The Bowflex SelectTech 840 consolidates six kettlebells into a single compact unit that maintains a consistent footprint regardless of weight selection. Shredded Dad found the dial adjustment system seamless, allowing rapid changes between sets with tactile confirmation for efficient circuit training. However, Men's Fitness noted the handle lacks an ergonomic groove for resting against the forearm during overhead presses or rack positions. The polycarbonate construction carries an explicit 'Do Not Drop' warning because impact can damage the internal locking mechanism, and CNET reported that JRNY app access is limited to tablets and smartphones without TV support.
Full review
Polycarbonate Hull and The Do Not Drop Warning
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 replaces the traditional cast-iron body with a heavy-duty polycarbonate shell that houses internal steel weight plates. This design choice fundamentally alters how the unit interacts with your training environment, specifically regarding durability and impact tolerance. The external hull is thick enough to protect the internal mechanism during normal handling, but the material properties make it highly susceptible to damage from vertical impacts. Reviewers emphasize that this is not a piece of equipment designed for the violent release common in high-intensity functional fitness or CrossFit-style workouts.
The risk of structural failure is significant if the unit strikes a hard surface. Men's Fitness noted that embossing 'Do Not Drop' directly onto the plastic adjustment dial serves as an explicit warning against treating this like a standard competition bell. Dropping the kettlebell can crack the polycarbonate exterior or, more critically, damage the internal locking mechanism. If the lock fails mid-swing due to impact trauma, weight plates could separate from the base and fly out during use. Garage Gym Reviews reinforced that while the shell is robust against normal wear, it lacks the ruggedness of solid metal alternatives like the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell or Rep Fitness models.
Adjustment Dial Mechanics And Tactile Feedback
Weight selection relies on a large dial located at the top of the kettlebell handle, which rotates to engage an internal spindle that locks onto specific weight plates. The mechanism requires the kettlebell to be placed securely in its included plastic base tray before adjustments can be made; this safety feature prevents the user from selecting weights while holding the unit or having it balanced precariously on a bench. When rotated, the dial produces a distinct tactile click for each increment, providing auditory and physical confirmation that the selected weight is securely locked into place.
The speed of adjustment is a primary functional advantage of this system. In practical training scenarios where users alternate between heavy swings at 40 pounds and lighter tricep extensions or goblet squats at lower weights, switching takes only seconds. Shredded Dad described the process as seamless, noting that the dial can be twisted in both directions to select from the available settings without needing to lift or tilt the unit awkwardly. This rapid adjustment capability makes it highly suitable for circuit training or partner workouts where one person needs to quickly hand off a lighter weight after their set is complete.
Non-Linear Weight Increments And Range Limitations
The SelectTech 840 offers six distinct weight settings: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. The progression is not linear; there are significant jumps between the lower weights (a four-pound gap from eight to twelve) and a massive eleven-pound jump from twelve to twenty. This specific distribution was designed by Bowflex engineers using technology adapted from their SelectTech dumbbells, but it results in a training curve that may frustrate users seeking consistent step-ups for progressive overload.
The maximum weight of 40 pounds (18 kilograms) presents a hard ceiling for many intermediate and advanced lifters. While this range is sufficient for beginners learning proper form or for isolation movements like lateral raises, it quickly becomes inadequate for compound lower-body exercises such as heavy kettlebell deadlifts or two-handed swings for experienced athletes. BarBend pointed out that while 40 pounds works well for upper-body work and high-repetition conditioning, users who require heavier loads for strength development will find the top end of this range limiting and may need to supplement with traditional cast-iron bells.
Handle Ergonomics And The Missing Forearm Groove
While this width provides a secure grip for swings and cleans, it lacks the sculpted ergonomic features found on premium competition kettlebells or rival adjustable models like the Primal Personal Series. Men's Fitness specifically criticized the absence of a comfortable groove where the forearm rests during overhead presses or when holding the bell in the front rack position.
During movements that require resting the weight against the body, such as Turkish get-ups or long cycles, the flat plastic surface can dig into the skin and cause discomfort. The handle itself is also described by BarBend as slick, which may necessitate the use of lifting gloves or chalk during high-repetition sessions to prevent slipping. For users accustomed to the smooth, curved steel handles of traditional bells, the transition to this welded, uniform-diameter design requires an adjustment period and may feel less natural for prolonged rack positions.
Space Efficiency And The Replacement Value
The most compelling argument for the SelectTech 840 is its ability to consolidate six separate kettlebells into a single footprint. By replacing individual bells ranging from eight to forty pounds, it eliminates the need for multiple storage racks or floor space dedicated to heavy cast-iron units that may only be used occasionally. This compact design allows home gym owners to store the unit in a closet or corner without sacrificing valuable training area.
The consistent external shape across all weight settings is another major spatial advantage. Unlike adjustable kettlebells where changing weights alters the overall height and width of the bell, the SelectTech 840 maintains its exact dimensions regardless of whether it is set to eight pounds or forty pounds. This consistency ensures that storage solutions remain stable and that the unit fits neatly into designated spaces without requiring reconfiguration as users progress through their weight selections.
Digital Integration And JRNY App Access
Purchasing the kettlebell includes access to the Bowflex JRNY app, which provides a library of over twenty instructional exercise videos. These guides cover both beginner and advanced movements, helping users learn proper form for complex exercises like the Gorilla Row or Turkish Get-Up. The digital component is designed to expand the utility of the hardware by providing structured programming that leverages the adjustable nature of the bell.
However, the app experience has limitations regarding platform compatibility. CNET noted that this version of JRNY is accessible only through tablets and smartphones, meaning it cannot be used on televisions or dedicated smart gym displays. For users who prefer following along with large-screen guidance during their workouts, the lack of broader device support may reduce the convenience of the included digital training resources.
Strengths
- +Replaces six individual kettlebells (8 to 40 lbs) in a single compact unit, saving significant floor space.
- +Features an easy-to-use dial adjustment system that allows for rapid weight changes between sets with a tactile click confirmation.
- +Maintains a consistent overall shape and footprint regardless of the selected weight setting.
- +Includes access to over 20 instructional exercise videos via the JRNY app library.
Watch-outs
- −Constructed primarily from polycarbonate plastic rather than solid metal, carrying an explicit 'Do Not Drop' warning on the dial.
- −The handle is welded to the base and lacks a sculpted ergonomic groove for resting against the forearm during overhead presses or rack positions.
- −Weight increments are non-linear (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 lbs), which may not suit users seeking consistent step-ups.
How it compares
This kettlebell features a rapid push-down and twist dial adjustment system, which is significantly faster than the manual plate loading required by both Bells of Steel and Titan models. However, its polycarbonate construction carries a 'Do Not Drop' warning, contrasting sharply with the durable steel or cast iron builds that reviewers found safe to drop for the other three products.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
