Bowflex · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Bowflex SelectTech 552i Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The 552i are the adjustable dumbbells most people picture when they think of the category, and for good reason. They run from 2.3 to 24kg on the same fast dial as their bigger sibling, but add the finer steps down low and the more comfortable rubberised grip that make them the easier pair to live with day to day.

Bowflex SelectTech 552i

Dial adjustable dumbbell, 2.3-24kg

4.0/5

FitRank

Excellent

Performance4.2

Build4.3

Value3.6

Features3.7

£219

Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The Bowflex SelectTech 552i are the best-selling adjustable dumbbells of their kind, and my most-popular pick reflects that. Each dumbbell dials from 2.3 to 24kg across 15 settings, with one thing the heavier 1090i cannot do, small jumps of around a kilo at the lighter end. That fine progression, plus the comfortable rubberised handle, makes them the easiest pair to get on with for general strength, accessory work and steady overload.

The compromises are the usual Bowflex ones. The housing that holds the dial is moulded plastic, so these are not drop-proof, the 24kg ceiling will not satisfy heavier lifters, and the warranty is two years rather than the three on the 1090i. But if you do not need 41kg and you want the smoothest, best-supported dial pair at a sensible price, the 552i are still the benchmark.

What you actually get

These give you Bowflex’s dial in the lighter, more popular weight bracket. Each dumbbell runs 2.3 to 24kg across 15 settings, replacing up to 15 pairs of fixed weights, and the dial at each end changes weight one-handed in a couple of seconds. The plates are metal with a quiet coating, and the handle is rubberised, the detail a lot of owners prefer over the bare metal on the 1090i.

One buying note, the 552i are often listed as a single dumbbell rather than a pair, so read the listing carefully. Want two? You will pay roughly double, which matters when you weigh them against pairs like the Echelon that are priced for two with a stand.

How the dial works

Same dial-and-bracket mechanism as the 1090i, and it is the quickest adjuster here. A twist sets the weight, an audible click confirms it, and the brackets pick up only the plates you have chosen. Changes take a couple of seconds one-handed, which keeps circuits flowing.

Their edge over the 1090i is fineness. Down at the lighter end they step in jumps of around a kilo before widening higher up, and those small jumps are genuinely handy for accessory and isolation work where a bigger leap is too much. It is a big part of why the 552i suit beginners and steady progression so well.

Build and materials

Build follows the familiar Bowflex pattern, metal weight plates in a moulded plastic housing that holds the dial. That housing is the durability catch for every set of this type, and it is why the cardinal rule is not to drop them or take an impact on them, like resting them hard on the floor between push-ups. Used sensibly, owners regularly report years of trouble-free use.

The handle is the 552i’s quiet ace, and the part owners bring up most. Where the heavier 1090i use bare knurled metal, the 552i have a rubberised grip, and owners often say it stays planted in the hand through curls, presses and rows even when their palms are sweaty, with none of the cold, slippery feel a metal bar can take on mid-session. It is comfortable enough for long workouts without gloves, and the textured rubber holds firm without digging in. If you train in a warm room or sweat easily, that grip is one of the strongest reasons to pick these over their bigger sibling. The coated plates also keep the noise down, handy in a shared home.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

At up to 24kg a dumbbell the 552i cover most home training, curls, presses, rows, raises, lunges and most accessory work, with enough for high-rep and muscle-building sessions. For the typical home trainer that is plenty, and the fine steps make them especially good for building up gradually.

The ceiling is also the limit. Strong lifters already working above 24kg a hand on the bigger compounds will top them out, and there is no way to add plates, so no upgrade path within the dumbbell. Those buyers want the 1090i.

Living with them

The 552i are the easiest set here to just pick up and use. The dial is fast and positive, the rubberised grip is comfortable, the footprint is compact, and the fine low-end steps are forgiving for newcomers. The watch-outs are the format’s usual ones, they are longer than a fixed dumbbell of the same weight at the lighter settings, and the plastic housing means a bit of care.

Seat them in the tray before you turn the dial so the plates engage cleanly, a two-second habit that protects the mechanism.

Price and value

As a single the 552i look keenly priced around £219, but the honest picture depends on whether you need one or two. A full pair lands close to £440, at which point pairs like the Echelon, priced for two with a stand thrown in, become real competition on total cost.

Where the 552i justify themselves is the dial speed, the fine steps and the rubberised comfort, still best in class. I have scored value with that single-versus-pair reality in mind, excellent hardware, but price up the actual pair you need before you decide.

How they compare

Within Bowflex, the call against the 1090i comes down to weight, take the 552i unless you need above 24kg, because they are cheaper, lighter, finer in the steps and comfier in the hand. Against the Echelon Strength the 552i have the faster, finer adjuster but are usually sold per dumbbell, so a pair costs more and arrives without a stand or app. The NordicTrack 25kg match them on small steps at a similar ceiling with a different pin-style adjuster.

For the full field, see our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

Get the 552i if you want the smoothest, most proven adjustable dumbbells for general strength and steady progression, and you do not need to go above 24kg a hand. The fine steps make them a cracking first adjustable set and a strong pick for anyone focused on accessory and isolation work.

Skip them if you need heavier weight, where the 1090i is the shout, or if buying two singles pushes you past the price of a complete pair-and-stand set you would rather have.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The 552i carry a two-year parts warranty, a year shorter than the 1090i but standard for the bracket, and Bowflex offer the same spares support and UK availability through Sweatband. Check the exact term and cover when you buy, since it varies by retailer and region, and note that some third-party sellers carry shorter, more limited cover.

Care is the usual story. Seat the dumbbell in the tray before adjusting, do not drop them, and keep your receipt.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all adjustable dumbbells

Half Human · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Half Human 5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Half Human 5kg are the lightest pair in the range, a 1 to 5kg set in 1kg steps that share the same steel hex plates and twist adjuster as their bigger siblings. They are a specialist light set, made for toning, rehab and easing into training rather than for building serious strength, and at around £99 they are a low-cost way to do exactly that.

Half Human 5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Twist-adjust pair, 1-5kg, steel hex plates

3.2/5

FitRank

Good

Performance2.8

Build3.3

Value3.5

Features3.0

£99

Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The Half Human 5kg know precisely what they are, and they do it well. Each dumbbell runs from 1 to 5kg across five settings in neat 1kg steps, with the same solid steel machined hex plates, knurled contoured handle and single-handle twist as the heavier Half Human sets, supplied as a pair with a storage tray. For light toning, high-rep conditioning, rehab and prehab, mobility work and anyone easing very gently into resistance training, they are a tidy, affordable option at around £99.

The ceiling is the whole story here. 5kg a hand is genuinely light, so this is not a set for building strength and most people will move past it fast. The 1kg steps are actually a nice touch across such a small range, and the hex steel plates give them a more solid feel than plastic light weights, but you are paying for adjustability and storage rather than capability. Bought for what they are, a light, well-made specialist pair, they are good value. As anyone’s main strength set they are not the answer.

What you actually get

The 5kg set are a complete pair, two dumbbells running 1 to 5kg each, supplied with a storage tray under Sweatband’s own strength brand. They are the lightest version of the same design that runs through the range, solid steel machined hex plates that will not roll away, a knurled contoured handle and bold weight markings, with the familiar single-handle twist to change load.

They are compact and light to move, which is the point. This is a set for someone who wants adjustable weights in the very light range without a rack of little fixed dumbbells cluttering the floor.

How the twist adjuster works

Adjustment is the same simple single-handle twist as the rest of the range. Seat the dumbbell in its tray, twist the handle to the weight you want and lift, taking only the plates you have selected. Across a 1 to 5kg range that habit is quick to learn and rarely gets in the way.

The five settings run 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5kg, so the steps are just a kilo apart. Proportionally that is fine progression for such a light set, more useful here than the coarser 5kg jumps on the 25kg version, and it lets you build up gently, which is exactly what a light toning or rehab set needs.

Build and materials

For a very light set the build is reassuringly solid. The plates are solid steel, machined into the same anti-roll hex shape as the heavier Half Human dumbbells and powder-coated, so they feel closer to fixed iron than the plastic-cased light weights you often find at this price. The handle is knurled and contoured for a secure, comfortable hold, and at these loads grip is never in doubt.

The construction is the usual nylon-and-steel mix, so the moving parts still want treating with care and dropping is off the menu, though the light loads put far less stress on the mechanism than the heavier sets. As with the rest of the house brand, the long-term durability picture is still being written in owner reviews rather than proven over years.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

1 to 5kg a dumbbell puts these firmly in toning, rehab and mobility territory. They suit lateral raises, light front and side work, rotator-cuff and prehab exercises, Pilates-style routines, high-rep conditioning and anyone returning to training gently or starting from scratch. For those uses the light range and fine 1kg steps are exactly right.

What they are not is a strength set. Almost anyone training to build muscle or get stronger will move past 5kg a hand very quickly, so if that is your goal, start with the 10kg set for a bit more room or the 25kg set for proper headroom.

Price and value

At around £99 a pair they are a low-cost way into adjustable weights in the light range, with steel hex plates and a tidy tray. The honest value question is whether you need adjustability at all down here, because a small set of fixed light dumbbells can cover 1 to 5kg cheaply. Where these earn their keep is the tidy storage, the fine 1kg steps and the more solid feel, which suit someone who wants one neat set rather than several little fixed pairs.

Bought as a deliberate light, toning or rehab set they are fair value. Bought hoping to build strength they are a false economy, since you will be upgrading within weeks.

How they compare

Within the range they are the lightest option, sitting below the Half Human 10kg, which doubles the ceiling for a bit more money and is the better shout if you expect to progress. The Half Human 25kg is the one to buy if you want a proper strength set. Against the premium brands there is no real comparison on capability, the Echelon, Bowflex 552i and NordicTrack 25kg are far heavier and far dearer, and pointless if all you want is light weights.

See the whole range in our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

Get the Half Human 5kg if you specifically want very light adjustable weights, for toning, rehab and prehab, mobility and Pilates-style work, or for easing gently into training, and you value the fine 1kg steps and tidy storage over capability. As a light specialist set at a low price, they do the job nicely.

They are the wrong buy for anyone aiming to build strength or expecting to progress past 5kg a hand, who should start with the 10kg set at least, or a heavier pair if strength is the goal.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The 5kg set carry a one-year warranty, standard for the budget bracket, and they are sold and supported by Sweatband, so returns and support go through an established UK retailer. Check the current terms on the product page when you buy.

Care is simple, and easier than on the heavier sets given the light loads. Seat the dumbbell in its tray before you twist to change weight, do not drop it, and keep your receipt.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all adjustable dumbbells

Half Human · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Half Human 10kg Adjustable Dumbbell Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Half Human 10kg are the light, beginner-friendly member of the range, a 2 to 10kg pair using the same steel hex plates and twist adjuster as their bigger 25kg sibling, for around £149. They are not built for heavy lifting and do not pretend to be, but for toning, rehab and starting out they are a tidy, affordable choice.

Half Human 10kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Twist-adjust pair, 2-10kg, steel hex plates

3.3/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.0

Build3.3

Value3.7

Features3.0

£149£198

Save £49

Buy the pair at Sweatband Buy a single

Sold as a pair or a single dumbbell

The verdict

The Half Human 10kg are my best pick for beginners, and the brief is narrow but well met. Each dumbbell adjusts from 2 to 10kg across five settings in 2kg steps, using the same single-handle twist and solid steel hex plates as the 25kg set. At around £149 a pair they are an inexpensive, no-fuss way into adjustable weights for toning, light strength work, rehab and high-rep conditioning.

Their limits are simply the weight. A 10kg ceiling is light, so anyone building real strength will outgrow them quickly, and the five 2kg settings keep progression coarse. They are a budget house-brand pair with a one-year warranty and limited published detail too. Judged for what they are though, a light, affordable, solidly-plated starter set, they do the job, which is why I have scored them good rather than very good. A sensible first set, not a long-term one for serious lifters.

What you actually get

The 10kg set are a complete pair, two dumbbells running 2 to 10kg each, with a storage tray, under Sweatband’s own strength brand. They share the 25kg set’s design language, solid steel machined hex plates that resist rolling, a knurled contoured handle, bold markings and a single-handle twist, just scaled down to a lighter range. Sweatband also lists a single dumbbell if you only want one.

At this weight they are small and easy to store, which suits the buyer they are aimed at, someone setting up for light home training without committing to a heavy, expensive set.

How the twist adjuster works

Same as the 25kg set, you seat the dumbbell in its tray, twist the handle to your weight and lift, taking only the plates you have selected. Simple and quick once you are used to placing it square. The 10kg version give you five settings, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10kg, so the steps are 2kg apart, which is actually proportionally finer than the 25kg set’s 5kg jumps and works well across such a light range.

For the high-rep, light-load training these are built for, those 2kg steps give enough control to progress sensibly without feeling either too coarse or fussy.

Build and materials

The build mirrors the 25kg set in miniature, solid steel machined hex plates with a powder-coated finish, a knurled handle, and a nylon-and-steel mix. The steel plates give them a more solid feel than plastic-shelled budget sets, and the hex profile keeps them from rolling away.

The grip is the same knurled, contoured steel handle as the bigger 25kg set, just on a lighter dumbbell, and at these loads it is more than secure enough. The textured finish is shaped to stop it slipping through the high-rep, lighter work these are built for, and with the solid steel hex plates they feel more substantial in the hand than the price suggests.

As a light set the stresses on the mechanism are lower than on heavier dumbbells, which helps, but the usual care still applies, change weight with the dumbbell in its tray and do not drop it. As a house-brand product the long-term durability record is still being built through owner reviews.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

2 to 10kg a dumbbell is firmly beginner and toning territory. They suit lateral raises, light curls and presses, rehab and prehab, high-rep conditioning and anyone easing into resistance training. For those uses the light range is a feature, not a flaw, letting you start gently and progress in small steps.

The flip side is that almost anyone training for real strength will outgrow 10kg quickly. If you already know you will want to press or row meaningfully, start with the 25kg set or an Echelon-style pair instead, to avoid buying twice.

Living with them

They are exactly what they should be, light, simple and unintimidating. The twist adjuster is quick, the hex plates sit flat and quiet, and the compact size makes them easy to tuck away. Nothing fancy, and for the beginner or light-training buyer that simplicity is the point.

The main thing to watch is the ceiling, keep an eye on how quickly you are progressing, because outgrowing 10kg is common within a few months of consistent training, at which point a heavier set becomes the next step.

Price and value

Around £149 for a full pair makes them an easy, low-risk way into adjustable weights, often down from a list price near £198. For light, high-rep training and toning they give you solid steel plates and a tidy design for not much money.

The value catch is how long you will use them rather than the build, because a lot of buyers outgrow 10kg, so they can end up a stepping-stone rather than a forever set. If you suspect that is you, the slightly dearer 25kg set is the more economical call over time. Bought as a deliberate light or beginner pair though, they are fair value.

How they compare

The obvious comparison is their bigger sibling, the Half Human 25kg, same design and feel, far more headroom, for a step up in price, and the better long-term buy for anyone building strength. If you want lighter still, the Half Human 5kg drops to a 1 to 5kg range for toning and rehab. Against the premium sets the 10kg are not really a rival on capability, the Echelon, Bowflex 552i and NordicTrack 25kg all reach far higher, but cost more and are overkill for someone who only wants light weights.

See where the light set sits in our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

Get the Half Human 10kg if you are a beginner, if you are toning or doing high-rep work, for rehab and prehab, or if you specifically want light, affordable adjustable weights and do not plan to lift heavy. As a first set to learn the format on, they are a sensible, low-cost choice.

They are the wrong pick for anyone training for real strength or expecting to progress quickly past 10kg a hand, who should start with the 25kg set or a premium pair to avoid upgrading within months.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The 10kg set carry a one-year warranty, standard for the budget bracket, and they are sold and supported by Sweatband, so returns and support go through an established UK retailer. Check the current terms on the product page when you buy.

Care is simple. Seat the dumbbell in its tray before you twist to change weight, do not drop it, and keep your receipt.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all adjustable dumbbells

Half Human · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Half Human 25kg Adjustable Dumbbell Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

Half Human are Sweatband’s own strength brand, and the 25kg set are their value play, two full dumbbells, steel hex plates and a single-twist adjuster for around £249 a pair. They will not match the premium sets for finesse, but for a no-frills 25kg pair they are one of the keenest deals here.

Half Human 25kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Twist-adjust pair, 5-25kg, steel hex plates

3.6/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance3.6

Build3.4

Value4.0

Features3.2

£249£298

Save £49

Buy the pair at Sweatband Buy a single

Sold as a pair or a single dumbbell

The verdict

The Half Human 25kg are my best-value pick, and the case is simple. You get two full dumbbells, each adjusting from 5 to 25kg, with solid steel machined hex plates and a single-handle twist, for around £249 a pair. That undercuts a pair of premium singles comfortably, and the steel hex plates are a genuine quality touch at the price, resisting rolling and feeling closer to fixed iron than the plastic-shelled budget stuff.

The compromise is the adjuster. The 25kg set give you just five settings, in 5kg jumps, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25kg. That is fine for general training and progression at the heavier end, but there is none of the fine loading the Bowflex 552i or NordicTrack offer, so dialling in a precise accessory weight is not an option. As a house brand the published detail is thinner than the big names too, and the warranty is a year, so I have scored them as strong value rather than an all-round premium pair.

What you actually get

The 25kg set are a complete pair, two dumbbells running 5 to 25kg each, with a storage tray, under Sweatband’s own strength label. A separate version bundles a stand with a built-in media rack for a phone or tablet, and Sweatband also lists a single dumbbell if you only want one or want to add to what you have. The plates are solid steel, machined into a hex shape so they will not roll on the floor, and powder-coated, which feels a lot more substantial than the plastic-encased plates on cheaper sets.

Adjustment is a single handle twist. Drop the dumbbell in its tray, twist the handle to the setting you want and lift, taking only the plates you have selected. Bold markings make it easy to see where you are.

How the twist adjuster works

The single-handle twist is simple and fairly quick, and owners on Sweatband generally rate it easy and satisfying once you are used to seating the dumbbell square in the tray. It is not a precision instrument like the Bowflex dial, but for a budget pair it does the core job cleanly.

The real limit is how few stops there are. The 25kg set give you five settings only, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25kg. Those 5kg jumps work for the bigger movements, but there is no way to add a smaller amount for a gentler progression, and that is the main thing you trade away against the premium sets.

Build and materials

This is where the Half Human punch above their price. The plates are solid steel, machined and powder-coated, with a hex profile that keeps them from rolling and gives a reassuringly solid feel. The handle is knurled and contoured for grip. The build is a nylon-and-steel mix, so as with any adjustable the moving and locating parts are the bits to treat with care, and dropping them is off the menu.

On the grip itself, the knurled, contoured handle is shaped for a secure, non-slip hold, and Sweatband reviewers are positive on how solid the pair feel in general. With the steel hex plates they have got a fixed-iron quality in the hand rather than the hollow, plasticky feel of the cheapest sets. The one habit owners mention is less about the grip than the tray, you need to seat the dumbbell squarely to change weight, so they reward a moment of care rather than a rushed drop-in.

As a house brand the published engineering detail is thinner than Bowflex or NordicTrack, so some of the long-term durability picture is still being written in owner reviews rather than proven over years. Early Sweatband feedback is positive on solidity and the twist action.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

5 to 25kg a dumbbell is a sensible everyday range that covers curls, presses, rows, raises and most accessory and muscle-building work. The 25kg ceiling matches the NordicTrack and sits just above the Bowflex 552i and Echelon, so on top weight this budget pair keep up with sets costing more.

The catch is granularity, not ceiling. With only 5kg steps, lighter and more precise work is harder to dial in, so if your training leans on small, frequent progressions or delicate isolation loads, a finer-stepping set will serve you better.

Living with them

Day to day they behave like a solid, honest budget pair, secure grip, quiet hex plates that sit flat and do not roll, and a twist adjuster that is quick enough once seating them properly is second nature. The stand-and-media-rack bundle is worth a look if you want the weights raised and somewhere to prop a screen.

The main things to live with are the coarse 5kg steps and needing to place them back in the tray accurately to change weight, which a couple of owners note takes a moment of care rather than a rushed drop-in.

Price and value

At around £249 for a full pair, often down from a list price near £298, the Half Human 25kg are one of the strongest value plays here. You get a true 25kg pair with steel plates for less than a single premium dumbbell in some cases, and the optional stand bundle adds storage and a screen holder without a big jump in price.

You are paying budget money and getting budget granularity and warranty back, but the core hardware is more solid than the price suggests. That balance is exactly why they take my highest value mark among the sets that are not bundling in an app.

How they compare

Against the NordicTrack 25kg Select-A-Weight, the Half Human match the 25kg ceiling and undercut it on price, but the NordicTrack step much finer and add a steel-handled, app-linked package, so they are the better pick if granularity and finish matter more than cost. Against the Bowflex 552i, the Half Human are cheaper as a pair and have a more solid-steel-plate feel, but give up the dial speed and fine steps. The Echelon cost more but bundle the app and an upgrade path.

See the full field in our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

Get the Half Human 25kg if you want a genuine 25kg pair with a solid, fixed-iron feel and you do not need fine weight steps. They are a strong first set for general strength, circuits and muscle-building, especially in the stand-and-media-rack bundle, and they are the one to pick when budget is the deciding factor.

Look elsewhere if you rely on small, precise jumps, want the longest warranty and most documented build, or need to train above 25kg a hand.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The Half Human 25kg carry a one-year warranty, shorter than the two to three years on the premium sets and in keeping with the budget positioning. They are sold and supported by Sweatband, an established UK retailer, so returns and support go through a known channel rather than an anonymous marketplace seller. Check the current terms on the product page when you buy.

Care is straightforward. Seat the dumbbell in its tray before you twist to change weight, do not drop them, and keep your proof of purchase.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all adjustable dumbbells

NordicTrack · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

NordicTrack 25kg Select-A-Weight Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight is the fine-increment specialist of our 25kg sets. A twin-pin selector lets you make smaller jumps than almost any rival at this ceiling, the steel knurled handle feels closer to a gym dumbbell than most, and a 30-day iFIT trial comes in the box. It costs more than the budget sets, and earns most of it.

NordicTrack 25kg Select-A-Weight

Pin-select set, 5-25kg, with iFIT app

3.7/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance3.8

Build3.8

Value3.6

Features3.5

£399

Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The NordicTrack 25kg Select-A-Weight is our best mid-range pick, and its calling card is granularity. Each dumbbell runs from about 5kg to 25kg using a twin-pin selector system, with an outer pin for the larger jumps and an inner slide that adds small amounts on top. The upshot is finer progression than you get from almost any other set at this 25kg ceiling, which makes it a quiet favourite for steady, progressive training. The steel knurled handle is another highlight, giving a grip much closer to a traditional gym dumbbell than the plastic-shelled budget sets manage.

It is not perfect. At around £399 it sits well above the Half Human 25kg for the same top weight, the selector mechanism is fiddlier than a single dial or twist and takes a moment to learn, and the plates and tray use hardened plastic in places, so they need the usual no-drop care. The included extras amount to an iFIT app trial rather than a stand. But for a buyer who values small, precise weight steps and a proper knurled grip, it is the most refined set in our range short of the heavier Bowflex.

What you are getting

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight is sold as a pair, each dumbbell adjusting from roughly 5kg to 25kg, with custom-moulded storage trays clearly marked with the weights. The defining feature is the twin-pin selector: an outer pin sets the larger weight steps, while an inner slide adds smaller amounts on top, which together give you a long list of settings and unusually fine control for this weight class.

NordicTrack redesigned this set with steel knurled handles in place of older plastic ones, and rounded, flat-bottomed plates that rest neatly without rolling. A 30-day iFIT membership trial is included, giving access to a large library of guided strength and cardio sessions, though you do not need it to use the dumbbells.

How the pin-select adjuster works

Adjustment uses two selectors on each head. The outer pin moves through the bigger weight increments, and the inner slide lets you add a small amount on top, so you can fine-tune the load in steps far smaller than the 5kg jumps of a budget set. Independent reviewers single this out as the system’s biggest strength: NordicTrack is one of very few sets that lets you make these small additions, which is ideal for gradual progressive overload.

The flip side is that two selectors are inherently fiddlier than a single dial or twist. Reviewers describe the mechanism as a little fiddly and something you get used to rather than instantly intuitive, so weight changes are precise rather than lightning-fast. For most home training that is a fair trade for the control it gives.

Build and materials

The Select-A-Weight is built from a combination of steel and hardened plastic. The steel knurled handle is the standout, giving a grip that independent reviewers compare favourably to a traditional gym dumbbell, and the rounded plates have a flat section so they sit still on the floor or rest on your thigh between reps. Reviewers also note the weights are accurate, running close to or slightly over their stated figures rather than under.

On grip feel, owners are mostly won over: the moderate knurl is praised as grippy without being harsh and comfortable enough for longer sessions, and several reviewers single it out as a genuine surprise at this price. The one caveat that comes up is that the steel can feel a touch slippery once the hands are really sweaty, which a quick chalk-up sorts. Combined with the flat-bottomed plates that rest neatly on the thigh between reps, it is one of the most natural-handling sets in our range.

The hardened-plastic elements, the selector tabs and the storage tray, are the parts to respect: they would not survive a drop from height, and a few owners note the plates can feel slightly loose between settings. As with every adjustable, control the weights and return them to the tray.

Weight range and who it covers

Five to 25kg per dumbbell covers the vast majority of home training, and the fine increments make it especially good for anyone progressing in small steps or doing precise accessory and rehab-style work. The 25kg ceiling matches the Half Human and sits above the Bowflex 552i and Echelon, so it is competitive on top weight while leading the group on granularity.

As with the other 25kg sets, strong lifters who already work above 25kg per hand on the main compounds will top it out, and there is no expansion path, so heavy trainers should look to the 41kg Bowflex 1090i instead.

Everyday use and iFIT

In use the NordicTrack rewards a little patience: once you have the twin-pin routine, the fine control and the proper knurled grip make it a pleasure for steady, considered training. The flat-bottomed plates are a genuinely nice touch for resting between sets, and the marked trays keep things tidy. The iFIT trial adds guided sessions if you want structure, with a large on-demand library, though it auto-renews into a paid plan you can cancel if you do not want it.

The everyday watch-outs are the fiddlier adjustment, the bulk at lighter weights common to all adjustables, and the hardened-plastic parts that ask for careful handling.

Price and value

At around £399 the NordicTrack is priced above the Half Human 25kg despite sharing the 25kg ceiling, and the value question is whether the finer increments, steel handle and brand backing are worth the premium for you. For a trainer who genuinely uses small progressions, they often are. For someone who would be happy with 5kg jumps, the budget set delivers most of the practical benefit for considerably less.

We score Value at 3.6 to reflect a well-made, well-supported set that is fairly rather than cheaply priced, with the iFIT trial a bonus rather than a core reason to buy.

How it compares

Against the Half Human 25kg, the NordicTrack wins clearly on increment fineness, handle feel and brand support, while the Half Human wins just as clearly on price. Against the Bowflex 552i, the two are close on fine increments and ceiling, but the Bowflex dial is faster to change while the NordicTrack handle feels more like gym iron. The Echelon bundles a stand and app for less, but with coarser top-end steps.

See the whole range in our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who it is for

The NordicTrack 25kg Select-A-Weight is for the home trainer who prizes fine, precise weight progression and a proper knurled-steel grip, and is willing to pay a mid-range price and tolerate a fiddlier adjuster to get them. It suits steady progressive overload, accessory work and anyone who wants the closest feel to a traditional gym dumbbell in this group.

Skip it if budget is the priority, in which case the Half Human 25kg is the value call, or if you want the fastest possible weight changes, where a dial set has the edge, or if you need to train above 25kg per hand.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The Select-A-Weight typically carries a two-year warranty, in line with the mid-range bracket, and NordicTrack offers replacement parts such as selector pins through its support channels, with UK availability through Sweatband. As ever, confirm the exact warranty term and what it covers at the point of purchase, since cover can vary by retailer and region.

Care is the usual: change weight with the dumbbell seated in its tray, avoid dropping the hardened-plastic parts, and keep your receipt. If you take the iFIT trial, note it auto-renews into a paid plan unless cancelled.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Bowflex · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Bowflex SelectTech 1090i Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The 1090i are the heavyweight Bowflex, taking each dumbbell from 4.5 all the way to 41kg on the same one-handed dial that made the brand famous. If you have outgrown 24kg pairs, or you know you will, these are the set in this guide built to keep up, and they come with the longest warranty here.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090i

Dial adjustable pair, 4.5-41kg

4.1/5

FitRank

Excellent

Performance4.4

Build4.4

Value3.8

Features3.6

£499

Buy the pair at Sweatband Buy a single

Sold as a pair or a single dumbbell

The verdict

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i are my premium pick, and they earn it on the two things the budget pairs cannot touch, top-end weight and pedigree. Each dumbbell dials from 4.5 to 41kg across 17 settings, using Bowflex’s proven dial that changes weight in a couple of seconds with one hand. For anyone pressing, rowing or doing heavier leg work at home, that 41kg ceiling is the headline, and very few adjustable pairs reach it.

Where they give ground is price and features rather than ability. At £499 they are the dearest set here, the stand is a separate buy, and there is no app or holder in the box. The handle is bare knurled metal rather than the rubberised grip on the smaller 552i, which some people find less friendly once their hands are sweaty and the weight is up. None of that dents the core case though. If you need the weight, these deliver it with the most reassuring warranty on the page.

What you actually get

They come as a pair with trays, and the pitch is simple, the widest weight range of any set here on Bowflex’s dial. Each dumbbell replaces up to 17 pairs of fixed weights, running 4.5 to 41kg, so one pair stands in for a decent rack. The dial sits on each end. Twist to the number, lift, and the internal brackets pick up only the plates you have selected.

You can buy them as a full pair or as a single dumbbell, which is handy if you want to start with one or add to what you already own. What is not included is the stand that lifts the trays to a back-friendly height, that is a separate Bowflex buy, and there is no holder or app either. You are paying for weight and mechanism here, not extras.

How the dial works

Bowflex’s dial is the original quick-change adjuster and still one of the best. A twist at each end sets the weight and the change takes a couple of seconds one-handed, quicker and smoother than the pin systems on the Echelon and NordicTrack. For circuit work where you drop the weight between moves, that speed genuinely helps.

The one limitation is step size. The 1090i move in jumps of a bit over 2kg with no finer loading anywhere. Once you are lifting heavy that is rarely an issue, but if you want the smallest possible progressions on lighter accessory work, the 552i and the NordicTrack step down finer.

Build and materials

Metal weight plates sit in a tough moulded housing that holds the dial, and the plates carry a coating that keeps them quiet and easy to draw out of the tray. Bowflex’s track record shows here, owners routinely report years of reliable use, and the company stocks spares like plates, trays and dials if anything goes wrong.

The handle is where people split, and it is worth knowing before you buy. The 1090i use a bare knurled metal grip rather than the rubberised one on the 552i, and while the knurl holds well, owners often say the metal feels cold and a bit harsh, and that it can turn slippery once the hands are sweaty at the heavier settings. Some go as far as adding a rubber spray coating, others just train in gloves. It is secure rather than genuinely uncomfortable, but if grip feel matters and you do not need the 41kg, the 552i’s rubberised handle is the friendlier hold.

Same rule as ever, do not drop them, and seat them in the tray before you turn the dial so the plates engage cleanly.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

This is the whole point of the 1090i. At up to 41kg a dumbbell they cover heavy dumbbell bench, rows, split squats, Romanian deadlifts and proper progressive overload that a 24kg pair simply cannot. For a strong or improving lifter at home, that headroom is the difference between a set you grow out of and one you keep.

If you are nowhere near 24kg a hand and do not expect to be, the extra range is weight and money you may never use, and the 552i or a 24 to 25kg pair will be lighter to handle and easier to store. Buy these for the ceiling, not in spite of it.

Living with them

They feel like what they are, a serious, weighty pair with a fast, dependable dial. The action is positive, the trays keep things tidy, and the coated plates keep the noise down for shared homes. The trade-offs are physical. At light weights they are long, which takes adjusting on some close movements, and the full set is heavy to shift, so plan a permanent home for the trays or budget for the separate stand.

One for safety, always seat the dumbbell fully in its tray before you turn the dial, so the mechanism picks up and drops plates cleanly. Adjusting mid-air is how people end up with a partial load.

Price and value

At £499 they are the most expensive set here, and whether that is good value comes down entirely to whether you need the weight. If you do, it is fair money for 41kg a hand from an established brand with a three-year warranty and real spare-parts backup. If you do not, you are paying for headroom you will not touch, and the Echelon or a 24 to 25kg pair gives you more usable value for less.

Factor in the separate stand if you want the trays raised, since that adds to the real total. I have scored value at a solid but premium level rather than a bargain.

How they compare

The obvious in-house comparison is the Bowflex 552i, same dial and brand, but the 552i top out at 24kg, add finer steps down low, use a comfier rubberised grip and cost far less. Take the 1090i only if you need above 24kg. Against the Echelon Strength they win on weight, step feel and warranty but lose on price and on the stand-and-app kit Echelon offer. The NordicTrack 25kg steps finer but gives up a lot of top weight.

See how they stack up in our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

The 1090i are for the home lifter who needs real weight, anyone pressing, rowing or squatting with more than 24kg a hand, or anyone on a serious overload plan who wants room to grow. The dial speed suits circuits, and the three-year warranty suits a heavy-use buy.

They are overkill for beginners, for toning and light circuits, or for anyone tight on space and budget, who will be happier with the 552i, the Echelon, or a 24 to 25kg pair.

Specifications

Warranty and support

The 1090i carry a three-year parts warranty, the longest of any set here and real reassurance on a heavier, higher-stress buy. Bowflex are established in the UK through Sweatband and stock spares including plates, trays and dials, so one failed part need not mean a new set. Check the exact term and what it covers when you buy, since it varies by retailer and region.

Standard care applies. Seat the dumbbell in its tray before you turn the dial, do not drop them, and hang on to your receipt.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Echelon · Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Echelon Strength Adjustable Dumbbells Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

For my money the Echelon Strength are the pair I would steer most people towards, and it comes down to price more than raw ability. They run from 3 to 24kg a dumbbell, they change on a locking pin, and they usually sell for £299. What I like is what you can bolt on later, an optional stand with a device holder and even kettlebell and barbell attachments, so a cheap pair of dumbbells can grow into a proper little home gym.

Echelon Strength Adjustable Dumbbells

Locking-pin adjustable pair, 3-24kg, trays included

4.0/5

FitRank

Excellent

Performance3.8

Build3.9

Value4.2

Features3.9

£299£399

Sale · Save £100 Check price at Echelon

The verdict

Here is where the Echelon Strength earn their place. They are not the strongest or the most refined pair in this guide, but at £299 they undercut nearly everything with the same 24kg top end. Each dumbbell goes from 3 to 24kg on a quick locking pin, and they arrive as a complete pair with trays. Spread the cost with Newpay and you are looking at around £8.31 a month. Line them up against a pair of Bowflex 552i or the £399 NordicTrack and the Echelons come out cheaper while matching them on weight. The clincher for me is the upgrade path. Add the optional stand and you get a device holder for app workouts, add the accessory kit and the same plates become a kettlebell and a barbell. Nothing else in this guide does that.

They are not perfect, and a couple of things are worth knowing before you buy. Echelon claim one-second weight changes, but in the real world owners and reviewers find it nearer three or four seconds once you have seated the dumbbell and set the pin. The steps also widen towards the top, so there is no fine loading up high, and 24kg a hand is less than the Bowflex 1090i if you lift heavy. The stand and holder are extras too, so out of the box you get the dumbbells, the plates and a tray, nothing more. For a well-priced pair with room to grow they make a lot of sense. For the strongest lifters, or anyone who wants the fastest, finest adjuster, they do not.

What you actually get

They arrive as a pair, two dumbbells running 3 to 24kg each, with eight plates, a handle and a tray apiece. That is it out of the box, the dumbbells and their trays, same as most sets at this money. The adjuster is a locking pin rather than a dial. You drop the dumbbell into its tray, slide the pin to the weight you want and lift it out.

The clever part is not in the box though, it is what Echelon will sell you alongside. An optional stand lifts the weights off the floor and holds a phone or tablet, and an optional accessory kit turns the same plates into a kettlebell and a barbell. Neither comes as standard, but that upgrade path is rare at this price, and it is the main reason I would pick these over a fixed set.

How the locking pin works

Echelon advertise one-second changes, and the action itself is simple enough. In practice owners and independent reviewers put it nearer three or four seconds once you factor in seating the dumbbell, lining up the plates and setting the pin. That is fine for ordinary training, but it is not the instant click of a dial, so if you fly through supersets the Bowflex pairs have the edge.

The bigger thing for me is the step size. Down low the jumps are usable, but near the top they widen to a couple of kilos at a time, with no fine loading in between. Most people at home will not care. If you like nudging a press up by the smallest amount possible, you will, and that is part of why I have marked the Echelons down slightly on performance.

Build and materials

The plates are cast iron, which already puts them a rung above the concrete-and-plastic budget stuff. Reviewers who have handled them describe a solid pair with no rattle or wobble, though a slightly plasticky sheen on some parts means I would call the long-term durability reasonable rather than proven.

The handle is the bit you are holding every rep, so it matters. Echelon fit a rubberised, non-slip grip, and owners regularly say it keeps the dumbbell from twisting or rolling in the hand mid-lift, even with sweaty palms. The textured rubber holds firm without digging in, and it stays comfortable across longer sessions where a bare metal bar can start to feel cold and slippery. It is one of the details that lifts these above budget sets with plain plastic handles.

One rule with any adjustable, do not drop them. The mechanism is what you are paying for, and dropping a loaded pair from height is the quickest way to wreck one. Treated normally they should last years.

How heavy they go, and who that suits

3 to 24kg a hand covers the vast majority of home training, curls, presses, rows, raises and most accessory work, with plenty for high-rep and muscle-building sessions. Where they run out of room is heavy compound lifting. If you already press or row above 24kg a hand you will top them out, and the 41kg Bowflex 1090i is the better shout.

If you fancy building things out later, the optional accessory kit adds kettlebell and barbell attachments, and nothing else in this guide turns the same plates into three tools. For a compact setup that is genuinely worth something, even as a separate buy.

Living with them, and the app

Day to day they behave like a capable mid-tier pair, secure grip, predictable pin, trays that keep the plates tidy on the floor. The Echelon Fit app adds guided strength sessions if you want a bit of structure, though the best of it sits behind a paid membership you do not need just to lift. Add the optional stand and you also get the weights up at a friendlier height and a holder for following classes hands-free.

The usual caveats apply. They are long even at light weights, so tight spaces and some close-in movements take a bit of getting used to, and you need to seat them square in the tray to change weight cleanly.

Price and value

This is where they earn it, just not the way the marketing implies. The stand and holder are extras, so you are not getting those for £299. But £299 still buys a full 3 to 24kg pair with cast iron plates, and that undercuts a pair of 552i singles (around £440) and the £399 NordicTrack while matching them on top weight.

Throw in the app and the fact that they will expand into a kettlebell and barbell, and for the typical buyer they are strong value, with Newpay finance from about £8.31 a month if you would rather spread it. What they are not is a loaded box with a free stand thrown in, and I have scored value and features with that in mind. Cheapest capable pair here, not an all-in-one bargain.

How they compare

Next to the Bowflex 1090i they give up top weight (24kg against 41kg), fine steps and a bit of build pedigree, but they are a lot cheaper. Next to the Bowflex 552i they share the 24kg ceiling, but the 552i is usually sold as a single, so a pair of Echelons works out cheaper and adds the app and the upgrade path. The NordicTrack 25kg has finer steps, but costs more.

For the full field, have a read of our best adjustable dumbbells guide.

Who they are for

Get these if you want a well-priced, capable 24kg pair and you like the idea of growing them later with a stand, device holder or the kettlebell and barbell kit rather than buying a whole new setup. They are ideal for general strength, toning, circuits and muscle-building up to 24kg a hand, with the app there if you want structure.

Look elsewhere if you regularly press or pull above 24kg a hand, where the 1090i is the shout, if you must have instant dial-fast changes and the finest steps, or if you specifically want a stand in the box rather than as an extra.

Specifications

Warranty and support

Echelon sell and support these themselves, so the warranty and any spares go through Echelon rather than some third-party marketplace, which matters if you ever need a new pin or plate. Cover is one year, shorter than the two you get on the Bowflex 552i and the three on the 1090i, and it is the one place the keen price shows. Check the current term when you buy, since promotions and regions vary.

The usual care applies. Keep the receipt, seat them in the tray before you adjust, and do not drop them. The mechanism is the part you most want to protect.

FitRank breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all adjustable dumbbells