Review: Bowflex Dumbbells

Are the new Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells as good as they look?

Quick Review

Product: Adjustable Bowflex dumbbells that allow you to go from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs (each) with the turn of a dial. They replace 15 sets of 'normal' dumbbells.

Pros: Easy-to-use, very well-made, and good-looking. These dumbbells are great for anyone who doesn't want - or doesn't have the space for - a full set of normal dumbbells (and the large dumbbell rack that goes along with them).

Cons: A little expensive. They usually go for $350 to $400 per set - not including the available Bowflex dumbbell stand (which usually sells for about $140).

Where to Buy: Because of their popularity they're becoming harder to find, but more and more retailers are beginning to offer them through their web sites. Amazon.com offers some of the best prices online.

Complete Review

It's taken a surprising amount of time for the fitness equipment makers to come out with a set of good-looking, high-quality, easy-to-use adjustable dumbbells. But they've finally done it! The new Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells from Nautilus solve many of the problems associated with keeping a set of truly useful weights at home.

Benefits

The biggest benefit, of course, is the fact that they take up very little space. You can literally put these Bowflex dumbbells in a corner of any room. Yet they provide the same flexibility and functionality as a huge set of dumbbells that would normally take up an entire wall or more. This is great for anyone who doesn't want to devote a whole room to a weight set or weight machine -- or simply doesn't have the floor space available!

Second, these adjustable dumbbells are actually very easy to use. You literally change the weight amounts with the turn of a dial. It's extremely intuitive and take about 2 seconds to adjust both of the Bowflex dumbbells. No more messing with strange mechanisms that require shifting pins or flipping switches. Also, of course, no more of the annoying clamps, bolts, or weight plate-swapping associated with normal free weight systems.

Finally -- and we feel this is BIG -- the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells actually look good! Their elegant design and high-quality construction definitely sets them apart from other types of adjustable dumbbells, most of which are ugly to say the least. The SelectTech dumbbells are very sleek and most people won't have a problem putting them in an area where guests can see them. Another nice thing is that the individual weight plates are covered with molded plastic which eliminates the clanking noises associated with other adjustable dumbbells and free weights.

Negatives

The only real negative regarding these Bowflex dumbbells is that they are a little pricey. Depending on where you buy them expect to pay between $350 and $400 per set, as well as another $140 for the optional stand. Also, if you have them shipped, it can easily cost $50 - $100 (unless the merchant offers free shipping, as many do these days).

Bottom Line

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are one of the few truly innovative new fitness products on the market. In terms of ease-of-use, quality-construction, and good-design they leave most other adjustable dumbbell systems in the dust. They aren't cheap but, at the same time, you can easily spend $500 or more on a set of high-quality normal dumbbells -- which take up a heck of a lot more space!

If you're looking for a good way to build muscle and get in shape at home - and you don't want equipment that takes up a ton of room - these Bowflex dumbbells should be at the top of your fitness equipment list!

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Related resources:

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