Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells: Gimmicky or good deal?

Cylphin60

I'm thinking about grabbing a set. Anyone have them? Thoughts?

http://www.bowflex.com/selecttech/552/100131.html?adID=DOSG2DSL11&psearch=1&gclid=CITx18-5g9ECFd61wAodzfMB_Q

Thanks in advance for replies folks.

cwolfman13

They're just adjustable dumbbells...they seem a little pricey compared to others I've seen...probably because of the name.

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells and they work fine...I don't use them all that often, but they work fine.

GottaBurnEmAll

They're realllllly expensive for what you're getting.

Cylphin60

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

liftorgohome

Save your money and join a gym!!

Cylphin60

tjkita wrote: »

Save your money and join a gym!!

Heh - I could do Planet Fitness for over a year for the cost of these things lol. Convenience has me working out at home though.

GottaBurnEmAll

Cylphin60 wrote: »

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells, and they were the same weight, but a lot cheaper than that!

cwolfman13

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells, and they were the same weight, but a lot cheaper than that!

I want to say mine were $150 or something...it's been awhile though.

Cylphin60

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells, and they were the same weight, but a lot cheaper than that!

That's good to know. Thing is, most sporting goods stores here only sell the Bowflex, or this one other that looks like a block, I can't remember the name. I'll have to hit Walmart or Target after the silly season is over to see what they have.

I'm glad I asked though - as expensive as some equipment is, I just accepted that it was going to hurt the wallet.

cwolfman13

Cylphin60 wrote: »

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells, and they were the same weight, but a lot cheaper than that!

That's good to know. Thing is, most sporting goods stores here only sell the Bowflex, or this one other that looks like a block, I can't remember the name. I'll have to hit Walmart or Target after the silly season is over to see what they have.

I'm glad I asked though - as expensive as some equipment is, I just accepted that it was going to hurt the wallet.

Take a look on amazon...

Cylphin60

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

Thanks @cwolfman13 and @GottaBurnEmAll

I wasn't sure if the adjustable was cheap and prone to break or not, near as I can tell it's the real deal, but I'll definitely shop for a better deal. Thanks folks

I have a set of adjustable dumbbells, and they were the same weight, but a lot cheaper than that!

That's good to know. Thing is, most sporting goods stores here only sell the Bowflex, or this one other that looks like a block, I can't remember the name. I'll have to hit Walmart or Target after the silly season is over to see what they have.

I'm glad I asked though - as expensive as some equipment is, I just accepted that it was going to hurt the wallet.

Take a look on amazon...

Will do, thanks.

pondee629

I got the PowerBlock adjustable. Same weight range but, also, same/similar price range. I like them. You get a lot of weight range out of the two dumbbells. Had them for over a year. I really don't think they are going to break anytime soon ;-)

AnvilHead

I've owned a pair of the Bowflex adjustables (5 - 52.5 lbs.) for about 5 years. I used them almost daily for the first year before joining a gym, and they've gotten occasional use since. They're well made and have held up fine. Obviously since they have moving parts they won't hold up to being thrown around or abused like a cast dumbbell would, but as long as you don't go all Incredible Hulk with them, they're fine.

There are some things I'd rather spend the extra money on for quality - and heavy objects that I'm going to be lifting and holding over my head/face fall into that category.

Cylphin60

pondee629 wrote: »

I got the PowerBlock adjustable. Same weight range but, also, same/similar price range. I like them. You get a lot of weight range out of the two dumbbells. Had them for over a year. I really don't think they are going to break anytime soon ;-)

AnvilHead wrote: »

I've owned a pair of the Bowflex adjustables (5 - 52.5 lbs.) for about 5 years. I used them almost daily for the first year before joining a gym, and they've gotten occasional use since. They're well made and have held up fine. Obviously since they have moving parts they won't hold up to being thrown around or abused like a cast dumbbell would, but as long as you don't go all Incredible Hulk with them, they're fine.

There are some things I'd rather spend the extra money on for quality - and heavy objects that I'm going to be lifting and holding over my head/face fall into that category.

Thanks guys - and that bold, that is one excellent point lol.

I appreciate the feedback folks. Browsing Amazon now for dealz

singletrackmtbr

I did some pretty extensive research when I shopped a few years ago. I highly recommend Powerblock Urethanes. IMO they are the best hands down.

Cylphin60

singletrackmtbr wrote: »

I did some pretty extensive research when I shopped a few years ago. I highly recommend Powerblock Urethanes. IMO they are the best hands down.

Those are sweet for sure. There's a store here that has those and the selecttechs side by side. If I go the more expensive route I'll have to check them out, thanks.

Leadfoot_Lewis

I've had a set since 2007. They're excellent and I have had ZERO issues with them. As long as you don't drop them, they'll hold up just fine.

That said, if they ever break I'll be replacing them with Ironmasters:

http://www.ironmaster.com/categories/dumbbells-kettlebells

Cylphin60

Leadfoot_Lewis wrote: »

I've had a set since 2007. They're excellent and I have had ZERO issues with them. As long as you don't drop them, they'll hold up just fine.

That said, if they ever break I'll be replacing them with Ironmasters:

http://www.ironmaster.com/categories/dumbbells-kettlebells

Oh I like the looks of the ironmasters - that's the only locking system I've seen that has full bars available too.

Thanks! The more decent options the better.

ndj1979

i have had my set for about eight years now and no issues. since joining the gym, I do not use them as much but they come in handy when I can't get to the gym and want to do something ...

lorrpb

Keep an eye on ebay and craigslist.

antdelsa

Not a fan, in my experience they were cheaply made, waaaaaay too big and not practical, plates get stuck and a plate fell out and i had to fight with bowflex to replace it... ended up selling mine and just bought real dumbells for my house ... there are some adjustables out there I've seen and a few I've used that are good, i wouldn't buy the bowflex ones though thats just my opinion

Packerjohn

I have a Powerblock Kettlebell and it's great. Looking the Bowflex vs Powerblock it seems to be as @antdelsa says, the Bowflex seem too big.

sgt1372

Bought a pair of Gold's Gym adjustable dumbells (50# each) w/stand for just $100 off of Craigslist.

Almost never use them because my lifting routines are all compound barbell workouts.

Just bought them "just in case" I might use them and doesn't matter if I do or not because they were so cheap and don't take up too much room (like a bunch of loose dumb bells would) .

$500 for the Bowflex plus the stand (which you need) is too much. Often see Bowflex and other adustable dumb bells on Craigslist. If you gotta have it, I suggest you look there instead.

Cylphin60

Thanks for the replies folks. Yeah, I'm balking at spending that much, so ebay and craigslist it is. Cheers

antdelsa

Packerjohn wrote: »

I have a Powerblock Kettlebell and it's great. Looking the Bowflex vs Powerblock it seems to be as @antdelsa says, the Bowflex seem too big.

Yeah just the length of them was super impractical, hard to do certain movements and get a full ROM. They're really long, but if you can find a great deal then hey go for it i used them for the time i had them but ultimately like i said i prefer standard dumbells

ndj1979

antdelsa wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

I have a Powerblock Kettlebell and it's great. Looking the Bowflex vs Powerblock it seems to be as @antdelsa says, the Bowflex seem too big.

Yeah just the length of them was super impractical, hard to do certain movements and get a full ROM. They're really long, but if you can find a great deal then hey go for it i used them for the time i had them but ultimately like i said i prefer standard dumbells

Yes they are a hair unwieldy ...I keep mine in the garage for those times when can't get to gym

Azdak

The same set is listed in Amazon right now for $259.00.

cnbbnc

I like mine a lot. Yeah...they were expensive (I took a pass on buying the stand) but it was worth it for me because I have to workout at home a lot, and I don't have space to store tons of dumbells. I'm small and short so they did take a little getting used to because of the size. Surprised that the guys find them so awkward. I haven't had any issues with breakage either.

Leadfoot_Lewis

cnbbnc wrote: »

I like mine a lot. Yeah...they were expensive (I took a pass on buying the stand) but it was worth it for me because I have to workout at home a lot, and I don't have space to store tons of dumbells. I'm small and short so they did take a little getting used to because of the size. Surprised that the guys find them so awkward. I haven't had any issues with breakage either.

Me too. There's not a lift I can't do with them. Perhaps I'm just used to them as I've been using them for so long. <shrugs>

GauchoMark

I have a set of those. They are OK. They seem to be build pretty well, but you do have to be somewhat careful with them - you don't want to drop them. Also, they are bulky, so some exercises I find to be awkward because of the length of them. The 552's are not hardly heavy enough for me either.

I think if I had it to do over, there are better options out there like the powerblock or the ironmaster quick-locks.

If you get a great deal in the bowflex on craigslist or something, go for them, but otherwise, I'd get something else. Really, you can't beat just a plain old set of standard dumbbells, but if space is an issue, the adjustable ones are OK.