Our family likes

I bought a set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells in 2004 from a local exercise equipment specialty shop that is no longer in business. I can’t remember exactly what I paid, somewhere around $350-$400. I’ve used them off and on ever since, and now that I’m married, my wife uses them as well. Here’s our review.

When building a home gym, a set of dumbbells in a variety of weights is a must. I wanted a bench and some dumbbells, but the idea of having to buy an entire typical dumbbell weight set was very unappealing to me. I only have so much space in my house, and if I wanted to move furniture around, it’s that much more work.

So when I finally came across the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, I knew I found the answer.

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell weight settings in pounds are as follows: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 pounds. That’s the equivalent of having 15 different sets of dumbbells.

Not only do they provide a 15-dumbbells-in-1 solution, but the change mechanism from one weight to the next is intuitive and fast. Need 10 pounts? Turn the dial to “10″. Need 20 pounds? Set the dumbbells down, and rotate the dial to “20″. It takes seconds. The dial clicks into place, and you just lift up your dumbbells and the new weight is locked on.

Here’s a video (absolutely horrible quality, I know – I don’t have a real video camera!) of me changing the SelectTechs from 25 pounds to 5 pounds.

Note that the length of the dumbbell is just as long at 5 pounds as it is at 25 pounds. This can be a little strange at first. One would think that a standard 5 pound dumbbell would probably not be any longer than 8 inches or so, but with the SelectTechs, you get the same length no matter what the weight. That means that you probably won’t be power-walking with these things, as their size doesn’t really lend itself well to same maneuverability as smaller standard weights would allow. (For me, power walking wasn’t an issue). On the plus side, the dumbbells feel extemely well balanced in the hand – there is no teetering to my surprise. You can tell there was careful craftsmanship put into this product.

Similar all-in-one dumbbells

Once I found out about SelectTech dumbbells, I learned that they weren’t the only (nor were they the first) set of all-in-one quick-change dumbbells. The Powerblock seems to be its main competitor.

If you look for people who prefer one versus the other, it’s almost like Coke and Pepsi. The swapping mechanism for the Powerblock is a u-shaped pin that slides between plates (as opposed to the dial system for the SelectTechs). Also, some folks state the Powerblocks are more durable should you drop or knock your dumbbells around. (Note: Both Powerblock and SelectTech dumbbells are not to be tossed or dropped to the ground.) I haven’t used Powerblocks. Had I been aware of them before I bought the SelectTechs, I made have done more comparison shopping. I think Powerblocks would be a great alternative to the SelectTechs. As a matter of personal preference, I like the style of the SelectTechs.

The optional stand

It’s good to have something besides the floor to set weights on, especially if you work your arms to exhaustion. Bowflex offers an optional stand that is about two feet high for the SelectTech dumbbells.

When I first bought my dumbbells, I opted not to buy the stand. I currently use a sturdy table that is about 2 and half feet high, and it’s worked just fine (and it saves me $130). I may get a stand soon, as we would like to keep the dumbbells out of site when not in use, and since the stand comes with wheels, that would work well for us. Otherwise I’m lifting each dumbbell set separately to haul from one room to another (over 50 pounds each dumbbell set).

Bottom line

• A full range of weights in one
• Swapping weights is fast and takes little effort
• Stylish and sturdy
• Visitors can’t help but pick them up when they see them

Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are a solid product, and a great space-saving alternative to a standard dumbbell rack. The variations of weights (from 5 to 25 pounds in 2.5 pound increments, then 5 pound increments after that up to 52.5) make it helpful to pick the right weight per exercise, and the dial for selecting weight is easy and convenient. It’s functional and stylish. It can be pricey, but there is a lot of value here.

Our family likes Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells.

View Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells at amazon.com