Each dumbbell in this NordicTrack set is adjustable from 10 pounds all the way to 55 pounds with 15 incremental weight adjustments. I've tried these dumbbells out myself and the quality is on par with Bowflex. Build materials are mostly metal with some sturdy plastic in non-critical areas. Unlike the Bowflex 552, which uses rubber handles, the NordicTrack uses knurled metal which feels better and grips just as well as the Bowflex ones. The weight selection system is different from Bowflex's dial but still smooth and easy to use. Storage trays are included so that you can set it on any stand or table and the dumbbells won't roll off anywhere. NordicTrack backs these dumbbells with a two-year warranty.
One complaint I have for the Bowflex is that no matter what weight you choose, the length of the dumbbell remains constant at 17 inches because of the fixed spine. Unfortunately, the lighter the weight, the more unwieldy the dumbbell feels. The NordicTrack model doesn't suffer the same design limitation; the dumbbell starts out short when you add one plate and gets longer as you add on more plates. I didn't think this would matter much at all until I actually tried them out.
Free weights are a great choice for anyone who wants to work out at home but is limited on space. The benefit of adjustable dumbbells is that the plates are all neatly contained and take up far less floor space than an entire rack of individual dumbbells. A pair of dumbbells is all the equipment you need to get access to a wide range of exercises that can target just about every muscle in your upper and lower body. Supplement your free weight exercises with cardio and other workouts that use your own body weight as resistance (like pushups, burpees, or squats) and you may never need to purchase more equipment. If you're starting out, 110 pounds of weights is all you'll need for a while.
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