Bowflex Selecttech & Others like them
- Thread starter Timber99
- Start date
wendybdh
Cathlete
I got them for Christmas last year and I absolutely LOVE them! You can increase your weights by small increments which is really nice. Best part about them though is that they don't take up much space. I was talking to my BIL who owns a fitness store and he says that other models of them just don't compare in quality to the Bowflex. Apparently Bowflex are easier to use than other models and are less likely to become damaged. He also said other models don't "dial" as easily. They're not cheap but when you think how much it would cost to buy all those dumbells that add up to the 52.5# you're actually saving quite a bit.
LasVegasFitGirl
Cathlete
Selecttech dumbbells
I've had mine for two years now and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. The only downfall is that they're longer than the average dumbbell and it gets awkward on some exercises but it's really a minor downfall and I don't mind it at all.
I've had mine for two years now and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. The only downfall is that they're longer than the average dumbbell and it gets awkward on some exercises but it's really a minor downfall and I don't mind it at all.
Shadowpup
Cathlete
I have the SelectTech pair that goes up to 90 - they were on big discount last year, and I splurged. I LOVE THEM! The weight dials in easily. While my dials go up in increments of five pounds, you can split your dials (say, 50/45) if you want to get an intermediate value. That plus the gloves and you're set. I like to wear gloves with them, with or without weight, for the added comfort on the handles - they balance very nicely.
On the downside, besides the price
. There are people who have posted that they can break if treated ungently, and weight room manager at a hotel I visited mentioned that careless people there had broken his fairly frequently, so that he was replacing them often. If that's a concern, you may want one of the alternate styles that is solid metal or look into whether you can get repairs locally. Also, my up-to-90s are much longer than traditional dumbbells, so I can't easily use the SelectTechs, as I might with (say). I had the traditional kind up to 30 pounds, though, and now a barbell, so that's not really a difficulty. And, it's only the deadlift and double-arm rows where this has been a problem so far. I slightly interleave them when doing chest press so as to get the center of the chest - that's not been a problem. Squats work beautifully, as do single arm rows, pullovers, etc. I am a ways off for needing to use a 'bell this big for biceps or triceps, so can't report on that Even at that, I believe that the up-to-50s are not as big, so you might even be able to do deadlifts and such with them.
On the downside, besides the price
. There are people who have posted that they can break if treated ungently, and weight room manager at a hotel I visited mentioned that careless people there had broken his fairly frequently, so that he was replacing them often. If that's a concern, you may want one of the alternate styles that is solid metal or look into whether you can get repairs locally. Also, my up-to-90s are much longer than traditional dumbbells, so I can't easily use the SelectTechs, as I might with (say). I had the traditional kind up to 30 pounds, though, and now a barbell, so that's not really a difficulty. And, it's only the deadlift and double-arm rows where this has been a problem so far. I slightly interleave them when doing chest press so as to get the center of the chest - that's not been a problem. Squats work beautifully, as do single arm rows, pullovers, etc. I am a ways off for needing to use a 'bell this big for biceps or triceps, so can't report on that Even at that, I believe that the up-to-50s are not as big, so you might even be able to do deadlifts and such with them.
wendybdh
Cathlete
I forgot to mention that I also have dumbells up to 30lbs and I still use those but when I get above that or don't want to jump 5#s at a time I use these which gives you many more possibilities of weight than standard dumbells. Besides when you figure that standard dumbells are about $1.00 a pound and for one set of 30's you're spending $60, set of 35's $70 and so on not to mention the smaller increments (17.5, 22.5) you're still saving money.
RunninTeach
Cathlete
I also own the Select Techs from 5 to 52.5 #s. IA about it being a great investment. It makes changing the weight increments so easy and saves space.
celestialtimes
Cathlete
I have powerblocks! I love that they microload. I'm almost ready for the stage 2 upgrade on mine....
I originally had the sport block from powerblock. My husband bought it for me for Christmas before we were married. My Sportblock went from 3-24 pounds. Last years STS had me out purchasing new dumbbells...and I had 30-40 and I was making 50 - 55 on my dumbbell handles. Plus, we live in a 1 bedroom condo and I had weights lining the sliding glass door.
I loved my Powerblocks but I needed more weight...so, I visited the local fitness store who told me he'd trade them in for me...so, I traded my sport block towards the purchase of a set of sport 9.0 and only paid 150 bucks after the trade.
I love my powerblocks. I kept my dumbbells for almost 6 months and sold them recently on Craigs list. Love my powerblocks. I can't wait to buy the upgrade so that I can continue to increase my weights from 60-90. Maybe one day 90-120...I don't know...at this point that sounds crazy.
I originally had the sport block from powerblock. My husband bought it for me for Christmas before we were married. My Sportblock went from 3-24 pounds. Last years STS had me out purchasing new dumbbells...and I had 30-40 and I was making 50 - 55 on my dumbbell handles. Plus, we live in a 1 bedroom condo and I had weights lining the sliding glass door.
I loved my Powerblocks but I needed more weight...so, I visited the local fitness store who told me he'd trade them in for me...so, I traded my sport block towards the purchase of a set of sport 9.0 and only paid 150 bucks after the trade.
I love my powerblocks. I kept my dumbbells for almost 6 months and sold them recently on Craigs list. Love my powerblocks. I can't wait to buy the upgrade so that I can continue to increase my weights from 60-90. Maybe one day 90-120...I don't know...at this point that sounds crazy.