BowFlex Results Series 52 review

The BowFlex Results Series 52 shares its stated capacity and weight list with the Results Series 552, but it is not just a color option. The U.S. product page identifies the 52 as SKU ZMK4011229, sold as a pair with storage trays. It uses BowFlex’s traditional, uniform-plate dumbbell profile, measures 18.5 inches long per dumbbell as listed, and does not fit the older SelectTech Stand with Media Rack. Those details can matter more than the near-identical “52” names.

Same 15 settings as the 552

The product page lists 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 52.5 pounds per hand. Half-pound? No: the first half steps are 2.5 pounds, then most of the upper range advances in five-pound jumps. The final 50-to-52.5 step is an exception. If your program calls for 27.5 pounds, the official list does not show that selection; do not assume a marketing description of 15 settings means every 2.5-pound increment is present.

The five-pound minimum can cover lighter work than the 10-pound floor on the Results 90 and 1090, while the 52.5-pound endpoint is far below those heavier pairs. A capacity answer in the finder asks for the load you need now in each hand. An exact-selection answer checks whether the number appears in this package’s documented list. For example, a 52.5-pound need and a 5-pound start are within the published boundaries; requiring a maximum five-pound gap is also compatible, while requiring a maximum 2.5-pound gap is not.

Traditional plates change the storage decision

BowFlex describes the 52 as the traditional dumbbell shape with uniform weight plates, unlike the 552’s curved tapered silhouette. Its listed dimensions are 18.5 inches long by 8 inches wide and 9 inches high per dumbbell. It is 1.6 inches longer than the 552 in the published length figures. The width is slightly narrower, so there is no single “smaller” answer without considering the shelf or movement clearance you actually have. Leave room for the cradles and the hand to return the dumbbell to them.

The listing describes a quick-dial mechanism, a secure locking system, metal components and non-slip grips. It does not specify a soft TPR surface or a knurled texture for this SKU, so the finder does not assign either grip preference. Two storage trays come with the pair; a stand is separate. BowFlex names the newer SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell Stand as a compatible accessory, but its support page explicitly says the 52 does not fit the older SelectTech Dumbbell Stand with Media Rack. Check the stand model before buying around an existing rack.

Manual and warranty details worth keeping separate

BowFlex lists two years of parts coverage. The accessible global guide carrying “SelectTech 52” is not confirmed as the exact U.S. Results Series SKU. Its page-3 dimension differs materially from the U.S. product page’s 18.5-inch length, and its internal pages disagree about a 5-pound versus 10-pound handle-only test. This review uses the exact U.S. listing for the SKU, published dimensions and weight ladder; it does not merge those conflicting manual details into a supposed U.S. operating instruction. Keep the supplied manual with the product and ask BowFlex about any unclear fit, setting or locking issue.

The Results Series 52 has a different exact U.S. product page and SKU from the legacy 552 named in BowFlex’s recall notice. That notice points to the Results Series 552 and 1090 as replacement options; it does not identify the Results 52 as one of the recalled legacy models. A used unit with a loose “552” or “52” label is not enough to identify this exact package. Check the complete model name and label rather than inferring identity from a similar number or finish.

Who should compare it with the 552?

Choose the Results 52 if you want the 5–52.5-pound ladder in a traditional straight-sided profile, have space for its longer listed length and do not depend on the Media Rack. Pick the Results 552 if that same ladder in a curved tapered body and the older Media Rack fit are more useful. When the 52.5-pound ceiling is too low, the Results 90 supplies more top-end weight but starts at 10 pounds. Another brand may suit you better if a verified exact instruction set, a softer grip or much finer upper-range steps is a hard requirement; the unknown should not become an assumed benefit.