Appearance and Size

BowFlex SelectTech 552

The look and feel of these dumbbells are the same. The weight itself is made out of iron but there are some plastic parts for the dial. On either, there is a dial that you turn to select the weight that you desire. Both sit on a durable thick plastic base. The weights themselves are more rounded on the 552 whereas on the 1090 the sides are flat. Other than that, the two dumbbell sets are identical.

The 552 comes with two dumbbells that max out at 52.5 pounds each. On the other hand, the 1090 goes all the way up to 90 pounds. The dimensions for the 552 are 15.75L x 8W x 9H and the 1090 measures 17.5L x 10W x 10H.

How They Work…?

Both of these weight sets are easy enough to operate. You simply turn the dial to select the weight that you want. On the 552, the weight can be increased in 2.5 pound increments up to 25 pounds, then in 5 pound increments. You turn the dial on the 1090 as well, but the weight is increased or decreased in increments of 5 pounds.

Performance

With the Bowflex Selecttech 552 you get 15 weight settings compared to 17 for the 1090. The 552 provides you with 2 dumbbells compared to just 1 with the 1090. So depending on your workout regimen, you’d probably have to buy another set if you go with the 1090.

I like that you can adjust the weight in 2.5 pound increments (up to 25 pounds) with the 552. This allows you to more gradually increase your strength over time instead of trying to force it and potentially injuring yourself. This is especially important if you are newbie.

But maybe you don’t need to gradually build up at those lower weights. Maybe you are already a weight lifting master and you just need a more efficient dumbbell system. Maybe you want to use the 1090 for heavy weighted lunges.

Space Saving

A major benefit of either of these models is that you will save a ton of space. To get that same amount of different dumbbell weights you’d need a lot of space. And you would need to spend a lot of money.

Don’t Drop the Weights

Sometimes when I’m working out I have the need or desire to simply drop the weight. It’s like sometimes I just don’t have the energy to place them down. You probably know what I’m talking about. Well, you cannot do that with either of these sets. There are plastic parts that make up the dial dropping them could cause things to shift around and ultimately break.

Optional Stand

BowFlex SelectTech 1090

If you are comparing other models, you might notice that some come with an included stand. The stand is a nice feature as you won’t have to bend over awkwardly to grab the weights. The stand will hold the weights at about waist level (of course this will depend on your height)

Unfortunately, there is no included weight stand with either of these models. You will have to purchase one separately. They aren’t cheap either. Below you will find some options. The stand can help you to move faster If you are using them in conjunction with some kind of exercise tape.

Warranty

You’d probably never think that you need a warranty with dumbbells. Well, when your dumbbells has plastic moving parts that could make a difference. Each of these models comes with a 2-year warranty on the weights and the parts.

I think that they will hold up over time according but you will want to treat them with more care than you do your regular old weights.