Bowflex SelectTech 552
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is a best-in-class choice for adjustable dumbbells thanks to its intuitive dial system and strong value for home users; it delivers quick weight changes and a wide enough range for most strength programs while costing markedly less than heavier-capacity alternatives. Compared with bulkier or more expensive options on this list, the 552 balances affordability and usability — it’s lighter than the 1090 and less modular than the PowerBlock, but offers smoother, user-friendly adjustments ideal for general home workouts.
Dial-change wizard
Compact footprint
Dial-change wizard
Compact footprint
Review Summary
"Users praise the Bowflex SelectTech 552 for its easy dial adjustment, compact footprint and comfortable grips, though some report plastic components, occasional rattling and durability issues with heavy repeated use."
Cushy contoured grip
Adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell with 2.5 lb increments at lighter weights.
Cushy contoured grip
Adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell with 2.5 lb increments at lighter weights.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is a best-in-class choice for adjustable dumbbells thanks to its intuitive dial system and strong value for home users; it delivers quick weight changes and a wide enough range for most strength programs while costing markedly less than heavier-capacity alternatives. Compared with bulkier or more expensive options on this list, the 552 balances affordability and usability — it’s lighter than the 1090 and less modular than the PowerBlock, but offers smoother, user-friendly adjustments ideal for general home workouts.
Dial-change wizard
Compact footprint
Cushy contoured grip
Adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell with 2.5 lb increments at lighter weights.
Dial system allows fast, tool-free weight changes between sets.
Dial-change wizard
Compact footprint
Cushy contoured grip
Adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell with 2.5 lb increments at lighter weights.
Dial system allows fast, tool-free weight changes between sets.
$350-450 CAD
PowerBlock Elite EXP
The PowerBlock Elite EXP stands out as the market leader for technical flexibility and compactness, using a block-style, selector-pin system that makes weight transitions fast and reliable and allowing economical expansion kits to increase capacity over time. Compared with dial-based models like the Bowflex 552 and 1090, the Elite EXP delivers a smaller footprint and pro-level durability, making it a sensible financial choice for buyers who want upgrade paths without replacing the entire unit.
Pin-click ninja
Solid metal build
Pin-click ninja
Solid metal build
Review Summary
"Owners like the PowerBlock Elite EXP for its solid steel construction, fast pin-based adjustments and space-saving, pro-oriented design; some find the block shape awkward for certain exercises and expansions add cost."
Modular expansion
Selector-pin modular design lets you expand the weight range with add-on kits.
Modular expansion
Selector-pin modular design lets you expand the weight range with add-on kits.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The PowerBlock Elite EXP stands out as the market leader for technical flexibility and compactness, using a block-style, selector-pin system that makes weight transitions fast and reliable and allowing economical expansion kits to increase capacity over time. Compared with dial-based models like the Bowflex 552 and 1090, the Elite EXP delivers a smaller footprint and pro-level durability, making it a sensible financial choice for buyers who want upgrade paths without replacing the entire unit.
Pin-click ninja
Solid metal build
Modular expansion
Selector-pin modular design lets you expand the weight range with add-on kits.
Block-style profile stacks neatly and works with vertical or horizontal stands.
Pin-click ninja
Solid metal build
Modular expansion
Selector-pin modular design lets you expand the weight range with add-on kits.
Block-style profile stacks neatly and works with vertical or horizontal stands.
$400-700 CAD
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb
The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb is a budget-friendly, straightforward adjustable dumbbell designed for buyers seeking a no-frills, space-saving solution for home strength training; it typically undercuts higher-end models on price while delivering predictable selector performance. While it doesn't reach the heavier capacities of the Bowflex 1090 or offer the modular expandability of the PowerBlock, its lower cost and simple mechanism make it a practical entry-level alternative in this adjustable-dumbbell roundup.
Pin-select ease
Gym-style feel
Pin-select ease
Gym-style feel
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 lb for its low price and simple selector system for light-to-moderate home workouts, but many report mechanical failures, durability concerns and a bulky tray design over time."
Durable powdercoat
Selector-pin adjustment provides up to a 55 lb pair (27.5 lb per dumbbell).
Durable powdercoat
Selector-pin adjustment provides up to a 55 lb pair (27.5 lb per dumbbell).
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb is a budget-friendly, straightforward adjustable dumbbell designed for buyers seeking a no-frills, space-saving solution for home strength training; it typically undercuts higher-end models on price while delivering predictable selector performance. While it doesn't reach the heavier capacities of the Bowflex 1090 or offer the modular expandability of the PowerBlock, its lower cost and simple mechanism make it a practical entry-level alternative in this adjustable-dumbbell roundup.
Pin-select ease
Gym-style feel
Durable powdercoat
Selector-pin adjustment provides up to a 55 lb pair (27.5 lb per dumbbell).
Lightweight and simple design ideal for beginners and circuit workouts.
Pin-select ease
Gym-style feel
Durable powdercoat
Selector-pin adjustment provides up to a 55 lb pair (27.5 lb per dumbbell).
Lightweight and simple design ideal for beginners and circuit workouts.
$250-350 CAD
Bowflex SelectTech 1090
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 earns its place as a best-in-class option for serious home lifters by providing a much higher maximum weight capacity than the 552 and many competitors, effectively replacing a long rack of plates for users needing heavy loads. It is pricier and bulkier than lighter models and less compact than the PowerBlock, but its combination of familiar dial adjustment, high top-end weight, and proven brand support makes it the top pick for progressive strength training within this adjustable-dumbbell group.
90-lb powerhouse
Dial-shift pro
90-lb powerhouse
Dial-shift pro
Review Summary
"Reviewers applaud the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 for offering higher weight capacity with the same convenient dial system and good build for serious home lifters; a minority note plastic parts can wear and that it is pricier than some rivals."
Ergo textured handle
Adjustable from 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell to support advanced strength training.
Ergo textured handle
Adjustable from 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell to support advanced strength training.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 earns its place as a best-in-class option for serious home lifters by providing a much higher maximum weight capacity than the 552 and many competitors, effectively replacing a long rack of plates for users needing heavy loads. It is pricier and bulkier than lighter models and less compact than the PowerBlock, but its combination of familiar dial adjustment, high top-end weight, and proven brand support makes it the top pick for progressive strength training within this adjustable-dumbbell group.
90-lb powerhouse
Dial-shift pro
Ergo textured handle
Adjustable from 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell to support advanced strength training.
User-friendly dial mechanism for quick, incremental weight shifts.
90-lb powerhouse
Dial-shift pro
Ergo textured handle
Adjustable from 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell to support advanced strength training.
User-friendly dial mechanism for quick, incremental weight shifts.
$500-700 CAD
NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are recognized for their modern design, comfortable ergonomics, and rapid adjustment mechanisms that appeal to users prioritizing look and ease of use in a home gym; they often offer competitive pricing and finer incremental adjustments compared with some bulkier rivals. Although NUOBELLs typically do not match the extreme top-end capacity of the Bowflex 1090 or the expansion ecosystem of PowerBlock, they provide an attractive, budget-conscious alternative for style-focused users who still need reliable, everyday adjustable dumbbells.
Quick-lock click
Sleek minimalism
Quick-lock click
Sleek minimalism
Review Summary
"Users like NUOBELL adjustable dumbbells for their solid metal construction, quick-change mechanism and compact design, though some report quality-control issues and occasional loose parts after heavy long-term use."
Near-silent shifts
Low-profile, modern dial mechanism for fast and intuitive weight selection.
Near-silent shifts
Low-profile, modern dial mechanism for fast and intuitive weight selection.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are recognized for their modern design, comfortable ergonomics, and rapid adjustment mechanisms that appeal to users prioritizing look and ease of use in a home gym; they often offer competitive pricing and finer incremental adjustments compared with some bulkier rivals. Although NUOBELLs typically do not match the extreme top-end capacity of the Bowflex 1090 or the expansion ecosystem of PowerBlock, they provide an attractive, budget-conscious alternative for style-focused users who still need reliable, everyday adjustable dumbbells.
Quick-lock click
Sleek minimalism
Near-silent shifts
Low-profile, modern dial mechanism for fast and intuitive weight selection.
Ergonomic handle and quieter operation suited for home environments.
Quick-lock click
Sleek minimalism
Near-silent shifts
Low-profile, modern dial mechanism for fast and intuitive weight selection.
Ergonomic handle and quieter operation suited for home environments.
$300-450 CAD