In-depth review
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Review (2026)
A full review of the Bowflex SelectTech 840: dial adjustment, weight range, handle, and limits, assessed for small home gyms.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Six kettlebells in one dial: 8 to 40 lb in seconds, for flats and small home gyms.
Our verdict
The SelectTech 840 is the adjustable kettlebell to buy for most small home gyms. Six weights in one dial, fast changes, and a compact body solve the space problem completely. The limits are real: 40 lb caps heavy training, and the dial mechanism must not be dropped. Within those limits, it is the most practical kettlebell in this guide.
What we like
- Dial adjustment covers 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb in one unit, so warm-ups, technique work, and heavy swings all come from a single footprint.
- Weight changes take seconds by turning the dial, which suits circuit training and households where two people train at different weights.
- Composite shell and compact 8.8 by 7 by 12.5 inch body store on a shelf, and the 28mm handle suits a wide range of hand sizes.
What to watch out for
- Dial mechanism and composite shell do not suit dropping, so it must be set down with care, unlike a solid iron bell.
- Maximum weight of 40 lb limits strong lifters, who will outgrow it for heavy swings and need a fixed bell as well.
- Balance and handle feel differ from a traditional bell, which matters for high-rep snatch and clean technique.
Who it is for
Flat dwellers, small home gyms, and households sharing one bell across different strength levels.
Adjustment and range
The dial covers 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb, which spans warm-ups through solid working sets for most lifters. Changes take seconds, so circuits and shared households work smoothly: one person finishes at 35 lb, the next dials down to 12 lb without swapping bells. The gaps between weights are sensible for general training, though sport lifters used to 4 kg jumps may notice the steps.
Feel and handle
Composite construction feels different from iron: slightly bulkier, less dense, and with a different balance point. The 28mm handle suits most hands and two-handed swings, but high-rep snatch technique feels different from a steel competition bell. For general strength and conditioning this matters little; for sport training it matters more.
Durability and limits
The dial mechanism is the weak point: it must be set down with care and never dropped, unlike a solid iron bell. The 40 lb cap means strong lifters will eventually need a fixed bell for heavy swings. The 2-year warranty covers manufacturing faults, but dropping damage is a use issue rather than a warranty issue.
Who should skip it
Competition lifters and heavy swingers should buy fixed iron or steel bells. Garage lifters who drop bells should avoid dial mechanisms entirely. Everyone else with limited space should shortlist it first.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- One dial replaces six bells and saves a whole rack of space
- Weight changes take seconds, which suits circuits and shared use
- Compact body stores on a shelf rather than taking floor space
Common complaints
- Must be set down with care, as the dial mechanism cannot be dropped
- 40 lb ceiling limits strong lifters for heavy swings
- Balance and feel differ from a traditional iron bell
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Weight range
- 8 to 40 lb by dial (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 lb)
- Replaces
- 6 fixed kettlebells
- Handle
- 28mm diameter
- Dimensions
- 8.8 x 7 x 12.5 inches
- Warranty
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Also consider
REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell, 16 kg
A plate-loaded adjustable bell with a proper steel handle, for lifters who want iron feel and flexibility.
- Construction: Alloy steel with iron plates
- Model weight: 16 kg
Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell, 10-40 lb
Six cast-iron plates on one core: a compact adjustable bell that still feels like iron.
- Weight range: 10 to 40 lb
- Plates: 6 drop cast-iron plates, numbered 1 to 6
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the Bowflex 840 be dropped?
No. Dial mechanisms can be damaged by dropping, so the bell must be set down with care on a mat. Lifters who drop bells should buy a fixed iron bell instead.
Is 40 lb enough for serious training?
For most general training, yes, especially for presses, squats, and technique work. Heavy swing specialists will want a fixed bell above 40 lb as well.
Does it replace a full set?
For a small home gym, effectively yes: six weights cover warm-ups through working sets. Dedicated lifters may still add a heavy fixed bell later for swings.