Bowflex SelectTech 552
Exact average 79.3 · 1 printed, 6 estimated
CNN Underscored's review has no printed score; we read it as 60/100. The other 6 average 83.
Image: Bowflex7 professional reviewers tested the Bowflex SelectTech 552, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: ease of use. Most common complaint: size and weight.
Reviewed by Garage Gym Reviews, Tom's Guide, T3 and 4 more
The catch: It is bulky and not suited to heavy lifting.
6 of these 7 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 7 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 78Garage Gym Reviews
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.
Read Garage Gym Reviews review - 89est.Tom's Guide
The reviewer finds the 552s easy to use, ergonomic and space-saving, and prefers them to NordicTrack's pricier set.
Read Tom's Guide review - 85est.T3
Named the best overall adjustable dumbbell for its easy dial and fine increments, which suit fast circuits and drop sets.
Read T3 review - 83est.Gear Patrol
Still a solid choice for beginners thanks to quick weight changes and a sensible range.
Read Gear Patrol review - 83est.Good Housekeeping
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.
Read Good Housekeeping review - 77est.BarBend
A space-saving, relatively affordable adjustable set that replaces many pairs of dumbbells and suits beginners and intermediates.
Read BarBend review - 60est.CNN Underscored
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.
Read CNN Underscored review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
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Common questions
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 worth it?
Most critics think so: 5 of 7 recommend it. It is bulky and not suited to heavy lifting.
Do critics agree about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
One critic disagrees: scores range from 60 (CNN Underscored) to 89 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 29 points across 7 reviews. CNN Underscored's review has no printed score; we read it as 60/100. The other 6 average 83.
What do critics dislike about the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Size and weight (4 of 7 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set (critic score 81), best overall.