BowFlex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells review: the BowFlex 552 has long been one of the best-known compact dumbbell systems for home gyms because each dumbbell replaces multiple fixed weights and adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds. However, shoppers and current owners need to understand the major safety issue first: BowFlex 552 adjustable dumbbells were included in a large 2025 product recall involving weight plates that could dislodge during use.
BowFlex currently markets a Results Series 552 SelectTech model with updated product specifications, including 15 weight settings, quick adjustment dials and metal components. But because BowFlex’s recall information broadly states that genuine BowFlex 552 products in the United States are included in the recall, buyers should confirm the recall status of any exact model or listing directly with BowFlex before purchasing or using the product.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click an Amazon link on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Because BowFlex 552 dumbbells have been subject to a safety recall, confirm the recall status and exact model before purchasing or using a BowFlex 552 set.
Safety Alert: BowFlex 552 Dumbbells Were Recalled
On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of BowFlex 552 and BowFlex 1090 adjustable dumbbells. According to the CPSC, the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, creating an impact hazard.
The recall involved approximately 3.84 million units and followed hundreds of reported incidents, including 111 reported injuries such as concussions, abrasions, contusions and broken toes.
If you already own BowFlex 552 dumbbells: Stop using them until you check the recall instructions and confirm your remedy options through BowFlex or the CPSC.
Considering alternatives? Before deciding on BowFlex, compare it with PowerBlock, NÜOBELL, NordicTrack and other options in our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells for home gyms.
Quick Verdict: The currently marketed BowFlex Results Series 552 has appealing home-gym specifications: 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell, 15 settings, quick adjustment dials and compact storage trays. However, because of the BowFlex 552 recall history and the broad wording on BowFlex’s recall page, we do not recommend buying or using a 552 set without first confirming that the exact product is appropriate and not subject to recall action.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact quick-adjusting set for ordinary home workouts and who verify the exact current product status before purchasing.
Consider another option if: You want to avoid recall uncertainty, need more than 52.5 pounds per hand or want expandable long-term resistance.
BowFlex Results Series 552 Product Overview
BowFlex currently lists a Results Series 552 SelectTech dumbbell pair designed to replace multiple traditional dumbbell sets in a small home gym. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds, with smaller 2.5-pound increases through the first 25 pounds and heavier jumps above that range.
The main convenience is the dial-style adjustment system. While each dumbbell is positioned in its storage tray, the user turns the selection dials to the desired resistance, lifts the dumbbell out and leaves the unselected weight plates in the tray. That is much faster than manually removing collars and plates from a traditional adjustable handle.
The 552 range is practical for many home exercises, including curls, shoulder presses, lateral raises, rows, lunges, floor presses and goblet squats. However, the fixed 52.5-pound maximum will be limiting for some stronger lifters, especially on heavy rows, presses and lower-body movements.
Current BowFlex Results Series 552 Specifications
| Feature | Listed Product Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells |
| Quantity | Sold as a pair on BowFlex’s current product page |
| Weight Range | 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell |
| Number of Weight Settings | 15 settings per dumbbell |
| Listed Weight Settings | 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 52.5 lb |
| Adjustment Method | Quick adjustment selection dials while the dumbbell rests in its tray |
| Dimensions Per Dumbbell | 16.9 inches long by 8.3 inches wide by 9 inches high |
| Included Storage | Storage trays listed as included |
| Listed Parts Warranty | 2 years |
| Safety Consideration | BowFlex 552 products have been subject to a recall; confirm exact current product status before buying or using |
Important: Do not rely on an old product photograph, an older review or a seller description alone to determine whether a BowFlex 552 product is safe to use. Review the official BowFlex recall information and contact BowFlex if you need confirmation about a specific product or serial number.
What We Like About the BowFlex Results Series 552 Design
1. The Weight Range Works for Many Home Workouts
A range of 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell is useful for a broad variety of exercises. The lower settings are appropriate for movements such as lateral raises, curls, triceps extensions and light shoulder work. The higher settings may be used for rows, dumbbell presses, split squats, lunges and goblet squats, depending on your strength level.
The lighter 2.5-pound increases through the first 25 pounds are particularly helpful for smaller upper-body exercises. For many people, increasing a lateral raise or curl by 2.5 pounds is far more manageable than jumping by 5 or 10 pounds.
2. Dial Adjustments Are Convenient
One reason BowFlex became popular is convenience. A plate-loaded adjustable dumbbell can require unscrewing collars, changing plates and tightening everything again before moving to the next exercise. A selectorized dial system can make those changes much faster.
That convenience matters when training at home, especially during circuits or supersets where you may move quickly from rows to curls or from presses to lateral raises.
3. It Saves Space Compared With Fixed Dumbbells
BowFlex describes each dumbbell as replacing 15 individual weight settings. For buyers with a spare-bedroom workout area, basement corner or small garage gym, the ability to store multiple resistance options in two trays can be a major advantage over purchasing an entire rack of fixed dumbbells.
4. The Current Results Series Lists Metal Components
BowFlex describes the currently marketed Results Series 552 as having premium metal components and a locking system intended to keep selected weights in place. That is notable because the recall issue involving prior 552 models makes the locking and plate-retention design especially important to prospective buyers.
However, a listed product feature should not replace recall verification. Buyers should still confirm the exact model’s current safety and recall status before purchase or use.
Major Drawbacks and Concerns
1. The Recall Is the Central Buying Issue
The BowFlex 552 recall cannot be treated as a small footnote. The CPSC stated that weight plates could dislodge from the handle during use, and reported injuries included concussions and broken toes. A buyer considering this product should review the recall information before looking at convenience, weight range or price.
Because BowFlex’s recall page uses broad wording about genuine 552 products in the United States, we cannot simply assume that every product marketed under a similar 552 name is unaffected. Verify before buying.
2. The Maximum Weight May Be Too Light for Strong Lifters
Even apart from the recall question, the 52.5-pound maximum is not ideal for everyone. A beginner or intermediate exerciser may find that range sufficient for years of training. A stronger lifter may quickly outgrow it for heavy dumbbell rows, chest presses, Romanian deadlifts or split squats.
If you already use 50-pound dumbbells comfortably on your larger exercises, an expandable PowerBlock model or a heavier adjustable dumbbell system may provide better long-term value.
3. Selectorized Dumbbells Must Be Handled Carefully
Adjustable dumbbells that rely on a selection mechanism and multiple detachable plates are not intended to be treated like solid fixed dumbbells. They should be placed down under control rather than dropped after a set.
This matters even more with a product line that has been associated with a plate-dislodgement recall. Anyone who regularly drops weights after presses or rows may be better served by fixed dumbbells or a different equipment format.
4. The Best Value Depends on Current Status and Alternatives
Before the recall, BowFlex 552 was easy to recommend as a convenient mid-weight adjustable dumbbell set. Today, the decision is more complicated. Buyers can compare NordicTrack for a similar general-use range, PowerBlock for expandability and NÜOBELL for higher premium capacity without ignoring BowFlex’s safety history.
Potential Advantages
- 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell
- 15 listed weight settings
- Quick dial-style weight selection
- Compact storage trays
- Useful lighter increments through 25 pounds
- Current Results Series lists metal components
Important Drawbacks
- BowFlex 552 recall history must be checked first
- 52.5-pound maximum may be limiting
- Not expandable for heavier progression
- Should not be dropped
- Two-year listed parts warranty is shorter than some alternatives
- Recall wording creates buyer uncertainty
BowFlex 552 Recall: What Owners and Buyers Need to Know
The CPSC recall notice identifies BowFlex 552, 52.5-pound adjustable dumbbells and BowFlex 1090, 90-pound adjustable dumbbells as recalled products because the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use.
According to the official CPSC notice:
- The recall date was June 5, 2025.
- Approximately 3,844,200 units were affected.
- The hazard involves plates potentially dislodging during use.
- Consumers with recalled dumbbells were instructed to stop using them immediately.
- Reported injuries included concussions, abrasions, broken toes and contusions.
BowFlex’s own recall information states that genuine BowFlex 552 and 1090 products in the United States are included in the recall and eligible for a remedy. Owners should visit the official recall page and complete the claim process rather than continuing to use potentially affected equipment.
Visit the Official BowFlex Recall Page
Exercises the BowFlex 552 Weight Range Can Support
If you have verified that your exact product is appropriate for use, a 5-to-52.5-pound adjustable dumbbell range can support many home strength-training movements.
Upper-Body Exercises
- Dumbbell floor press
- Dumbbell bench press
- One-arm rows
- Seated shoulder press
- Biceps curls
- Hammer curls
- Lateral raises
- Triceps extensions
Lower-Body Exercises
- Goblet squats
- Reverse lunges
- Bulgarian split squats
- Step-ups
- Dumbbell Romanian deadlifts
- Weighted calf raises
The best exercises for this weight range depend on your strength level. A 52.5-pound dumbbell may be plenty for one user’s heavy rows, while another lifter may find it insufficient for lower-body or pressing movements.
BowFlex SelectTech 552 vs. NordicTrack Select-A-Weight
NordicTrack is one of the closest alternatives for shoppers who want a compact adjustable dumbbell set for general home strength training. The biggest practical differences involve the starting weight, maximum weight, adjustment design and the BowFlex recall consideration.
| Feature | BowFlex Results Series 552 | NordicTrack Select-A-Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell | 10 to 55 lb per dumbbell |
| Better for Very Light Exercises | BowFlex begins at 5 lb | Begins at 10 lb |
| Higher Maximum Weight | 52.5 lb | 55 lb |
| Adjustment Style | Dial-style selection | Selector-style adjustment |
| Major Buying Consideration | Confirm recall status before buying or using | Compare current price and specifications |
Our take: NordicTrack may be the safer comparison choice for shoppers who do not want to navigate the BowFlex recall question. BowFlex may still appeal to buyers who value a 5-pound starting setting and verify that the exact product is appropriate for purchase and use.
Read Our NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells Review
BowFlex SelectTech 552 vs. PowerBlock Elite EXP
PowerBlock is the more compelling alternative for lifters focused on long-term strength progression. BowFlex stops at 52.5 pounds per hand, while compatible PowerBlock Elite EXP models can be expanded beyond their starting capacity for heavier future training.
| Choose BowFlex Only After Verification If… | Choose PowerBlock If… |
|---|---|
| You want a lower starting weight for lighter exercises. | You expect to need heavier resistance over time. |
| You prefer dial-style adjustments. | You value expandability more than traditional dumbbell shape. |
| You confirm the exact current model’s recall status directly with BowFlex. | You prefer to avoid the BowFlex 552 recall uncertainty. |
Read Our PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells Review
Should You Buy BowFlex 552 Dumbbells on Amazon?
Because of the recall history, do not purchase a BowFlex 552 set from any marketplace listing solely because the price looks attractive. Before ordering, confirm the exact product being sold, check current recall information and make sure you understand whether the listing refers to a current Results Series model, older stock, a used set or another variation.
If you decide to view current Amazon listings after reading the recall information, use the link below. This is an affiliate link, and you should still verify the product status before purchasing.
View Current BowFlex Results Series 552 Listings on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Were BowFlex SelectTech 552 dumbbells recalled?
Yes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of BowFlex 552 and BowFlex 1090 adjustable dumbbells on June 5, 2025, because weight plates could dislodge from the handle during use and create an impact hazard.
What should I do if I already own BowFlex 552 dumbbells?
Review the official BowFlex and CPSC recall information and stop using recalled dumbbells until you complete the recall process or receive official guidance on your product.
How much weight do the BowFlex Results Series 552 dumbbells provide?
BowFlex currently lists the Results Series 552 as adjusting from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell across 15 settings.
Do BowFlex 552 dumbbells come as a pair?
BowFlex’s current Results Series 552 product page lists the dumbbells as sold as a pair. Amazon and marketplace listings can differ, so verify package quantity before ordering.
Are BowFlex 552 dumbbells good for beginners?
The 5-pound starting resistance and smaller increments through the first 25 pounds can be practical for beginners. However, any buyer should first review the BowFlex 552 recall information and confirm the exact product status before purchasing or use.
Are BowFlex or NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells better?
BowFlex begins at a lighter 5 pounds per dumbbell, while NordicTrack reaches a slightly higher maximum of 55 pounds. Because BowFlex 552 products have been associated with a significant recall, NordicTrack may be the more straightforward product to compare unless the buyer confirms the current BowFlex model’s status.
Are BowFlex or PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells better?
PowerBlock is generally the better choice for lifters who want heavier future progression or want to avoid uncertainty related to the BowFlex 552 recall. BowFlex may appeal to buyers wanting light starting resistance and dial adjustments, provided the exact product status is verified first.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells?
The conclusion of this BowFlex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells review is more cautious than it would have been before 2025. On paper, the currently marketed BowFlex Results Series 552 has attractive specifications for a home gym: a 5-to-52.5-pound range, 15 settings, fast dial adjustments and compact storage trays.
But the recall is the deciding issue. BowFlex 552 adjustable dumbbells were recalled after reports of plates dislodging during use and causing injuries. BowFlex’s recall page uses broad language about genuine 552 products in the United States being included in the recall. Until a buyer confirms the exact current product’s status directly with BowFlex, we cannot recommend purchasing or using a 552 set without qualification.
Buyers who want a simpler alternative should compare NordicTrack for general home training, PowerBlock for expandable strength progression or NÜOBELL for a higher-capacity premium option.
View Current BowFlex Results Series 552 Options on Amazon After Checking the Recall
Compare BowFlex With the Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms