How to Spot Fake/Copy Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Series 2 Dumbbells (see description for latest info)

UPDATE 10.10.2021: This video's information is now out-of-date and somewhat inaccurate. Visit my most recent knockoff versus OEM video: • Knockoff/Fake/Copy ver... for the latest information.
Cheers,
Average Joe
𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗝𝗢𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚, 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧:
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/ average_joe_innovation...
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/ averagejoeinnovationsllc
[𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗥: Bowflex®, SelectTech® trademarks are property of Nautilus®. Nautilus/Bowflex have had zero involvement with the development of AJI product upgrades. They aren't affiliated with AJI in any way, and AJI product upgrades are in no way endorsed by these companies.]

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

[CORRECTION 10/10/21: Hey guys, if you're watching this video some of the information about identifying knockoffs is now out-of-date. For the latest accurate information about knockoffs please check out my most recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5C0g3yvnpiNma8. And thanks for watching my videos! I hope you'll consider subscribing to my channel if you haven't already.

[@mjrj1388]

Great video, brutha! I almost got duped today into buying these KOs on the Facebook marketplace. I kept referring back to your video and their pictures and spotted all the differences that you point out. Also noticed that they conveniently have the red part with the logos facing away, but I can still see the "LL" from "DUMBELL." Since it's slim-pickings right now for weight equipment because of the pandemic, I was ready to drop $50 more than retail price on them.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Awesome, glad you found it helpful man. Knockoffs aren't inherently poor quality. Some are better than others. Even the OEM parts suffer from quality and consistency issues that I discuss in multiple videos. Hypothetically speaking, if there were enough buyers here in the States willing to pool their funds and do a group-buy, one could source a container load of decent quality knockoffs. At that scale...several hundred pairs of dumbbells...with shipping and tariffs, the landed price would probably be around $200-ish for a pair of 552s and maybe $300ish for a pair of 1090s. Well below the OEM retail for those dumbbells. Keep in mind that does not include shipping onward to individual people. Technically, that's going on right now as I write. Someone is importing LCL or full containers of knock-offs. But....and here's the difference...they're selling them to middlemen who then resell them on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist at massive markups. I have zero doubt the ones you saw on FBM were sourced in precisely this manner.

[@sinerge2832]

The essential question is do the knockoffs perform as well? If so, the difference don't matter.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Yes and no, David. From a technical perspective, you're correct. Similar materials, similar design, similar performance...it's poh-tay-toh, poh-tah-toh. But, some people prefer to know. Especially if they care about authenticity if only for the sake of it, or if they're paying a premium for it. The same applies to goods in every market.

[@TheTNmusic]

This is how people should make videos on KZbin. Very good!!!

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Ha! Thanks man. Of course I don't have the cool intros, outros, sound tracks, etc. Dumbbell repair videos rank about the same as cleaning a dryer lint filter in terms of entertainment. :-)

[@wynnfarmfam]

Hey, great vid! Finding it and your others very informative. I am just getting into starting a home gym and looking at buying a legit set of the 552s. I'm thinking about getting them new on amazon but would be up for suggestions or if you think they aren't the best for starts please let me know. Do you have recommendations on a bench, floor padding or any other gym hardware? Really appreciate your time and I'll be watching through your other vids also.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi John, I'm always hesitant to endorse particular products. My only direct experience with adjustable dumbbells is that I've owned and used SelectTechs and Powerblocks. So I have limited first-hand insight. Same goes for other equipment. And I'm not a big fan of KZbin reviews from people who briefly use and compare products. I'm not interested in someone's opinion after only a couple minutes or hours using a product....other than the first impression value. Beyond that I find those reviews unhelpful. What I would suggest is trying out a couple of these products locally if you can just to hold them, sit on them, etc. After all, your opinion is what matters most. Then, as far as answering your long-term durability questions...seek out reviews by people who have extensive experience with a product. Some of the folks posting on YT have been using specific equipment for years. they'll understand the long-term pros and cons. I happen to know BF SelectTechs inside and out., and Powerblocks about the same. So my worldview is limited. I think they're both relatively decent products with clear shortcomings and benefits. They both have a fan base. And both leave room for improvement. See if you can find some locally to try...even if you just go check out a set on Craigslist to see them in person. What works for some random reviewer online who posted a glowing review, may not work for you. And good luck with your search man....I hope you find a set that works for you.

[@jorgegarcia20461]

Where do you get the kits from mine has the plastic disks and one broke

[@youngd7309]

thank u for all the info, ive seen fake ones on facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, great comparison

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Glad you found it helpful Young D. Something to keep in mind...not all knockoffs are created equal. Quality varies from one manufacturer to the next, and it seems several are pumping out knockoffs of the 552 Series 2 and 1090 by the thousands. Heck, you can even get the Series 2 nowadays in colors such as blue, purple, yellow, orange and green.

[@youngd7309]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC different colors wow, people in this day and age will do everything just to make money, thank god u are here to show the difference, thank u so much, god bless

[@andrewtobias51]

Are they similar enough for part intercompatibility? Woukd you be able to repair your knockoffs with Bowflex parts? (Asking because it seems to be relatively easy to find Bowflex parts on eBay.)

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Andrew, I can't say that it would be universally true. There are far too many knockoff manufacturers and even the OEM parts sometimes don't fit as well as they should. I own several of both. Discs, dials, shafts, handles and such are fairly safe bets. Crossbars, locking pins, screws, springs, washers, etc get a bit more iffy. Worst case find a seller who is willing to give some sort of refund if their part isn't compatible. Even with my own kits I can't claim 100% compatibility with every SelectTech. Boy I wish I could. I'd love to have 100% satisfaction. But the reality is I'll always encounter a few percent of dumbbells/components that just aren't like the rest.

[@Broldak]

just bought a two set of knockoffs when i bought a single dumbbell the other day for the same price of $300 CAD and returned it from a local store. trying both, they seem very similar and feel very similar when using. even when having been used from the facebook marketplace, they seem very good. price is the same i paid for just one, so for a set of two and being a knockoff, i actually very much see it as a win.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi again, Broldak. They are basically the same thing, though not all knockoff manufacturers deliver the same level of quality. Some knockoffs are easily as good as OEM. And some OEM parts seem a bit on the cheap side, like the newest 552 Series 2 base which is nothing like its better-built predecessor. The primary difference is that the knockoffs are all based on an older version of the 552 Series 2. At some point, Bowflex tweaked the handle design a little here and there, but none of the knockoff manufactures appear to have followed suit. They just continue to make the older version of the handle, and some make the newer version of the weight plates. The handle parts are somewhat interchangeable. Still, they are basically the same thing. If you can get 2 for the price of 1, that's a decent deal.

[@09kingvargas]

I’ve seen some on offer up. Selling the ones branded “dumbbell”. I know they are knock offs but have you ever used them? They are similar weight to the 1090 bowflex

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

I own a pair that has been used for testing my 1090 kit over in China, but I haven't personally used them yet. I own an OEM pair here in the States. I've only been told second-hand that the quality of that specific knock-off from that manufacturer is decent. The most noticeable difference was the poor locking pin quality. The quality is less about whether a product is OEM or knock-off and more about the specific manufacturer and the decisions that manufacturer makes as far as materials, production, QA, etc. Merry Christmas Anthony!

[@Gryphoon94]

Great vid! Just wondering if the knockoffs weigh in correctly as stated? For example, does 25 lbs actually weigh 25 lbs

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi PF, the short answer is no, not really. Not down to the ounce anyway. A very small % of people over the past couple years have claimed that theirs are off by as much as 5-8lbs per handle. I've not personally experienced that and I own several pairs of OEM and knockoffs. Mine are all within +/- a pound...most even less than that.

[@skepticalplatypus55]

Great video. Can you make a similar video for the 1090s?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Thanks man....do you mean a "how to spot a fake" video? The most obvious 1090 fakes have 1) the white locking pins and buttons, and 2) the logos on the crossbars. OEM has the Bowflex logo. Fakes generally have no logo or something funky such as "dumbbell" on them. I kid you not. I'm willing to bet I've seen maybe 0.0001% of the fakes out there. As I encounter more info I'll definitely publish a video with the latest insight. Happy New Year man!

[@campar1043]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC do the authentic 1090s also have Alan style screws?

[@pedroikkan]

What about quality? I'm looking for a video that compares the Bowflex vs Chinese to see if it is really worth buying the bowflex or not.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Pedro, I can certainly make a comparison video in the coming weeks. But I can sum it up here for you as well. They're about the same quality overall. Copying the OEM BF design is a bit like copying the test answers off of the C student sitting next to you in class. At best you're going to end up with a C. One could perform a detailed analysis and actually test the metals and plastics to determine if some of these knockoff manufacturers are using even cheaper materials than the already relatively cheap materials of the OEM product. But there's a reason that the OEM 52.5lb/24kg dumbbells retail for $349 and the 90lb/40kg retail for just $749. You're not going to make a premium pair of adjustable dumbbells for a few hundred dollars...just not going to happen. To be fair...this is why many of the dumbbells from other brands in the same price range also tend to rely heavily on plastics and cheaper metals. The most obvious difference (to me) between OEM and knockoffs is the performance of the locking pins. For whatever reason, the knockoffs tend to have more issues with the locking pins getting jammed/stuck open. I've had it happen with OEM, only less frequently. And the biggest challenge with making any quality claims in a comparison video is that there is no single knockoff manufacturer. There are many. So any claims about the quality of one knockoff versus OEM may not apply to other knockoffs. Worse, OEM quality itself isn't reliably consistent. Is one worth buying over another? To me they've been about the same quality and performance. The real difference is in whatever level and length of support/warranty/guarantee the seller provides should something break. Buying from a local seller/retailer means no shipping cost for the original purchase and potentially no back and forth shipping costs (or lost time) in the event that you need a replacement part. Good luck in your search! Any other questions shoot an email to [e-mail]. I'm not on KZbin frequently enough to answer questions in a timely fashion.

[@benlim1562]

Hi Joe.. where is your Part 2? I remembered I watched it once but now couldn't find it anymore?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Heya Ben, I moved it to "private" recently in preparation for a newer upcoming video about fakes based on more recent, more accurate info. I didn't want to cause confusion since the information in that video is out-of-date and, as I have come to realize, partly inaccurate.

[@Sbeved]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC Thank you for being at the forefront of this fascinating niche. I've bought some fakes myself and am excited to see how they line up with your observations and analysis!

[@benlim1562]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC Hi Joe, thanks for that. Your video is great and really helpful. I am ok with copies without putting on the brand name but I really cannot stand those outright fake with brand name on it. Hope to see your video soon!

[@toddharrison6130]

I bought a set of knock offs and need replacement disc's, is there a way of telling if they are series 1 vs series 2?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Absolutely, Todd. Here's Series 1 versus Series 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTPdYegap2YjLc

[@libertyIsAll132]

are fakes significantly dangerous ? or the anti-fall system of the discs is pretty good thought ?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hey X, fakes aren't inherently dangerous. In fact, they generally perform similarly to OEM...because they've copied the design for better or for worse. I've even encountered fakes that seem slightly better than OEM....but oftentimes they aren't branded in such a way that you can identify the specific knock-off manufacturer. I'm not really a fan of any of the current methods used by any of the adjustable dumbbell manufacturers. I can understand their design choices...I just don't agree with them. They've all managed to create relatively delicate designs that are meant primarily for light home/prosumer use. I haven't encountered a single design that's up to the challenge of surviving heavy use in a commercial gym. I'm hoping to change that with my own design...but, frankly, that's a major undertaking with no guarantee that I'll succeed. After all, there are more than a dozen different adjustable dumbbell mechanisms on the market today so it isn't as if others before me haven't tried. Still, I plan to give it a shot in 2021.

[@tradergodx256]

Thank you

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

My pleasure. I hope the video was helpful. My KZbin channel covers just about every imaginable topic related to repairing, upgrading and troubleshooting SelectTechs.

[@heymanhaha]

Your favourite and most recommended adjustable dumbells out there?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

That's a tough one. There are quite a few adjustable dumbbells with which I have no first-hand experience at all. There are a couple I'd like to try (NUO Flexbell and Core) if only to see if the beauty is only skin deep. I'm fairly confident every single adjustable currently on the market is fairly delicate. They're not going to take the abuse of an ordinary dumbbell. Not that we should be abusing the dumbbells anyway. But I am of the mind that these dumbbells should be a lot more durable than they are today. One of the reason I plan to tackle my own design in 2021. Not sure if I will come up with anything better, but I am going to try. Merry Christmas!

[@heymanhaha]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC thank you. 🎄💚🙏🔥

[@BigEth17]

Hi, I just bought a used pair of Bowflex 552 Series 1 dumbbells with a stand. All of the letters are in red and the end caps have the word "Bowflex" written in red. Everything else seems authentic. Have you seen series 1 dumbbells with red letters before? Thank you!

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi BigEth...all Series 1 have red selector dials with red numbers. It's Series 2 (in the video above) that has white dials/numbers. Hope that helps man. Happy New Year!

[@BigEth17]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC thanks for the reply! Is there any way I can send you a photo of the dumbbells that I have? Not only are all the numbers red but the letters are red as well. The stand matches the style of the dumbbells. I can't find a set of Bowflex dumbbells on the internet that look exactly like these. I do think they are authentic but maybe they are the very first version of series 1 dumbbells? Also, all of the weights are imprinted with little nautilus symbols, as well as a number of parts of the dumbbell handles. There are even nautilus symbols hidden in parts of the dumbbell that you only would see once you take it apart. Thanks again!

[@surferper1336]

For 150 dollars extra that the bowflex costs to the copies, do you recommend them?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hey Surfer. OEM and knockoffs are made in China. I don't say that as a negative. I mention it so you know it isn't like one is made in the States and the other isn't. There are definitely more than a few knockoff manufacturers. Exactly how many I do not know. Not all knockoffs are created equal. But my experience has taught me that not all OEM are equal either. I own a couple different knockoffs in addition to all of the OEM SelectTechs except the 220. The PROs: you'll save a little cash from the start. They're not remarkably different from OEM. They have all the same design benefits and flaws as OEM. In some cases they've virtually indistinguishable from OEM except for the logos. The CONs: Seller support varies. To 99.99% of the guys importing these dumbbells, it's just another product to sell. Most of them don't know diddly about the dumbbell beyond what they might have read/seen in a review. Some do actually use the product themselves. You're not going to get the 2-3-ish year warranty that BF provides. Of course BF's warranty is of questionable value. It depends on what broke, how it broke and whether BF decides to honor the warranty under those circumstances. You'll have to decide if the extra 150 is worth it to you. Like I said, I own OEM as well as knockoffs from 3 different suppliers and I wouldn't say any one is significantly better than the others.

[@abumuad]

Will ur kits work with generic adjustable dumbbells?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Yousif. If you mean SelectTech knockoffs/copies, yes. If you mean adjustable dumbbells in general, no. Many different designs on the market.

[@nickduke959]

The most important question, knock off or not. Are the knock offs still good quality? Do they work just as well as the original or close to it?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hiya Nick, I'd agree with that. By now you may have seen my replies to similar questions/comments from others elsewhere in the comments section here. One thing I would caution against is thinking that all knockoffs are created equal. They can vary in quality and materials from one manufacturer to the next. Oftentimes in subtle ways that make it a pain in the butt to use one knockoffs parts with another knockoff, or with OEM. I just published a video a couple days ago showing a locking pin button from one of the knockoffs I own that's different enough from the rest that it isn't a direct fit. The vast majority of resellers outside of China don't know the manufacturer of their knockoffs because they're dealing with middlemen/resellers from within China who sell through Alibaba, Taobao, etc. So you really won't have any straightforward way of knowing which is which.

[@artsim5977]

Where do you buy the copies?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Art. All over the place. You'll see them on Amazon, eBay, Craigslist and international sites such as Alibaba Express, Taobao and T-Mall. Quality varies from one knockoff manufacturer to the next. But then again quality varies within the OEM as well.

[@Michael-ul6ln]

Hey great video. I have authentic dumbells but am missing the baseplates for them. Would you know if a fake baseplate will work with an authentic dumbell?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Heya Michael, I don't see why not. There will always be the occasional parts that just don't fit quite right, no matter if you source the parts from authentic dumbbells or knockoffs. But I've not yet had any trouble with the interchangeability of bases.

[@ericespiritusanto6251]

There’s someone selling me once of their rebranded ones. He has them for 320$. Should I go for it ? Facebook market place. He said I can try them and open them

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hey Eric, my opinion about knock-offs (and OEM) boils down to this... 1. no two knockoffs (or OEM) are created equal. Quite a few different manufacturers out there pumping these things out like candy. 2. though quality can vary, they're all in about the same ballpark...meaning nothing stands out as having exceptionally good or poor quality. 3. in the video I am about to publish in a few minutes you'll see that the parts aren't necessarily perfectly interchangeable. If you ever need a part to replace something that has broken, the replacement part may or may not fit correctly. This is equally true of OEM and knockoffs. During these Covid times, $320 isn't bad for a pair of 552-style dumbbells. Slightly less than ordinary OEM retail. Just keep in mind that a vast majority of private sellers don't provide any sort of warranty or support. Of course, BF support isn't anything to write home about either so take that with a grain of salt. The biggest factor is whether you'll even like them. And if there are any issues with them. Don't be afraid to pull them out of their boxes and test to make sure the locking pins are working properly, look over the discs and make sure none of them are starting out defective/cracked, and cycle through all of the weight settings to make sure plates are secure when you pull the handle out of the base. If you set the handle on 40, say, and pull it from the base and you can easily wiggle the largest plate off the handle...that's a problem with a disc right out of the gate. Good luck man.

[@ericespiritusanto6251]

Thank you!

[@ericespiritusanto6251]

I met if with the guy and asked him to just give me one which is how he advertised it. He said he couldn’t. Said that he has to sell both. He continues telling me that he sold hundreds of them but I told him that’s not something I can see and prove. He said when I want both to come see him

[@marcuselderkin4478]

Were can I buy a kit?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Marcus, if you head on over to www.averagejoeinnovations.com you'll find product, pricing, and ordering info along with some FAQs and more. And if you have any other questions my email is there as well. Thanks for inquiring!

[@pfc4688]

Could it be some licessing from the company aswell?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi, PFC. Judging by the number of knockoff companies named in the lawsuit that Bowflex filed last year to take one last bite out of the patent apple, I don't think they licensed to anyone. They probably should have for the licensing revenue alone.

[@nibblenibblenomnom]

Hi Joe, Can you make a video for how to spot fake 1090's?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

I can, but it really wouldn't require an entire video about it. The short answer with the 1090s is this: 1) knockoffs almost always have white locking pins and/or locking pin buttons AND 2) they'll have no logos at all, or logos/names other than Bowflex. There's a caveat: what is an actual fake versus a white labeled product? Since we don't know if Nautilus has any agreements in place with 3rd parties to privately brand the SelectTech, it is difficult to know if, for example, the Hurk brand is a knockoff or just white labeled. One thing does seem fairly certain....if the crossbars have the word "dumbbell" on them, they're likely knockoffs.

[@nibblenibblenomnom]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC Thank you Joe. I was referring to this video to compare my 1090's with but there were a few things that stood out. 1) The screws by the handles are Philips and not hex as shown in your 552's. Not sure if these were supposed to be the same or this is normal 2) My 1090's doesn't have a glossy sticker like shown in your cap removal video, it's a matte finish cap 3) The dial is somewhat harder to move, not as smooth as the 552's I have.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

@@nibblenibblenomnom Up until late Fall 2020 I mistakenly believed that Allen vs Phillips was a sign of authenticity. I attribute that to the relatively small number of SelectTechs I had seen up to that point (fewer than 1500 pairs of the likely millions out there). It was roundabout November 2020 when I realized I had it all wrong. Bowflex definitely used both Allen and Phillips at various points in its product lifecycles, and in different regional markets around the world. So you will find authentic Series 1, Series 2 and 1090 with Allen and Phillips. But...and this is important...knockoff manufacturers only ever copied the Phillips version. I've yet to see an Allen-screw equipped knockoff. I've seen several different OEM and knockoff gloss and matte end caps over the years. To-date, authentic caps always include the Bowflex/Nautilus logos. I've not yet seen a logo-less end cap on an authentic dumbbell unless its owner bought a non-OEM replacement cap. In contrast, knockoff (or possibly white label) versions of the SelectTechs are either blank or have a logo other than BF/N. The dial issue may be any of a number of things....but I can tell you authenticity doesn't necessarily guarantee smooth operation. One can easily have a difficult-to-turn dial on an OEM SelectTech. I would recommend that you take a look at my brand new video for testing/troubleshooting kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6fTo4igfrB2qcU and use that process of elimination to identify the underlying issue. If you need further assistance please shoot me an email at [e-mail] and allow a day or two to get back to you. Thanks man.

[@nibblenibblenomnom]

Wow thank you so much for this detailed reply Joe! If one were to send you videos for reference, can we send it to you via FB messenger on your page?

[@JohnSmith-ks7fv]

Hi, I saw one for sale but instead of the red bar, it's grey. Is it still legit or is it fake?

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

It depends on if you saw a 552 Series 1 or 2. Series 1s are grey. Series 2s are red. A grey Series 2 would be a knockoff. Here's a look at Series 1 and 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTPdYegap2YjLc

[@JohnSmith-ks7fv]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC wasn't aware there was a 1 and 2. It appears to be a series 1. I saw a pair of them on FB market for $200 but every picture I saw was red. Thanks. Anything I should be aware of with series 1 that might be a problem? (Besides possible drops)

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

@@JohnSmith-ks7fv Here's an older guide for buying used SelectTechs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ol68d556l7F-gM0 It's a bit lengthy, but if I recall I covered most of the important things to look for. And if you browse the list of videos on my channel you'll find all sorts of other SelectTech-related content.

[@JohnSmith-ks7fv]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC thanks. I'll make sure to check those out if I meet up with the seller.

[@campar1043]

the screws on my 1090s are black phillips not alan, but the teeth are wide and close like the authentic and the locking pin is black so now im confused lol

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Heya Cam. It's not that unusual. Yours may simple be from a period roundabout when Bowflex began making changes years ago. There's no science behind the information in this video. It's just what I've observed to-date based on a teeny tiny fraction of customers out of the likely millions that own these dumbbells. I have a customer in the UK who owns a 552 Series 2 pair that's a mix of older and newer parts. Shipped to him that way straight from Bowflex years ago. His two handles are different. One is the older style and one the newer as if Bowflex was just using up parts during some transitional period. I published a newer version of this fake versus OEM video that hopefully clears up some of the confusion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5C0g3yvnpiNma8 In a nutshell, if your 1090s have Bowflex logos, they're very likely authentic.

[@campar1043]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC thank you

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

​@@campar1043 Any time man. Down the road the easiest way to get a hold of me with questions is at [e-mail]. I may not reply as quickly as I'd like, but I will reply. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, happy holidays and all that good stuff. Stay safe.

[@campar1043]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC thank you and likewise

[@norxcontacts]

There's a paid ad on youtube selling these for $62.50 with free shipping. I was like there is no way, they are $400 retail.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Heya MC, are you referring to the knockoff versions of the 552? By chance did you follow the ad link? I'm curious who is behind it. A few thoughts come to mind... First, that would have to be a single dumbbell price at a bare minimum. There's no way someone is legit importing and selling pairs of knockoffs shipped for free for $62.50. As it is, I'd be shocked if they can do $62.50 for just one. Ocean freight (which is the only way these guys are importing) is up about 300% in cost since June 2020. They'd have trouble pulling this feat off at 2020 rates....at 2021 rates, something is fishy. Lastly, I'd wonder if they're using this ad as a way to generate capital to make a purchase they've not made yet. There is an excellent chance they have zero inventory at the moment, and that the plan is to attract as many buyers as possible (using lower than dirt cheap prices) for a bulk order with hopes that they can hit whatever magic number they believe will pull this off. There's no way the folks behind such an ad will sell and ship a boxed 52.5lb single dumbbell in the States for $62.50 and not end up deep in the red. Not even Walmart can pull that off at its volume levels.

[@norxcontacts]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC Yeah, it screamed scam, they used stock bowflex photos. Here's the link I followed off YT. www.jeloow.com/products/bowflex-selecttech-552-adjustable-dumbbells-pair?gclid=CjwKCAjww-CGBhALEiwAQzWxOvqGo_hlPo_rtjAua6qcJiMDjF2NkQLC1pvTlK6gBnZf5-l2aIqGVhoC-nYQAvD_BwE

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

@@norxcontacts Thanks for the link. Several things jump right out at me after less than a minute browsing that website. I wouldn't touch that with a hundred foot pole. These are the two most amusing things (among many): First, you can enter anything you want as an address in their shopping cart. You say you live at 12 Main Crater in East Moonbeam, Mars 12345? Go for it. It's not authenticating anything at all because it's a bogus cart. They were too lazy to fake simple address and phone authentication. Second, the pricing for a pair shipped "free" is about the same as the cost in China for a pair before you ship them anywhere, including within mainland China. The site is filled with the sort of stupidity I've come to expect from today's lazy scammer wannabes. Glad you recognized it for what it is.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

@@norxcontacts What's most disturbing is that this is indicative of the way KZbin, Facebook, Instagram and others operate. They're allowing easy ad placement with virtually no vetting. They're raking in ad revenue from scammy sources and pointing to fine print and inconsistently enforced internal policies to cover their butts.

[@rickyleetv194]

Great video bro! Thank you.

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hope it helped you, Ricky. Basically I haven't really seen a knockoff with BF logos on it...nothing that I could definitely prove was a knockoff. I've seen some that I thought *might* be knockoffs, but they just turned out to be older OEM versions that aren't sold any more. Even current knockoffs are based on older OEM versions that aren't sold any more. When BF updated their designs, the knockoff manufacturers didn't do the same. So you can feel 99% confident if it has BF or Nautilus logos on the handles, end caps, base, crossbars, etc it's likely authentic.

[@kyleboone5980]

Am I the only one who notices the different numbers on the knockoff dials. I can't find anything online about this. I already ordered them and now I'm concerned

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi Kyle, what you're seeing is metric (kg) versus standard (lbs). The knockoffs are based on an actual older OEM international version of the SelectTech that was sold outside the U.S. years ago. All the knockoffs I've seen so far have been metric. If you're accustomed to thinking in pounds, just multiply the numbers by 2.2. I hope that clears it up for you.

[@perfectochico]

I had no idea that they made fake "weights"...

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hi P, Any time any product gains enough popularity, somebody out there decides to copy it. Either a carbon copy or at least a heavily influenced. Doesn't matter if it's sunglasses, handbags or dumbbells. The crazy part about these copies is that they're made in the same country as the OEM version. So the materials, quality, etc are basically the same. Crazy, I know.

[@nicksenseitv4922]

if you're on the Budget just go with the fake one's. its almost similar. no need to buy branded if you cannot afford it.

[@leonhunter1839]

Thank you.......all I care about is quality

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Yes, I would agree here. I own the complete line of "authentic" SelectTechs (S1, S2, 1090 and 560) in addition to two pairs of knockoffs (S2 and 1090). I find the build quality of a decent knockoff to be comparable to OEM.

[@praisetinungki]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC Where did you buy knock off 1090's? Great videos btw! Thanks!

[@tesla4002]

Damn. Just got ripped out

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hey Tesla, possibly, but not necessarily. This is an older video and I've learned quite a bit more since Nov 2020. I need to make a newer video with the most up-to-date info. In a nutshell, today's knockoffs look the way they do because they're based on an actual OEM version of the Series 2 that existed at some point in the distant past, primarily outside the U.S. And while Bowflex made a bunch of minor changes since then, the knockoffs do not appear to have incorporated any of those changes. Once they knocked off the design they stuck with it. So...it is entirely possible for you to own an older OEM version of the Series 2 that is the exact style the knockoffs later ripped off. If yours has Bowflex logos on it....it is very likely not a knockoff. When I have some time I'll make a video with up-to-date info so folks don't get misled by my outdated speculation.

[@tesla4002]

@@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC the only difference is the Phillips screws on my set and of was missing

[@S1ngula1rity]

Are the copies bad? You make all these comparisons but provide no input on if a copied version like the one you have is a good or pad purchase. No substance

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

The video title and intent is "how to spot a fake". This was not a performance/quality comparison. However, you will find my replies to two other similar questions about quality here in the comments section. If you're interested in insight about quality, read my replies to Pedro and Leon. Any other questions feel free to write to me at [e-mail] and I'll reply as time permits.

[@leonhunter1839]

WTF...... IS THE QUALITY 🤬

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Hey Leon..not sure what you mean. The quality of a knock-off, no matter what the product, varies from one manufacturer to the next. In fact, the quality of OEM often varies without adequate oversight and controls. Unfortunately two people can buy knockoffs and have completely different experiences with (and opinions of) the product, and never realize they're comparing components made by two completely different manufacturers.