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Quick verdict
The NordicTrack 55 lb Select-A-Weight pair is a smart mid-range adjustable set that replaces many fixed dumbbells with a small footprint, easy weight selection, and solid everyday performance. It’s a great value for most home gym users — especially beginners and intermediates — though serious heavy lifters may want higher-capacity or all-metal alternatives.
Key Specs
Weight range: ~10–55 lb per dumbbell (15 incremental settings).
Adjustments: 15 selectable increments (mix of 2.5–5 lb steps).
Footprint / dimensions: Compact footprint (roughly under 2 sq ft when stored).
Extras: iFit-enabled options on some models; check listing for included features.
Why you might buy it
- Space savings: Replaces many individual dumbbells while occupying minimal floor area — excellent for apartments and small home gyms.
- Solid value: Reviewers consistently praise the product as a balance of price, convenience, and build for typical home use.
- Easy selection: The selection system is quick and intuitive, making it practical for supersets and fast workouts.
Pros
- Compact — saves storage space vs. a rack of plates.
- Easy-to-use selection system with 15 weight settings.
- Good mid-range value; many reviewers call it one of the best budget/price options for 55 lb sets.
Cons
- Max 55 lb per handle may be limiting for advanced lifters.
- Some parts (plastic trays, pins) may show wear faster than premium all-metal systems — check warranty and seller support. Community threads note limited direct replacement parts availability for older models.
- Shape/feel differs from classic iron dumbbells — some users prefer the “feel” of fixed plates for certain lifts.
Performance & real-world use
In everyday use — presses, rows, curls, lunges — the NordicTrack set is well balanced and reliable. It’s especially handy for progressive overload and circuit training where quick weight changes matter. Reviewers report it feels sturdy for normal home use; long-term heavy commercial usage is where premium models pull ahead.
Comparison
- NordicTrack vs Bowflex / PowerBlock: NordicTrack is typically more affordable and offers solid mid-range performance; PowerBlock/Bowflex are often more feature-rich or heavier capacity (and more expensive). Choose based on feel and long-term goals.
Who is this best for?
- Beginners & intermediates — great starting range and increments for progression.
- Small-space / apartment users — replaces a rack of plates in a tiny footprint.
- Circuit / HIIT athletes — quick selection makes superset-style training practical.
- Budget-conscious home gym owners — good value vs. pricier premium brands.
- Older adults / rehab users — fine incremental steps and easy handling for safer progression.
Avoid if:
- Advanced lifters who regularly need >55 lb per hand — consider PowerBlock/Bowflex or fixed heavy dumbbells.
- Commercial gyms or heavy daily use — choose a commercial-rated system or solid all-metal dumbbells for maximum longevity.
Short buying checklist
- Weight needs: Is 55 lb per hand enough today and in 6–12 months? If not, consider higher-capacity sets.
- Seller & warranty: Buy from an authorized retailer and check return window and warranty details.
- Space: Confirm the footprint fits your bench/storage. Tom’s Guide measured the trays at roughly <2 sq ft.
- Compare price: NordicTrack often competes well vs other mid-range adjustables — compare current prices before buying. (Price trackers like CamelCamelCamel can help.)
Key Specs
Weight range: ~10–55 lb per dumbbell (15 incremental settings).
Adjustments: 15 selectable increments (mix of 2.5–5 lb steps).
Footprint / dimensions: Compact footprint (roughly under 2 sq ft when stored).
Extras: iFit-enabled options on some models; check listing for included features.
Safety, Maintenance & Buying Tips
- Don’t drop the dumbbells — repeated impact can damage the mechanism or trays.
- Use a mat to protect floors and reduce noise.
- Inspect periodically — check selector/pin engagement & tray condition.
- Wipe grips after sweaty sessions to prevent corrosion or grip degradation.
- Confirm seller support & returns — replacement parts may be limited for older models; buy from an authorized seller when possible.
FAQs
Final verdict
If you want a compact, easy-to-use, mid-range adjustable dumbbell for everyday home training, the NordicTrack 55 lb pair is a very solid pick. It balances price, convenience, and build for most users: fast weight selection, small footprint, and reliable performance for presses, rows, curls, and circuits. It’s not the ultimate choice for heavy, daily commercial use or advanced single-arm powerlifting — but for the vast majority of home lifters it’s a smart, space-saving value.
