Bowflex 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells Review: Good, Bad, & Ugly...
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
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The Bowflex 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells are the heavier and larger version of the ever-popular Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells. We've reviewed and compared all of the best adjustable dumbbells, but I often get asked whether the 1090s are worth the cost for a heavier set.
The SelectTech dial is fantastic and it's extremely nice to have a heavier set of db's for bench press, goblet squats, lunges, and the like. However, are they too wide?!
Let's discuss...
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I’ve had my 1090 set with the stand for a decade with zero quality problems. Awesome for the home gym with wheels on the stand to be able to push them around. As a former collegiate athlete, I highly recommend them. A bit bulky, but you get over it quickly. I actually take them with me on vacation. So effective I would buy them again in a heartbeat!
what do you use after outgrowing the 90 lb setting? im concerned my range of motion will be worse than a bench with thise dumbells given how wide they are, any thoughts? what do you use after you outgrow the 90lbs?
@@10secviolation use a barbell bruh
"Take them with me on vacation"?!?! You'll end up paying overweight charges as a new pair cost every time you take a flight!
When I vacation, I either go to a gym, or take a TRX with me... Or both.
Aight, bet!!
@@shane250 Not everyone travels via plane
The variation of dumbbells is extremely useful for a small person like me ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxP26Tir6n60vUkdtn4mbwhRO8cwuJQNy2 But the dumbbell size being large it's hard to do certain exercises like deadlift ( I have to have my hands and legs a bit wider to accommodate the size of the DB )Otherwise happy with the purchase. No excuse not to lift weight when it's snowing outside.
Ordered these over 12 years ago as the very first piece of equipment for my home gym. While I would certainly choose a different product now, I'm surprised to say that despite all the plastic, these still look and function like new with fairly consistent use for over a decade. As you mentioned, the size is an obvious issue and the handle is pretty awful but I taped the handle after like a week of use and that significantly improved the feel for me. I've more than gotten my money's worth out of these and just might consider an upgrade now that I've built out a fairly nice garage gym.
Same here i bought mine in 2008 and only had one instance of a weight plate failing to lock and it was replaced at no cost in 7 days. With all the options today would i make a different purchase? Of course but these are still working great for me.
@@deeharrison9520 what would you recommend today? 💪🙏
@@triscuits87 there’s nothing better to recommend today. Power block cost stupid money and are too big.
what did you use to tape the handles?
@@fearless6947 just standard white athletic tape. Probably the Mueller brand which can be found at Wal-Mart or any sporting goods store.
"this is NOT knurling, this is nippling!" 🤣
Love your work Coop!
I think if nuobell made a pair of dumbbells which go upto 120-150lb and replace all the plastics with some kinda metal while still keeping the classic Dumbbell design that would possibly be the best pair in the market
They're $800 now, if you make them go that heavy and replace plastic with metal, you're probably looking at 1200-1500 for about 50 extra pounds per dumbbell and metal construction. And they're already niche in their price range so if they significantly increased price again, I think they would have less customers who could afford it, not more
Plus the nuobell is now 17” at 80lbs. How long would it be at 150lbs?
@Rinaz how does it compare to 1090?
I bought these in 2015 and moved overseas to work. They have been sitting in my garage gym for 6 years. I hope they are still good 🙏 I needed something heavy and 50 is too light. Plus they take up less space and cheaper than buying fixed dbs from 10 to 90#. I actually just bought a couple fix dbs 35# and 50# rep all rubber coated dbs for functional exercises.
I've had these for about a year and use them regularly. While they're not perfect-especially the grips, which are pretty bad-they do the job. If I had the choice initially, I might have opted for the NUOBELL ones, but these will work fine for now. Definitely get the storage stand as well.
I’ve had 552s since March. So far so good but I’m as gentle with them as possible. I mainly just use them for curls anyway. But as far as cracking and all that goes over time, I really think that just comes down to the user. If you’re slamming them into their cradles or being pretty reckless with them, then you probably will bring it’s life down quicker. I mean you wouldn’t set your drink on top of your guitar amp or next to your PS4/PS5 would you?
Been looking around this channel for a bit since I'm lifting for a few months and as a bargain hunter, I scoured FB marketplace and found my set. I couldn't find anything on them from UA-camrs and then I found these and they look awfully close to mine. Probably made by an OEM manufacturer but what's insane is the price difference. I bought mine secondhand for around 120 USD (I live in the Philippines), third world pricing can be pretty wild sometimes. Yeah they ain't the best but for that price? No-brainer
FYI - Bowflex/Nautilus changed the design on the 1090 selectors to metal. Around 8min talks about the plastic selector system. The 1090 set I just received has a metal selector system. It's metal and the edges are coated in some sort of plastic or rubber material, I'm assuming for noise reduction. Also, the hook on the weight itself is a metal piece that is riveted in place.
Glad to see you doin well coop! Lineys jr blues 2010-2011
I'm interested to see what your opinions are after you upgrade the bowflex 552s or 1090s with Average Joe Innovations upgrade kits. Like "are they worth it?" " Do they make a night and day difference?" ya know, stuff like that.
I love my 552’s from a space saving perspective, but the length definitely gets annoying sometimes
Agreed
I want these. I know you're quite high on the Powerblock EXP series, but the Powerblock customer service is infamous for sucking.
I picked up a knockoff version of these about a year ago for $399. The handles suck but hockey tape fixes that issue. The plastic discs feel like they are nylon impregnated ABS which is pretty durable. I would be surprised if the people who had issues with breakage hadn't dropped them on the floor after sets.
Would I buy them at Bowflex's list price? Probably not. But for the price I got them, they're a decent deal. Replacing the shitty handles with AverageJoes' knurled ones might be something I consider at some point, but I see myself using these for quite some time.
I got a knockoff one too. I'm based in the Uk. I got mine for $520, which isn't bad. Amercia will always be cheaper than Uk. For $520, I think it's good considering power blocks is so expensive. Powerblocks is over $1,500 in the Uk, yep. You guys have it luckier in US. Also Nuobells only go up to 70lbs in Uk
Big fan from Malaysia love your vids
Good review. For the price, terrible option as you could just get powerblocks or ironmasters. I'd get spinlocks over these if they were my only two options.
Maby you can order average joe upgrade parts and make upgrade video??
You can buy these in Europe, but they show weight jumps in KG instead. The numbers are grossly incorrect on many settings. 7kg is only 5,8kg, as an example. It's off from down 0,1kg all the way to about 1,5kg.
Have had both these Bowflex and Powerblock adjustable dumbbells.. Powerblock is better after many years of use, no comparison.
I bought 1090's pre covid for cheap. Sold them during covid for a great amount. Downsized to 552's paid retail for a used pair resold them for what I paid for as soon as I locked up some Ironmaster dumbells. I never looked back although any of them are nice.
Coop can you review the Bowflex 2080 Adjustable Barbells as well? Heard good things about them, but there are no professional reviews out there!
I got the knockoffs from aliexpress for 450 and they actually use metal instead of plastic.
sounds like you got yourself a good deal
But what would be a better product?
anyone with Nuobells after all this time wanna chime in on its wear?
I've had mine a couple months. I use them 2-4 times a week and haven't had any issues with them.
I've had mine for over a year and they still work perfect. I use them almost everyday I'm super happy with them.
We need a drop test
I wonder, does this type of system make sense today? after NÜOBELL there is nothing for me.
Coop, in your earlier video where you had all the adjustable dumbbells it looked like you had a pair of the generic 1090 dumbbells. I was wondering how they compared to the official bowflex version? Are both these dumbbells made by the same oversea manufacturer or do the know off versions use even cheaper materials? Thanks!
The wheels broke on my stand. I wish i could drop them other than that they work fine for me. A little bulky sometimes. I got them for like 200 bucks from someone who wasn't using them
Any plans to review the Bells of Steel Arch Nemesis bar? I can't find much on it. Maybe a good alternative to a Kadillac bar?
Can you use the bowflex 552 stand with the 1090's ?
I put these on a scale and it said only 85.1 pounds? Am I the only one? I previously used Ativafit 71.5 dumbells (which were great) which my scale said were 72.1 pounds so I don't think the scale is bad. Would suck if I am losing out on 5 pounds.
my pair of 552's is so worn out on the plastic bit, i m close to bin them since they look gross and are all sticky !
MX85s or Bowflex 1090s? Both are 599 right now and I am starting a home gym. Worried about the flex’s length vs the MXs height!
Can you review betterbodyequipment adjustable dumbbells?
Just the sheer size of them is a no no for me. And then the plastic locking system and knurling, I’d stick with my set of hex dumbbells.
Can you do a sorinex center mass bell v. Thompson fat bell v. Havyx Triad comparison?
I bought these during a shortage. The handles are the absolute WORST and I regret buying them every time I pick them up. Coop.. give me a hack to fix the handles before I sell them for half price!
Hockey stick tape can mitigate most of the bullshit.
The patent expired on them, so you can get the same set from an off-brand for $300-$350. And people on UA-cam disassembled both, and they're identical.
What is a off brand name
I was today years old when I found out you can lift them with the cradle attached.
They destroy your hands! Very painful
I wrapped mine in duct tape, which helped, but yeah the handles aren't that great.
@@zenrider78 good idea!
Can you do a review of bells of steel belt squat
Nuobell drop test please
Would setting the dumbbells at max weight on your knees (before pressing) hurt? Or does it feel pretty comfortable?
It ain't great. Obviously better than loadable dumbbell handles that are just a mini-barbell, but they dig a lot more than a regular flat-ended rubber or steel dumbbell.
@@JohnSlaughter9000 Thanks! Really helps me make a decision as I’ll be doing a lot of heavy benching with dumbbells. Going to pass on these
@@AgentOfLogos If they simply designed the dial with a flat end instead of concave, they would be just fine. If you wear thick knee sleeves while training they might mitigate the dial piece's "dig" just enough.
if the nuobells went up to 90 it would be a no brainer. those 10 extra pounds though for the bowflex....
Does anyone else think the disks in the handles should be all metal?
Just ok for that price, no thanks!! I'll stay with my Powerblocks. :)
Coincidentally just ordered a fake pair of these a couple minutes before this video was uploaded
a lot of those plastic disks inside get broken
I prefer my weight plates *NOT* to fall on my face so I think I'll pass on them.
Benn using these for years and they have never fallen out. I use them multiple times a week.
or you could buy 2-3 pair of adjustable dumbbells and $600 in weights
Coop you alright? You sound sick
it's 110 dollar in Vietnam 😝
Have you really seen broken plastic parts? This plastic is very-very-very durable. It could be even more durable than some metals.
I've seen them on Facebook "as is" with broken plates and selectors.
Seen lots of broken disc's and some cracked weight plates but it's an easy fix
Biggest waste of money imo
You're better off with Olympic dumbbell grips.
the same old stuff
Definitely the handle sucks
That way to long , 👎 no good,,
Bowflex makes garbage. Too many plastic parts. I have 552s and Powerblocks which are much better
Damn not first but almost
Yee first
Guys like Coop have 100% chance of stealing your knurl
Dammit you won the comments haha
Had my 1090 set since 2013 and they are great. I respect all my equipment and have never thrown them but I’ve had a few accidents from about knee height. Never a hiccup
I agree that there are probably much better options for adjustable dumbbells at the $800 price range. You can get 80-lb Nuobells for $745 or 95-lb Pepin dumbbells for ~$750 USD (as well as other, heavier options for a little over $800). That said, reading some of these comments, durability may not be as much of a concern as people think. They seem to have stood the test of time.
Ability to adjust each end of the dumbbell independently is a great feature. Can thereby get all the in-between weight values (2.5-lb steps). Usually let the heavier side be on the thumb side of your hand and balance is fine.
You should do a commercial for Bowflex: "We are not afwul".
The stand for the 1090s is very well designed. Angled in two planes and the right height for easy on/off.
The good thing about the massive width is that if held end to end during an exercise, they can simulate a straight bar very well in terms of hand position.
Dude! I bought my 1090s in 2010 and love them
I bought mine in 2011 and they’ve been great 💪
Why are you looking up reviews for a product you already own and love? Do you need approval?
average joe also has knurled stainless steel handles available
I think he has almost all parts in metal.. price is high but mine 1090 pair+stand was 229€ new, couple years ago so i can upgrade parts and still its cheap
@@v-mp3305 I have all the discs and handles on my set. I love them
Dj does changing everything make the dumbbell heavier
@@kevinbaker5630 I will check later
@@kevinbaker5630 i think joe said it is couple grams lighter🤔
I honestly have no idea why people hate these so much. I've bought a semi beat up pair, about 2 years ago, and have been using them religiously 5 days a week, ever since. I've had/tried pepin and ironmasters, but they take forever to change, and you can't superset with them. Can't stand powerblocks. For the price, quickness of change/super setting, they're the best on the market. I prefer nuobell, but the used to only go to 70lbs, now they go to 80lbs, but it's still not heavy enough for me. The 1090s aren't perfect and can stick a bit when changing, but I think they're the best on the market for what they are. I wish they would come out with an all metal version, and/or a set that goes to 120lbs, but I doubt either will ever happen. I use pepin dumbells for over 90lbs and I feel that they are the best on the market for that, in terms of bang for the buck and quality.
Alot of good info.
I've had mine for 8 years. I hate them. They haven't held up over time...at all...despite relatively light use. The plates will occasionally fall off due to the plastic used, like Coop mentioned.
if they went to 120lbs they'd be has wide as an Olympic bar LMAO
No its not the nuobells are now better. People hate these because its so ungodly bulky.
Bowflex dumbbells are perfect at what they are designed for, small footprint gear that can be quickly adjusted. Your point about comparable space was spot-on. If you're looking for the "dumbbell experience" you'll have to decide what works best for you. Bowflex has put a lot of functionality into a small package and that creates some trade-offs. if you can live with the bulkiness and a few other minor inconveniences, I think what you'll find is a solid product that does exactly what it was intended to do, provide a quality workout in a small space. Keep up the good work!
just bought the 1090……+stand.
very impressed!
- cleans my room up
- very quick and nice weight change
- looks like something from startrek👍
- easiest workout ever. grab and pull, before a trip and when you come back - so nice
- grips will tear your hands though. i fixed it easy with some bicycle tape. now the grip is very good and comfortable
Had mine for around 15 years. They still work great!
Picked some up for $400 new during the quarantine for the price you can't beat it
Had mine for a decade. You’re spot on about the awkward length and width, but I have had zero issues with any of the plastic parts. Got them used with the stand for $500 so that biased me a bit. Also, the handles on these are way worse than you described!
Had mine for 14 years. Paid around $600 back then. Use them 3-4 times per week and they still look pretty much brand new, no issues. Tried Powerblocks and Ironmaster and hated them and sold them both. Kept the Bowflex which seems to be a controversial opinion for some reason. Also in the video Coop spins 1 dial at a time. Only a newb spins 1 at a time. I spin both and weight changes take about 3-4 seconds
Considering he has regular hex dumbbells behind him, he probably doesn’t use these enough to change them as fast as someone who uses them regularly. Just a thought.
I got mine in 2007/8 and used them A LOT. A friend dropped them once....no damage. Mine look almost new. My only complaint are the handles. I hate them over 50 pounds. Recently upgraded to Iron Masters so I can go up to 120lbs and giving my 1090s to my adult son. So, I almost highly recommend them. Coop has it right, fix the handles Bowflex.
@@5adne55 Interesting. Do you think the handles are too big? Or is it the knurling? You can buy new knurled metal handles from a 3rd party seller for $80. Someone posted his details somewhere in the comments. I actually had the Iron Master set up to 120 and I hated it. The handle was knurled but so skinny that it dug into my hand. That's a lot of weight in such a small area. I prefer the larger thickness of the Bowflex 1090's for that reason
@@lottexy your opinion. The pros outweigh the cons for me. Powerblocks are a dumb shape and when you get heavy they are bottom heavy. Ironmasters take forever to change weights and it's too much math. Bowflex are long but you get used to it
Interesting.... he's telling us there are people with problems and in his comment section there are people disputing his video with positive reviews.
Well, he came across as taking a huge dump on this product, and that may not be cool.
Had mine for like 18 years. One 15lbs plate just broke where the handle latches on the weight. Customer service was super helpful. Couldn't replace the plate but provided me 2 options site to grab one. Came 1 week later and it's better than the original with a reinforced piece now. I've enjoyed them a little bulkier but it was the first of its kind back then.
How ofthen did you use them?
@@KenanTurkiye they are used 4-5x \wk
@@brianlee1933 Alright, thank you so kindly for your initial post and answer to my question. Your messages were of help.
Best wishes.
The fact that they lasted up to 18 years says a lot though. And yeah, over time a company will make the same product but will find ways to make it better over time. I’ve had my 552s since March and I’m gentle as I can possibly be with them. Also I just do curls with them
Hello, have you already weighed the dumbbells to check that they are the indicated weight because some models do not ..
As long as you don't drop they won't break. Been using since 2014 as a personal trainer with many clients every day. Have 2 pairs and both are working great after heavy daily use for years.
Would you say it’s worth the money or should I get something cheaper ? I only have a 40lb rn
@@kratos1737 if you plan on using them more than once a week it's worth it
Hello, have you already weighed the dumbbells to check that they are the indicated weight because some models do not ..
It is a real testament to their durability if, even if you are super careful, you are using them for multiple clients per day. My 552s have held up great for a year and I just ordered the 1090s.
Ok, so what other adjustable dumbbell sets exist that go up to 90 pounds each that are under $1,000???🤔
I purchased my pair 6 months ago for $580. I of course have had some minor issues with them, but for the price, they've been an absolute lifesaver for me!
Hello, have you already weighed the dumbbells to check that they are the indicated weight because some models do not ..
Just got some for $350 with a stand
I just snagged a used pair from my buddy for free. My only gripe is that they don't make replacement parts. One of the dumbells plastic straps is broken, so the weight will slip out. I can easily fix it with epoxy, but it would be cool if they make replacements that are made of metal or just oem parts. Also mine do NOT have the plastic disc. It has the metal disc with plastic around the lips of the disc. I like them
Check out average Joe innovations, he makes his own replacement parts which hold up a lot better than oem
I had mine for a couple of years now. They fantastic. A lot less $$$ if you get them during Black Friday. What would make this a fully review is the stand that it comes with, which ergonomically helps you take them in/out easier and better. Still your review is spot on. I think they're great since I live in a tiny place in a big city and especially the pandemic time really makes a difference.
I think these are actually more durable than the Nuobells you liked in the other video…they have been out longer and the weight changing mechanism is more simplified compared to the Nuobell. The fact is, people can repair them but not the other one
Agreed. I found a lot of mechanical failure type stories about Nuobell when researching, apparently within a few years and without any dropping. 1090s aren't perfect but they're more tried and true. If I'm spending 900 CAD I want them to hopefully last 10 years, and that seems more likely with these. That's why I just picked them up!
Just buy powerblocks there better and cheaper
I skipped over the 1090s and went for the Chinese knockoffs. Payed $350 on ebay when I payed $400 for the 552s. I don't regret it lol
I have had mine for 3 years and no issues at all. Best investment ever.
Not durable enough for me I was pretty careful with them but I did replace parts... Opted for power blocks because they're more durable
seeing the titan lat pulldown pushed into the corner, never used, makes me sad :(
Please review Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 next please!!
"Nippling" is a fun word and I really like how it's used here
Coop, is the Rogue AB 3.0 coming soon?
Ive had my 50 lb powerblocks for 13 years. Always thought the Bowflex dumbbells were hideous and huge, but since they do not make my model Powerblock anymore I cannot get extension kits. And I have had horrible EBay experiences so I won't go there. These were on sale from Amazon for a great price and I ordered them. They are supposed to be here tomorrow, they haven't shipped yet, but I hope they do come tomorrow... Thank you for the review.
I've had mine 8 years. I find the pluses and minuses kinda even out. I put duct tape on the handles, which helped but still annoying. The width doesn't bother me all that much, and really haven't had difficulty using them. Never had issues with the dials or with durability using them correctly. These are EXCELLENT for drop sets.... I just don't drop 'em like a neanderthal! Good solid review. If I'd heard of the Iron Master before I bought these, I might've gotten those instead, but I'm overall very happy with my 1090's.
Hello, have you already weighed the dumbbells to check that they are the indicated weight because some models do not ..
I have actually. Pleasantly surprised how accurate they weighed on my digital scale. I was curious when I first got them, and have done this a few times trying them at various weights to see, and sure enough, very accurate.
@@zenrider78 iron master isn't quickly adjustable tho still cool
You’re the man. Very curious of your opinion of the Bowflex 2080 Barbell. I just purchased it minutes ago, but I’m having doubts because it’s only 80lbs. It’s upgradable for another $200 Cdn but only to 120lbs. Surely that’s not enough weight for a home gym barbell? Thanks.
It would be cool if bow flex just made a dumbbell that started where the 552's end. Then you wouldn't have over lap and you could move up from 60 - 100. That would be perfect and maybe they can use a heavier material so it doesn't have to be so big.
You needa put your application in for Bowflex Design Team because that is a genius idea.
I've owned the 1090 for a couple decades now and I agree with everything Coop said about them. In the end I do like them. They owe me nothing being so old now yet working still like it did brand spanking new. That plastic still holding up nice 20 plus years past the test for me. Mind you I never dropped them. Oh and I've used them quite heavily for all those years. I would buy again.
Hmm.
Any dangers with the plates while doing over head/face work?
How do you go about doing bi curls, must they all start in hammer hand position?
And in decades, have not the hard plastics brittled even a bit??
How othen would you say you used them? 7 times a week? a few times a month? you name it.
@@KenanTurkiye Thanks for your questions. The inside plastic that Coop says should be steel actually held up very well. After 2 decades I still see no signs of wear. I still agree with Coop that it should have been steel not plastic. But with me never dropping the weights the whole unit holds up strong still. There is some scuffing from me not putting the dumbell back with perfect alignment but very little. I've used those dumbells for 20 years or more 4 days a week and as heavy as I possibly can for 10 rep range. The key take away from all my use on this was having full control of the dumbells from start to finish without dropping. I was prepared to drop the weight if my safety ever became a concern but that never happened. I have a good feeling that dropping these would spell the end of its life. So caution in buying if you feel dropping them is an important part of your routine. 20 plus years ago I didn't have the choices of today. Would choose a different competitor? Knowing what I know now about adjustable dumbells, I would choose powerblocks even though I am absolutely happy with bowflex . Knowing that you can be more abusive with powerblocks makes it a better choice for me now. But I still stand by my decision that I would also buy bowflex again because it stood up to the test of time and it owes me nothing 20 plus years later.
@@CentauriCentauri Alright, thank you so kindly for your initial post and answer to my question. Your messages were of help.
Best wishes.
Fact :
- saves space
- easy to use
- saves time
- cost equal to quality
- no need for a big workout area compared to classic weights with a stand
- A variety of options with a range of weight
- Cost compared to standard weights with a stand slightly higher
Have a pair of 552's and was thinking about upgrading to the 1090s for the obvious benefit of more weight, but for the price I decided I'd rather just get a pair of db-15's and some 10 lb Olympic plates. It ended up being more money overall but I can't help but feel the value is substantially better than what I would have got w the 1090s.