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No home gym is complete without a set of dumbbells. But what if that set could be combined into one? It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started in strength training or want zero excuses at home in between gym days, having an adjustable dumbbell set offers a ton of versatility in a small footprint—just think of all the kickass full-body workouts you could do. Luckily today, there are budget-friendly options available as well as ones better suited to serious fitness enthusiasts.
And NordicTrack is one of several brands to come out with a unique adjustable dumbbell. In this NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell review, we’ll cover our pros, cons, and key features.
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Models
A Quick Look at NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
SPECS
- Weight: Up to 55 lbs.
- Weight increments: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, and 55 lbs.
- Material: Steel plates, steel handle, plastic adjustment pins
NordicTrack has long been a standby brand for the home gym and their updated Select-A-Weight dumbbell set is no exception, which manages to pull together the weight of 15 individual dumbbells into one system without adding too much bulk. Its intuitive sliding pin system is reliable and fast and the two increment weight discs give you flexibility in your strength progression. Select your desired weight up to five plates per side (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 lbs.) and then add an increment of 2.5 or 5 pounds.
You’d think a set at this price would have some faults but NordicTrack built these solidly with steel plates and an upgraded handle that’s now made of steel. While they’re a bit bulkier than traditional dumbbells, you won’t miss the huge footprint of a dozen dumbbells, not to mention shuffling back and forth to grab another weight. And while we think the warranty could be longer, their solid construction should help them last years.
What We Like
- Solid construction utilizing mostly steel
- Compact for an adjustable dumbbell
- Intuitive and quick adjustment system
- New steel handle with knurling (grip)
- 1 free month of iFit
What We Don’t Like
- Not heavy enough for certain training
- Won’t work as a base for push-ups
- Some would prefer an ergonomic handle
- Basic plastic tray leaves something to be desired
BUY: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight - 25-lb. | 55-lb.
Who Should Buy NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells?
These dumbbells have great utility at a great price and make a great addition to a minimal or starter home gym. This favors anyone who prefers working out from home or wants zero excuses on busy days when there are only 20 minutes to spare. They have a small footprint, especially when compared with 15 dumbbells, and make for dynamic and varied workouts. They also come with a free iFit membership for one month, which can give you ideas to get started and help cultivate good technique. The increment weights also make large leaps unnecessary, helping you push gradual gains.
Who Shouldn't Buy NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells?
Experienced athletes looking to pile on the pounds may find that 55 pounds is limited, especially for dumbbell bench presses, rows, and deadlifts. However, you may already have a barbell at home or simply want a quick workout between gym days, in which case these may find some use.
There are also those who like the size or feel of traditional dumbbells. These definitely have a bit more width and girth. And unlike hexagonal models, you can’t use these for pushups.
Those who prefer an ergonomic handle should look elsewhere.
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells Construction
The Nordictrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells are really solid for the price. The plates are steel and they upgraded to a steel handle with moderate knurling for adequate grip. The only plastic parts are the adjustment pins so there could be some issues with longevity there. But if you take care not to yank these between sets, you should be fine for years. It’s worth noting they come with a warranty, but it’s only for three months, and it doesn’t look like they will send or sell you minor replacement parts. We think it’s a small risk to take when you’re replacing the cost, and footprint, of 15 dumbbells.
When it comes to a safe adjustment system, the Nordictrack dumbbells are thoughtfully designed to keep the plates securely in place without jostling. The adjustment pins fit into deep grooves so there’s no risk of losing a plate mid-rep.
A Closer Look at NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
Weight Increments
Nordictrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells replace up to 15 individual dumbbells thanks to their creative design featuring five main plates (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 lbs.) plus discs for incremental weight (2.5 and 5 pounds, respectively). This means you can select 10 pounds, for example, and then add an increment for 12.5 or 15 pounds. It works quickly and intuitively and suits anyone avoiding big jumps in weight as they progress. There is one drawback inherent in the design: Since there’s no 7.5 increment, there are gaps between 15 and 20, 25 and 30, etc. There’s no 17.5 or 27.5, for example. It just means you’ll have to make the leap when you’re ready.
Size and Shape
The measurements for one dumbbell in its tray are 19.5 inches by 11.5 inches by 8.5 inches. With such a small footprint, these take up less than a tenth of the space 15 dumbbells would. As for the diameter, they’re roughly an inch and a half larger than your average hexagonal dumbbell and they’re round. That’s not that much bigger for the utility you’ll get out of it. It does mean you can’t use them for pushups. They do have a small flat section so they won’t go rolling away between sets.
Weight Selection System
Each dumbbell features five plates plus two increment discs on either side that you can adjust with a pin. This allows you to select weights from 10 to 50 pounds, and then a slide on the inner side of the dumbbells allows you to add 2.5 or 5-pound increments. Simply pull that orange pin, slide it to your desired plate and pull it up out of the tray while the unused plates stay securely in place.
Our Verdict
The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells are hard to beat. The dumbbells are comparable to the Bowflex SelectTech, if a bit more streamlined. And it’s less bulky than most of its kind, unlike Powerblocks. Plus, it comes with a free month of NordicTrack’s workout app, iFit—one of the better ones we reviewed.
All in all, we think anyone from a beginner looking to start weight training to an iron pumper living in a small apartment will find these make a great addition to their home gym. They’re easy to adjust, solidly built, and cost a fraction of their competitors (let alone 15 traditional dumbbells!).
BUY: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight - 25-lb. | 55-lb.
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FAQs About NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
Are NordicTrack dumbbells worth it?
We think so—imagine having 15 dumbbells in one, at a fraction of the price. They’re solidly built, not too bulky, and easy to adjust.
How does select-a-weight work?
Each dumbbell features five plates plus two increment discs on either side that you can adjust with a pin. This allows you to select weights from 10 to 50 pounds, and then a slide on the inner side of the dumbbells allows you to add 2.5 or 5-pound increments. Simply pull that orange pin, slide it to your desired plate and pull it up out of the tray while the unused plates stay securely in place.
Can you build muscle with adjustable dumbbells?
Definitely! That’s precisely what dumbbells are made for. Weight training consistently for two to three times a week is enough to see results. But be patient, and remember that strength is not only what you see but has a lot more to do with muscle density.