Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review: Still Worth It in 2026?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 has been the best-selling adjustable dumbbell for over a decade. But in a market that's exploded with competition, is it still the one to buy? After 12 months of daily use, here's our take.

The Good

The dial mechanism is still the fastest weight change system on the market. You can go from 10 lbs to 40 lbs in under 2 seconds. For supersets and circuit training, nothing beats it.

The Not-So-Good

12-Month Durability Report

After a year of 5-day-per-week training, our pair is still functioning perfectly. The dials still click cleanly, no plates have loosened, and the cradles are solid. We did notice minor cosmetic wear on the rubber grip, but nothing structural.

The key to longevity: never drop them. Set them down controlled, every time.

Who Should Buy These?

The SelectTech 552 is perfect for home gym owners who want versatile dumbbell training without dedicating half their garage to a dumbbell rack. If your heaviest dumbbell exercises stay under 52.5 lbs, these are all you need.

Final Verdict

Rating: 4.3/5 — Still the gold standard for adjustable dumbbells. The competition has gotten closer, but no one has beaten the SelectTech dial system for speed and reliability.