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Shoppers looking at nordictrack select a weight adjustable dumbbells usually want one thing: a full range of loads in the footprint of a single pair of dumbbells. Selector-style sets swap plates or change a dial to cover a wide span, which matters if you train in a spare room, a basement corner or a garage where a rack of individual pairs would eat the floor. This list compares seven adjustable options that people commonly consider alongside NordicTrack-style selectors. Our criteria were manufacturer-specified weight ranges, increment size, adjustment mechanism, footprint, brand reputation and the patterns that show up in owner feedback, such as complaints about wobbly cradles or slow dial changes. We did not test these products ourselves, so treat the specs below as manufacturer claims and check current listings before you buy.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells | Users who want a dial-style set that closely matches the search term | Dial selector covering a wide load range in one footprint |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | Buyers who want a well-known selector with a large weight span | Pin-and-dial selection with quick weight changes |
| Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells | Lifters who need heavier top loads in a selector format | Higher maximum weight per dumbbell |
| PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells | Users who prefer a compact expandable-core design | Stackable plates with a small footprint |
| Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells | Budget-minded buyers with a limited space budget | Quick-lock collars on a plate-loaded handle |
| CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set | Lifters who want a classic plate-loaded option | Simple, inexpensive plate-based expansion |
| Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set | Beginners building a first home setup | Lightweight, easy-to-store set with a modest weight range |
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells
Who it’s for: Home lifters who want the closest match to the search term and a selector that changes loads without a pile of loose plates.
Key specs
- Dial-style weight selection on a single handle
- Adjustable across a wide range of loads, with the exact maximum set by the model variant
- Selector mechanism replaces loose plates for faster changes
Pros
- Fast weight changes compared with plate-loaded sets
- Small footprint for the range it covers
- Name recognition for the selector format
Cons
- Owners often report that the selector takes some getting used to
- Top-end loads may feel limiting for advanced lifters
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Who it’s for: Buyers who want a widely sold selector set with a broad weight span for upper-body and general strength work.
Key specs
- Pin-and-dial weight selection
- Maximum weight per dumbbell stated by the manufacturer as 52.5 lb
- Compact selector body
Pros
- Quick weight changes with a pin
- Covers many common working weights in one pair
- Broad familiarity among home gym buyers
Cons
- Maximum load is modest for heavy squats or presses
- Owners sometimes mention the pin requiring a firm push to seat
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
Who it’s for: Lifters who have outgrown lighter selectors and want higher top loads in the same general format.
Key specs
- Pin-and-dial selection
- Maximum weight per dumbbell stated by the manufacturer as 90 lb
- Larger footprint than the 552 model
Pros
- Higher maximum load for progressive strength work
- Same quick-change logic as smaller selector sets
- Useful for goblet squats, rows and presses as strength grows
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier to move around
- Owners often note that heavier sets need a sturdy storage spot
PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
Who it’s for: Users who want an expandable-core design that stays compact and can grow with them.
Key specs
- Expandable core with stackable plates
- Sold in configurations that add plates in set increments
- Compact footprint relative to total load
Pros
- Small footprint for the weight covered
- Scales up by adding plates
- Owners frequently praise the solid feel of the core
Cons
- Plate-changing is slower than a dial
- Full-range kits can get costly as you add plates
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
Who it’s for: Budget-minded lifters who are comfortable with a plate-loaded handle and want quick-release collars.
Key specs
- Plate-loaded handle with quick-lock collars
- Add-on plate sets allow incremental loading
- Footprint depends on how many plates you load
Pros
- Collars make plate changes quicker than standard clips
- Plates can be bought in stages
- Works well for general strength and hypertrophy work
Cons
- Plate changes take longer than selector mechanisms
- Owners sometimes mention plates shifting if collars are not fully seated
CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Who it’s for: Lifters who want a straightforward plate-based pair and do not need speed-changing features.
Key specs
- Plate-loaded adjustable handle
- Plates sold in sets that add up to a total dumbbell weight
- Standard spring clip or threaded collar options depending on the set
Pros
- Simple design with few moving parts
- Plate sets are widely available and easy to add to
- Typically a budget pick in the adjustable category
Cons
- Changing weight is slow compared with selectors
- Spring clips can loosen with heavy use, according to some owners
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Who it’s for: Beginners who want a lightweight adjustable pair for home workouts, stretching the budget as little as possible.
Key specs
- Adjustable plate-loaded design
- Modest total weight range suited to light and moderate training
- Light enough to store on a shelf or under a bed
Pros
- Easy to store and move
- Good entry point for learning basic lifts
- Lower-cost option in the adjustable group
Cons
- Maximum load is limiting for experienced lifters
- Owners often report that smaller plates can be fiddly to load
Buying Guide
Selection Criteria We Used
Each product was judged on the same points: manufacturer-stated weight range, increment size, change speed, footprint, handle comfort, build quality signals and owner feedback themes. We gave more weight to specifications that are easy to verify than to general praise.
Important Features to Look For
- Weight range: Check the maximum per dumbbell, not only the total. Many home lifters find that 50 lb per hand covers most upper-body work for a while, while squats and deadlifts often need more.
- Increment size: Smaller steps (2.5 to 5 lb) help with progressive overload. Larger steps may be fine for beginners.
- Change mechanism: Dials and pins are fastest. Plate-loaded collars are slower but often cheaper per pound.
- Handle and grip: Knurling, handle diameter and comfort matter for long sets.
Specs to Check Before You Buy
- Maximum weight per dumbbell
- Minimum weight and step size
- Overall length and footprint
- Whether the cradle or stand is included
- Warranty length and what it covers
Choosing by Need
- Tight space and frequent weight changes: Look at selector-style sets.
- Heavy loads on a budget: Plate-loaded designs usually go heavier for less.
- Beginner or light training: A lightweight plate set or a modest selector is enough.
If you are still deciding between dumbbell types, How to Choose Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Spaces walks through footprint and storage trade-offs in more detail. For a broader comparison of formats, see Free Weights, Bands or Machines: Choosing by Type.
Things to Watch Out For
- Selector pins or dials that feel loose after heavy use
- Cradles that wobble, which can make racking awkward
- Plates that do not fully seat in the handle
- Storage that cannot handle the weight of a full set on a shelf
For storage and safety around heavy equipment, read Home Gym Storage: Racks, Weights and Tip-Over Safety. Anyone with joint or back concerns should consult a physical therapist or doctor before starting a new strength program.
FAQ
What is a NordicTrack select a weight adjustable dumbbell?
It is a selector-style adjustable dumbbell where you change the load with a dial or similar mechanism instead of swapping plates. Specific weight ranges depend on the model, so check the listing.
Are selector dumbbells better than plate-loaded ones?
Selectors change weight faster and take less floor space. Plate-loaded sets often go heavier and can be less expensive per pound. The better choice depends on your space and training goals.
How heavy should my adjustable dumbbells be?
Many people start with a range that lets them do 8 to 12 controlled reps of their main lifts, then add weight over time. Beginners often need less than they expect; experienced lifters often need more.
Do adjustable dumbbells work for squats or deadlifts?
They can be used for goblet squats, lunges and Romanian deadlifts. For very heavy barbell-style training, a barbell and rack are usually more practical.
How do I keep selector dumbbells from wearing out?
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning, avoid dropping the set, and check pins or dials periodically. Owners often report that loose parts are the first sign of wear.
Is a warranty important when buying adjustable dumbbells?
Yes. Warranty length and coverage vary by brand, and it is a useful signal of how the manufacturer expects the product to hold up under regular use.
Conclusion
For a selector that most closely matches nordictrack select a weight adjustable dumbbells, the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight model is the natural first look. Bowflex SelectTech sets are good if you want a well-known selector with a broad span, and the 1090 suits lifters who need heavier top loads. PowerBlock Sport 50 fits people who want a compact expandable design, while Ironmaster and CAP Barbell suit those who prefer plates and budget-friendly expansion. Yes4All works best for beginners who want something light and easy to store. Match the maximum weight, footprint and change speed to your training, and confirm all specs on the current listing before you buy.
