Garage Gym Reviews78
A hands-on test calling the 552 a strong budget value with very fast weight changes, held back by plastic construction, a 52.5 lb ceiling and a recall note.
Bowflex SelectTech 552
5 expert reviewsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 has a critic score of 79 out of 100 from 5 professional reviews, including Garage Gym Reviews, Tom's Guide and T3. 4 of 5 recommend it, and scores range from 60 (CNN Underscored) to 89 (Tom's Guide). 1 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 4 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: ease of use (3 of 5). Most common complaints: size and weight (3 of 5). It ranks #2 of the 2 adjustable dumbbells we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
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Best for: Best for beginners
Our verdict
5 professional reviewers tested the Bowflex SelectTech 552, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: ease of use. Most common complaint: size and weight.
The catch: It is bulky and not suited to heavy lifting.
Critic agreement: Medium
Scores run from 60 to 891 printed scores, 4 estimated
4 of these 5 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Tom's Guide89est.
The reviewer finds the 552s easy to use, ergonomic and space-saving, and prefers them to NordicTrack's pricier set.
T385est.
Named the best overall adjustable dumbbell for its easy dial and fine increments, which suit fast circuits and drop sets.
Good Housekeeping83est.
Picked as the best adjustable dumbbell for beginners in a tested guide, with easy dial changes and app tracking, though not suited to very heavy lifting.
CNN Underscored60est.
Tested in a roundup but not picked, the 552 is judged awkward and clunky because its length never shrinks, and it relies heavily on plastic.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Ease of use3 of 5
What critics dislike most
Size and weight3 of 5
Alternatives
Not sure about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Common questions
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 worth it?
Most critics think so: 4 of 5 recommend it. It is bulky and not suited to heavy lifting.
Do critics agree about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Agreement is medium: scores range from 60 (CNN Underscored) to 89 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 29 points across 5 reviews. Most reviewers land close together, with some outliers.
What do critics dislike about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Size and weight (3 of 5 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set (critic score 81), best for fast changes.