Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review: Is the New Results Series Worth It After the Recall?

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 has one of the most eventful histories of any adjustable dumbbell. In June 2025, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 3.7 million units after 337 reports of malfunctions and 111 injuries — including broken toes and concussions — caused by weight plates dislodging during use. Johnson Health Tech (which acquired BowFlex from Nautilus) responded by redesigning the product from the ground up. The result is the Results Series 552 SelectTech, now available with metal locking tabs replacing the mechanism that failed in the recalled models.

This review evaluates whether the redesigned Results Series 552 earns back trust, how it compares to the PowerBlock Elite EXP 50 and NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55, and which set makes sense for your home gym in 2026.

Quick Comparison

Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech

The recall context matters. If you own original Bowflex SelectTech 552 or 1090 dumbbells purchased before May 2025, stop using them. The CPSC recall covers the original Nautilus-manufactured models. The replacement is the Results Series 552 — a distinct product with a redesigned plate-locking mechanism that uses metal tabs to keep the weight plates secured in the tray and handle. Bowflex’s own recall page notes this redesign was developed specifically to comply with updated safety standards.

The core selectorized mechanism is familiar: a dial on each end of the dumbbell rotates to select your weight from 5 to 52.5 lbs. The dial takes under 3 seconds to turn and engage, making weight transitions between sets genuinely fast. That convenience advantage over fixed dumbbells is real — swapping from 25 lbs to 40 lbs takes about the same time as reaching for a different hex dumbbell from a rack.

The 5-lb starting point is one of the most useful aspects of this set for a home gym. Lateral raises, front raises, external rotation work, and shoulder prehab movements all require light weights that most competitors skip. The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight starts at 10 lbs — useful for many exercises, but not for anything requiring fine control at low loads.

The 52.5-lb ceiling is adequate for most intermediate upper-body work. Incline pressing, dumbbell rows, RDLs, and curls all fall comfortably within this range for most lifters. The limitation is for advanced athletes using dumbbells for lower-body or heavier pulling movements — Bulgarian split squats and goblet squats at 52.5 lbs are manageable for most, but serious lower-body loading typically requires heavier dumbbells.

The 5-lb jump increments above 25 lbs is worth noting. Going from 30 lbs to 35 lbs is a significant jump for smaller muscle groups. The Bowflex 552 handles this reasonably well for larger movements (pressing, rowing) but can make progressive overload harder for tricep work or isolation exercises where 2.5-lb jumps matter.

PowerBlock Elite EXP 50

The PowerBlock Elite EXP is the adjustable dumbbell standard by which durability is measured. The square selectorized design — adjustable via a magnetic selector pin through the handle — has been in production for decades and has accumulated a long track record for reliability.

The build difference compared to the Bowflex 552 is immediately apparent. The PowerBlock frame is steel and high-impact polymer. There are no plastic dials. The selector pin mechanism is mechanically simple — slide it to the weight setting you want, pull the dumbbell out of the cradle. This simplicity means fewer potential failure points over years of use. The 5-year warranty reflects that confidence: no other major adjustable dumbbell brand offers a longer coverage period.

The expandable system is the standout long-term value proposition. The Stage 1 set covers 5–50 lbs per hand. Optional Stage 2 and Stage 3 expansion kits raise the ceiling to 70 lbs and then 90 lbs per hand respectively. For a lifter in their early training years who doesn’t need 80 lbs now but will in two or three years, buying the Stage 1 set and expanding later is significantly cheaper than buying two separate dumbbell sets.

The rectangular block shape is the primary adjustment curve. Hex dumbbell handles are round — you can rotate them naturally during movements like rotating presses or supinated curls. PowerBlock handles are fixed in a rectangular housing. Most lifters adapt within a few weeks, and the design doesn’t prevent standard pressing, rowing, or curl patterns. But if you prefer the feel of traditional round-handled dumbbells, the Bowflex 552’s handle geometry is closer to that experience.

At $399–$439 for Stage 1, the PowerBlock is priced comparably to the Bowflex 552. If you’re confident you’ll stay under 50 lbs, the decision is mostly about build preference. If you think you’ll outgrow 50 lbs, the PowerBlock’s expandability is worth the entry price.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 earns its place in this comparison through price and maximum weight. At $314–$349, it undercuts both competitors by $50–$90. The 55-lb ceiling is also 2.5 lbs higher than the Bowflex 552 — meaningful for lifters who are close to outgrowing 52.5 lbs.

The slider pin adjustment mechanism is different from either the Bowflex dial or the PowerBlock pin. A pin slides along a track on each side of the dumbbell to select the number of plates engaged. The process is fast when the mechanism is working cleanly — comparable to the Bowflex in speed. The drawback is alignment sensitivity: if you rush the adjustment or the tray surface isn’t level, the pin can sit between plate slots rather than locking into one. Under fatigue, this happens more often than with the Bowflex dial system.

The steel handle with knurling is genuinely better for grip than the smoother handles on the Bowflex 552. Lifters who sweat through sets will notice this difference during pressing and pulling movements. It’s a practical advantage that’s easy to overlook in spec comparisons.

The 10-lb minimum is a meaningful limitation. Starting at 10 lbs per hand rules out a range of lighter shoulder and rotator cuff exercises. For lifters who train around injuries or do significant accessory work below 10 lbs, the Bowflex 552’s 5-lb start gives it a clear edge.

The included 30-day iFit trial is added value for beginners who want guided workout programming. After the trial, continued access to iFit content costs $180/year — a subscription cost to factor into the total investment if you plan to use it.

Which Adjustable Dumbbell Should You Buy?

Buy the Bowflex Results Series 552 if:

• You want the fastest weight-change mechanism and compact tray storage
• Your training frequently dips below 10 lbs for shoulder or rehab work
• You’re confident the 52.5-lb ceiling is sufficient for your training
• You want to buy the redesigned post-recall model with the updated safety mechanism

Buy the PowerBlock Elite EXP 50 if:

• Durability and long-term reliability are your top priorities
• You’re likely to outgrow 50 lbs and want an expandable system
• A 5-year warranty and Made-in-USA build matter to you
• You don’t mind adapting to the rectangular handle profile

Buy the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 if:

• Budget is the deciding factor and you want the lowest entry price
• Your heaviest dumbbell work runs between 40 and 55 lbs
• You prefer a knurled steel handle over smoother alternatives
• The 10-lb minimum is not a limitation for your training

What to Look for in Adjustable Dumbbells

Weight range is the most critical spec. Decide your floor (minimum) and ceiling (maximum) before comparing products. The Bowflex 552 starts at 5 lbs. The NordicTrack starts at 10 lbs. The PowerBlock starts at 5 lbs. For upper-body ceilings, 50–55 lbs covers most intermediate training. For lower-body dumbbell movements at heavier loads, look at 70–90 lb options.

Adjustment mechanism determines daily usability. Dial systems (Bowflex) are fast and reliable but have plastic components. Pin systems (PowerBlock) are mechanically simple with fewer plastic failure points. Slider systems (NordicTrack) are intuitive but alignment-sensitive.

Weight increments matter more than most buyers realize. Fine increments (2.5 lbs) at lighter weights are important for accessory and isolation movements. Coarser increments (5 lbs) at heavier weights are acceptable for compound pushing and pulling.

Build and warranty reflect how long the product will last. The PowerBlock’s 5-year warranty is exceptional. Bowflex offers 2 years on the Results Series. NordicTrack offers 1 year. These gaps matter for products used multiple times per week over years.

Recall history is now a relevant factor for Bowflex buyers. The original SelectTech 552 recall was a significant safety event. The Results Series is Bowflex’s corrective action — verify the ASIN and product name before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the redesigned version.

FAQ

Is the new Bowflex Results Series 552 safe after the recall? The Results Series 552 (ASIN: B0G6Z84TQM) is the post-recall replacement model developed in response to the CPSC recall of the original SelectTech 552. It incorporates metal locking tabs designed to prevent the plate-dislodging issue that caused the recall. If you’re purchasing new from Amazon using that ASIN, you are getting the redesigned version. If you own original Bowflex 552 or 1090 dumbbells purchased before May 2025, visit Bowflex’s recall page to arrange a replacement or refund.

What is the difference between the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and the Results Series 552? The original SelectTech 552 used a dial-only plate retention system that was found to allow plates to dislodge under certain conditions, leading to the 2025 mass recall. The Results Series 552 adds metal locking tabs to the design, providing a secondary mechanical retention point alongside the dial. The weight range (5–52.5 lbs) and overall dimensions are unchanged.

Can the PowerBlock Elite EXP 50 be expanded later? Yes. Stage 2 kits add 5 lbs per increment up to 70 lbs per hand. Stage 3 kits extend to 90 lbs per hand. Each expansion kit is purchased separately for around $100–$150. The expansion design is what makes the PowerBlock the most future-proof choice in this comparison — you don’t have to buy a new set when your strength grows past 50 lbs.

Do adjustable dumbbells break more often than fixed dumbbells? All selectorized adjustable dumbbells have more mechanical components than fixed hex dumbbells — and more components mean more potential failure points. The Bowflex 552 recall demonstrated what happens when those mechanisms fail. The PowerBlock’s simpler pin mechanism is widely considered the most durable design. Fixed hex dumbbells remain the most reliable format, but they require substantially more storage space and upfront cost to cover a comparable weight range.

What’s the best adjustable dumbbell for a small apartment gym? The PowerBlock Elite EXP 50 at 12” x 6” x 6” is the most space-efficient selectorized dumbbell in this comparison. The Bowflex 552 tray at 16” x 8” x 9” is larger, though it includes integrated storage for both dumbbells. The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 is the largest of the three. For apartments where floor space is limited, the PowerBlock’s compact footprint is a meaningful advantage.

Bottom Line

The Bowflex Results Series 552 is a reasonable buy for home gym athletes who want a compact, fast selectorized dumbbell in the 5–52.5 lb range and are confident in the post-recall redesign. The metal locking tab addition addresses the failure mode that caused the recall, and the dial mechanism is genuinely the fastest adjustment system in this comparison.

The PowerBlock Elite EXP 50 is the top pick for durability, expandability, and long-term value. It’s not the cheapest entry point, but the 5-year warranty, expandable design, and all-metal build make it the most defensible investment across the category.

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 earns consideration for budget-focused buyers who need a 55-lb ceiling and don’t need the 5-lb minimum weight the other two provide.

If you’re deciding between the three: the PowerBlock wins on build and future-proofing, the Bowflex 552 wins on adjustment speed and ergonomics, and the NordicTrack wins on price.