Nordic Track Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Review

This review of the Nordic Track Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbells will be just a bit different from most of my other reviews.

Usually, I only write reviews of things I’ve purchased and used for at least six months. It’s one thing that separates GymCrafter from every other home gym site.

But when I got a chance to try the Nordic Track Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbells last week (I sought them out after watching a review on the GGR YT channel), I knew I needed to let everyone know about them right away. They are a solid set of adjustable dumbbells with one particular feature that no other set of quality adjustables has.

These are a vastly improved version of the original model (remember those clunky blue ones that weren’t really that great?).

I have a set of my own on the way, and I’ll have a six-month update out in, you guessed it, six months. But for now, let’s look at why I think these are special.

Nordic Track Adjustable Dumbbells Details and Specs

Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way…

• Dimensions – 19.4″W x 8.5″H x 11.4″D (when set in the included storage trays)
• Weight – Each dumbbell can be set to 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, or 55 lbs. That’s 15 total weight adjustments!
• Handle weight – Each handle weighs 10 lbs.
• Adjustment Mechanism – Easy to use pin located at the top of each side of the dumbbells.
• Included – Storage trays and a 30-day iFit membership (for online personal training programs)
• Variations – Also available in a 25 lb set.
• Warranty – 90 days

Nothing that exceptional so far, right? That’s because I didn’t list the best feature yet…

How Much Do Nordic Track Adjustable Dumbbells Cost

At the time I’m writing this review (Feb 2023), the Nordic Track Select-A-Weight 10-55lb Dumbbells retail for $349.00 with free shipping! You can check their current pricing on the Nordic Track website.

That’s less than half of what any other adjustable dumbbells with this quality and feature set!

From 2020 to 2022, the price of adjustable dumbbells exploded (source). PowerBlocks (the adjustables I’ve owned and recommended for years) were going for $2000 or more used because they were out of stock, and all the gyms were closed.

Even when back in stock, PowerBlock pricing seems to have increased unreasonably along with everything else in the world. Add their new higher pricing to their odd form factor, and people have been hungry for an alternative.

And there are plenty of alternatives! But universally, the price is ridiculous, the quality is terrible, or both!

When measured for value, there is simply no other set of adjustable dumbbells on the market that come close to the Select-A-Weight from Nordic Track!

Competing sets w/ price:

• Nordic Track Select-A-Weight 10-55lb – $349.00 shipped
• Bowflex SelectTech 552 5-52lb – $429.00 shipped
• Iron Master Quick-Lock 5-45lb – $519.00 shipped
• PowerBlock Elite 5-50lb – $532.00 shipped
• SMRTFT NuoBell 5-50lb – $595.00 shipped
• Rogue Loadable Dumbbells 10-55lb – $805.00 shipped

Not only are the Nordic Track Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbells less expensive than any comparable set, but they are also better than any of the models close to their price point!

Nordic Track Adjustable Dumbbells Pros and Cons

Aside from the price, the Nordic Track Dumbbells have several other advantages over the competition.

Pros

First is the form factor. They are shaped like traditional dumbbells from end to end. They are also flat on each end, just like standard dumbbells. This makes them very easy to use.

When you look at the adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex or Rogue, they look like regular dumbbells until you try to rest them on your legs before pressing with them. Both sets have very uncomfortable posts on the end that make them painful to set on the top of your legs.

Second, are the metal handles. Virtually every other set close to this price has plastic or rubber handles. I personally like the rubberized handles on the PowerBlocks, but I’m in the minority. Most folks prefer a knurled metal handle, and the Nordic Track set gives just that!

Last, they are easy and comfortable to use. I never understood why so many people like the Bowflex models. They are gigantic, unwieldy, uncomfortable, and hard to use. These Nordic Track adjustables are better than the Bowflex in every way.

Cons

Look, these aren’t perfect, so I want to be upfront about a few things I wish were different.

First is the warranty. Only 90 days?! While user reports are that these are very durable and will last a long time, I’m always leery when a manufacturer doesn’t give at least a year’s warranty.

Second, they don’t offer a stand to get them off the ground. I suppose that with a 55lb set, that’s not a huge deal, but it still would be nice. A stand would be a must if they were even 5 lbs heavier.

Third, I’m not a huge fan of the adjustments. I found myself having trouble dialing in the exact weight I wanted. The small adjustments are not clearly labeled and can’t always be used. I would rather see them etch the weights into the dumbbell plates, so you know exactly what you are getting.

The Verdict

These are budget dumbbells. They aren’t as nice as some of the competitors at twice the price. But they are a lot nicer than I ever thought they’d be!

If 55 lbs are enough (and, honestly, it’s enough for probably 75% of the home gym owners out there), and you are on a budget, there is simply no better dumbbell choice for you than the Nordic Track Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbells.

It’s rare these days to find a quality product at a significantly lower price than the competition. And it’s important to jump on those opportunities when you see them.

So head to Nordic Track to grab a set for yourself before everyone discovers this little hidden gem, and they sell out!

Nordic Track Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells

While not the best overall adjustable dumbbells on the market, this set of adjustable dumbbells by Nordic Track can't be beat when value is considered. No other set of adjustable dumbbells have this level of quality and features at this low of a price!

Product Brand: Nordic Track

Editor's Rating:
4

Pros

• The price!!!
• Knurled metal handles
• Very easy to adjust
• Comes with storage trays
• Shaped like traditional dumbbells
• Flat ends are comfortable to use
• Well balanced
• 15 weight increments

Cons

• No raised stand is available
• 90-day warranty
• The 25 & 55 lb sets are the same price
• Sets can't be expanded
• May have to move 4 pins to adjust each dumbbell
• Hard to discern the 2.5 and 5 lb adjustments