Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. 1090 – A Thorough Comparison

If you upgrade your home gym, you should choose good dumbbells. With so many dumbbells available, people often need help choosing between a regular set of dumbbells and other adjustable models. If you prefer adjustable dumbbells, you need to know how to pick the right option. Everyone is talking about Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. 1090 adjustable dumbbells. A must-have for any home gym, they allow you to perform various lifting exercises to develop your muscles and strengthen your joints. If you set different workout goals, you need adjustable dumbbells to select many weight options and save space.

But what are the differences between these two models? What advantages and disadvantages do you need to know? We will discuss all the details in this article, so let’s wait no longer.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. 1090 – Which One Is the Best for You?

Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. Bowflex SelectTech 1090 is a competition of two popular models of adjustable dumbbells that will boost any home gym. These two dumbbell models are very similar but differ in total weight and weight increments (steps). They also have some differences in materials and design.

Let’s discuss the main details to help you decide which model suits you best.

1. Weight Selection

As mentioned above, the main difference between Bowflex 552 and Bowflex 1090 is the weight you can use. The 552 model has a maximum weight of 52.5 pounds and can replace 15 sets of dumbbells, while the 1090s increases that number to 90 pounds and replaces a set of 17 dumbbells.

As for the weight increments, there are also differences here. The Bowflex 552 has 2.5 lbs increments up to 25 lbs for a smooth load increase. This allows you to use dumbbells even if you are a beginner and cannot handle a powerful increase in weight.

After 25 pounds, the 552 has increments of 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds total weight (55.6 pounds with base). Here is what the weight range of the 552 looks like – 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs.

Bowflex 1090 is equipped with a larger increments mechanism. It has a minimum weight of 10 pounds and 5-pound increments to 90 total (92.3 lbs with base). This option is suitable for those who can cope with a solid increase in weight without harming the muscles. Here’s what the 1090 weight range looks like – 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 lbs.

2. Weight Adjustment

If you’ve ever used loadable dumbbells, you know how long it can take you to change weight. Sometimes it prevents you from maintaining the desired pace of your workout. However, Bowflex dumbbells have a reliable adjustable mechanism that makes weight changes effortless.

They allow you to adjust it in seconds, which saves a lot of time between exercises. You no longer need to load dumbbells to continue your workout.

Both the Bowflex 552 and 1090 have a handy dial mechanism that allows you to select the right weight with just one hand. Simply turn the dial to the smooth click, set it to your desired number, and continue. What could be easier?

3. Design

Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells look very stylish with the red and black color combination. The Bowflex 552 has white numbers on the dial, while the 1090 SelectTech option has red numbers. These dumbbells have some handle differences that may be important to some users. The 552 model has a comfortable rubber handle that protects you from slipping and dropping the dumbbell during exercise.

The 1090 model has a classic knurled metal handle. In general, this option is also safe. However, some users note the discomfort of using a metal handle while exercising with large weights.

The 1090 model is slightly larger than the 552. It is 17.5 inches long, 9.5 inches wide, and 10 inches high, while the Bowflex 552 is 16.9 inches long x 8.3 inches wide and 9 inches high.

Both models have convenient trays for dumbbell placement and storage. If you need to move your dumbbells, you can lift them by the handles along with the storage trays. This solution allows you to save space because you no longer have to look for your dumbbells after the last set. The trays also hold parts you’re not using, making changing weights easier.

4. Materials & Quality

Bowflex dumbbells are made from thermoplastic rubber, steel, nylon, and ABS plastic. Both models have a plastic coating on the metal plates, helping you avoid unnecessary noise during your workout. However, the plastic coating has some drawbacks, as it is very easy to break by dropping the dumbbells or hitting them too hard during some exercises.

Working with all adjustable dumbbells has some safety rules. For example, you can’t use them to do push-ups and hold your body weight, as well as you can’t hit them together. These rules apply to any adjustable dumbbell, whether plastic coated or not. So if you follow them, you don’t have to worry about breaking anything.

The 552 model has a plastic lock mechanism, while the 1090s is equipped with a metal one. According to some reviews, plastic locking mechanisms are short-lived and can break, but ABS plastic will last a long time if handled carefully.

5. Value for Money

What else do you need to know about these dumbbells? Whichever model you choose, you’ll get a JRNY membership with access to trainer-led workouts. The app can count your reps, advise on how to complete the exercises, and encourage you to perform better. The purchase includes a one-year membership and access to a new feature – motion tracking – that allows you to track your workout using a camera in real time.

Bowflex 552 is sold as a set of two dumbbells and has a rather fair price for 15 different weight options. The 1090 model is usually sold as single and costs twice as much as 552s, equivalent to a set of 17 weight options with a maximum weight of 90 pounds. Both the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 have a warranty, but the 552 has two years, while the 1090 model has a three-year alternative.

Bowflex Selecttech 552 vs. 1090 Dumbbells Summary

Let’s recap and summarize the pros and cons of the Bowflex dumbbells and their advantages and disadvantages over a regular set.

Now let’s summarize the difference between Bowflex 1090 vs. 552:

Product	Weight range	Increments	Sets of regular dumbbells replaced	Coating of the metal plates	Locking mechanism	Warranty	JRNY membership
Bowflex SelectTech 552	5-52 lbs	2,5 lbs up to 25 lbs 5 lbs up to 52 lbs	15	plastic	plastic	2 years	1 year
Bowflex SelectTech 1090	10-90 lbs	5 lbs	17	plastic	plastic	3 years	1 year

FAQ

Are Bowflex 552 Heavy Enough?

The Bowflex 552 has a maximum weight of 52.5 pounds which is enough for intense strength training if you are a beginner. This weight allows you to perform most exercises with a high load, gradually increasing it.

What is The Difference Between Bowflex 552 and 1090?

The main difference between these two models is the maximum weight of the dumbbell. The 552 model ranges from 5 to 52.5 pounds, while the 1090 model can give you 10 to 90 pounds in each dumbbell. Also, the Bowflex 552 has a smaller weight step (2.5 lbs up to 25 lbs and 5 lbs after 25 lbs), and the 1090 has 5lb increments.

Also, these two models have a slight difference in the design and materials of the handle.

Conclusion

Summing up, we can say that Bowflex dumbbells will perfectly complement your home gym and provide you with a variety of exercises and weight options that are ready to use. You should choose Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you are new to weightlifting, and 52.5 lbs are enough for you.

If you’re looking for heavy loads, including your leg day, opt for the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 and get 17 weight combinations for any exercise.

Which model do you like best? Be the first to share your thoughts on Bowflex SelectTech 552 vs. 1090 in the comment section below!

Also read:

• Bowflex Select Tech 1090 Reviews
• Best Cheap Dumbbells
• Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells Review
• Kettlebells vs Dumbbells
• Best Olympic Dumbbell Handles
• Best Dumbbells

References:

1. Loading Recommendations for Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Local Endurance // Sports (Basel): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927075/
2. JRNY // The adaptive fitness membership that evolves with you: https://global.bowflex.com/en/jrny.html