Head to head · Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech vs SMRTFT NÜOBELL
Both are quick-change adjustable dumbbells with storage cradles, aimed at home training. The Bowflex Results Series SelectTech uses a dial and goes to 52.5 lb; the SMRTFT NÜOBELL uses a twist-lock handle, goes to 80 lb and is shaped like a traditional dumbbell.
Specifications come from the Amazon listings; owner feedback is summarised from Amazon customer reviews, checked September 2026. We have not tested either set ourselves.
Bowflex
Choose the Bowflex for light to moderate training at a lower price
Bowflex Results Series SelectTech · 6.0/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- A fast dial with 15 settings from 5 to 52.5 lb, storage trays and a mid-range price band.
- 274 Amazon ratings, with owners praising quick adjustment and space saving.
- Trade-offs: 52.5 lb is the ceiling, it is not suitable for heavy training, several owners report locking issues, and it must not be dropped.
SMRTFT
Choose the NÜOBELL for more weight and a traditional feel
SMRTFT NUOBELL 80 · 6.2/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- 5 to 80 lb in 5 lb steps with a knurled stainless-steel handle; we rate its dumbbell feel good and exercise interference low.
- Compact at 43.2 cm long at full load, with cradles included.
- Trade-offs: recurring owner reports of fragility and mechanism failures, a premium price band and low drop tolerance.
Weight range and who each suits
The NÜOBELL’s 80 lb maximum covers heavier presses, rows and lunges for longer as you get stronger; the Bowflex’s 52.5 lb is enough for many beginners and for upper-body accessory work, but stronger lifters outgrow it. Bowflex does not publish a uniform increment, while the NÜOBELL moves in 5 lb steps. Our adjustable dumbbell buying guide explains how to size a set.
Build and durability
Neither set is built to be dropped: we rate the Bowflex not recommended for dropping and the NÜOBELL low. Owner complaints differ — locking issues on the Bowflex, fragility and mechanism failures on the NÜOBELL. Both carry a 2-year warranty on the listings. If durability is the priority, our guide covers all-metal alternatives.
Overall score
Overall we score the NÜOBELL 6.2 and the Bowflex 6.0. The NÜOBELL scores higher for ergonomics, heavy training and compactness; the Bowflex for value and versatility. Both sit below the top picks in our guide, mainly on durability.
Specifications side by side
From the manufacturers’ listings. A dash means the figure was not published or could not be confirmed.
| 2 products | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications (manufacturer) | ||
| Weight range | 5–52.5 lb | 5–80 lb |
| Maximum load | 52.5 lb | 80 lb |
| Minimum load | 5 lb | 5 lb |
| Increments | — | 5 lb |
| Mechanism | Dial | Twist Lock |
| Adjustment speed | Fast | Fast |
| Length at max load | 42.9 cm | 43.2 cm |
| Handle diameter | — | — |
| Materials | Metal plates with plastic components | Steel plates |
| Expandable | No | No |
| Storage cradle | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2-year parts warranty reported | 2-year residential warranty |
| Price & customer ratings (Amazon) | ||
| Price band | Mid-range | Premium |
| Amazon customer rating | See current rating on Amazon | See current rating on Amazon |
| Editorial assessment (LiftEvidence) | ||
| LiftEvidence editorial score | 6.0 / 10 | 6.2 / 10 (highest) |
| Best suited to | Space Saving | Space Saving |
| Less suitable for | Users needing heavy loads, traditional feel or impact tolerance. | Users who drop weights or need increments below 5 lb. |
| Strengths |
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| Drawbacks |
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| Drop tolerance | Not Recommended | Low |
| Exercise interference | Moderate | Low |
| Build quality score | 6.0 / 10 (highest) | 6.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Durability score | 5.0 / 10 (highest) | 5.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Adjustment score | 8.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Ergonomics score | 5.0 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Versatility score | 7.0 / 10 (highest) | 6.0 / 10 |
| Value score | 7.0 / 10 (highest) | 5.0 / 10 |
| Heavy training score | 3.0 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Compactness score | 6.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 (highest) |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bowflex SelectTech or the NÜOBELL better?
The NÜOBELL if you need more than 52.5 lb or want a traditional dumbbell shape; the Bowflex for lighter training at a lower price. Overall they score almost the same.
Can you drop Bowflex or NÜOBELL dumbbells?
No. Both use adjustment mechanisms that are not designed for drops; set them back in their cradles.
What warranty do they have?
Both listings state a 2-year warranty.
Our recommendation
Choose the Bowflex for light to moderate training at a lower price
Choose the NÜOBELL for more weight and a traditional feel
Compare the other adjustable dumbbells
Our buying guide covers every set we track, with options by use case; the comparison tool lets you put any four side by side.