bowflex selecttech 552 vs nordictrack adjustable dumbbell comparison

You're tired of tripping over a mismatched set of rusty dumbbells. Or maybe you're finally clearing out the guest room to build a home gym. Either way, you've landed on the same question I get asked weekly: Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells — which is actually worth your money?

I've tested both brands extensively over the years. I've dropped them, sweated on them, and put them through thousands of reps. Here's the honest breakdown so you don't waste $400 on the wrong pair.

What to Look for in Adjustable Dumbbells

Before we dive into the head-to-head, you need to know what actually matters. Most people buy based on price alone and regret it later.

Weight Range and Increments

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 goes from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds, then 5-pound jumps after that. The NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells (the iSelect and Select-A-Weight models) offer similar ranges but vary by model. The iSelect goes 10 to 55 pounds in 5-pound steps. That's a bigger jump, which matters if you're doing lateral raises where 5 pounds is a massive difference.

Dial vs. Pin Mechanism

Bowflex uses a twist-dial system. You set the weight, place the dumbbell back on the base, and turn. It's satisfying and intuitive. NordicTrack's older Select-A-Weight uses a pin you insert into the weight plates. The newer iSelect also uses a dial but it's less refined than Bowflex's. The pin system is simpler mechanically but can be finicky if the pin doesn't seat perfectly.

Durability and Build Quality

Here's where things get real. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 has been around since 2009 for a reason. The plastic cradle and metal plates hold up. I've seen 10-year-old pairs still working perfectly. NordicTrack's adjustable dumbbells have had more complaints about the locking mechanism wearing out over time, especially on the older Select-A-Weight models. The iSelect is newer, so long-term data is thinner.

Footprint and Base Design

Both systems require a cradle. The Bowflex base is wider and longer — about 17.5 inches long and 8.5 inches wide. The NordicTrack iSelect base is more compact but the dumbbells themselves are bulkier when held. If you have small hands, the NordicTrack handles feel thicker. The Bowflex handles are slimmer and more like traditional dumbbells.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review

Price: $329–$429 (often on sale at Amazon or Dick's Sporting Goods)

Weight range: 5–52.5 lbs

Increments: 2.5 lbs (5–25 lbs), 5 lbs (25–52.5 lbs)

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the gold standard. It's the most popular adjustable dumbbell ever made, and that popularity is earned. The dial mechanism is smooth, the weight plates lock securely, and the 15-year warranty tells you the company trusts its product.

I've used these for everything from high-rep shoulder work to heavy Romanian deadlifts. The plates never rattled loose, and the dial never slipped mid-set. The 2.5-pound increments in the lower range are a lifesaver for exercises like bicep curls or lateral raises where small jumps matter.

The downsides? They're long. At 16.5 inches, they feel like a barbell when you're doing curls. And the cradle is bulky — you won't be tossing these in a closet. Also, if you drop them from chest height, the plastic base can crack. Treat them with respect and they'll last.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the safest bet for 90% of home gym owners. It's not flashy, but it works flawlessly for years.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells Review

Price: $299–$399 (older model, often discounted)

Weight range: 5–50 lbs (some models vary)

Increments: 5 lbs throughout

The Select-A-Weight is NordicTrack's older pin-based system. You insert a metal pin into the weight stack you want, lift, and the selected plates come with you. It's a simpler concept than the Bowflex dial, but simplicity comes with tradeoffs.

The pin mechanism works — when it works. I've had test units where the pin didn't fully engage, causing one plate to drop mid-rep. That's dangerous. The 5-pound increments are also limiting. Going from 20 to 25 pounds on a bicep curl is a huge jump for most people.

On the plus side, they're cheaper and the build quality on the newer models is better than the old ones. The handles are rubberized and comfortable, and the cradle is smaller than the Bowflex. If you're on a tight budget and only need bigger jumps, these get the job done.

NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Price: $399–$499

Weight range: 10–55 lbs

Increments: 5 lbs throughout

The iSelect is NordicTrack's answer to the Bowflex. It uses a dial system similar to the 552, but the execution is different. The dial is on the end of the handle, and you rotate it to select the weight before lifting.

The good: the weight range tops out at 55 pounds, slightly higher than the Bowflex's 52.5. The cradle is more compact, and the handle texture is grippy even with sweaty hands.

The bad: the dial can be stiff to turn, especially at higher weights. And the 5-pound increments are a dealbreaker for me. If you're doing lateral raises and need 12.5 pounds, you're stuck at either 10 or 15. That's a real problem for progressive overload.

There have also been reports of the dial mechanism wearing out after a year of heavy use. I haven't seen that in my testing, but the internet is full of complaints. The Bowflex has a 15-year warranty; the iSelect comes with just 1 year. That tells you something about expected lifespan.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells worth the extra money?

Yes, if you want the 2.5-pound increments and a proven track record. The 15-year warranty alone is worth the premium. You're paying for reliability, not just weight.

Can you drop these dumbbells?

No. Both brands are designed for controlled movements. Dropping them from overhead can crack the plastic bases or bend the locking mechanisms. If you do Olympic lifts or CrossFit-style workouts, buy a set of rubber hex dumbbells instead.

Which is better for beginners?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552. The smaller weight increments are safer for learning proper form without jumping up too fast. The dial is also easier to understand than a pin system.

Do these replace a full dumbbell rack?

For most home gyms, yes. A single pair of adjustables covers 90% of exercises. The only gap is if you need two pairs simultaneously for supersets or if you have a workout partner who needs a different weight at the same time.

What about the Bowflex SelectTech 560 or other models?

The 560 goes up to 60 pounds and uses a similar dial system. It's a better choice if you're already strong. But it costs $200 more. The 552 is the sweet spot for the average lifter.

Bottom Line Verdict

Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552. It's not the cheapest option, and it's not the most advanced, but it's the most reliable. The 2.5-pound increments, the smooth dial, and the 15-year warranty make it the only adjustable dumbbell I can recommend without hesitation. The NordicTrack iSelect is a solid alternative if you find it under $350, but the 5-pound jumps and 1-year warranty are real compromises. The old Select-A-Weight models are a gamble — skip them unless you find a screaming deal under $200. Your muscles won't know the difference, but your joints and your wallet will.

#1

Best Overall

Bowflex SelectTech 552 ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: 2.5-lb increments, 15-year warranty, proven durability

Cons: Bulky base, long handles, not drop-safe

💰 $329-$429🎯 Most home gyms

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#2

Runner Up

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells ($10)

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Pros: Cheaper, compact cradle, simple design

Cons: Pin mechanism can fail, 5-lb jumps only, 2-year warranty

💰 $299-$399🎯 Budget buyers needing basic adjustability

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#3

Also Great

NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: 55-lb max, grippy handle, compact base

Cons: Stiff dial, 5-lb increments, 1-year warranty, durability concerns

💰 $399-$499🎯 Lifters who want a higher max weight

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