than they might sound. Small jumps let you progress gradually instead of jumping from, say, 15 lb straight to 20 lb, which can be a meaningful percentage increase for smaller muscle groups.

Larger increments near the top of the range are typical of adjustable dumbbell systems generally, since fewer people need fine-tuned jumps once they’re lifting heavier loads.

Why this range works well for beginners and intermediates:

• It covers the resistance most people need for squats, presses, rows, and curls when starting out.
• The lighter increments are ideal for shoulder work, arm isolation, and rehab-style training, where a jump of even 5 lb can be too aggressive.
• It removes the guesswork of buying a “starter set” of dumbbells and having to purchase heavier pairs later.

Where advanced lifters may outgrow it: exercises like heavy dumbbell rows, presses, or Romanian deadlifts can require more than 52.5 lb per hand relatively quickly for experienced lifters. If you’re already comfortable pressing 50-plus lb dumbbells, the 552 may become a ceiling rather than a training tool within a year or two.

Exercises where the lighter increments are especially useful include lateral raises, front raises, rear-delt flyes, hammer curls, and rehab or prehab work for the shoulders and elbows.

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5. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Build Quality and Durability

Build quality is one of the more nuanced parts of any Bowflex SelectTech 552 review, because it directly connects to the recall discussed later in this guide.

Metal components: The current Results Series uses reinforced metal plates and a locking mechanism specifically built to keep plates seated on the handle during use.

Weight plates: Plates are stored in a molded tray and are designed to be picked up and set down repeatedly by the dial mechanism — a different kind of wear pattern than a fixed dumbbell experiences.

Adjustment mechanism and dial system: This is the component under the most mechanical stress, since it has to reliably select and lock the correct plates every time the dumbbell is picked up.

Handle: Designed for a firm, non-slip grip through sweaty or high-rep sets.

Storage trays: Molded plastic, designed to hold the full stack of plates and guide them back into place correctly.

General durability: For most home gym users, adjustable dumbbells like the 552 are durable enough for standard strength training when used as intended — set down under control, not dropped. That’s a meaningful distinction from fixed-weight dumbbells, which are generally more tolerant of being set down quickly or occasionally dropped onto a mat.

Be honest with yourself about how you train: if your workouts routinely involve dropping dumbbells at the bottom of a set (common in some CrossFit-style or max-effort training), an adjustable system with moving internal parts is not the ideal tool, regardless of brand.

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6. Bowflex 552 Comfort, Size and Ergonomics

Handle comfort: Owner feedback commonly describes the grip as secure and comfortable for moderate to high-rep training.

Dumbbell length: This is the single most-mentioned ergonomic quirk of the SelectTech design. Because the casing has to accommodate the full stack of plates up to 52.5 lb, the dumbbell is the same length whether you’ve dialed in 5 lb or 50 lb.

Balance and shape: The dumbbells are generally described as balanced during pressing and curling movements, though the boxy shape differs from the rounded, compact feel of traditional fixed dumbbells.

Why fixed length can feel awkward at lighter settings: A traditional 10 lb dumbbell is short and easy to maneuver. A 552 dialed to 10 lb is still as long as it is at 50 lb, which can affect movements that require the dumbbells to pass close to your body or to each other.

Exercises where size may become more noticeable:

• Curls: The added length can make the dumbbell feel bulkier at the top of the movement.
• Lateral raises: The longer profile changes the leverage and swing feel compared with a compact dumbbell.
• Triceps exercises: Movements like overhead extensions can feel less natural due to the casing length near the head and shoulders.
• Shoulder movements: Presses and raises performed close to the body can feel less compact.
• Pressing movements: At the top of a press, two 552s side by side take up more width than two fixed dumbbells of the same weight.

None of this makes the dumbbells unusable — it’s simply a trade-off for the space savings and weight range, and one that most owners report adjusting to fairly quickly.

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7. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Recall: What Buyers Need to Know

This is one of the most important sections in this review, and it deserves a clear, factual explanation rather than sensational language.

What was recalled: In June 2025, Johnson Health Tech Trading — the current owner of the Bowflex brand — recalled the BowFlex 552 (5–52.5 lb) and BowFlex 1090 (10–90 lb) adjustable dumbbells in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Approximately 3.84 million units were affected in total, including roughly 3.7 million sold under the previous owner, Nautilus Inc. (which rebranded as BowFlex before filing for bankruptcy in 2024).

Why it was recalled: The reported hazard was that weight plates could dislodge from the handle during use, posing an impact hazard to the user or bystanders.

Which units were affected: The recall covers genuine BowFlex 552 and 1090 dumbbells sold going back to 2004 through May 2025, across specific model and serial number ranges. According to BowFlex’s own recall notice, all genuine 552 and 1090 units sold in the U.S. during that window are considered part of the recall and are eligible for a remedy, regardless of whether the exact serial number appears on the published list.

Reported hazard and incidents: More than 100 injuries were reported in connection with the dislodging issue, including concussions, abrasions, broken toes, and other contusions, based on CPSC recall documentation.

What owners of used or older units should do:

1. Stop using the dumbbells if you have any reason to believe they may be part of the recall.
2. Locate the model and serial number, typically printed on a sticker on the bottom of the molded plastic tray.
3. Check your unit against the official recall listing through BowFlex or the CPSC before continuing to use it.
4. Follow the official remedy process — which may include a replacement unit or a refund voucher, depending on when the dumbbells were purchased — rather than assuming a repair is safe to attempt on your own.

Why version and serial number verification matters: Not every 552 you find online — especially secondhand — is the same product. Buying a used pair without confirming its serial number and recall status means you could be purchasing dumbbells that are officially subject to a safety recall, even if the seller says they “work fine.”

How the current design differs: The replacement product, the Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech, was engineered after the recall with reinforced metal components and a locking system specifically intended to keep the weight plates secured to the handle during use. This is a meaningfully different mechanical design from the original SelectTech 552, not just a relabeling of the same product.

This section is informational, not legal or safety advice. If you own or are considering a used BowFlex 552 or 1090, verify its status directly through BowFlex’s official recall page or the CPSC’s recall notice, and follow their instructions exactly.

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8. Bowflex Results Series 552 vs Older SelectTech 552

Category	Older SelectTech 552 (pre-2025)	Results Series 552 (current)
Design	Original dial-based selectorized design	Redesigned casing and internal mechanism
Weight range	5–52.5 lb	5–52.5 lb
Adjustment system	Dial selector	Dial selector, revised internals
Materials	Standard-era plates and components	Reinforced metal components
Locking mechanism	Dial-dependent plate retention, subject to the 2025 recall	Added locking system designed to keep plates secured to the handle
Storage	Molded plastic tray	Molded plastic tray
Warranty	Varies; confirm terms for any secondhand unit directly with the seller or Bowflex	Confirm current warranty terms on Bowflex’s official product page
Recall considerations	Subject to the June 2025 CPSC recall; verify serial number before use	Introduced as the post-recall replacement model
Best use case	Not recommended for continued use without recall verification	Current recommended purchase for new buyers

Why version identification matters: Because “Bowflex 552” has referred to more than one physical product over time, a listing that simply says “Bowflex SelectTech 552” — particularly on a marketplace or secondhand listing — does not guarantee you’re getting the current Results Series design. Always confirm the exact model name, and for used units, the serial number, before purchasing.

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9. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Significant space savings compared with a full dumbbell rack
• Wide 5–52.5 lb weight range covers most beginner-to-intermediate training needs
• Fast weight changes between sets or exercises
• Useful 2.5 lb increments for isolation and rehab-style work
• Included storage trays keep plates organized and off the floor
• Beginner-friendly, intuitive dial operation
• Strong overall versatility for full-body home workouts

Cons

• Fixed overall length regardless of weight selected, which can feel bulky
• Bulkier profile than traditional fixed dumbbells during some movements
• 52.5 lb maximum may be limiting for advanced lifters
• Not well suited to workouts that involve frequently dropping the dumbbells
• Requires the handle to be seated correctly in the tray for the adjustment mechanism to work properly
• Older, pre-2025 units are subject to a safety recall and should be verified before use

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10. How the Bowflex 552 Performs for Different Workouts

Strength Training

The 552’s range and increment options make it a solid tool for general strength training, particularly for lifters progressing through beginner and intermediate programs where 2.5–5 lb jumps are appropriate.

Muscle Building

For hypertrophy-focused training, the ability to quickly change weight between sets supports higher training density, and the range covers most upper- and lower-body accessory work well.

Full-Body Home Workouts

This is where the 552 arguably performs best: one compact pair can cover presses, rows, curls, squats, and lunges without needing a separate rack of dumbbells.

HIIT and Circuits

Quick dial adjustments are useful for circuit-style training where you’re moving between different weights and exercises rapidly, though the adjustment does require setting the dumbbell down correctly each time.

Beginner Workouts

The 5 lb starting weight and small increments make the 552 approachable for people newer to strength training.

Intermediate Training

Most intermediate lifters will find the weight range sufficient for the majority of upper-body work and moderate lower-body work.

Advanced Strength Training

Advanced lifters, particularly those doing heavy compound lower-body or back work, may find 52.5 lb per hand limiting sooner than beginners or intermediates will.

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11. Best Exercises to Do With the Bowflex 552

• Goblet squat – Works well; the length is less of an issue held vertically at the chest.
• Dumbbell squat – Effective, though the added length can be noticeable at the sides of the body during setup.
• Romanian deadlift – Good increment control for progressive loading; advanced lifters may hit the weight ceiling here first.
• Dumbbell row – Solid option; length is not usually a major factor for this movement.
• Bench press – Works well, though the width of the casing means the dumbbells sit slightly wider at the top of the press than compact fixed dumbbells.
• Shoulder press – Effective, but bulkier design can feel less natural near the shoulders for some users.
• Biceps curl – A common area where the fixed length is noticeable at lighter weight settings.
• Hammer curl – Similar consideration to standard curls regarding length and grip angle.
• Lateral raise – One of the more commonly cited movements where size affects feel, especially at lighter weights.
• Triceps extension – The casing length can be felt near the head during overhead variations.
• Lunges – Works well; length is a minor factor since the dumbbells hang at the sides.
• Bulgarian split squat – Effective for loading, similar considerations to standard lunges.

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12. Bowflex SelectTech 552 for Small Home Gyms and Apartments

Space is often the deciding factor for apartment dwellers and small home gym owners, and it’s one of the clearest strengths of the 552.

Floor space savings: A single pair of adjustable dumbbells with its storage trays takes up a fraction of the floor space that a full dumbbell rack would require.

Storage: The included trays keep the plates contained rather than scattered across the floor, which matters more in a shared living space than a dedicated garage gym.

Why one pair can replace many fixed dumbbells: For apartment residents, replacing what could be 10-plus pairs of dumbbells with one compact pair is often the difference between having a home strength setup at all or not.

Do the dumbbells work well in small rooms? Generally, yes — the footprint when stored is small, and you don’t need a rack, shelving unit, or dedicated storage system.

Why length still matters: Even though floor space is minimized, the dumbbells’ fixed length is still relevant in tighter rooms, particularly for movements performed close to walls, furniture, or low ceilings. If you’re setting up a compact space, pairing the 552 with one of the best foldable weight benches for small spaces can help you build a full strength station without permanently dedicating a room to equipment.

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13. Bowflex 552 vs Fixed Dumbbells

Category	Bowflex 552	Fixed Dumbbells
Space	Minimal — one pair replaces many	Requires a rack for a full range of weights
Price/value	Higher upfront cost for the range covered	Lower per-pair cost, but adds up across a full set
Weight changes	Seconds, via dial	Requires physically swapping dumbbells
Durability	Good for controlled use; not built for dropping	Generally more tolerant of drops
Feel	Longer, boxier profile	Compact, traditional feel
Storage	Tray-based, compact	Requires a rack or shelving as the collection grows
Exercise versatility	Wide range in one product	Wide range only if you own many pairs
Best user	Space-limited users needing a wide weight range	Users with dedicated gym space or specific weight needs

Recommendation: For apartment dwellers, beginners, and anyone building a first home gym, the 552 generally offers better space efficiency and value than assembling a comparable range of fixed dumbbells. For dedicated home gyms with ample space — or lifters who need to routinely drop heavy weights — a rack of fixed dumbbells may hold up better over time.

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14. Bowflex 552 vs PowerBlock

Category	Bowflex 552	PowerBlock (comparable models)
Shape	Long, cylindrical casing	Compact, block-style stacked plates
Weight adjustment	Turn-dial selector	Pin- or selector-based, varies by model
Durability	Solid for controlled lifting	Often noted for a more compact, drop-tolerant design in some models
Expandability	Not expandable beyond 52.5 lb	Some PowerBlock lines offer expansion kits to increase maximum weight
Exercise feel	Longer profile can affect close-body movements	Compact shape often preferred for exercises requiring dumbbells close to the body
Space	Compact with tray	Compact, block-style storage
Beginner friendliness	Intuitive dial system	Also intuitive, though pin systems vary by model
Maximum weight	52.5 lb per dumbbell	Varies by model; some lines go heavier with expansion kits
Long-term value	Strong for buyers who won’t exceed 52.5 lb	Potentially better long-term value for lifters planning to progress past 52.5 lb, given expansion options on some models

Neither brand is universally better — the right choice depends on your priorities. If you want the widest availability, a well-known name, and don’t expect to need more than 52.5 lb, the Bowflex 552 is a strong choice. If you anticipate needing to progress beyond that range or prefer a more compact shape for close-body movements, it’s worth comparing specific PowerBlock models with expansion options.

If you’re building out a fuller strength setup around either brand of adjustable dumbbells, many home gym owners eventually add cable-based training. Browsing the best cable machines under $1,000 is a reasonable next step once your dumbbell routine is dialed in.

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15. Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Worth It in 2026?

Yes, if:

• You’re a beginner or intermediate lifter who wants one set of dumbbells to cover most training needs.
• You live in an apartment or have limited space for a full dumbbell rack.
• You want fast weight changes between exercises or sets.
• You’re buying the current Results Series 552 from an authorized retailer.

No, if:

• You’re an advanced lifter who already needs more than 52.5 lb per hand for key lifts.
• Your training style involves regularly dropping dumbbells.
• You’re considering a used, pre-2025 unit and haven’t verified its recall status.
• You strongly prefer the compact feel of traditional fixed dumbbells for every movement.

For most home gym users starting out or working with limited space, the current Results Series 552 offers a practical, well-rounded solution in 2026. Advanced lifters and those with specific durability needs may be better served by a different system, or by supplementing the 552 with heavier fixed dumbbells later on.

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16. Who Should Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552?

Best for:

• Beginners starting a strength training routine
• Small home gyms with limited floor space
• Apartment users without room for a dumbbell rack
• General strength training across major muscle groups
• Full-body home workouts
• People replacing multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells with one compact set

Not ideal for:

• Very advanced strength athletes needing heavier loads
• People who require dumbbells heavier than 52.5 lb
• People who frequently drop weights during training
• People who strongly prefer the feel of traditional, compact dumbbells

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17. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Buying Guide

Before buying a Bowflex 552 — new or used — check the following:

• New vs. used: New units from authorized retailers are the safest choice given the 2025 recall history.
• Exact model/version: Confirm whether the listing is for the current Results Series 552 or an older SelectTech 552.
• Recall status: For any used unit, check the serial number against BowFlex’s official recall information before purchasing or using it.
• Condition: Inspect the dial mechanism, tray, and plates for damage or excessive wear.
• Adjustment mechanism: Test that the dial smoothly selects and locks the correct plates.
• Weight plates: Confirm all plates are present and undamaged.
• Storage trays: Make sure both trays are included and intact.
• Warranty: Confirm current warranty terms directly with Bowflex or the retailer, since coverage can vary.
• Return policy: Especially important for online or marketplace purchases.
• Seller reputation: Buy from authorized retailers or reputable sellers, particularly for used units.

If you’re purchasing a used pair, treat the recall check as a non-negotiable step — not an optional precaution.

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18. Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 worth it in 2026?

For most beginner and intermediate home gym users, yes — provided you’re buying the current Results Series 552 from an authorized retailer rather than an unverified used unit.

Is the Bowflex 552 good for beginners?

Yes. The 5 lb starting weight and 2.5 lb increments make it approachable for people new to strength training.

How much weight does the Bowflex 552 go up to?

52.5 lb per dumbbell.

How many dumbbells does the Bowflex 552 replace?

Bowflex markets the current Results Series 552 as replacing up to 15 sets of traditional dumbbells.

Is the Bowflex 552 safe?

The current Results Series 552 was redesigned with reinforced metal components and a locking system following the 2025 recall. Older, pre-2025 SelectTech 552 units are subject to that recall and should be checked against official recall information before use.

Was the Bowflex SelectTech 552 recalled?

Yes. In June 2025, roughly 3.84 million BowFlex 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells were recalled in cooperation with the CPSC due to a risk of weight plates dislodging during use.

What is the difference between the old 552 and Results Series 552?

The original SelectTech 552 used a dial-dependent plate retention system linked to the recall. The Results Series 552 adds reinforced metal components and a locking mechanism designed to keep plates secured to the handle.

Can you drop Bowflex 552 dumbbells?

They are not designed for regular dropping the way some fixed dumbbells are. Set them down under control to avoid stressing the internal mechanism.

Is Bowflex 552 better than PowerBlock?

Neither is universally better. The 552 suits buyers who won’t need more than 52.5 lb, while some PowerBlock models offer expansion options for lifters planning to go heavier.

Are Bowflex 552 dumbbells good for building muscle?

Yes, for most beginner-to-intermediate hypertrophy goals, the weight range and increment options support progressive overload effectively.

Are Bowflex 552 dumbbells good for small apartments?

Yes. The compact, tray-based storage and wide weight range in one product make them a practical option for space-limited living situations.

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19. Final Verdict

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 has one of the more complicated recent histories of any piece of home gym equipment: a long run as one of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market, followed by a significant 2025 safety recall, followed by a genuine redesign in the form of the Results Series 552.

Biggest strengths: exceptional space efficiency, a wide and beginner-friendly weight range, fast adjustments, and strong versatility for full-body training.

Biggest weaknesses: a fixed length that can feel bulky during certain movements, a 52.5 lb ceiling that limits advanced lifters, and a design that isn’t meant for frequent dropping.

Recall consideration: this is not a minor footnote — it’s central to buying decisions in 2026. Older, pre-2025 SelectTech 552 units should not be purchased or used without verifying recall status through official channels.

Best type of buyer: beginners, intermediates, and apartment or small-space users who want one compact, versatile dumbbell system.

Who should choose an alternative: advanced lifters needing more than 52.5 lb, and anyone whose training style involves regularly dropping weights.

Bottom line: the current Bowflex Results Series 552 is a worthwhile pick for most home gym users in 2026, as long as you buy the redesigned version from an authorized source and skip unverified used listings of the older model.

As your training progresses, the 552 can also serve as the foundation of a larger home gym. Many owners eventually build around it with a power tower for home workouts to add bodyweight exercises, or expand into barbell training with a set of bumper plates for a home gym once they’ve outgrown the 552’s 52.5 lb ceiling.

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