When equipping a home gym, adjustable dumbbells are incredibly versatile and save space compared to a full rack of weights. Two popular options to consider are the FitRx SmartBell and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells. Both provide a wide range of weight options in one compact product.
This article will compare the key features, pros and cons of each to help you decide which adjustable dumbbell is right for your home fitness needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | FitRx SmartBell | Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells |
| Weight Range | 8-40 lbs (10 lb increments) | 5-52.5 lbs (2.5 lb increments) |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Dial with twist selection | Proprietary dial system shifts internal weight plates |
| Connectivity & Tracking | Bluetooth – automatically tracks sets, reps & pace | None |
| Real-Time Feedback | Yes, pacing guidance and form corrections | None |
| Handle Design | Single straight handle w/ built-in bar | Two ergonomic handles like spinlock dumbbell |
| Weight Plate Material | Cast iron | Steel plates |
| Handle Material | Aluminum & steel | Solid metal |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years (parts) |
| Price | $349 per unit | $299 per 5-52.5 lb handle |
| Feel During Use | Securely locked weights, easy dial turn | Very smooth plate adjustments |
| Max Lift Angle | 80 degrees | 60 degrees |
| Display | App shows workout statistics | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours | N/A |
| Durability | Durable build but some electronic concerns long term | Proven reliable with all mechanical design |
| Key Advantages | Automatic tracking, form feedback | Wider weight range, smoother lifts |
Looking at the table above, we can see that the main advantages of the SmartBell are its Bluetooth connectivity and feedback tracking, while the Bowflex offers a wider weight range for about $50 less per single dumbbell. Keep reading for more details on how these features compare during use.
Overview of the FitRx SmartBell
The SmartBell aims to bring technology to your weight training by automatically tracking your reps, sets, weights used, and pace – making it easier to progress and challenge yourself each workout.
It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and syncs the data to the FitRx app.
The SmartBell adjusts weights in 10 pound increments from 8 to 40 lbs by twisting a dial and allows changing weights quickly between sets. The weights feel firmly locked in at each setting and the grip is comfortable with a built-in bar.
However, the maximum weight may feel too light for experienced lifters that can single arm press over 40 lbs.
Unlike simpler adjustable dumbbells, the SmartBell actively monitors how you are lifting and provides feedback in real-time on your pacing and form. The app shows your progress over time so you can push yourself gradually harder.
Overview of Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells use a unique system of metal plates that slide into the handle to select your desired weight. Each handle adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds in increments of 2.5 pounds up to the max.
To change the weight you simply twist the adjustment dial to desired number, lift the dumbbell and the plates will automatically shift to that weight setting based on Bowflex’s patented adjustment system.
The narrow handle and space-saving design is built to feel and function similarly to traditional dumbbells.
With a weight range from 5 up to 52.5 pounds per hand, Bowflex adjustable dumbbells accommodate most lifting abilities from beginner to seasoned athlete.
The adjustment mechanism feels very fast and smooth during use.
However, the technology focused on rapid weight changes rather than connectivity or tracking reps and sets like the SmartBell.
Ease of Use Comparison
Both the SmartBell and Bowflex use a dial based adjustment system to quickly switch between weights as needed during your workout. However, they differ in how the technology is applied.
The SmartBell dial allows selecting the next weight setting in 10 pound increments, which changes more drastically between sets. The weights feel securely locked in at each setting. It uses technology via Bluetooth connectively to automatically count reps and track your full workout rather than focusing on rapid adjustments.
Meanwhile, the Bowflex dial offers 2.5 pound increments for very gradual weight changes each set if desired. The adjustment mechanism smoothly shifts internal plates to lock in the newly selected weight each time you lift the dumbbell. However, there is no connectivity or rep tracking features.
For most use cases, both systems allow fast and simple weight changes. SmartBell provides more feedback, while the Bowflex mechanism aims to feel seamless during sets.
Durability Comparison
Long term durability is important when investing in adjustable dumbbells for your home gym.
You want something that will stand up to regular use for years while still adjusting smoothly.
The FitRx SmartBell has a solid aluminum and steel construction that feels built to last.
However the electronic features like Bluetooth connectively could be more prone to eventual issues than basic adjustable dumbbells.
The 2 year warranty helps protect from early defects.
Bowflex uses high quality steel plates and solid metal handles designed for smooth adjustments between 5 to 52.5 pounds even after thousands of repetitions. The proprietary adjustment system is proven to hold up well over time with a 2 year warranty on parts.
Both options should provide durable performance long term. However Bowflex may have an edge for heavy commercial use since it has less electronics that could fail. For residential use, reliability should be excellent on both assuming proper care and maintenance.
Pricing Comparison
As a newer product with integrated Bluetooth tracking, the FitRx SmartBell comes at a price premium versus traditional adjustable dumbbells like the bestselling Bowflex set.
FitRx SmartBell: $349 for a single adjustable 8-40 lb Bluetooth enabled dumbbell. $698 for a pair.
Bowflex 5-52.5 lb per dumbbell:
$299 for a single dumbbell $598 for a pair
You can expect to spend about $100 more for the convenience of the smarter FitRx dumbbell with automatic workout tracking versus a similar weight range from Bowflex. However, Bowflex does offer a wider maximum weight capacity per handle for experienced lifters.
Overall both provide quality and features at their respective price points – the SmartBell focuses more on technology integration while Bowflex emphasizes smooth adjustments across an industry leading 5 to 52.5 lb range per handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the leading alternatives to Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells include:
PowerBlock: Compact and solid adjustable dumbbell option allowing weights from 5 to 90 lbs in 2.5 or 5 lb increments. Known for innovative cube design.
Nuobell: Dumbbell handles adjust from 5 to 80 pounds using built-in weight plates and magnetic adjustment system. Features ergonomic design.
Core Home Fitness: Adjustable dumbbells similar to Bowflex with 5 to 50 lb range. More budget oriented option but doesn’t feel quite as refined.
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are widely considered among the best options, known for their wide 5 to 52.5 weight range per handle, smooth adjustment mechanism, space saving design, quality construction and long term durability. Their patented technology for rapidly shifting weight plates as you lift also helps Bowflex stand out from competitors. For a premium adjustable dumbbell optimized for performance, Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are a leading choice.
The FitRx SmartBell bills itself as the “world’s smartest dumbbell” thanks to integrated Bluetooth that automatically tracks your workout reps, sets, weights used and pace – sending the data to the FitRx app. The smart tracking aims to help users challenge themselves to progress while ensuring proper form. As connected gym equipment gains popularity, expect more smart dumbbells to hit the market, but FitRx SmartBell is arguably the leader currently in 2021 based on its tracking and feedback technology built seamlessly into the adjustable weights.
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells typically retail for around $300 per single dumbbell handle or $600+ for a pair. While not cheap, they offer a quality product that justifies the higher cost in a few ways:
1. Innovative dial adjustment system that allows smoothly and rapidly changing weight settings from 5 to 52.5 pounds in each handle. Much wider range than typical options.
2. Commercial-like build quality and durable metal construction designed to endure tough, regular workouts long-term.
3. Space saving, compact design with great ergonomics modeled after classic spinlock dumbbells. Takes up less room than a full rack of weights.
When you consider the value versus purchasing many pairs of fixed weight dumbbells to equip a home gym, the well engineered Bowflex adjustable system makes sense for serious lifters despite the higher price tag. The adjustable design, patented technology, heavy duty build and wide weight range all help justify the cost.
Closing Remarks
In summary, the FitRx SmartBell and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells each have unique strengths making them both great options that align to different priorities.
The SmartBell is ideal if you value technology integration with automatic set, rep and pace tracking. The Bluetooth connectivity and feedback can help motivate progressive training. However, the maximum 40 pound weight limit leaves room for improvement.
Alternatively, the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells focus purely on performance – offering the widest weight range that adjusts by 2.5 pounds up to 52.5 pounds smoothly. This makes them perfect for challenging, heavy lifts. Though connectivity and detailed tracking require using a separate fitness app.
Both products deliver on fast, smooth weight adjustments in compact form factors. For most home gym needs, it is difficult to go wrong with either option. Evaluate based on your budget, weight lifting requirements, and desire for connected feedback.
Hopefully, this detailed comparison and analysis helps provide more clarity between two of the top adjustable dumbbells currently available!