BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell

Why it's worth it

This is the 552's bigger sibling: 10 to 90 pounds in one dumbbell, with the same twist dials and 17 settings. If your rows and presses have outgrown a 52.5-pound ceiling, it's the easiest way to go heavier without giving up quick changes.

It's the heaviest dial dumbbell in this guide, and that's the entire reason to buy it. Ten to 90 pounds a hand covers heavy rows, split squats and floor presses that a 52.5-pound set can't reach. Bowflex says it stands in for 17 separate weights. You still change load with a twist, so a heavy session doesn't turn into twenty minutes of swapping plates.

Read the listing closely: this is sold as a single dumbbell, not a pair. For most programs you'll want two, which doubles what you spend, and that's worth knowing before you order. One is plenty if you're adding a heavy dumbbell to an existing rack, or if you mainly do one-arm rows, suitcase carries and single-arm presses.

From our review of 7 adjustable dumbbells, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +It's the heaviest dial dumbbell in this guide, and that's the entire reason to buy it
• +Read the listing closely: this is sold as a single dumbbell, not a pair
• +The grips are knurled rather than smooth, which helps a lot once your hands are sweating under 80 pounds
• +There's much less owner feedback on this one than on the 552, mostly because far fewer people need 90-pound dumbbells at home

What to know

• –A 10-pound floor is too heavy for the light accessory work most programs include, so it can't be your only dumbbell if you're…
• –It's long, heavy and feels front-loaded in the hand