Is Bowflex SelectTech 840 Worth It? Honest Review (2026)
Balanced look at the SelectTech 840 dumbbells: strengths, weaknesses, and who should buy them in 2026
Quick Decision
Buy it if you're a beginner to intermediate lifter with limited floor space who wants a low-cost, easy-to-switch adjustable dumbbell for full-body workouts. Skip it if you need more than 40 lb per dumbbell or crave 2.5-lb progression steps. The dial adjustment and compact footprint make it a solid value at around $350, but serious lifters will hit the ceiling quickly.
Best if you...
- Beginners starting a home strength routine
- Apartment dwellers with limited floor space
- People who do circuit-style or drop-set workouts
Skip it if you...
- Advanced lifters who press or squat over 40 lb per side
- Athletes following strength programs requiring 2.5-lb progressions
- Powerlifters or heavy compound lift enthusiasts
If you're building a home gym, you've probably hit the same dilemma: fixed dumbbells gobble up floor space and cost hundreds for a full rack. Adjustable dumbbells promise a one-pair solution, and the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is one of the most popular options on the market. It combines a 5–40 lb range with a dial-based adjustment system, aiming to serve beginner-to-intermediate lifters in cramped apartments or spare rooms.
This analysis looks at the SelectTech 840 from every angle—what it does well, where it falls short, and who should actually spend roughly $350 on it. We've examined manufacturer specifications, cross-referenced third-party assessments, and considered common buyer feedback patterns to give you a balanced picture. You'll also find comparisons with top alternatives, a quick value verdict, and an FAQ section to answer the questions that matter before you hit "add to cart."
About the Bowflex SelectTech 840
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is a space-saving adjustable dumbbell system with a 5–40 lb per dumbbell range and eight weight settings controlled by a built-in dial. It replaces eight pairs of fixed dumbbells with a single, compact set ideal for home strength training where floor space is limited.
Key Specifications
- Warranty
- 2-year residential
- Base/Stand
- Included plastic cradle
- Weight Range
- 5–40 lb per dumbbell
- Handle Length
- Approximately 5.7 inches
- Weight Settings
- 8 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40)
- Overall Dimensions
- 16.5" L x 8.5" H (each dumbbell)
- Adjustment Increment
- 5 lb
Overview
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 consists of two handles that hold weight plates in a cradle-like frame. Turning the dial at the end of each handle selects a weight, and the unused plates lock in place while the selected ones slide onto the handle. It's a straightforward mechanism that Bowflex has used in several models, and the 840 offers eight settings: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 lb per dumbbell.
The system is aimed at home users who want a full-body workout without dedicating a corner of the room to a heavy rack. A small plastic base cradles both dumbbells when they're not in use, adding to its tidy footprint. On Amazon, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 typically sells for around $349, which undercuts many other branded adjustable sets while including the base in the box.
Where it fits in the market is between the budget no-frills adjustables (like spin-lock models) and higher-priced systems with more weight range, such as the Bowflex SelectTech 552 (5–52.5 lb) or the PowerBlock Sport series. For many average home gym users, though, the 840 delivers enough range and convenience at a palatable price point.
Pros
The SelectTech 840's core appeal is its combination of space efficiency, quick adjustments, and a reasonable buy-in price. It doesn't try to be a professional powerlifting tool—it's built for everyday strength training, and in that context, several strengths stand out clearly.
Replaces Eight Pairs of Fixed Dumbbells
With a 5–40 lb range and eight weight settings, this one set takes the place of a row of fixed dumbbells. You get the same coverage as a set of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 lb dumbbells, but instead of eight pieces of equipment on your floor, you have a single pair with a small base. The space savings are substantial—a typical fixed dumbbell rack spans at least three feet and weighs enough to require a dedicated area.
For apartments, offices, or anyone who doesn't want their living room to look like a gym, this is the biggest selling point. You can keep the whole system in a corner or even tuck it under a bed if you remove the base. It also means you're not spending $600–$800 on individual dumbbells; the 840 costs a fraction of that while delivering the same working weights.
Dial-Based Adjustment Takes Just Seconds
The twist-dial mechanism is genuinely easy to use: rotate the dial to your desired setting, and the handle locks the selected plates into place while the rest stay on the base. Changing between exercises takes under five seconds, with no tools, clips, or loose plates to manage. This speed is a real advantage for circuits, supersets, or drop sets where you need to move from one weight to another quickly without losing momentum.
Bowflex designed the dial with a detent that clicks into each setting, so you get tactile feedback that the weight is locked. The whole adjustment happens on the base, meaning you don't have to hold the dumbbell while fiddling with a locking mechanism—it's a two-handed operation that's easy to read and operate, even when you're tired.
Practical Weight Range for Most Home Lifters
A 5–40 lb per dumbbell range covers a surprising number of exercises: bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, lateral raises, rows, lunges, and even goblet squats. For a beginner or intermediate lifter just starting out, 40 lb is enough to challenge most upper-body muscles and some lower-body moves. According to Bowflex's specifications, the 840 is explicitly positioned for general fitness users, not advanced powerlifters.
For the majority of home users who do a mix of upper-body, core, and high-rep lower-body work, the range is more than adequate. Many users find they deadlift or squat only with a lighter load because they're doing high-rep sets or functional training, and 40 lb works fine for those scenarios.
Included Storage Base Keeps Things Organized
The SelectTech 840 comes with a compact plastic base that cradles both dumbbells when they're not in use. This base serves two purposes: it holds the dumbbells securely so you can set them down without damaging the plates, and it doubles as the adjustment station—the dials align with slots so you can turn them easily.
The base also prevents the dumbbells from rolling around and keeps the weight selection mechanism aligned. Unlike some adjustable systems that require a separate rack or shelf, the 840's base is all you need. It's a small, roughly 24-inch square on the floor, which is about as minimal as home gym storage gets.
Lower Price Than Many Comparable Adjustable Sets
At approximately $349, the 840 undercuts the Bowflex SelectTech 552 (usually $399–$429) and several other dial-based adjustable dumbbells. It also costs less than buying even a handful of fixed dumbbells—three pairs at $30–$50 each can exceed $150, and you'd only cover a fraction of the range. For a system that promises to replace eight pairs, the value proposition is strong.
Price comparisons on retail sites like Amazon show the 840 is one of the most affordable branded adjustable dumbbell systems with a built-in base. It also falls below the $400 mark that many buyers set as a ceiling for a single piece of home exercise gear.
Cons
No adjustable dumbbell is perfect, and the SelectTech 840 makes trade-offs to hit its price point. The main complaints center on weight range, increment precision, and the feel of the dumbbell during certain lifts. Let's get into the real limitations and who is most affected by them.
40 lb Maximum Isn't Enough for Advanced Lifters
The 840 is designed for the average home user, but anyone who has been lifting seriously for a year or two will quickly hit the ceiling. 40 lb per dumbbell is insufficient for heavy deadlifts, squats, lunges, bench presses, or rows. According to strength training standards, a 150-lb male can typically bench 95–135 lb after a few months, which means this system won't support progressive overload in lower-body or heavy pressing exercises.
For users who need more resistance, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 (10–90 lb) or the PowerBlock Sport series (up to 50 lb with add-on kits) are better options, but they cost $200–$500 more. If you foresee yourself outgrowing 40 lb in the next 6–12 months, the 840 will become a paperweight for those exercises, and you'd be better off investing in a heavier set from the start.
5-lb Increments Are Too Coarse for Smooth Progression
The 840 only adjusts in 5-lb steps. That matters: going from 20 to 25 lb on lateral raises or shoulder work might mean an unmanageable jump in difficulty. For smaller muscle groups, adding 5 lb can be the difference between completing a full set of 12 and barely grinding out 6 reps. This is a well-known shortfall of the SelectTech line as a whole—the 552 has the same 5-lb step but offers more settings.
Some competitors, like the NUOBELL, provide 2.5-lb increments, which allow for a more gradual progression and better long-term training stimulus. If you're a meticulous lifter who likes to micro-load, the 840 will frustrate you. There's no way to add half steps without using additional magnetic weights, which compromise the stack design.
Bulkier Heads Change the Feel of Many Lifts
Because the plates fan out around the handle, the 840 creates a wide head that extends beyond a traditional dumbbell. This changes the center of gravity and can make certain movements feel awkward. For example, with dumbbell flys or close-grip presses, the wide head can hit your knees or chest during setup or force you to hold the dumbbell in an unnatural position.
The handle itself is also on the shorter side compared to fixed dumbbells, which can be an issue for two-hand exercises like goblet squats or if you have very large hands. These are not deal-breakers for most people, but if you're used to the precise balance of fixed iron dumbbells, the 840 will feel different, and it can take a few workouts to adapt.
Plastic Housing Is Less Durable Than Iron
The weight plates are encased in a molded plastic outer shell to keep the assembly lightweight and protect the metal plates. This design saves cost but makes the dumbbells more vulnerable to damage from drops. If you inadvertently drop the 840 from chest height, there's a real risk of cracking the plastic casing or bending the locking mechanism's metal alignment pins.
Bowflex's warranty covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or dropping. So you need to be careful during use and store the dumbbells on the base rather than slamming them down. For a tool meant to be dropped, this is a notable weakness. Fixed rubber dumbbells are far more forgiving.
Dial Mechanism May Feel Finicky at Some Weights
The adjustment dial is generally smooth, but some users report that certain settings require a firm click to seat properly. If you don't turn the dial all the way, the plates can feel loose during a rep, which is a safety concern. This is a known quirk of the SelectTech line—the manufacturer recommends always verifying the locking indicator before lifting.
Additionally, the dial is on the end of the handle, which means you need to grip the dumbbell in a specific orientation to read it. It's not a big deal once you memorize the settings, but it's less intuitive than the color-coding on some competitors. If you train with a partner who uses different weights, there can be a moment of confusion each time you switch.
👍 Who It's For
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is an excellent fit for the beginning-to-intermediate home gym owner who wants a compact, versatile piece of equipment. If you're new to lifting and your current dumbbell work tops out around 30–40 lb, this system gives you room to grow without forcing a big investment. It's also great for people who do short, high-energy workouts—circuits, HIIT, or drop-set routines—where changing weights quickly matters more than climbing to heavy loads.
Apartment dwellers and anyone with limited floor space will especially appreciate the 840. The included base means you don't need a separate rack, and the whole setup fits on a closet shelf or under a bed when not in use. For those who like to follow along with online workout videos or mobile apps, the dial adjustment lets you keep up with the instructor without pausing to change plates.
It's also a suitable option for a home gym used by a couple or small family with a mix of strength levels. The 5–40 lb range accommodates lighter workloads for beginners (or those recovering from injury) and moderate weights for average-lifting adults. If that sounds like your household, the 840 is a practical, one-pair solution.
👎 Who Should Avoid
If you're a serious, experienced lifter—someone who regularly squats or presses more than 40 lb per side—this system will feel toy-like. The max weight quickly becomes a hard ceiling, so you'll either abandon it for heavier exercises or outgrow it entirely within a few months. In that case, a heavier adjustable set like the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 or PowerBlock with expansion kits is a better long-term investment, even if it costs more upfront.
Those who need precise micro-loading, such as physique athletes or people following a linear progression program that adds 2.5-lb increments, will be disappointed. The 840's 5-lb jumps can force you to sacrifice perfect form or delay progression. Adaptive trainers who like the feel of traditional iron dumbbells (which have a balanced center of gravity) may also find the wide head of the 840 disruptive—especially for moves like dumbbell flys, where the plates interfere.
Finally, if you already have a collection of fixed dumbbells from 5 to 40 lb, the 840 doesn't add any new weight capacity. You'd essentially be paying $350 to consolidate space, not to expand your strength range. Unless space is an absolute premium, you're better off keeping what you have or investing in heavier dumbbells for the exercises that demand them.
See today's Bowflex SelectTech 840 price and available configurations on Amazon.
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Alternatives to Consider
| Product | Choose Bowflex SelectTech 840 if... | Choose the alternative if... |
|---|---|---|
| Bowflex SelectTech 552about $50–$100 more expensive | You're on a budget and want a lighter, more compact set with a simpler dial and a lower price tag. | You need a wider top weight (52.5 lb vs 40 lb) and more settings (15 vs 8) to handle heavier lifts and finer progression. |
| PowerBlock Sport 50similar price, often $30–$50 more | You prefer the dial-style adjustment and the included base setup of the SelectTech 840. | You want a block-style design with a more traditional handle, higher capacity (up to 50 lb) and optional expansion kits. |
The most direct alternative is the Bowflex SelectTech 552, which steps up to 52.5 lb per dumbbell and adds seven more settings (15 total), allowing smaller 2.5-lb jumps at the low end. It costs roughly $50–$100 more, but the extra capacity and smoother progression make it the better choice for those who expect to progress beyond 40 lb or who prefer more granular increments. If your budget stretches that far, the 552 is a more versatile set for long-term use.
Beyond Bowflex, the PowerBlock Sport series offers a sturdier block-style dumbbell with a more traditional handle, a higher max weight (up to 50 lb in the base set, expandable to 90 lb), and easier storage. The trade-off is a different adjustment mechanism that can be slower to switch, and the block form factor takes up more width when racked. The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight and cheaper generic models exist, but they generally skimp on build quality and won't last as long as Bowflex or PowerBlock.
Is it worth the price?
At approximately $349, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is worth it for beginners and intermediate users who don't plan to lift heavier than 40 lb and who prioritize speed and space savings. Against the $399 SelectTech 552, you give up 12 lb of top weight and many increment options for $50 less; most home workouts won't miss the extra range. However, if you know you'll need heavier loads within a year, the 840 isn't worth it—you'll pay more later for a heavier set, so skipping the 840 for the 552 or a PowerBlock now costs less in the long run.
📝 Bottom Line
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is a smart purchase for the casual-to-intermediate home trainer who values convenience and space savings. Its 5–40 lb range, eight settings, and rapid dial switching make it a time-efficient piece of kit for full-body circuits and standard gym moves. At $349, it costs less than the 552 while delivering most of the same utility—provided you stay within its weight limit.
However, its two biggest weaknesses are impossible to ignore: the 40 lb cap and the 5-lb jumps. If you have any aspiration of lifting heavy—or if you already know your working weights exceed 40 lb—this system will eventually become a financial mistake. There are better investments (like the 552 or PowerBlock) that can grow with you. For everyone else, especially apartment dwellers and beginners, the 840 is a dependable, space-efficient route to a real dumbbell workout.
Verdict: Buy it if you're a beginner or intermediate who lives in a small space and wants a fast, compact all-in-one dumbbell. Skip it if you lift heavy or need finer increments. For the right user, it's one of the best value adjustable dumbbells on the market in 2026.
Check current Bowflex SelectTech 840 availability and bundle options on Amazon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
Key Pros
- ✓Replaces eight pairs of fixed dumbbells with one space-saving set
- ✓Twist-dial adjustment changes weight in seconds, ideal for circuits and drop sets
- ✓5–40 lb range covers most beginner and intermediate exercises
- ✓Integrated base keeps dumbbells organized with no extra rack needed
- ✓Lower price than many comparable branded adjustable sets
Key Cons
- ✗Maximum 40 lb per dumbbell is limiting for serious lifters
- ✗5-lb jumps are too coarse for smooth progressive overload
- ✗Wide plate heads change the feel of some exercises
- ✗Plastic housing can crack if dropped
- ✗Dial mechanism requires a firm click to lock
Ratings
Best For
- →Beginners starting a home strength routine
- →Apartment dwellers with limited floor space
- →People who do circuit-style or drop-set workouts
- →Couples or households with mixed fitness levels