Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar Review

You probably never thought about it, but you lose a lot of time switching out weight plates, barbells, and curl bars when you are strength training.

It’s such a common thing to do that it doesn’t seem inconvenient but think how much faster you’ll get your workout done if you didn’t have to constantly stop and switch out equipment.

That’s now possible with the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell. It’s the most convenient barbell system you can but these days.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about buying barbells, plus you’ll learn why the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell system is a great choice.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Barbell Set

Buying a barbell set used to be simple.

As long as it had a high-quality metal bar and the weights that you need, it was a solid choice.

However, like everything, the products evolved and now you have more choices than ever. Below are some of the most important criteria you should use when choosing a barbell set.

Quality

All barbell sets are going to give you a good workout, but like anything else you buy, there are cheap, low-quality models and there are premium, high-quality models.

The low-quality models are going to be your bare bones barbell sets. They won’t take comfort into account and the equipment may not last as long.

Another thing to keep in mind about low-quality barbell sets is that they won’t be able to safely hold as much weight as higher-quality sets.

If you’re just starting out and you use light weights, this is fine.

However, if you’re a bodybuilder, powerlifter, or someone who’s incredibly strong and needs a lot of weight to challenge yourself, you may as well prepare to spend some extra dough.

Olympic, Standard Size, or Curl Bars

One big decision you must make is what size bar you want.

Standard bars are 5 to 6 ft in length and one inch in diameter.

These are typically your least expensive bars. They’ll probably also hold the least amount of weight.

Olympic bars are usually up to seven feet long and two inches in diameter.

They’re even thicker on the ends. This is to keep the bar balanced better when you’re loading weights one side at the time.

Curl bars are bars that have a slight “w” shape rather than being straight.

They still have straight ends for weights, but these bars are designed to allow you to use a more natural underhand grip. They also tend to be slightly shorter and lighter than standard bars.

You may run into bars that don’t fit any of these categories. These days, there are all kinds of specialty barbells.

Manufacturers have been upping the stakes to make their barbells stand out from the rest.

You may come across some that don’t fit in the standard or the Olympic category. You simply need to make sure that it provides you with what you’re looking for before you purchase it.

Weight Plates

There are so many different types of weight plates that they could take up an entire article by themselves.

The first, most important thing you need to know is if the weight plates are standard size or Olympic size.

They must match your barbell or curl bar. However, if you buy a barbell set the weights will match so you won’t have to worry about that.

The material that the weight plates are made of is important. Lower priced weight plates may be filled with sand or even water.

While these are great, money-saving options, they won’t last as long and could lose weight over time.

The best thing you can do is get metal weight plates – preferably steel. These are the best and will have the longest life span.

Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar

Until now, barbells and weight plates haven’t changed much over the decades.

Everything else in the world is becoming more convenient, so there is no reason why barbells and weight plates can’t follow suit.

Leave it to Bowflex to be one of the first companies to recognize this. The answer was the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar.

The SelectTech 2080 is an innovative barbell system.

One could go so far as saying it’s the barbell system of the future. It saves you time because you don’t need to have an extended interruption to add or remove weight plates while you work out.

With this barbell, simply dock it, turn the dial, and go.

Pros

• Made with the best high-quality materials.
• System is compact; great for small spaces.
• Comes with a barbell and a curl bar.
• Has a three-year warranty.

Cons

• It’s expensive.
• Only goes up to 80 pounds (you can upgrade to 120 pounds for a fee).

Features and Benefits of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell

Dial n’ Go Weights

The best feature of the SelectTech 2080 Barbell set is the fact that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time switching out weight plates.

This unique system is designed so that you simply replace the barbell on the rack, turn a dial to whatever weight you want, and the weight plates are automatically added.

It’s almost like a dip and go system. It’s never been easier to change the weight on your barbell.

The weight plates are also a little different than traditional weight plates.

They are square, thin plates that are very compact. Plus, they look like cool, futuristic type weight plates. If you’re a person who likes for things in your home to stand out, you’ll like these.

The set comes with up to a total of 80 pounds worth of weight. The bar weighs 20 pounds and each plate weighs 5 pounds.

There are seven plates per side. You can upgrade to the 120 pound set for an additional cost.

Superior Construction

With the Bowflex name on it, you already know the SelectTech 2080 system is a high-quality product.

The weight plates and bars are made of a high grade of powder-coated steel. They resist scratches, rust, and dents. It’s easy to keep the product clean – just wipe it off or dust it.

The innovative design allows you to easily fit your barbell between the weight plates perfectly every time.

You don’t have to worry about wasting time trying to align the bar just right. It simply sits right into place so you can easily turn the dial.

The barbell and curl bar both feature textured surfaces so you can have a great grip while you use it.

The best part about the construction is that you can feel the quality when you pick it up. It doesn’t feel flimsy and it doesn’t feel like it will break.

It’s a solid product with superb craftsmanship.

Extras

You can get an optional stand to go with the barbell set for an additional cost. This isn’t the same as the docking cradle.

The stand keeps the docking cradle off the floor. It will keep your investment safe, clean, and at least waist high so you can pick it up without constantly having to bend over.

If you can squeeze it into your budget, I would recommend the stand. It also gives the set a completed look.

What Others are Saying About the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell

Review #1 – Gabe Garage Buyer

Happy to Make Room for This in My Gym

“So, I’ve have had the 2080 for about two weeks now. I only have one con so far and that is storage. The barbells are long and take up a good amount of space. Positives: these are really well made and you can feel the quality as soon as you pick them up. The select rotary knobs are quite easy to turn and don’t stick at all. I love all the combinations of work outs you can with the straight and curl bar. Bowflex hit it out of the park on this one!”

Review #2 – Disney

Loving It!

“Since the beginning of the quarantine period, I’ve been looking to set up my home gym. This is the second Bowflex purchase, the first being the kettlebell. I am loving it. The set up was easy and the footprint is small. I have already seen strength gains after just a couple of uses.”

Review #3 – Palm

Space Saving and Great Quality

“It’s fairly easy to set up and amazingly smooth once put together. The weights work as promised and you won’t be disappointed with the bar quality. Can’t say enough about this, everyone I show to loves it and wishes they were in stock! #Sweepstakes”

Alternative Choices to the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells

The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells is the most versatile set on the list. You can customize your set to just the right amount of weight for you.

They allow you to add weight plates to your package for an additional charge. Essentially, this means you’re only paying for what you need.

The basic package starts at 40 pounds with dumbbell bars. From there you simply add weights and a connector bar if you want one. The maximum weight is 200 pounds.

Club Quality 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set

The Club Quality 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set is closer to the classic type of barbells and weight plates. The bar comes in three pieces so you can assemble and disassemble it.

It’s made of a heavy gauge, thick, powder-coated steel.

The weight plates have a high density polyethylene (HDPE) outer cover and is filled with recycled material inside. Collars are nylon, quick-release collars.

Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair

If you like bright colors and non-slip material, Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair is for you. It’s a bright yellow and black color scheme.

The weight plates and the bars all have a non-slip, sweat-resistant neoprene coating. It’s a nice, compact set that gives you a great workout and makes a home gym look more modern.

Final Thoughts on the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell

There is no question about the quality of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell set. This is a great investment because it’s going to last you a lifetime if you take care of it.

Plus, the superb construction means you don’t have to worry about pieces of the system falling apart.

The weight only goes up to 120 pounds, so this may not be the best choice for powerlifters, body builders, or people who have a high amount of strength.

However, for the non-athletes out there, this can be a solid choice for your home gym.