Stealth vs Bowflex SelectTech: Which Adjustable Dumbbells Are Better?

Bowflex SelectTech is the name most people think of first when they think "adjustable dumbbells" — it's been on the market for years and has strong brand recognition. But brand recognition and being the best fit for your training aren't the same thing, and a direct look at the specs tells a more useful story than reputation alone.

Here's how the Stealth Adjustable Dumbbells range compares against Bowflex SelectTech on the things that actually matter for a home gym.

Quick Comparison

Weight Range: Stealth Goes Considerably Higher

This is the clearest difference between the two. Bowflex SelectTech 552 tops out at 24kg per dumbbell — enough for beginner and early-intermediate training, but a ceiling that stronger lifters will hit within their first year on compound lifts like rows, presses and lunges.

The Stealth range goes up to 41.5kg per dumbbell, which covers beginner through advanced training without needing to replace the equipment as you get stronger. If you're planning to train long-term rather than just get started, this gap matters more than almost anything else on the spec sheet.

Increments: Bowflex Is Finer At The Very Bottom, Stealth Is More Consistent Throughout

Bowflex's increments are genuinely fine at the lower end of its range, which suits very light isolation work early on. But once you're past the first portion of the range, the jumps get larger — which is a real trade-off if you're progressing on heavier lifts.

Stealth uses a consistent 1.5kg increment across its full 4–41.5kg range, so the same precision that helps with light lateral raises also applies as you move into heavier compound work. For most home gym users training a mix of light and heavy movements, consistency across the whole range is more useful day to day than being finer only at the bottom.

Build Quality And Safety History

Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells use metal plates housed in molded plastic — functional, but a component that multiple independent reviewers have flagged as a long-term wear point. More significantly, the original SelectTech 552 was recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2025 after reports of weight plates dislodging during use, leading to injuries. Bowflex has since released a redesigned Results Series 552 with an updated locking mechanism to address the issue.

Stealth dumbbells use a full metal build (Chrome Edition) or metal construction with replaceable nylon precision-fit inserts (Black Edition), designed so individual components can be replaced rather than needing to replace the whole unit if something wears out. See our best adjustable dumbbells guide for how the Black, Chrome and Core editions differ.

Where Bowflex Still Has An Edge

To be fair to Bowflex: the brand has wider global availability, a longer track record, and its dial system is simple and well understood by a large existing user base. If your training will never need to go past 24kg per dumbbell and you value buying from a globally recognised brand, SelectTech remains a reasonable option.

Where Stealth Wins For Most UK Buyers

For UK-based home gym users planning to train long-term, Stealth's higher weight ceiling, consistent increments and full metal build give it the stronger case — particularly given Bowflex's recent recall history on the exact model most people compare against.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bowflex SelectTech 552 safe to use now?

The original SelectTech 552 was recalled in 2025 due to a plate-locking fault. Bowflex has released a Results Series replacement with a redesigned mechanism. Anyone with an original pre-2025 unit should stop using it and check the official recall guidance.

Which has the better weight range for a growing lifter?

Stealth, by a significant margin — 41.5kg per dumbbell versus Bowflex's 24kg ceiling. Anyone expecting to progress past beginner strength levels will likely outgrow the Bowflex range faster.

Is the twist system or dial system faster to use?

Both are quick — generally a few seconds either way. The bigger practical difference between the two brands is weight range and build, not adjustment speed.

Where can I buy Stealth adjustable dumbbells in the UK?

Stealth Adjustable Dumbbells are exclusively available in the UK through Assassin Goods.