Bowflex SelectTech 1090i Review: One Dumbbell, 17 Weight Settings

What Is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090i?

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i is an adjustable dumbbell that replaces 17 pairs of traditional dumbbells — a single unit spanning from 4kg to 41kg in increments controlled by a twist-dial selector. It's a home gym essential for anyone who wants the versatility of a full weight range without the floor space, cost, or clutter of a conventional dumbbell rack.

With 9,567 reviews averaging 4.7 stars on Amazon UK, this is one of the most reviewed and highest-rated fitness products in the home gym category — a rare product where volume of reviews actually means something about long-term durability and build quality rather than a fast-fading launch spike.

Design and Build Quality

The SelectTech 1090i uses a patented plate locking mechanism activated by a numbered dial at each end of the dumbbell. Turn to the desired weight setting, lift from the cradle, and unused plates remain in the tray. The mechanism is robust — the polymer housing and steel internals are built to Bowflex's commercial gym specifications rather than consumer-grade tolerances.

The grip is textured rubber over the central handle, comfortable for high-rep work and stable enough for heavier sets. At 41kg maximum, the dumbbell is long — substantially longer than a fixed 20kg dumbbell — which affects exercise selection. Wide-grip flies and lateral raises require adjustment to technique to avoid the plate ends catching. This is the known trade-off of the adjustable format and affects all competing brands equally.

Performance

The weight selection mechanism is genuinely fast — two to three seconds per dumbbell to change between settings, which is quick enough that superset and circuit training flow naturally. The plates engage securely; there's no rattling or shifting under load once lifted from the cradle.

The full 4–41kg range covers every common strength training exercise: curls, rows, presses, lunges, deadlifts, and overhead pressing are all viable within the weight range. The 41kg ceiling suits intermediate lifters well. Advanced lifters may find the ceiling limiting for heavy dumbbell rows and presses, but 41kg covers the majority of users' training needs through most progression stages.

Key Features

4–41kg in One Unit: 17 weight settings replace what would be 17 pairs of traditional dumbbells. The space and cost saving versus a conventional rack is substantial.

Patented Dial System: Twist the selector to the target weight. Smooth, fast, reliable. Plates lock out automatically when lifted from the tray.

9,500+ Reviews, 4.7 Stars: One of the most verified dumbbell products on the UK market. Long-term durability is well-documented in reviews spanning multi-year ownership periods.

Sold Individually: The listing price covers one dumbbell. A home gym pair requires purchasing two units, which represents the largest single cost consideration.

Who Should Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 1090i?

Buy it if you: want a full dumbbell range in a compact home gym space; do strength training that progresses through multiple weights in a single session; want the most reviewed and proven adjustable dumbbell on the UK market.

Skip it if you: primarily do HIIT or fast-transition circuits where even 3 seconds of adjustment is disruptive — fixed dumbbells at a single weight are more practical for that training style; need a pair on a budget — two 1090i units represent a significant investment.

Verdict

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i earns its 4.7-star average over 9,500 reviews through genuine build quality and practical versatility. For serious home strength training, replacing a rack that would cost several times as much and occupy far more floor space, the £300 per unit price is well justified.

Rating: 4.7/5 — The best-proven adjustable dumbbell available in the UK in 2026.