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NordicTrack vs BowFlex 552: Compare the Adjustment Routine and Weight Settings

The BowFlex 552 reaches lighter listed settings, while the NordicTrack NAMSDB20 reaches 55 lb and includes different intermediate settings. They also use different adjustment controls. Match the listed weights and the documented selector routine to your preference; there is no tested speed or workout-performance winner here.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-17

Source checked 2026-10-17 23:15 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Which pair's weight-selection routine and available settings better match the way you plan to change loads?

NordicTrack reaches 55 lb and uses sliding plate selectors; BowFlex starts at 5 lb and uses rotary dials, with each pair offering 15 listed settings.

Quick verdict

When to skip: Your planned loads do not match either listed setting sequence; check the exact list before buying.
When the recommendation changes
  • Check the exact setting lists against the loads you plan to use; neither pair provides the other's unique low or high settings.
  • If the dial-versus-selector interaction matters more than the listed loads, compare the documented steps rather than assuming one is faster or easier.

The differences that matter

Weight Selection Workflow

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 lb Dumbbell Pair (NAMSDB20)

The NAMSDB20 manual says to seat the dumbbell in its tray, lift and slide the outer and inner selectors to the selected plates, lower them fully, check both sides, and lift the dumbbell straight out. It also says to return it straight down to the tray after use.[1]

BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbell Pair (BFW0025-OS)

The Results Series 552 uses rotary dials; BowFlex describes changing settings with a quick twist.[3]

What this changes: The physical adjustment routine differs: NordicTrack uses sliding plate selectors while seated in the tray; BowFlex uses rotary dials. Choose by the interaction you prefer, not by assumed speed or ease.[1, 3]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Starting Weight And Load Range

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 lb Dumbbell Pair (NAMSDB20)

The linked NAMSDB20 manual specifies 10 lb handles, removable 5 lb outer plates in up to eight-per-handle combinations, and 1.25 lb inner plates selected in 2.5 lb or 5 lb additions. Those combinations yield 15 settings from 10 to 55 lb per dumbbell: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, and 55 lb.[1]

BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbell Pair (BFW0025-OS)

BowFlex lists 15 settings per dumbbell from 5 to 52.5 lb: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lb.[3]

What this changes: BowFlex includes 5, 7.5, and 17.5 lb settings that NordicTrack does not list, while NordicTrack reaches 55 lb and includes 32.5 and 42.5 lb settings that BowFlex does not list. Buyers should compare their planned loads with each actual setting list; neither set has more settings overall.[1, 3]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A buyer who needs the 5, 7.5, or 17.5 lb settings

Best fit: BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbell Pair (BFW0025-OS)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Those settings appear in BowFlex's listed sequence, while the NAMSDB20 manual-derived sequence starts at 10 lb and does not include them.

View BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbell Pair (BFW0025-OS) on AmazonPaid link

A buyer who needs to reach 55 lb per dumbbell or uses 32.5 or 42.5 lb

Best fit: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 lb Dumbbell Pair (NAMSDB20)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The NAMSDB20 manual-derived sequence reaches 55 lb and includes 32.5 and 42.5 lb; BowFlex's listed maximum is 52.5 lb and its listed sequence omits those two settings.

View NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 lb Dumbbell Pair (NAMSDB20) on AmazonPaid link

A buyer choosing by the physical adjustment control

The better fit depends on your priorities

NordicTrack documents sliding plate selectors used with the tray; BowFlex documents rotary dials. The sources do not establish which is faster or easier.

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare current offers and package contents; this research does not establish a value winner.

No dated price history was reviewed, so this comparison cannot support a buy-now or wait recommendation.

Limitations

  • No hands-on adjustment, speed, comfort, exercise, safety, or durability testing was performed.
  • The NordicTrack weight sequence is derived from the NAMSDB20 manual's stated handle and plate weights and selection counts; BowFlex's sequence is listed directly by the manufacturer.
  • No performance or workout-outcome winner is claimed.
  • No dated price history or current offer analysis was used.

Questions shoppers ask

Which pair has a 5 lb setting?

The BowFlex Results Series 552 lists a 5 lb setting. The NAMSDB20 manual identifies a 10 lb handle as its base before removable plates are added.

Do the dumbbells change weight the same way?

No. The NAMSDB20 manual describes sliding plate selectors while the dumbbell is seated in its tray. BowFlex describes turning rotary dials. Neither source compares adjustment speed or ease.

Methodology and sources

Compared the NAMSDB20 manual linked from its exact U.S. model listing with BowFlex's current Results Series 552 product page. Compared the published selection steps and weight settings; NordicTrack settings are derived from manual plate weights and combinations. No adjustment-speed, comfort, safety, or exercise-performance test was performed.

AI-assisted source review and drafting; no physical product testing was performed.

View 3 sources
  1. 1.Adjustable Dumbbell Set User’s ManualICON Health & Fitness · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 23:14 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Page 2, “How to Use the Dumbbells.” The exact U.S. NAMSDB20 listing links this Operating Manual; the PDF itself does not print the model number.: The model-linked manual states each handle weighs 10 lb with no removable plates; outer plates weigh 5 lb each and inner plates 1.25 lb each, with selectors choosing the listed plate combinations. It describes aligning both sides while seated in the tray, lowering selectors fully, and lifting/returning the dumbbell straight. Plate counts and weights support the listed 15-setting 10–55 lb sequence; no speed or ease comparison is claimed.
  2. 2.55 Lb. Select-A-Weight DumbbellsNordicTrack · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 23:15 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • U.S. product page title and product heading, lines 35 and 42; the rendered page does not expose detailed settings.: Identifies the U.S. Select-A-Weight dumbbell product as a 55 lb model. Detailed weight settings and adjustment steps are supported by the model-linked manual, not inferred from this page title.
  3. 3.BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech DumbbellsBowFlex · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 23:15 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product overview, lines 107–145; specs, lines 258–266; quick-adjustment-dial description, lines 240–243.: The Results Series 552 page describes rotary-dial adjustment and a pair sold with storage trays; it lists 15 per-dumbbell settings from 5 to 52.5 lb. This is the current Results Series page, not an older SelectTech 552 product or manual.

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