Bowflex vs NordicTrack dumbbells is one of the most common rivalries in adjustable dumbbells. The Bowflex dumbbells are known as the first adjustable dumbbells, at the start they were the most popular and sold thousands of their dumbbells. It is just because it included 15 different weights which were considered a game changer.
After some NordicTrack also started to offer adjustable dumbbells. The performance and qualities of NordicTrack are also amazing but it has confused the people as they can’t figure out which is the best. So, here is a NordicTrack dumbbells vs Bowflex comparison to help you figure out which one to buy.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Smaller Weight Increments
- 2 Handles Length
- 3 Weight Expansion Packs
- 4 Comfort
- 5 Design
- 6 Build Quality
- 7 Materials
- 8 Plastic
- 9 Weight Adjustment System
- 10 Storage Tray
- 11 Warranty
- 12 Which One Is The Best, Fixed-Length Handles or Adjustable Dumbells?
- 13 How To Know Which One Is The Most Suitable, Bowflex or Nordictrack
- 14 Conclusion
Smaller Weight Increments
The feature of smaller weight increments is very important in an adjustable dumbbell, it is because if you make a big jump in weight can cause many problems with your form and can also slow your progress. No matter which exercises you are doing but making small weight increments helps you a lot with your progress.
The smaller weight increment offered by the Bowflex dumbbell is about 2.5lb, it is very good and is rarely found in adjustable dumbbells. And the smaller weight increment found in Nordicktrack dumbbells is 2.5 and 5lb.
Well, the weight increment in Bowflex dumbbells vs NordicTrack is quite common, so it depends on you which one you like.
Handles Length
The length of the handle also plays an important role in NordicTrack vs Bowflex adjustable dumbbells as many adjustable dumbbells only offer a fixed handle length, no matter how much weight you put in. It can be very difficult to train with it because at some weights you need a longer handle and at some weights, you need a smaller handle in length.
The length of the handle offered by Bowflex is fixed which is 17’’, so whether you are weighing 20lb or 50lb you will need to do it with this handle length. Well, this is not so bad overall as you can get adapt to it after some time of working.
On the other hand, the handle length in NordicTrack dumbbells is not fixed, the handle gets longer as you increase the weight. This feature makes it more compact and makes you feel more natural to lift.
Weight Expansion Packs
There are no expansion packs available on either dumbbell. It means that the max weight for NordicTrack dumbbells is 55lb and 52.5lb of Bowflex dumbbells. So after training these weights if you wish to increase the weight you will need to buy a new dumbbell with more weight limit. It is because Bowflex and NordicTrack dumbbells do not offer any weight expansion packs.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important thing to consider in any dumbbell as it determines the period of your training, if a dumbbell is not comfortable then it will become very difficult for you to train using it.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are considered very comfortable to hold and use. The handle of this dumbbell is coated with rubber that provides you with an adequate grip during your workout. It also prevents any stickiness on the handle even if hands get sweaty. Well, it may have a fixed bar length but it works great if you get used to it.
The quality of the handle provided by NordicTrack is very great and has an amazing grip, they are very sturdy and long-lasting. The feature of the bar increasing its length as weight is increased is great and makes you feel comfortable.
Design
The design of Bowflex dumbbells is very effective and allows you to save a considerable amount of space in your home. They offer you storage stands, these stands are a very convenient way of storing the dumbbells when you are not using them. Moreover, you can easily move the whole set of dumbbells with their handles when they are locked into the stand.
The design of the NordicTrack dumbbell is very effective and comfortable to use, it is great for beginners and professionals because of its features. Well, it consists of plastic at many plastics but it’s because of some valid reasons, but still make sure you don’t drop it because it can cause a lot of damage.
Build Quality
We cannot say much about the build quality in the NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells vs Bowflex because these dumbbells are considered the best in this category. The gym gear offered by both of them is of high quality, when lifting there is no plate movement, and it is very easy and smooth to adjust the weight.
Materials
The materials used for the manufacturing of a dumbbell are very important as they determine its life and durability. The materials used by Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are nylon, steel, thermoplastic rubber, and ABS plastic. These materials are very effective and make the dumbbells extremely durable, waterproof, and easy to use.
The material used for manufacturing the NordicTrack dumbbells is neoprene, this material is water resistant and does not get affected by any environmental condition. This metal is softer than metal and has a coat of plastic over them which protects the dumbbell and your floor from getting any scratches from falling.
Plastic
Most adjustable dumbbells are great in performance but the only thing which affects them is the plastic used in their design. Such as the casings around the weight plates, in adjustment system, and the handle all of these contain plastic which makes the dumbbell less durable.
Just like Bowflex uses plastic in most of the places in its design, the use of plastic means if you are training you cannot drop it down because after a single drop it can be broken just because of plastic.
While the NordicTrack dumbbells do not use much plastic in their design. They indeed used plastic once but with the improvements, they have replaced most of the plastic with metal, and these improvements have made it more durable.
Weight Adjustment System
The weight adjustment system is another vital thing in Bowflex dumbbells vs NordicTrack as both of them do not take much time and effort to be adjusted. The weight adjustment system on any dumbbell should be as simple as it can, be so no one feels it like a difficult task.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells offer a dial for the selection of the weight on each side of the dumbbell. This is the easiest and fast way to change the weight on a dumbbell as you only need to turn the dial and stop it at your desired amount weight. Moreover, the dials are very smooth which allows you to adjust weight easily and quickly.
Selectors are installed in a NordicTrack dumbbell to adjust the weight, you can easily select the weight you want by sliding the selectors across. These selectors installed in the NordicTrack dumbbell are quite fast but we cannot say that they are smooth. Moreover, if you are too heavy-handed then you may snap these selectors while adjusting.
Storage Tray
The storage tray is the place where the dumbbell sits, the storage trays of both Bowflex and NordicTrack dumbbells are made from plastic. This type of plastic is very strong and cannot be broken, you can store your dumbbells in that tray for as long as you want.
These storage trays both of these brands consist of a recessed center which helps you to pick up the dumbbells easily. So, we have another tie in the competition between Bowflex dumbbells and NordicTrack dumbbells.
Warranty
The warranty offered for the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells is about 2 years, while the warranty offered by the NordicTrack is for only 90 days. So, it is on you which dumbbell to buy.
Which One Is The Best, Fixed-Length Handles or Adjustable Dumbells?
We have seen many people wondering whether an adjustable dumbbell is better for them or a fixed-length handle. Let us tell you some people prefer the fixed ones because they believe if they go for the adjustable ones, they will get relaxed and will not be able to get their desired results.
We know that every person does not think the same. Ordinary people think differently compared to athletes. So, if you are new to dumbbells and workouts, you must go for the adjustable dumbbells so working out wouldn’t be too difficult for you.
The adjustable dumbbells allow you to set the length on your own depending on your needs and capacity. You can also decide how much weight you want to lift. Plus, you can also set the presses and curls if you want. So, there is an ease to work out if you go for adjustable dumbbells instead of fixed-length handles.
How To Know Which One Is The Most Suitable, Bowflex or Nordictrack
When you are confused about choosing between NordicTrack and Bowflex, you must consider some important factors to decide which one would be the best and most suitable one for you. First, you must check out the length of both of them and check out which one is good enough for you.
Then, you should check out the cost of that product considering your budget. Your needs matter a lot as compared to your budget. You must buy the one that is best suited for your desired results and workout plan.
Also, get one that is not so difficult for you to use and make it easy for you to lift the weight, not so easy but not so difficult too. Do not forget to check the adjustment system before buying one.
Conclusion
The adjustable dumbbells most popular dumbbells are Bowflex and NordicTrack. Well, the dumbbells of both of these brands are amazing but also lacks is some things. Bowflex masters in some things but lacks in some things, just like NordicTrack also lacks and masters in some things. The specification of both of the dumbbells are explained in this guide, but it is on you which dumbbell you choose. Track your performance using the best fitness tracker.
