Why you should trust this review
I am a USAW Level 1 and CSCS certified strength coach with 16 years of training experience and 5 years on the home-gym desk at Garage Gym Reviews (2020 to 2025). I have tested 9 adjustable dumbbell systems in the last three years. I purchased the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 at retail in November 2025 specifically to compare it against my long-term Bowflex 552 and PowerBlock Elite 50. NordicTrack did not provide a sample.
All measurements follow our protocol on the methodology page. The NordicTrack went through 130 sessions on a normal mixed strength program, including pressing, rowing, lower-body accessory and arm work.
How we tested the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55
Our adjustable-dumbbell protocol takes 90 days minimum. Tests run on the NordicTrack:
- Selector reliability: 150 logged dial adjustments per dumbbell, with each engagement checked for plate retention.
- Drop durability: A controlled 24-inch drop onto rubber gym flooring, repeated three times per dumbbell.
- Adjustment speed: Average time per weight change across 30 trials.
- Sound profile: dB meter at 1 meter during normal rack-down across 20 reps.
- Handle comfort: A 30-minute high-rep arm session graded for hot spots and slip across two hand sizes.
- Long-term wear: 130 sessions photographed monthly for plate finish, cradle stress and dial wear.
Who should buy the NordicTrack 55?
This is the right adjustable for you if:
- You want the most max-weight per dollar in the category.
- You also do guided cardio at home, the iFit subscription is a meaningful add-on.
- You program in 5 lb jumps and do not need micro-loading.
- You have at least 18 inches of shelf space, footprint is bulkier than the PowerBlock.
Skip it if:
- Your training plan calls for 2.5 lb increments below 25 lb (common in arm and shoulder work), the Bowflex 552 is the right pick.
- You drop dumbbells frequently, the cradle is the longevity-limiting component.
- You have a tiny home gym, the PowerBlock Elite 50 saves real square footage.
Dial system: intuitive but blunt
The twin-dial slide-and-lock system is the easiest to learn of any adjustable dumbbell I have used. Front dial sets the bottom weight, rear dial sets the top, and the engaged plates lock to the handle when both align. The first session is genuinely no-instruction-needed.
The catch is the 5 lb granularity. You get 10 weight settings (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 lb) per dumbbell. The Bowflex offers 15 settings in the same range with 2.5 lb increments below 25 lb, which matters for fine progression on shoulder presses, lateral raises, and curls. If you are running a structured strength block, the NordicTrack increment will limit you.
Build quality: budget feel, normal performance
The cast iron plates are well finished and have shown no chipping or rust after 6 months. The dial mechanism feels positive and shows no slop. The polymer cradle is where the budget shows. The plastic is visibly thinner than the Bowflex or PowerBlock equivalents, and on hard rack-downs it flexes more than I would like. Through 130 sessions on rubber matting, mine shows no cracking, but owner reviews past 18 months trend toward cradle complaints more often than on the premium competitors.
The drop test (24 inches onto rubber gym flooring, three times per dumbbell) caused zero damage. From a normal training height onto a matted floor, the system is reliable. From bench-press height onto concrete, plan on a cradle replacement at some point.
Adjustment speed: faster than the PowerBlock
In our 30-trial timed test, the NordicTrack averaged 3.4 seconds per weight change. That is faster than the PowerBlock Elite 50’s 4.8 seconds and slightly slower than the Bowflex 552’s 2.9 seconds. For most rep schemes the difference is invisible. For drop sets and timed circuits the Bowflex remains the fastest in class.
Handle comfort: better than expected
The 1.4-inch textured grip is the real surprise. After a 30-minute high-rep session it stayed comfortable across both hand sizes I tested. The 5.5-inch hand-stop width matches the PowerBlock but the rounder cross-section feels more like a fixed dumbbell, which most users prefer.
For grip-intensive work like high-rep rowing or back exercises, the NordicTrack handle is competitive with both more expensive options.
Sound and feel: quieter on the rack-down
At 64 dB measured at 1 meter, the NordicTrack rack-down is meaningfully quieter than the Bowflex (68 dB) and the PowerBlock (66 dB). The softer plastic of the cradle absorbs more impact. For an apartment gym this matters more than people expect, the difference between 64 and 68 dB is roughly the difference between a normal conversation and a loud one.
iFit subscription: the under-rated bonus
The included 1-year iFit family subscription is a $180 value if you would otherwise pay for it, and it is the credible alternative to Peloton or Apple Fitness for cardio. Through 6 months of testing I have used it on a treadmill twice a week and found the programming legitimately good. It is not a reason by itself to buy these dumbbells, but it does shift the value equation if you are already in the iFit ecosystem.
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Max weight | Increments | Footprint | Best | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 55 lb | 5 lb | 16.5 x 8 x 9 in | Cost-conscious lifters | $429 | Best Budget |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 52.5 lb | 2.5 lb | 16 x 8 x 9 in | General fitness | $549 | Recommended |
| PowerBlock Elite 50 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 50 lb (90 lb expandable) | 2.5 lb | 12 x 6 x 6 in | Small space gym | $595 | Top Pick |
| Yes4All Adjustable | ★★★★☆ 3.6 | 50 lb | Plate swap | Loadable | Slow progression only | $219 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Weight range | 10 to 55 lb in 5 lb increments |
| Increments | 10 settings per dumbbell |
| Mechanism | Twin-dial slide-and-lock system |
| Footprint per dumbbell | 16.5 x 8 x 9 inches |
| Handle diameter | 1.4 inch textured grip |
| Handle width | 5.5 inches between hand stops |
| Material | Cast iron plates, polymer cradle |
| Includes | 1-year iFit family subscription |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Should you buy the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55?
The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 is the budget adjustable dumbbell I would buy if my budget capped at $450. Six months and 130 sessions in, the dial system is intuitive, the 55 lb top weight covers most accessory lifts, and the build holds up to normal training. The honest trade-off is the 5 lb increment (vs 2.5 lb on the PowerBlock and Bowflex), the bulkier footprint, and a cradle that feels noticeably less premium than either competitor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 worth $429 in 2026?+
Yes for budget-focused buyers who can live with 5 lb increments. The included 1-year iFit subscription is a real bonus if you also do guided cardio. If your training programs require 2.5 lb micro-loading, spend the extra for the [Bowflex 552](/reviews/bowflex-selecttech-552).
NordicTrack vs Bowflex 552: which is better?+
The Bowflex has the granular 2.5 lb increments below 25 lb, the more refined cradle and the longer warranty. The NordicTrack has the higher 55 lb top weight, the iFit subscription and a lower price. For pure dumbbell experience the [Bowflex 552](/reviews/bowflex-selecttech-552) wins. For best value the NordicTrack is the right call.
Are 5 lb increments enough?+
For general fitness, mostly yes. For lower-body single-arm work or anyone running a structured progressive-overload program, the gaps from 25 to 30 lb and 30 to 35 lb can feel large. You can manage with rep scheme manipulation.
How loud are the dumbbells in use?+
Quieter than the Bowflex when racking. The cradle's softer plastic absorbs more impact. We measured 64 dB at 1 meter on a normal rack-down, vs 68 dB for the Bowflex.
Will the cradle survive long-term use?+
Through 130 sessions, ours shows minor flex but no cracking. Owner reviews above 18 months mention more frequent cradle issues than on the Bowflex or [PowerBlock](/reviews/powerblock-elite-50-dumbbells), so set them down deliberately.
📅 Update log
- May 10, 2026Added 6-month durability data and refreshed comparison after PowerBlock Elite 50 long-term test.
- Feb 4, 2026Updated cradle reliability section after 90 sessions.
- Nov 19, 2025Initial review published.
