We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
If you’ve been eyeing a pair of Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells, or maybe need to replace your old set with some of the best adjustable dumbbells on the market, we urge you to read on, because we’ve found a dupe that is oftentimes on sale for less than the 552s and is—dare we say—a better-value purchase.
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are a more budget-friendly dupe for the Bowflex SelectTech 552s and are offered at a higher weight with a more compact design.
The 66-pound Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are great for both beginners and experienced lifters and would be a wonderful addition to your home workouts. They have a good build quality and come with durable weight plates and an adjustment mechanism to settle on your desired weight.
In this Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell review, I will discuss everything from design to user experience and will compare these dumbbells to their rival. Let’s dive in.
We’ve Tested Many Adjustable Dumbbells
At Garage Gym Reviews, we personally test products to write honest reviews to help people choose fitness equipment that is best for their home gym. Our team is composed of CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, Olympic athletes, and other experts who provide both scientific data and reliable opinions.
Many products on our site, including the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells, have been personally tested to provide an insider look and evaluate the pros and cons.
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
Product Highlights
- 12-in-1 adjustable weight set
- Compact design
- Solid storage trays
- Quick-adjusting features
- Made with durable materials
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Not much larger than an average shoebox
- Either side can adjust weight for both sides
- Award-winning Dial Tech feature for quick adjustments
- Double-layered base is reinforced for solid storage
Cons
- Shorter lifespan than conventional dumbbell set
- Only adjusts in 5-lb increments
Bottom Line
This set is a great option if you have a smaller budget and workout space, as it gives you a lot of variety at one set price and with minimal storage space needed. There aren’t a lot of pieces of gym equipment where you can get this much product in one small package.
A Quick Look at the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells
The word Ativafit was derived from the Portuguese word “ativa,” meaning active and “fit,” relating to a healthy body. Ativafit was founded to cultivate the founder’s interest in fitness equipment. Ativafit has patents for adjustable, compact dumbbells and their goal is to promote fitness to all people no matter where they are in the world.
Whether you’re looking to become a more experienced lifter or you simply want to find the best dumbbell workouts for weight loss, the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells might be for you.
There are many products on the market nowadays that are considered dupes for the Bowflex 552s, one of the best sets of adjustable dumbbells available; the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells are one of them. With a 66-pound weight capacity, quick-adjusting dial, and metal plates, these dumbbells hold their weight and offer more benefits than similar products on the market.
RELATED: Pepin FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review
Before You Buy
- Note that adjusting the weight takes two hands.
- These adjustable dumbbells start at 11 lbs and have a maximum weight of 66 lbs—keep this in mind if you need weights lighter than 11 lbs.
- These weights have a safety lock, which we think is a nice feature for adjustable dumbbells, but it will add a second or two onto your adjustment time.
Video Review
Are the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are a space-saving piece of gym equipment that you can incorporate into your strength training routine. These “dialtech Elites” are great for both beginners and more advanced lifters who are tight on space or want to consolidate their gym equipment. These dumbbells are quick-adjusting and safe with the included safety button.
Great for:
Not recommended for:
- Beginners who want an adjustable weight set
- Experienced lifters who want a high-quality adjustable dumbbell
- People with small home gyms
- People who do not want a safety button on their dumbbell
- People who want a weight increment with even numbers
- Those who want high-quality knurling
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell Specs
| Price | $599.98 (though often on sale for less than $400) |
| Dimensions | 16.3” D x 7.9″ W x 8.3″ H |
| Handle diameter | 4.5 cm (1.7”) |
| Handle length | 10.5 cm (4.1”) |
| Weight range | 11 to 66 lbs on each dumbbell |
| Adjustment Increments | 5 lbs (can be adjusted on either side) |
| Materials | Steel |
| Colors | Black |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Dial |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Protection plan | Can be added for 3 or 5 years |
Using the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
GGR founder Cooper Mitchell is an adjustable dumbbell aficionado and was excited to get his hands on these Ativafit dumbbells because of the buzz around them, particularly as a dupe to the Bowflex SelectTech 552s.
Spoiler alert: He likes them. A lot. Overall they feel more durable than the 552s and provide a lot of bang for the buck.
Coop likes the flat design and explained that it will allow people to feel comfortable while balancing the dumbbells on their thigh when going back for a bench press or shoulder press or in between reps.
When using the adjustment system to choose a different weight, Coop noted that you must first press the red safety button on both ends. Then, you can spin the dial and release the safety buttons once you reach your desired dumbbell weight. When turning the dial, Coop said that the click was nice and audible so you could easily know when you selected the next weight increment.
Let’s dive into the specifics.
Footprint, Portability, Durability, Construction, etc.
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are more compact compared to other products on the market. They are 16.3 inches long no matter the weight increment and have a cageless design. Being compact in length and diameter makes the dumbbells feel well-balanced.
These dumbbells are constructed from steel, making them extremely durable. They have both steel heads and dials, and the steel plates are laser-cut and welded together. There is plastic surrounding the metal discs, but Coop explains that having the metal rather than plastic discs is a “massive upgrade” from the Bowflex 552s. A metal construction will eliminate concerns about plastic dials cracking or causing plates to drop.
The handle is also metal with a rubber grip. It is not knurled, which Coop said some people may not like if they don’t use gloves. However, if you do use gloves, you’ll like the rubber. (If you want an adjustable dumbbell set with knurling, check out our NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells review for our thoughts on this piece of equipment).
A downside to the Ativafits is that the stand is plastic. Ativafit says that the stand has a better design with rigidity, so you won’t have to put much thought into placing the dumbbell on it. The dumbbell slides in and fits very well unlike other products that have to “shimmy” into place, says Coop.
The adjustment mechanism has a great build quality. You can adjust the dial on either end of the dumbbell to reach your desired weight. You must press the red button before and after doing so to make sure that the safety lock is disengaged. Coop likes this feature because it ensures that the weight plates are locked in, although it may be annoying to some who want to change weights quickly
Comparison to Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Replace 15 sets of weights
- Weights adjust from 5 to 52 lbs
- Extremely affordable at $329/pair
- Weight adjustments in 2.5-lb increments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Replace 15 sets of weights
- Weights adjust from 5 to 52 lbs
- Extremely affordable at $329/pair
- Weight adjustments in 2.5-lb increments
- One of the fastest changing dumbbells on the market
- Come with a stand
Cons
- Max weight is 52.5 pounds
- Wide footprint remains the same at any weight
- Not meant to be dropped
Bottom Line
If you want affordable adjustable dumbbells, the Bowflex pair are a great option. Although they don't get very heavy, they are a great option for beginners and those who do not need more than 52.5 lbs per hand.
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are what Coop calls “an upgraded, nearly fully metal Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell.” While they have many similarities to the Bowflex dumbbells, the Ativafit dumbbells have some advantages.
The Ativafit dumbbells are more compact with a length of 16.3 inches compared to the 16.9-inch length of Bowflex. Ativafit also has a higher maximum weight of 66 pounds compared to 52.5 pounds for Bowflex.
For people who want to have an adjustable dumbbell set that starts at 5 pounds, Bowflex will be more suitable for your needs. However, it’s much cheaper to buy a traditional dumbbell that’s 5 pounds rather than a 65-pound one. Also, Coop personally prefers to have a higher weight, so he likes the Ativafit set better than the SelectTech 552 dumbbells for this reason.
Ativafit also recently came out with adjustable dumbbells that have a maximum weight of 88 pounds, which is another great option.
Coop also compared the Ativafit dumbbells to the NordicTrack Dumbbells since they, unlike the Ativafit dumbbells, have knurled handles. He explained that those are some of his favorite dumbbells within a similar price range. If you want an expandable set, then you should consider PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells, but you have to decide whether or not you want a cage design.
Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 review to get Coop’s complete thoughts on this set.
| Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell DT1166 | Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | |
| Price | $599.98 (though often on sale for less than $400) | $429.00 |
| Dimensions | 16.3” D x 7.9″ W x 8.3″ H | 16.9” L x 8.3” W x 9” H |
| Weight range | 11 to 66 lbs in each dumbbell | 5 to 52.5 lbs in each dumbbell |
| Adjustment Increments | 5 lbs (can be adjusted on either side) | 2.5 lbs up to 25 lbs, then 5 lbs adjustments to 50 lbs, then one more 2.5 lbs adjustment |
| Materials | Steel | Plastic, metal |
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Adjustment mechanism | Dial | Dial |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Protection plan | Can be added for 3 or 5 years | N/A |
Customer Experience
Overall, Ativafit seems to provide a good customer experience. They currently do not accept returns but they will replace damaged products under their “1-Year Extended Guarantee.” They will also price-match within seven days of your purchase if the product you bought goes on sale.
Ativafit adjustable dumbbells have a two-year warranty, which can provide peace of mind to customers. You can also opt to buy a three- or five-year additional protection plan on your adjustable dumbbell set.
Ordering and Assembling the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
The ordering process should be fairly simple; you can purchase the adjustable dumbbell on the Ativafit website or from a third-party retailer like Amazon or Walmart. You can also purchase an additional protection plan for either three or five years.
There is no assembly process needed. Once the dumbbells arrive, unbox them, press the safety buttons, and turn the dial to select the weight that is best for you. Make sure the safety button is engaged before picking up your dumbbells and beginning your workout.
Customer Reviews
These dumbbells have a 4.9-star rating out of 5 stars on the Ativafit website from more than 800 reviews at the time of this writing. Many customers state that their dumbbells are of great quality, have a good value and design, and don’t take up much room.
One person recommends purchasing the stand so you can save your back from picking up all 66 pounds each time. Several people commented that the dumbbells are marked in kilograms instead of pounds, which is inconvenient for them.
Final Verdict of Our Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell Review
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells could be a great investment for your home gym, whether you’re a personal trainer or a beginner. They allow ease of use and space-saving benefits that are not found in traditional dumbbells, and provide more bang for your buck than the popular Bowflex SelectTech 552s. The two-year warranty also offers peace of mind for customers.
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell Rating
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
This Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell review will explain how this good-quality and budget-friendly dumbbell set may be a better value proposition than the Bowflex SelectTech 552s.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 599.98
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell FAQs
Is Ativafit a good brand?
Our experience with Ativafit is limited to its adjustable dumbbells, but so far our answer is yes. The Ativafit adjustable dumbbells are more budget-friendly compared to other products and provide good quality. Being made of steel, they are also more durable than more expensive alternatives.
Is an adjustable dumbbell set worth it?
For most people, absolutely. If you want to save space and money, and are interested in working out at home, adjustable dumbbells can be a great value proposition.
What is the disadvantage of adjustable dumbbells?
Ah, the comparison of adjustable dumbbells vs fixed. For one, adjustable dumbbells may be less durable than fixed dumbbells. You must spend time adjusting the weight rather than simply picking up a different traditional dumbbell. Lastly, adjustable dumbbells may not have as high of a maximum weight.
Further reading
Since 1974, NordicTrack has created innovative exercise equipment for the home gym crowd. The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is one of the most technologically-advanced bikes that the company has put out. In the past year, the S22i has received a facelift to include faster Wi-Fi connectivity, improved HD graphics, and enhanced automatic trainer control.The S22i impresses with expansive interactive programing, adjustability, and an inertia-enhanced flywheel to create a smooth riding, quality exercise bike. The NordicTrack S15i, the brand’s other indoor cycle bike in this line, has similar features to the S22i but has a smaller screen and fewer resistance levels.When I test exercise bikes, I consider the footprint, assembly, durability, and overall workout experience. In this NordicTrack S22i review, I’ll give you all the information on what I liked and what you should know if you’re considering buying it.My Favorite Things22” rotating HD touchscreenFree year membership to iFit24 digital resistance levelsOffers incline and decline trainingMy CalloutsNot easy to move solo (203 pounds and bulky)Pricey at around $2,000Time-consuming assembly with many partsPaid subscription required to use iFit Read more
Find out if we think this popular protein will stand the test of time in our MuscleTech Nitro Tech Review. Read more
Strength training for runners is critical for injury prevention, not to mention it brings the benefits of power and muscular endurance. Get started here. Read more
Check out my NordicTrack FS10i review to see if this innovative 3-in-1 machine is all it claims to be. Read more