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If you’re searching for a new set of dumbbells, you’ve probably come across the Bowflex SelectTech 1090s. Bowflex is already a recognizable fitness brand, and their adjustable dumbbells are top contenders in the home gym market. The SelectTech 1090s have a weight range that spans from 10 to 90 pounds (thus the name 1090), which makes them popular with intermediate and advanced lifters. The dial system for weight selection is simpler to use than the pin system in some adjustable dumbbells. They also replace 17 pairs of single-weight dumbbells, so they won’t take up as much room in your home gym as a full dumbbell rack. But are these $799 dumbbells right for you? That’s the question we’re helping you answer in this Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbell review.

The Bowflex 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells sit in a custom plastic storage tray when not in use. To adjust the weight, turn the dial on both ends of the dumbbell until they’re aligned with the weight you want. An automatic locking system secures the needed weight plates to the handle as you turn through the dial. When you lift the dumbbell out of the tray, it will have only the weight plates needed for the weight you selected.

The 1090s have a starting weight of 10 pounds and increase in five-pound increments up to 90 pounds. The lighter weights are a good fit for low weight, high rep exercises or activities like pilates. The heavier weights are commonly used for weight circuits that include a range of exercises like dumbbell curls, shoulder presses, rows, squats and tricep kickbacks.

Since Bowflex dumbbells come with a one-year membership to the JRNY app, users can follow on-demand strength classes led by professional trainers. The app can be used on compatible iOS or Android devices and includes muscle-specific exercises, as well as whole-body workouts. Some of the classes even use the Bowflex dumbbells in lieu of kettlebells or barbells.

The Bowflex 1090s have a weight range of 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell, and the total weight per dumbbell (including the base) is 92.3 pounds. The 90 pound max weight is high compared with the competition—the majority of dumbbells in our best adjustable dumbbell list max out closer to 50 or 55 pounds.

With a footprint of 17.5 inches L x 10 inches W x 10 inches H, the Bowflex 1090s are larger than many of their competitors. That said, their larger size is due partly to their higher weight capacity. In comparison, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells have smaller dimensions—14.5 inches L x 7.5 inches H x 9 inches W—but they max out at 52.5 pounds. If you plan to use 50 pounds or less, we recommend looking for a smaller dumbbell.

The 1090 dumbbells increase or decrease weight in five pound increments. Most adjustable dumbbells have either five or 2.5-pound weight increments. The 2.5-pound increments are used more frequently at lower weights. They’re good for beginners and those performing therapeutic exercises or circuits with high rep, low weight movements. Dumbbells that adjust in five pound increments are generally more popular with those who want to make faster gains at higher weights.

Most dumbbells are made of metal and either plastic or rubber, and that’s the case with the Bowflex 1090 dumbbells. The weight plates are made of steel that’s coated in plastic to dampen noise when taking the dumbbells in or out of their tray. The discs that attach the plates to the handle are made of plastic, which is not as durable as metal. For the price, we’d expect metal discs and a fully metal handle.

The Bowflex 1090 dumbbells are sold as a pair for $799. That price includes free shipping (within the contiguous 48 states), a one-year JRNY app membership and a three year warranty. While $799 is expensive for a single set of equipment, it’s comparable to other dumbbells with a similar weight range. For example, the Nuobell dumbbells max out at 80 pounds and cost $745. Predictably, lower weight dumbbells will cost less—usually in the $300–$500 range for a quality pair.

Related Post: Nuobell Dumbbells: Worth the Buy in 2022?

Bowflex covers the SelectTech 1090 dumbbells with a three year warranty for parts. You can extend the warranty period to five years for $49. Most manufacturers warrant their dumbbells for at least two years, with the option to pay more for extended coverage. In this regard, Bowflex is on par with its competitors, though we’d like to see the labor and shipping costs covered by the warranty.

The Bowflex dumbbells have thousands of reviews between the Bowflex website (4.7/5 stars) and Amazon (4.4/5 stars). Most reviewers were happy with their purchase, and they specifically called out the simplicity of the dial system and convenience of having so many weight options in one dumbbell. They also commented on the quickness and ease of the weight adjustment process. Verified Amazon reviewer CMS said on July 27, 2022, “I can change from any weight setting to any other weight setting in easily less than 10 seconds per dumbbell…Super easy and quick!”

The price of the 1090 dumbbells came up in several reviews, with some customers calling for higher quality materials and others expressing satisfaction with their purchase. A reviewer on the Bowflex website said in July 2022, “My justification for buying them at this price was anything to improve on myself is worth the cost, and I wouldn't need to keep buying weight plates to continuously disassemble and reassemble them for different workouts.” The reviewer also touched on a common complaint with the Bowflex 1090s—their size—but ultimately felt that it wasn’t a dealbreaker: “They are a little on the bulky side for dumbbells but nothing unmanageable. I really do enjoy them!! A purchase you won't regret!!”

Another common complaint was the shape and texture of the handle. A reviewer named Josh from the Bowflex website said in July 2022, “The overall weight, balance, dial change is 5 stars, however the grip NEEDS IMPROVING. It is NOT knurled like standard dumbbells nor do they have the neoprene/rubber grip the 552's have.” Many reviewers suggested wearing lifting gloves when using the 1090s at heavier weights.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are a lighter, more affordable version of the 1090s. The two models share the same design, but the 552s have a weight range of five to 52.5 pounds. With a lighter max weight and both 2.5-pound and five-pound weight increments, they’re a better fit for beginners. Lifters who want to surpass 52 pounds should stick with the 1090s because the 552s don’t have an expansion pack. With less weight, the 552s are a little smaller than the 1090s, but still pretty bulky compared with competitors. You can snag two of the SelectTech 552 dumbbells for $429, which is a couple hundred dollars less than the 1090s.

The PowerBlock Dumbbells are another popular adjustable option that come in three series—Sport, Pro and Elite. The Elite series have a weight range of five to 50 pounds, with options to add expansion packs up to 70 or 90 pounds. The 2.5 pounds weight increments allow for more gradual gains, which is helpful for beginners. We also like that users can start with the 50 pound dumbbell and later upgrade to heavier weights if needed. The other main differences between the PowerBlock Elites and Bowflex 1090s are the shape and weight adjustment system. Instead of a dial, the PowerBlock dumbbells have a selector pin that’s inserted into the desired weight. They also have a rectangular shape that’s more compact than the 1090s. The PowerBlock handle is caged inside the weights, which may be awkward for some. The 1090s and Elites with the 90 pound expansion pack are similarly priced—the 1090s cost $799, and the expanded Elites cost $797.

The MX Select MX85 Dumbbells are a good choice if you're looking for a traditional dumbbell shape with a more compact design than the Bowflex 1090s. The MX85s have circular weight plates and a dial system, but the length of the dumbbell is more proportionate to its selected weight. Similar to the 1090s, the MX85s have a weight range of 12.5 to 85 pounds and come with a storage tray to keep them organized, but the MX85s have four-pound weight increments instead of five. They’re also a little pricier than the 1090s—$899 compared with $799.

The max weight for Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells is 90 pounds, and the max weight for the SelectTech 552 dumbbells is 52.5 pounds.

The best adjustable dumbbells have a weight range of at least 40 pounds, have easy weight adjustment systems and are comfortable to use. A few of our favorites include the PowerBlock Sport dumbbells, the Nuobell dumbbells, the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight dumbbells and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells.

No, you should not drop the Bowflex 1090 dumbbell or any adjustable dumbbells. If you do, it could damage the weight plates or the connecting pieces. If you suspect that any of the connecting pieces have broken, reach out to the Bowflex customer service team for help with repairs; otherwise, you could risk a loose plate falling out during use.

No, you can’t upgrade the Bowflex dumbbells. The SelectTech 552s max out at 52.5 pounds, and the SelectTech 1090s have a max weight of 90 pounds.

The Bowflex 1090 dumbbells are a good match for those with a bigger budget who want high weight adjustable dumbbells that are easy to use. The plastic pieces are at risk of cracking or wearing down over time, so if you plan to use your dumbbells every day, you may want to look for a pair that are made entirely of metal.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

Heather is a health and fitness enthusiast with over ten years of experience in the industry. Her passion is to connect customers to brands and products that will improve their quality of life. You can find her at www.heatherburdo.com for your content needs.This author is writing sponsored content paid for by Pillar4 and not affiliated with Sports Illustrated.