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#1 Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Chris L.
February 27, 2021

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 is a step up from the 552. The weight settings go all the way up to 90 pounds. And you can adjust with just the flick of a wrist as you turn the dial to get the precise weight you want. The 1090 model is the same as having 17 different dumbbell sets, ultimately saving a ton of room in your home.

Is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 best for you?

Numerous exercise options open up to you with the Bowflex SelectTech 1090. You can engage in roughly 30 different exercises, including lunges, and farmers walk hammer curls. With each option, you also gain access to 80 different variations of each workout, meaning you aren't going to get bored any time soon. There are plenty of videos online to show you how you can get the most out of these weights.

A lot of people also enjoy the fact these dumbbells are quiet. This stems from the dumbbells being made of hard plastic as opposed to metal. You don't have to worry about a loud clang when you set them down in their holder, which means both you and everyone you live with benefits.

Consider Bowflex SelectTech 1090 if...

  • You need a high-tech solution to fitness. These dumbbells are great alongside the Bowflex SelectTech app. You can journal your strength training progress to see how you improve over time.
  • You want heavy weights. The weight settings on these dumbbells range from 10 to 90 pounds. You can start light and really push yourself to some heavy-duty training. Compared to the 52.5-pound limit of the Bowflex SelectTech 552, more intense trainees can benefit from these weights.
  • You like space efficiency. You may not have room in your home for a full home gym. You can fit these dumbbells pretty much anywhere you please to work up a sweat.

Avoid Bowflex SelectTech 1090 if...

  • You need more versatility. These may not be as big as a home gym, but you also don't receive the same variety of workouts. Think about what you need for your fitness goals before making any kind of purchase.
  • You want durability. The hard plastic found with these dumbbells should last a fairly long time. However, it's nowhere near as long-lasting as metal weights.
  • You like dropping your weights at the end of the set. You need to be extra careful you don't drop these. They've been known to chip and degrade when landing on hard floors.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 pros & cons

Pros

  • 17 weight settings
  • 30+ exercises to try out
  • Compatible with Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench series

Cons

  • Not as resilient materials
  • Dial mechanism known to malfunction

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 weight

There are 17 weight settings on these dumbbells going from 5 to 90 pounds with 5-pound increments. It's preferable for regular people wanting to build muscle as opposed to individuals who want to compete in bodybuilding.

Is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 easy to use?

It's a breeze to alter the weight settings with this model. You simply turn a dial to the level you want, pick up the weights, and get moving.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 quality

These dumbbells are made of hard plastic. It's a durable-enough material, but that doesn't mean you should drop them on the floor. Take care of them, and they should last a long time.

Reasons to buy Bowflex SelectTech 1090?

  1. You want gradual growth. With 5-pound increments, you can work your way up to 90 pounds slowly but surely. That way you continually challenge yourself until you're lifting more than you ever thought you could.
  2. You want a quiet experience. Many customers end up loving the silence associated with these dumbbells. They don't clang together like metal, so you don't disturb other people you live with.
  3. You value flexibility. You can exercise with these dumbbells the same way you would with any others. There are other 30 exercises you can try out so that you target different muscles in your arms, shoulders, chest, and back.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex SelectTech 1090?

  1. You need something cheaper. Compared to some home gyms, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 is pretty affordable. However, there are definitely less-expensive dumbbells out there. This model costs more than others, and you end up spending even more if you purchase a bench with it.

What real Bowflex SelectTech 1090 reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 265 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex SelectTech 1090 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex SelectTech 1090 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  1. "Both dumbbells contain weight plate locking tabs that are metal. Hopefully, this will prevent the plates from slipping off the dumbbells.
  2. "I've had two of these 1090s and have used them religiously for many years without a single mishap."
  3. "Just the click of the dial and you are set with a different weight."
  4. "The ease of changing the weights on these things is amazing. I just can't get over how much I enjoy using them."
  5. "Exactly what I needed for a space saving option for dumbbells at home."

What reviewers dislike

  1. "Literally the only slight downfall is their size. They’re a little bit chunky."
  2. "My only complaints with these are one, they are fairly wide so they can be a little awkward with some movements."
  3. "Even with the funky handle and hard plastic edge I still think this is a great product."
  4. "I am also no fan of the grips which are metal with a polka pattern throughout their length."
  5. "Do NOT drop or slam this thing on the ground."

Our verdict

Bowflex is known for making high-quality fitness gear, and the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 is no exception. The dials are a fantastic innovation for quickly altering the weight. Plus, the 5lb increments means you can start slow and build muscle on your own schedule.

It's important to keep in mind these aren't metal dumbbells you find at the gym. You need to take care of them much more cautiously. But as long as you don't drop them, you should be fine for years to come.

Other SelectTech models are out there, but they don't go up to 90 pounds like these. If you want a ton of room for improvement, then these are your best bet.

Where to buy Bowflex SelectTech 1090

If these sound up your alley, then purchase your Bowflex SelectTech 1090 through Amazon. The site has the lowest prices around, and you can save money via free shipping.