NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells: In-Depth Review

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter looking to maintain your gains from home, adjustable dumbbells offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional weight sets. Among the top contenders in this category are the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells, a sleek and compact solution promising functionality, performance, and durability. In this review, we’ll break down their features, performance, and customer insights to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your workout space.

Key Features and Specifications

The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells are engineered to replace an entire rack of dumbbells, all within a compact design that fits comfortably in your home gym. Here’s a closer look at the key specs:

Product Specifications

Feature	Details
Brand	NordicTrack
Color	Black
Item Weight	50 pounds per dumbbell
Weight Range	10 to 55 pounds
Increments	2.5, 5, and 10-pound adjustments
Weight Modes	15 different combinations per dumbbell
Special Features	Adjustable, Compact
Target Use	Full-body (Arms, Legs, Chest, Back, etc.)
Material	Steel and Hardened Plastic
Storage	Fitted trays with labeled weight slots
Handlebar Weight	10 pounds (can be used separately)

These dumbbells offer a weight range that suits most intermediate lifters and casual fitness enthusiasts, with 15 possible combinations per dumbbell thanks to the intuitive adjustment mechanism. Each dumbbell comes with its own molded storage tray for a tidy and organized setup.

Performance

Ease of Adjustment

One of the standout features of the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells is the smooth selector mechanism. Each dumbbell allows you to adjust the weight in small increments, specifically 2.5, 5, or 10 pounds, by simply turning a dial and lifting the dumbbell from the tray. This makes them ideal for exercises that require different loads—like switching from heavy presses to lighter curls or lateral raises—without the hassle of manually swapping plates.

However, some users have reported the mechanism being slightly finicky—if the weights aren’t seated perfectly in their tray, the selector may not engage correctly, requiring a bit of repositioning. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind for fast-paced or circuit training.

Build Quality

The dumbbells are constructed from a blend of metal and hardened plastic, offering a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The handlebar itself weighs 10 pounds and can be used independently for exercises like front raises or dumbbell punches.

That said, build quality reviews are mixed. Some users find them solid and durable even after months of use, while others have reported issues such as the plates coming loose or the plastic components wearing down prematurely. If you treat the dumbbells with care—avoiding dropping them or rough use—they’re likely to hold up better over time.

Workout Versatility

With a weight range from 10 to 55 pounds and the ability to increase resistance in small increments, these dumbbells are highly versatile. You can perform exercises targeting all major muscle groups:

• Arms: Bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, hammer curls
• Chest: Chest presses, flys
• Back: Rows, shrugs
• Legs: Lunges, goblet squats
• Shoulders: Overhead presses, lateral raises

This makes them a comprehensive choice for full-body workouts and progressive overload training. The compact size also allows for better mobility and range of motion compared to some bulkier adjustable dumbbells.

Customer Feedback

To get a more well-rounded picture of the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells, we analyzed what actual users are saying. Here’s a breakdown:

Summary of Customer Opinions

Category	Feedback Summary
Ease of Use	Easy to adjust, intuitive dial, some minor alignment issues
Build Quality	Mixed feedback—some say sturdy, others note durability issues over time
Value for Money	High marks for saving space and replacing multiple dumbbells
Storage and Design	Well-received; compact tray system is tidy and labeled clearly
Noise & Movement	Some minor rattling reported at higher weights

Positive Reviews

Many users appreciate the space-saving design and the ability to replace up to 30 individual dumbbells with just two. The incremental adjustment allows for precise control over workouts, which is especially valuable for hypertrophy training and beginners needing gradual progression.

Customers also enjoy the feel and balance of the dumbbells. The handle grips are often described as comfortable and slip-resistant, allowing for long sets without discomfort.

Critical Reviews

The most common complaints involve mechanical reliability—such as the selector dials getting stuck, plates not locking properly, or parts showing wear after a few weeks. These issues appear to be less common but worth noting if you’re planning on intense daily use.

Pros and Cons

To sum up the analysis so far, here’s a pros and cons table to help you weigh the benefits and trade-offs.

Pros

Feature	Details
Adjustability	2.5 lb increments allow fine-tuning for different exercises
Space Efficiency	Replaces 30 traditional dumbbells in a compact form
Custom Trays	Labeled trays keep everything organized and safe
Versatile Weight Range	10 to 55 pounds per dumbbell meets most training needs
Separate Handlebar Use	10 lb handle useful for lighter movements or warm-ups
Cost Effective	More affordable than buying multiple fixed dumbbells

Cons

Feature	Details
Build Quality Variance	Reports of plastic components wearing down or parts loosening
Adjustment Sensitivity	Selector can be finicky if not aligned perfectly

Final Verdict

The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells strike a compelling balance between functionality, space-saving design, and affordability. Their greatest strength lies in versatility: with 15 weight combinations, ergonomic handles, and intuitive adjustments, they cater to users across different fitness levels and workout styles.

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