Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells Hands-On: No Fluff, Just the Truth

We don't do long reviews for the sake of word count. Here's our straightforward take on the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells.

What We Think, Straight Up

If you're past 52.5 lbs and don't want to store a rack of 90-lb dumbbells, the SelectTech 1090s are the answer. Expensive, but a proper home gym investment.

If you've been on the fence, here's how we'd frame it: the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells is designed for serious strength trainers who need heavier weights than the 552s can offer. If that's you, it's very likely the right choice. If it's not, there's probably a better fit at a lower price point.

The Performance

We ran the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells through daily use across several weeks. The things that impressed us most are the ones listed below — not the marketing claims, the actual experience of using it regularly.

There's a difference between products that sound good in spec sheets and ones that feel right in practice. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells is in the second group.

What We Love

• Goes from 10 to 90 lbs — covers almost any exercise
• Dial mechanism works reliably even at heavy loads
• Single footprint for 17 dumbbell sets
• Solid build quality
• Worth it if you actually lift heavy

Room for Improvement

• $499 is a serious investment
• Heavy and bulky even at light settings
• Handle feels large at lower weights

Who Should Buy It

This is for serious strength trainers who need heavier weights than the 552s can offer. If that's you — buy it. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells is one of those products where you'll look back and wonder why you waited.

If you're on the fence because of price, consider how often you'll use it. Most quality purchases amortise down to almost nothing over their lifespan.

The Value Question

At $499.00, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells sits at the higher end of the category. Our take: it's priced correctly for what it is. There are cheaper options. They are cheaper for a reason.

We've tested the alternatives. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells is the one we kept.

Our Verdict

The short answer: yes. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells is our recommended pick for serious strength trainers who need heavier weights than the 552s can offer. It's well-built, performs as advertised, and we haven't found anything at this price point that beats it.

Buy it. Use it. You'll stop second-guessing the purchase within a week.