Could a set of Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells be the single best purchase you can make for your home gym? That is a great question. This is a reputable, high-end fitness product. But will the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 review help you achieve your next-level health and strength goals? If you’re looking for a way to up your home gym game, then these super sleek, space-conscious adjustable dumbbells could be just what the doctor ordered. With a load range from 10 to 90 pounds, Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells are compact enough in their profiles to satisfy even the most spatially challenged serious lifter.
What Are Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells?
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are the Bowflex solution to the limited load range of their uber-popular, pioneering SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells. The 552s were hailed as the industry standard for many years, but they fell short of satisfying the needs of advanced lifters. This issue was due to their maximum weight levels of 52 pounds each. Fifty-two pounds wasn’t enough of a load for many people, and this was the predominant consumer complaint.
With the release of its Bowflex SelectTech 1090s, the company solved that problem in a big way. These adjustable dumbbells max out at an impressive 90 pounds without taking up an insane amount of space. They allow you to change your lifting weight seamlessly with the simple turn of a dial. Their brilliant design and ease of use give you the equivalent of 34 dumbbells (17 sets) without the clutter you would otherwise have to handle.
If you need some inspiration to get started, you also receive a DVD of workout programs with this revolutionary Bowflex equipment.
Product Specs
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells have an impressive weight range from 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell. Weight adjustments can be made in 5-pound increments These dumbbells offer smooth weight adjustment thanks to a unique dial-and-bracket system devised by Bowflex. This dial system allows the user to select the desired weight level by adjusting a dial on each end of the dumbbell. The bracket system then functions to attach the weight level and lock it in place within the handle of the dumbbell.
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells themselves are significantly longer than typical dumbbells. This is understandable because of the need to accommodate the vast range of various weight levels. These beauties come in at 17.5 inches in length, with complete dimensions of 10″ x 10″ x 17.5″ (w x h x l). The custom cradles are part and parcel of the entire system. These cradles are an integral component of the Bowflex methodology since the weight-adjustment dials only operate when the Bowflex SelectTech 1090s are placed in the cradles. Bowflex offers an impressive 3-year warranty on parts and a “buyers’ remorse-soothing,” 6-week, money-back guarantee. The company calls this coverage the 6-Week Fitness Results Guarantee.
Pricing
During our review of the Bowflex SelectTech 1090, we found that the price for these ranged depending on whether you were purchasing a single dumbbell, a double set, and buying your dumbbells with or without a bench. There were a few package options that ranged anywhere from $$$ to close to $$$.
Pricing also depends on the retailer you purchase from. We found the Bowflex SelectTech 1090s at Bowflex.com, Amazon, and eBay, to list just a few resources. Even with all the bells and whistles included, paying a few hundred dollars is a great deal for such comprehensive home gym equipment!
How Dumbell Sets Compare
We selected a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
Price: $$ (Approximately $$$ to $$$)
This price range covers options from a single dumbbell purchase to two dumbbells plus a bench. In any case, these dumbbells are a more cost-friendly choice than an entire home gym unit.
Weight Range
With a range of 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090s offers the heaviest weight range on the market, thereby accommodating the more advanced lifter. This group was left out with the earlier SelectTech 552s as the only comparable option.
Versatility
These dumbbells allow you the vary your load just as if you had 17 different pairs of dumbbells on hand. Access to heavier loads allows the exerciser to better train muscle groups that require heavier weights. With these dumbbells, no body part must go neglected. Still, 90 pounds is great… but it still isn’t enough for a gnarly squat cage or leg press session.
Design Quality
The dial-and-bracket design of the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells allows for quick weight adjustments. We assigned 4 stars for design but must note that their 17.5” lengths from end to end make the process somewhat awkward for some users.
Features
In addition to the two super-sleek dumbbells, the Bowflex package includes a cradle for each dumbbell and a DVD of workout programs with your purchase. As we see it, the dumbbells are the standout feature, and all the rest is gravy for workout enthusiasts.
PROS
- Saves you the space and mess of 17 separate sets of dumbbells
- Put 10 to 90 pounds on a single dumbbell
- 6-week, money-back guarantee
- 3-year warranty on parts
CONS
- Their larger size takes some getting used to
- Dumbbells must be returned to their cradle for each adjustment
- The inner workings of the dial-and-bracket system can be damaged if dropped
Power Block Elite Dumbbells
Power Block Elite dumbbells have been an industry leader in adjustable dumbbells for 25 years. This fitness company offers a compact dumbbell system with a simple adjustment mechanism.
Price (Approximate only) $$ ($$$ to $$$)
Pricing depends on your exact base purchase and any “expansion kits” you select to increase the available weight range. The most expensive version of a Power Block Elite dumbbell set consists of the base set plus a 90-pound expansion kit.
Weight Range
The base model of the Power Block Elites only provides a weight range of 5 to 50 pounds. If you want to purchase add-on expansion kits, you can boost the range up to 90 pounds.
Versatility
To achieve what the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells offer, which is higher training loads for training larger muscle groups that need heavier weights, you can purchase expansion kits.
Design Quality
The Power Block Elite design is compact and sleek. The adjustment capabilities are user-friendly. However, the 4-bar construction can be confusing, and the extensions to allow for the presence of 2.5-pound expansion weights seem a little awkward, even though they don’t really get in the way. The economical design and sturdy construction of these dumbbells allow for dropping without damaging their performance. This level of durability, along with ease of use, gets this product a 5-star rating from our reviewers.
Features
Power Block offers a comprehensive 10-year warranty.
PROS
- Compact design
- Durable construction
- Easy weight/load adjustments
CONS
- Design takes getting used to
- 2.5-pound add-on weights must be attached manually
Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
Core Fitness adjustable dumbbells are a nice choice for anyone who does not require a heavier load and enjoys the feel of a traditional dumbbell. The company has devised a solid design with its unique Twist Lock Technology.
Price $$ (Approximately $$$-$$$)
These are fully adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of 5 to 50 pounds each. The price range we found is for packages ranging from two dumbbells only up to those two dumbbells plus the matching, appropriate dumbbell rack for their use.
Weight Range
These dumbbells only adjust up to 50 pounds, with no ability to add on or expand this capacity.
Versatility
The lighter weights don’t allow power users to work larger muscle groups, which limits the number of exercises that can be performed and, ultimately, results.
Design Quality
These dumbbells are nice-looking, and the coating is fairly durable. The greatest advantage that these adjustable dumbbells have is their unique twist-lock technology through which the user rotates the handle to adjust the desired weight up or down. Of course, these dumbbells must be in their corresponding cradles for this cool technology to function.
Features
The company offers a 2-year warranty. And the cradles are included with the purchase. The powder coating is very durable. These dumbbells are shaped and moved just like standard gym dumbbells. What they give you in looks, we feel that they lack innovation.
PROS
- Look and feel just like a normal dumbbell
- Adjustments can be made with the grip handle
CONS
- Weight range only goes up to 50 pounds
- Dumbbells must be returned to their cradles to adjust the weights
- Only a 2-year warranty
Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell
A relatively new or obscure player for us in the adjustable dumbbell market, Merax has learned from its competitors’ mistakes and carved out a nice middle ground in this category.
Price $ (Approximately $$$ to $$$)
Prices vary depending on your choice to purchase the Merax dumbbells alone or a customized stand as well.
Weight Range
These dumbbells start at 11 pounds and max out at 71.5 pounds.
Versatility
The moderate weight level allows for larger muscle groups to be taxed, and the ease of adjustment allows fluid transitions from one exercise to another.
Design Quality
Merax hit the nail on the head for aesthetics. These workout tools combine the best of the Bowflex and Core adjustment systems, in our view.
Features
Merax offers a worldwide 2-year warranty.
PROS
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Durable construction
- Comfortable handle
- Dial adjustment system for fast, smooth operation
CONS
- Assembly required
- Weights increase in 5-pound increments
- The warranty is only 2 years
Conclusion
In conclusion, as with most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all, perfect solution to the dumbbell dilemma. If you require more weight for your workouts, you may need to overcome some cumbersome aspects of your purchase. According to the majority of reviews, these adjustments are minor. If you are committed, we know you will find a way!
All of these fitness equipment manufacturers have brought to market impressive technology coupled with convenience and elegance. It’s a pretty impressive feat! So, we asked some hard questions and advised you to do the same. Do you need 90 pounds? Really? Are you unavoidably going to drop your dumbbells? Really?
If you are among the avid fitness enthusiasts who want to be able to hit their legs and back fairly hard at home, then the clear forerunners in this market are the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells and the Power Block set. Both have an element of the cumbersome that will need to be overcome, but you get that weight. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a nice “tone and tighten” routine to keep yourself in the flow in between visits to the gym or box, then you may want to consider the Core and Merax dumbbell sets. The load that you need to get your best workout in will really be the determining factor.
Bowflex and PowerBlock do the best job of putting their beliefs behind their products with impressive warranties. Core and Merax bring excellent, durable options to the market without achieving the same loads. Our ultimate winner is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells because you can push 90 pounds. Plus, they are dressed in stylish black and red. We enjoy the finer details in life and the gym, and dumbbells like these let us bring much of that detail home.
