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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells | 
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| Brand: Bowflex
Category: Sports
This item is no longer available
Rating:  109 reviews
Sales Rank: 10190
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 27 x 26.5 x 23.5
MPN: BFX552
Model: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell Set
UPC: 000000000000
EAN: 0708447160218
ASIN: B000BGKC4C
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| Features:
| • | Combines 15 sets of weights into one, using a unique dial system | | • | Lets you rapidly switch from one exercise to the next | | • | Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds; adjusts in 2.5 lb increments up to the first 25 lbs | | • | Say goodbye to 16 dumbbells cluttering your workout space | | • | Five-year warranty on weight plates, two-year warranty on parts |
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Product Description
Xstamper extra large custom stamp delivers 1 to 13 lines that include a maximum of 43 characters per line. Ideal for return addresses, company names, check endorsements, special messages and more. Great for large business addresses or important messages. Stamp is pre-inked in either choice of red, black, blue, green or purple and dispenses 50,000 impressions before it needs to be re-inked. Offers ergonomic handle design. Impression size: 1-3/16" x 3-1/8". Contact customer service to customize stamp. Complete orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt by Xstamper.
Amazon.com Product Description
If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don't have much space, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are an ideal solution. The 552 SelectTech combine 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It's one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available. Say goodbye to 16 different dumbbells cluttering your workout space. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up. Manufacturer Warranty
Two-year limited warranty on all parts; five-year warranty on weight plates; one-year warranty on labor
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| Customer Reviews: Read 104 more reviews...
 Information filled review. August 29, 2008
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
I've been an Amazon shopper for a long time now, and when I decided to buy a set of these, I was very disappointed in the reviews. Not the scores, but the lack of information about these dumbbells. So, I did my homework from going to sports stores and trying them out to reading professional reviews, which weren't any better than the member reviews here, and now I've had these for a month or so and feel comfortable enough with them to review them completely and hopefully, informative enough to help you decide.
The design is very nice, these were originally known as the Nautilus Select Tech Dumbbells. Nautilus to me is a better known name than Bowflex is for quality, so take that into consideration when looking at these. Though the Bowflex name is on these, they are still made by Nautilus. These are high enough quality to be found in a professional level gym.
Some things that I questioned and couldn't find answers to, that I now know.
These dumbbells come in stands. The stands are not really enough, and I do recommend the 552 stand for them. But what these stands that come with the dumbbells are used for is to make it much easier to change the weight of the dumbbells. You sit the dumbbell in the stand, turn the knob on each side of the dumbbell to the desired weight, and the plates that you are not using, STAY in the stand. You finish that set and want to add 10 pounds, sit the dumbbell back in the stand, turn the dial to the higher weight and lift it back out. It is that simple.
I had read reviews that talked about changing 4 dials each time. This is true if you are using both dumbbells at a time. Two dials per dumbbell. Not four on one dumbbell.
I had read reviews that said the plates are plastic. Not true. There is a coating over the plates, but that does not mean the plates are plastic. The coating does cut down on clanking, especially when changing the weight.
Next up, the range of motion and bulkiness of these dumbbells, I do not have any problems with these. Here are a few exact measurements to let you see the difference.
I have a regular dumbbell, with the spin off collars that hold the weights on. With 50 pounds, 2x10 and 1x5 cast iron plates on each side, from end to end it measures 14 1/2 inches long, the weights are 7 inches high.
The Bowflex with all plates on it 52.5 pounds, is 15 1/2 inches long, the weights are 7 1/4 inches high.
The 1 inch difference in length is the 1/2 inch on each side for the dial. The difference is not the least bit noticeable.
Next, the amount of available weight. While I do agree that the price seems steep for a dumbbell that maxes out at 52.5 pounds, I don't think it is that much different than other sets. Here is what I mean.
I was sold on the idea that I should get the Powerblocks because I can use more than 52.5 per arm on several movements I do, but the Powerblocks, at the same price, actually a little higher priced for the Elites 50 pounds max, have to be upgraded for 239 more to give you 90 pounds per dumbbell. Which makes that set around 700 total or the same as the Bowflex 1090 which is also 700 dollars.
I include that to hopefully help anyone out that was stuck like me for well over a month, trying to figure out which would be better.
While it is true that these are not upgradeable, I'm finding that 52.5 pounds is more than enough for what I'm looking for. I'm no beginner by any stretch of the imagination, having lifted since the 80s. But, for a home gym that doesn't take up much space, these are perfect.
Last, in what I considered a strange practice, Amazon shipped these free through ABF. ABF is an excellent freight company, BUT I live in a community of condominiums. The guy called me and was laughing because he didn't think he could get his truck into the community. He was driving a small tractor trailer, not a delivery truck. He did get in though, but thought I would mention it if you order and see ABF as your deliverer that you might have some problems getting them delivered to your door if you live in a tightly packed area. He did offer to wait on me to come get them and said he would load them into my car and even ride to my condo with me and bring them in, if his truck couldn't make the turn.
All in all, I am very happy with these dumbbells. The supposed risks of using them are no more than any dumbbell has. When you turn the dial, you hear a clear click to let you know the locking mechanism has the weights secured. Once secured, these plates are not falling off unless by way of something very rare happening, which also is a risk with any weight training product. Do watch the price, it seems to be changing weekly, these were 20 dollars cheaper when I ordered them, but were 75 dollars higher when I checked them out months ago.
Hope this helps someone.
Great Product March 29, 2005
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
I've only had Select-Tech Dumbbells a week, so I can't comment on their longevity or how they hold up to repeated workouts, only my initial impressions.
So far, I am very pleased with how they feel when doing every type of dumbbell exercise. Due to the mechanism that holds the plates in place, using a lighter weight still requires the overall length of the dumbbell to be the same. Because of that, I was expecting an awkward feel, but that is not the case. My wife uses 5 - 12.5 pound settings and the extra length is a non-factor for her as well. We also have a small workout room, so the space saving benefit is a plus.
As advertised, just turn the dial and select your weight. It's that easy. I have found myself doing proper sets now, where before I didn't want to hassle with changing plates. It also speeds up the workout.
They are expensive, but worth the money if you plan on sticking to a routine.
Sleek design and space saver March 8, 2006
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
I LOVE these dumbells!!! I got them on sale and they were the best buy I ever made. I have limited space, so these are perfect for my little condo. You get a range in each dumbell of 5 to 52.5 lbs all in one little 10"x12" space. I'm a sucker for design and these dumbells are down right sexy. I've heard complaints from bodybuilders of the SelectTech's limited weight capacity, as compared to Power Blocks which are expandable, but for me as a woman, these are perfect. I can't imagine ever being able to lift more than 50lbs per dumbell, and for heavier weighted exercises I use barbells. This might be a concern for men or stronger women, but if you are satisfied with a max weight of 52.5 lbs, these are worth every penny.
Outstanding design and function.. February 19, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've had a set of SelectTechs (552) for about 18 months now.. I use them just about every second day. I even took one half of the set on a three-month family caravan trip, and was able to do all my exercises easily, even in the confinement of a modest-sized van.
My thoughts:
- They are easy and quick to adjust. Anyone who's wasted time spinning weights off an on will appreciate the convenience. The handles fit fantastically well into my hands - best feeling free weights i've lifted.
- They are discrete; they sit in the corner of my living room, offending no one, and pleasing me with their solid industrial design. The stand holds them at a useful angle, and at a good height (and i'm over 6' 4").
- They have to be adjusted at both ends of each dumbbell, which some people find inconvenient, but the great advantage is you can set a different weight at either end to perfectly match your requirements. For example if i want to move up from front raises at, say, 8kg (they are sold as kg weight in Australia), but don't want to go up a full kilogram (2.2lb), i simply set one end at 9kg and the other at 8kg.. Voila! 8 and a half kg. After 10kg, the increases are 1kg minimum.
- They are a tad bulky, but it has never been an issue for me - consider how many variations on each kind of exercise are possible with free weights.
- As reported by another reviewer, the weights do move very minimally on the handles, but there is absolutely NO WAY this movement is enough to affect the balance of the weights. It's just that you can hear the plastic coated weights moving.. big deal.
- Since the unattached weights stay seated in the base, You do have to remove and return the dumbbells perpendicular to the base, so they slot in easily (the bases, by the way are plastic, but very heavy and solid). If you tend to drag the dumbbells towards you, then you will find the whole base and unattached weights starting to lift as well.. Again, not a big deal.
- I find that the weight adjustment mechanism turns more easily if you apply a very slight pressure down on the adjustment wheel as you change the setting.. if you pull up as you turn the wheel, the mechanism sometimes wont turn.. (this is a very minor issue).
- They are expensive as a one-off hit, but as I said, I've not missed a session in 18 months. I'm stronger, and look better.. I really enjoy using them, and I can do the workout whenever i have time, which occasionally ends up being late at night. No way would I have been so diligent travelling to a gym, and no way could I justify a wall of individual weights (not to mention the ugliness of a wall of weights).
- The base does require assembly.. But it's exactly as boring as any other Ikea-type assembly. The base is heavy duty and rock-solid.
- Some have criticized the plastic and plastic-encased components. I've had no problems with these devices. Where the plastic-encased weights touch each other there are signs of contact, and after several months of use, a tiny amount of talcum-powder-like plastic dust can be seen on the sides of the weights.
- The greatest limitation in my view is that after 21kg (or 54lbs) there is no more weight to add.. Now that the bigger set (1090) has been launched, I guess there is an answer for those who need the big weights.. (I need more than 21kg for shrugs, and one arm dumbbell rows, but for the time being more sets or more reps covers that..).
My desired result is to be stronger, fitter, and to look better - these free weights are the best thing I've come across. They are beautifully designed tools to help me achieve that. If you're more focussed on how long these devices look showroom new, then maybe your interest is less in self-improvement and more in object collecting (oops, sorry for being direct).
Great concept, very well executed. January 5, 2007
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
The idea behind multiple sets of dumbbells in a single handle is not unique to Bowflex, but it is, by far, the best execution. The dumbbells are sturdy, very sinple to use, and are completely maintenance-free. They look as though they are commercial quality, and with a minimum of care, will last a lifetime.
The only (minor) drawback is that in order to acomodate all of the weight plates, the handles are 16" long, and this seems if using lighter weights. In planning to use 20 lbs or less, then consider the 220 Dumbbells, which are shorter.
Overall a great product that is simple to use and encourages me to use them regularly.
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