41kg per dumbbell, 17 increments: Bowflex’s premium home-gym pick

Yes, the Bowflex Unisex 1090i Single Adjustable Dumbbell is worth buying if you want a premium, space-saving strength solution and can justify the £300 price. At the current all-time low of £300, it undercuts its £399 RRP by 25% and brings a serious 4–41 kg range into a single compact footprint.

First impressions

The 1090i is aimed squarely at home training where space matters. One dumbbell replaces 17 pairs, so you get a full rack’s worth of loading options without filling a UK spare room or garage with iron. The black/grey/red finish looks purposeful rather than flashy, and the dial-based adjustment system is the main selling point: twist, lift, and change load in seconds.

What do you actually get for £300?

Each dumbbell runs from 4 kg to 41 kg in 17 fine increments, which is a much broader ceiling than many adjustable rivals. That makes it suitable for presses, rows, squats, deadlifts, lunges and curls, not just isolation work. The balanced handle and compact shape are designed to keep the dumbbell manageable as the weight climbs, while the coated plates and storage cradles are intended to reduce clank and floor contact.

The JRNY app trial is a useful extra rather than the core reason to buy. Two months of guided workouts and trainer-led coaching may help newer lifters stay consistent, but the hardware is the real value here.

How does it perform in training?

For progressive overload, the 1090i’s quick dial system is the standout feature. Being able to change weights in seconds matters if you train with supersets, drop sets or short rest periods. That speed is especially useful in a home gym, where time efficiency often matters as much as raw load.

The 41 kg top end is the key differentiator. Compared with Bowflex’s own SelectTech 552 at 2–24 kg for £171.99, the 1090i is the more serious training tool for compound lifts and long-term progression. It also compares well against the BRAINGAIN 15 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbells 24kg Pair at £219.99, because the Bowflex offers a much higher ceiling and a more established 4.7/5 rating from 9,609 reviews.

Build quality and practicality

The 1090i’s appeal is not just load range; it is the sense that it has been engineered for regular use. The ergonomic handle and compact size support a wide range of movements, and the storage cradle system helps keep the setup tidy. For flat dwellers, shared houses and garages that double as storage, that matters.

The main caution is that adjustable dumbbells are always a compromise versus fixed pairs. You are buying convenience and space efficiency, not the same bombproof feel or instant two-dumbbell workflow you get from a full commercial rack. Also, the product data here only gives one price point, so there is no evidence of price volatility beyond the current all-time low of £300.

Is it good value for money?

At £300, the 1090i is not cheap, but it is fairly priced for what it does. The 25% saving versus the £399 RRP is meaningful, and the current price matching the lowest ever recorded makes this a sensible buying point. If you only need up to 24 kg, the cheaper 552 is better value. If you want a more capable long-term home-gym dumbbell that can cover heavy pressing and lower-body accessory work, the 1090i earns its keep.

Who should look at alternatives?

If you are building a budget setup and don’t need 41 kg per hand, the £171.99 SelectTech 552 is the obvious alternative. If you want a pair of adjustable dumbbells rather than a single unit, BRAINGAIN’s 24 kg pair at £219.99 may suit better. But if your priority is one premium adjustable that can replace a large dumbbell rack, the 1090i is the stronger buy.

Final verdict

The Bowflex 1090i is a premium adjustable dumbbell that makes sense for serious home training, especially at £300 and at its all-time low. It is best for lifters who value load range, speed of adjustment and space savings over bargain pricing. The main downside is simple: if you do not need the 41 kg top end, you are paying for capability you may never use.