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Ativafit and Bowflex are two adjustable dumbbell brands with different models. How do they compare in features and which one is the best?
Adjustable dumbbells are dumbbells that allow you to easily change the weight. Ativafit and Bowflex are two of the top brands for this fitness product category.
If you need resistance up to 90 lbs (40.8 kg) you don’t have much of a choice besides the Bowflex SelectTech 1090.
One level lower, if 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) is enough for your training goals, the 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) model from Ativafit can save you a lot of money compared to the previous option.
When it comes to adjustable dumbbells of weights lower than these, the choice between the two brands becomes more individual-specific and situation-specific.
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells tend to be slightly cheaper, sturdier, and more compacter than the Bowflex models. While the reviews are generally positive, a downside of this model is that there is no mention of a warranty.
On the other hand, the smaller weight increments of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 can be valuable for progressing in muscle strength of muscles that can currently lift less than 25 pounds (11.3 kg).
For the right individuals and training plans, this feature of the Bowflex model can definitely be worth the small price increase. If you don’t care about this, the Ativafit models tend to offer the same training potential for a lower price.
This article will also go over some of the other features of the Ativafit and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells and in what situations the differences between the two matter the most.
Comparison table Ativafit vs Bowflex adjustable dumbbells
Ativafit and Bowflex are both some of the top brands when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. That being said, there are a few important differences between Ativafit Adjustable Dumbells and the Bowflex models.
In the table below you can see how these adjustable dumbbell brands compare in some of the most important features.
Both brands offer different models. When “(specific)” is added to the feature it means that the Ativafit 55 Lbs model and Bowflex SelectTech 552 will be compared.
These are the best model to understand the main differences between the brands.
| Feature | Ativafit Models | Bowflex Models |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Weight Limit Available | 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) | 90 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| # Of Models With Different Weight Ranges | 4 | 2 |
| Weigh Increments | 5.5-Lbs (2.5 kg) Increments | SelectTech 552 has 2.5-Pound Increments up to the first 25 pounds, 5 lbs (2.27 kg) after that |
| # Of Different Settings (Specific) | 10 | 15 |
| Adjustment Mechanisms | Light Models GlideTech Heavy Models DialTech | SelectTech |
| Material | Nylon, Metal, Most Models Rubber On The Handle | Plastic, Metal, Rubber On Handle |
| Handle | Most Models Rubber Padding | Rubber Padding |
| Dimensions (Specific) | 16.73” L x 7.68” W x 8.07” H | 16.9” L x 8.3” W x 9” H |
| Warranty | Not Mentioned | 2 Years Parts |
| Prices | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Prices | Check Current Prices |
Differences Ativafit vs Bowflex explained more in-depth
Seeing the differences between the Ativafit and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells in a table is definitely a helpful start.
That being said, some of the differences deserve a bit more explanation in the sense of for what type of people the differences matter in what ways. This can help you make a better decision between these two adjustable dumbbell brands.
Weight ranges
The main goals of adjustable dumbbells like the Ativafit and Bowflex models are to help you build muscle strength, endurance, mass, etc. To achieve these goals you have to engage your muscles so they get damaged enough.
This may sound counterintuitive but this damaging makes it so your body repairs these muscles, and adds a bit more to be better prepared to exert similar efforts in the future.
If you stick to exercises with the same weight, as your muscles become stronger this same effort may not damage your muscles enough to promote extra muscle growth.
By adding extra resistance to movements with these adjustable dumbbells you are better able to damage the muscles in a shorter amount of time.
Below you can find a table with the different weight ranges available per brand:
| Ativafit | Bowflex |
|---|---|
| 5.5 lbs – 27.5 lbs (2.5 kg – 12.5 kg) | SelectTech 552: |
| 4.4 lbs – 44 lbs (2 kg – 20 kg) | 5 lbs – 52.5 lb (2.27 kg – 23.8 kg) |
| 5.5 lbs – 55 lbs (2.5 kg – 25 kg) | SelectTech 1090: |
| 11 lbs – 71.5 lbs (5 kg – 32.4 kg) | 10 lbs – 90 lbs (4.5 kg – 40.8 kg) |
As you can see, Ativafit adjustable dumbbells come in more different weight ranges but Bowflex offers the model with the highest max weight.
If you are so strong you need the 90 lbs (40.8 kg) to work your muscles enough, you likely want to go for the Bowflex.
On the other hand, if 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) is sufficient you can save yourself some money and storage space and go for the Ativafit model.
Most Options: Ativafit
Highest Weight Range: Bowflex
Weight increments
Weight increments are by how much you can adjust the weight between each setting.
For the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells, the weight increments are always 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 offers 2.5-pound (1.13 kg) increments up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg). After that, this model has 5-pound (2.27 kg) increments. The heavier SelectTech 1090 only has 5-pound (2.27 kg) increments.
At first, this feature of the Bowflex SelectTech may not sound that impressive. However, for progressing with weaker muscles like forearms, biceps, abs, etc. this can be very useful.
So especially if you plan to work a lot on these weaker muscles, the smaller increments from the Bowflex SelectTech 552 can make the difference. This is not a relevant difference for everyone but something to keep in mind.
Winner: Bowflex SelectTech 552
Adjustment mechanisms
Weight adjustment mechanisms are something relatively unique to adjustable dumbbells. These are the systems that allow you to change between weights in seconds.
The first thing to note is that the two models with the lightest weight ranges of the Ativafit Adjustable dumbbells have a different mechanism called GlideTech.
This comes down to a pin on one side that you lift a small amount and then slide to the desired weight increment. There is only one adjustment mechanism for both sides.
Besides that, the DialTech and SelectTech mechanisms are really similar. One relevant difference is that the Ativafit model requires you to push down a button before you can change the weights on both sides.
This may sound like a downside but first of all, in terms of safety, this makes it so there is an extra step before falling plates. Additionally, the Bowflex models require you to adjust each side separately so the Ativafit can be just as fast.
Winner: Ativafit
Material
The models from both adjustable dumbbell brands are a combination between plastic and steel. However, to what extent each material has been used is a bit different.
In the case of the Bowflex models, plastic tends to be a bit more common. This has the upside of being quieter and not scratching surfaces as much. However, plastic tends to be bulkier and less durable.
The adjustable dumbbells from Ativafit tend to make more use of metal, especially the 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) model. The advantages and disadvantages of this are the opposite of the Bowflex models.
Whether you prefer softer sounds and fewer scratches or a compacter and more durable dumbbell are somewhat of a personal preference thing. However, when it comes to working out, most people prefer the latter combination.
Winner: Ativafit
Price and availability
The prices of these two brands will vary over time but at the time of writing, in dollars per pound, the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells are a good amount lower than the Bowflex models.
Additionally, Bowflex is a more popular brand when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. These tend to run out of stock faster than the Ativafit models (when it comes to unused models).
That being said, the differences when it comes to this are currently not that large. Depending on what features you value, both adjustable dumbbell brands can be worth it.
Lowest Price: Ativafit
User reviews
Generally, looking at the differences in features offers an objective comparison. Sometimes it can be helpful to check out the specific reviews too. Brands do not always deliver on their promises.
That being said, in the case of the Ativafit and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, the reviews are generally really positive.
The one thing you have to keep in mind is that adjustable dumbbells are not perfect. In basically all models of this type of fitness equipment, there are sometimes mentions of falling plates or switching mechanisms that stop functioning. Sometimes due to suboptimal usage of the dumbbells.
Ativafit and Bowflex are no different. There are a few cases of weight plates dropping involuntary and switching mechanisms that stop working.
At the time of writing, the reviews for the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are slightly more positive. Even so, users are generally very happy with the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells too.
Are the Ativafit or Bowflex adjustable dumbbells right for you?
Which of these two models is the best adjustable dumbbell for you ultimately depends on things like what your budget is, how strong you are, and what muscles you want to focus on.
If you need up to 90 lbs (40.8 kg) to train your muscles you likely just need to choose the Bowflex SelectTech 1090. If 71.5 lbs (32.4 kg) is enough, the Ativafit model of that weight can save you a good amount of money and bulkiness.
For weight lower than that, the question is mainly how much you value smaller weight increments vs price and sturdiness.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is better for progressing in strength with muscles that can lift less than 25 pounds (11.3 kg). If you don’t mind paying a little extra for this, the Bowflex models could be the best choice.
On the other hand, the Ativafit models tend to be slightly cheaper, compacter, and sturdier but with no mention of a warranty. Another great option when it comes to adjustable dumbbells.
