Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Dumbbells Review
Latest Update: October 04, 2026
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells is a space-saving adjustable dumbbell for lifters who want to train heavy at home without buying a full rack of fixed weights. Each dumbbell adjusts from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, giving you 17 weight settings. Its dial makes changing loads convenient, but the long, 17.5-inch body and selector mechanism call for more care than a basic fixed dumbbell.
Verdict: It is most compelling if you expect to use the heavier settings and value having many weights in one compact storage footprint. It is less suitable if you need loads below 10 pounds, a short dumbbell for close-clearance movements, equipment you can drop, or the lowest-cost way to build a home gym. The 1090 is not a substitute for careful checks of the plates and locking mechanism.
Weight range, increments, and adjustment
Each SelectTech 1090 adjusts from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound steps. That is 17 settings per dumbbell, or 17 matched pairs of weights if you own a pair. The 90-pound maximum gives experienced lifters more room to progress than lighter adjustable models, while the 10-pound minimum may be too heavy for some beginners or exercises that call for very light resistance.
To change the load, return the dumbbell to its cradle, turn the dial to the desired weight, and lift it out once the plates are selected. The dial can save time between sets, but it is not a reason to rush: make sure the dumbbell is seated correctly and the selector is set before lifting. Never force a dial that will not turn freely.
Space savings—and the trade-off in size
A 1090 replaces 17 fixed-weight dumbbells per hand, so a pair can stand in for 17 pairs, or 34 individual dumbbells. That is a substantial reduction in the number of weights to store. The cradles still need a stable place, however, and the dumbbells themselves are about 17.5 inches long. They can feel bulky beside a conventional dumbbell, particularly when you are close to your body, a bench, or the floor.
Measure the space where you plan to keep and use them rather than assuming they will slide under a bed or fit on any shelf. A pair is also heavy to carry, especially at higher settings; treat it as home-gym equipment, not something especially convenient to transport. The space saving comes from consolidating weights, not from making each dumbbell small.
How the 1090 handles during workouts
The adjustable range suits common dumbbell strength exercises such as curls, rows, presses, raises, lunges, and squats. The dial is useful when moving between exercises that need different loads. For example, you can select a lighter setting for raises and a heavier one for rows without retrieving a separate fixed-weight pair.
The trade-off is the dumbbell’s length and shape. On presses, flyes, and other movements where the weights pass close to your torso or each other, check your clearance and range of motion. The size can also feel less natural than a fixed dumbbell for close-grip positions. The handle is designed for a comfortable grip, but hand comfort is personal; grip the handle securely and stop if the shape causes discomfort or makes your wrist position difficult to control.
These are adjustable dumbbells for controlled strength training, not weights to throw, slam, or use for movements that involve dropping equipment. Keep the cradles on a stable surface and use the dumbbells only with the selected plates properly engaged.
Durability and safe handling
The selector and plate-retention system make careful handling important. The available specifications do not establish how a particular pair will hold up over years of use, so it is better to avoid blanket claims that the 1090 is indestructible. User reports about locking or plate-retention problems are a reason to inspect the equipment and follow its instructions, not proof that every unit has the same fault.
- Set the dumbbell fully into its cradle before changing the dial.
- Confirm the selected weight and check that the plates are seated before each set.
- Do not drop, slam, or force the selector; avoid using a unit with cracked parts, loose plates, or a dial that does not engage normally.
- Keep the equipment on a level surface and follow the manufacturer’s handling and maintenance instructions.
If a plate appears loose or the locking system does not work as intended, stop using the dumbbell until the issue is resolved. This is especially important with a pre-owned unit, whose condition and purchase history may be unclear.
Bowflex 1090 vs. SelectTech 552
| Feature | SelectTech 1090 | SelectTech 552 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 10–90 lb per dumbbell | 5–52.5 lb per dumbbell |
| Adjustment steps | 5 lb | 2.5 lb increments through 25 lb, then 5 lb increments |
| Best fit | Lifters who need heavier settings and can work with a long dumbbell | People who want a lighter starting weight and finer adjustments at the lower end |
Choose the 1090 if 52.5 pounds is not enough for your training or you want more room to increase your working weight. Choose the 552 if its lower starting point and smaller increments at lighter loads are more useful than the 1090’s higher ceiling. Both models use a dial-adjustment system, so neither is a fixed dumbbell you can treat casually or drop.
What is the difference between the Bowflex 1090 and Bowflex 90?
“Bowflex 90” can be shorthand for a Bowflex dumbbell with a 90-pound maximum, while “SelectTech 1090” identifies the model commonly described as adjusting from 10 to 90 pounds. A listing that says only “Bowflex 90” may not identify a separate model clearly. Check the model name and specifications: the 1090’s key figures are a 10-pound minimum, 90-pound maximum, and 5-pound increments.
Price and overall value
The 1090 costs more than a basic fixed dumbbell, so its value depends on whether you will use its range and space-saving design.
Compare its purchase price with the cost and storage space of the fixed weights you would realistically need, not every possible weight you could buy.
If you rarely lift heavy or need only a few loads, separate fixed dumbbells may be a simpler value. If your strength training spans many loads, the adjustable format can justify a higher upfront cost.
Consider the full buying decision too: confirm the exact model, included cradle, seller’s written warranty, and return conditions before ordering.
Check the return window, whether used or opened equipment is eligible, and who pays return shipping.
Warranty coverage and return terms can depend on the seller and purchase, so rely on the terms provided for the specific listing.
See the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 listing:
What is the lawsuit against Bowflex dumbbells?
Lawsuit questions about adjustable dumbbells generally concern allegations that plates can loosen or detach from a handle, creating a risk of impact injury. A lawsuit is a legal claim, not by itself a finding that every dumbbell is defective. For the status or scope of a particular case, consult the relevant court record; do not treat an allegation as a substitute for checking the product’s condition and safety notices.
Why is Bowflex recalling dumbbells?
Recall notices involving adjustable dumbbells address the risk that weight plates may not remain secured and could come loose during use. A recall applies to the affected products identified in the notice, not automatically to every unit carrying the Bowflex name. If you own a 1090—particularly a used or older pair—check the model and any identifying information against official CPSC recall notices and Bowflex safety information before use. Stop using a dumbbell with a loose plate, damaged component, or faulty selector.
Are Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells worth it?
They can be worth it for a home lifter who will use multiple weight settings and values consolidating a rack of dumbbells into a smaller storage area. The 1090 is the better fit when loads above the 552’s 52.5-pound maximum matter. The trade-offs are its higher price than basic fixed weights, 10-pound minimum, long body, and need for careful handling. If you mainly need light loads, a compact shape, or equipment that can be dropped, this design is a poor match.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SelectTech 1090 for exercises other than weightlifting?
It works for ordinary dumbbell strength movements, including curls, presses, rows, raises, and lunges. Its size and adjustable plate system make it unsuitable for exercises that require dropping or throwing the dumbbell.
How long does it take to adjust the weight?
The dial is designed to make weight changes quickly. Return the dumbbell to its cradle, select the next setting, and check that the plates are engaged before lifting it again.
Do I need to buy extra accessories?
The dumbbell’s cradle is used to hold it while you change the setting. No additional attachment is needed for standard dumbbell exercises, though you will need a stable place to use and store the equipment.
Can beginners use the 1090?
It can suit beginners who can safely handle its 10-pound minimum and want to progress to heavier weights. Because it does not adjust below 10 pounds, it may not fit every beginner or every movement.
What safety precautions matter most?
Use the cradle for adjustments, confirm the plates are secured before lifting, and never drop or force the dumbbell. Inspect it regularly, and stop using it if the dial, plates, or locking parts appear damaged or do not work correctly.
Final verdict
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 offers a broad 10-to-90-pound range in 5-pound steps and can replace 17 fixed-weight dumbbells per hand. That makes it a practical option for strength training at home when space and heavier settings matter. Its 17.5-inch length, higher cost, and need for careful plate and selector checks are real trade-offs. Buy it for the range and convenience—not on the assumption that an adjustable dumbbell is as compact, inexpensive, or drop-proof as a fixed weight.
For another adjustable-dumbbell design, compare the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells and consider how their shape and adjustment method fit your exercises.
