Take Command: BowFlex SelectTech 840 Review

You know that corner in your living room that always ends up as a junk drawer for workout gear? Imagine replacing six clunky kettlebells with one tidy unit that slides under a shelf. I remember the first time I twisted the dial on a SelectTech 840 and laughed—because switching weights felt less like gear juggling and more like flipping channels. If you want efficiency without sacrificing performance, this little contraption might just be the minimalist's dream.

Why it frees up your space (and your brain)

A Space-Saving Kettlebell that Replaces 6 Kettlebells

If your “home gym” is really a corner of your bedroom or living room, clutter adds up fast. The BowFlex SelectTech 840 fixes that by packing six weights into one: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs. Instead of lining up a row of iron bells (and finding places to stash them), you get one compact unit with a simple dial that changes resistance in seconds.

• One kettlebell replaces a whole set
• No piles of gear to step around
• Less setup time before you start moving

Small footprint, big relief

The SelectTech 840 is designed to live neatly in your space, not take it over. With dimensions of 8.8" L x 7" W x 12.5" H, it can tuck under a bench, slide onto a shelf, or sit in a closet without becoming a permanent obstacle. That matters when you’re trying to keep your floor clear for swings, lunges, and get-ups.

Adam: "Its compact footprint meant I finally cleared my apartment floor—game changer for small spaces."

Less clutter = fewer excuses

There’s also a mental win here. When your workout area looks messy, it’s easy to think, “I’ll do it later.” When your gear is simple and contained, starting feels easier. The BowFlex SelectTech 840 helps you keep your routine friction-free: grab it, set the weight, go.

Real-life flow: change moves mid-set

Picture this: you’re doing a quick circuit—swings at 35 lbs, then presses at 20 lbs, then rows at 25 lbs. With traditional bells, you’d be hopping between handles and dodging extra equipment on the floor. Here, you just twist the dial and keep moving—no tripping hazards, no hunting for the “right” kettlebell.

Space-saving value at $149

At around $149 new (and often less used), you’re not just buying convenience—you’re buying back room in your home and headspace in your day.

Performance & build: does it feel like a real kettlebell?

Comfortable Handle that stays secure in motion

The first thing you notice with the BowFlex SelectTech 840 is the grip. It uses a 28mm steel handle wrapped in rubber, so it feels solid in your hands but not harsh on your skin. That rubber coating helps you keep control during swings, cleans, and high-rep sets—especially when your palms get sweaty. This Comfortable Handle also reduces strain, so you can focus on your form instead of fighting hot spots.

Marisa: "The handle didn’t dig into my palms during high-rep swings—surprisingly comfortable."

Construction Durability: steel + hard shell, built for regular use

Build-wise, it’s designed to take real training. The handle is steel, and the body uses a hard plastic shell that houses stacked plates inside. That combo is the core of its Construction Durability: you get a tough frame without needing six separate bells on your floor. Reviewers like NedP call out the stable feel, and Adam mentions it holds up well over time—important when you’re doing repeated swings, goblet squats, and rows week after week.

Does it mimic a traditional kettlebell?

It gets surprisingly close. The internal plates are arranged to keep the weight balanced, so the bell doesn’t feel “lopsided” when it’s moving through an arc. That even distribution is what helps it feel more like a standard kettlebell during swings and presses, even though the shape is more modern than classic cast iron.

Jason Miller, Bowflex Product Manager: "We designed the SelectTech 840 to balance convenience with a traditional kettlebell feel."

Real-world trade-offs (and why they may matter to you)

• Weight jumps aren’t standard: you get 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs, so there are gaps that may feel big for progression.
• Handle size preferences vary: some users wish it were a bit wider for two-handed swings.
• Max weight tops out at 40 lbs: great for many home workouts, but heavy lifters may want more.

On the plus side, the dial spins 360 degrees for quick swaps, and you’re covered by a 2-year parts warranty. If you buy during Amazon’s Nov–Dec 2025 window, the extended return period runs through Jan 31, 2026. With a 4.8/5 average from 7,500+ ratings, the build and feel are clearly working for most people.

Dial, workouts, and the JRNY ecosystem

Weight Selection Dial: fast changes without breaking your flow

The SelectTech 840’s Weight Selection Dial is the feature you’ll use every session. It’s a quick-twist, 360° dial that lets you jump between six settings—8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs (about 3.5 to 18 kg)—in seconds. That means you can go light for warm-ups and technique, then turn it up for strength work without hunting for another bell.

This dial adjustment is especially handy for supersets and circuits. You can move through full-body transitions smoothly—swings to squats, then presses and rows—and match the load to the movement. Heavy hinge work, moderate squats, lighter overhead presses: you can dial it in mid-session and keep your heart rate up.

JRNY App Workouts: guided training that keeps you consistent

Every purchase includes a 2-month free JRNY Membership (Mobile-Only trial). Inside the JRNY App Workouts, you get trainer-led kettlebell sessions plus extra options like yoga and Pilates. The app also supports motion tracking on your device, helping you stay honest with reps and form cues. After the trial, a subscription is required if you want to keep using the full JRNY experience.

NedP: “The JRNY trial nudged me into new workouts—I actually stuck with a 4-week plan.”

If you like structure, the JRNY Membership ecosystem makes it easier to show up, press play, and follow a plan instead of guessing what to do next.

Simple add-ons to expand your training

• Men’s Health No Gym Required: Kettlebells (ISBN: 1955710198) for fresh workout ideas and programming.
• Palace Learning QUICKFIT Kettlebell Workout Exercise Poster (ASIN: B07NBVYSHY) for a quick visual menu of moves near your workout space.

Buy smart: price, shipping, returns, and who it’s for

Price: $149 new (and why it can beat buying six bells)

You’ll typically find the BowFlex SelectTech 840 at $149 new on Amazon. That price starts to look better when you compare it to buying six separate kettlebells to match the Bowflex 840 Specs (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs). Instead of paying for multiple bells—and storing them—you get one compact unit that covers a wide range of workouts in your Home Gyms.

You can also save money with used units, but check two things before you click “Buy”: the dial should turn smoothly, and the base should lock weights cleanly. If the used listing doesn’t include the 2 Years Warranty, the discount may not be worth it.

Shipping & support: Prime speed plus a safety net

If you’re a Prime member, fast Prime shipping is often available, which matters because this is a heavy item. Support is another value add: you get a 2 Years Warranty, which helps you feel covered if anything goes wrong with the selector system or handle over time.

Adam: "Two-year warranty and fast Prime shipping sealed the deal for me—no buyer’s remorse so far."

Returns: know the dates and keep the box

Buying fitness gear feels easier when you have time to test it. Amazon’s extended holiday return window runs through January 31, 2026 for purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2025. That gives you room to try swings, squats, presses, and rows at home and decide if the feel works for you.

• Confirm the listing is eligible for the extended window (policies can vary by seller).
• Keep the packaging until you’re sure you’re keeping it.
• Check stock—prices and delivery dates can change quickly.

Who it’s for (and who should skip it)

This is a smart buy if you want one tool that saves space, supports progressive training, and fits real-life Home Gyms. It’s also a plus if you move often: it’s sold across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, and Spain, so it’s easier to repurchase or replace internationally.

You may want a different option if you need heavier than 40 lbs, or you prefer standard kettlebell jumps.

Wild cards: quick-program ideas and a tiny rant

Seven-minute Full-Body Workouts (conditioning sweet spot)

If you want a fast hit of sweat without turning your living room into a gym, try this seven-minute flow. It’s built for the SelectTech 840’s Weight Settings and works best if you’re in that 8–40 lbs range (which is exactly who this kettlebell is made for). Start at 12–20 lbs so your form stays clean, then bump up next week if you’re cruising.

That’s it: 3 rounds of 45s work / 15s rest. If you want more “full-body” than “lungs on fire,” swap the last 45 seconds of each round for a Swing Squat Twist (swing, catch in a squat, stand and rotate—controlled, not chaotic). Tweak the time, reps, or weight as needed; the dial makes changes fast, which is the whole point.

The tiny rant: Weight Settings gaps and the “micro-increment” fantasy

Yes, the non-standard jumps can feel weird. You’ll go from 20 to 25 to 35 like the kettlebell is daring you to “just be stronger.” Hypothetical: if the dial allowed micro increments—like 22.5, 27.5, 32.5—would you stop complaining about the gaps? Probably not. You’d just find a new thing to nitpick (I would too).

If you’re over 40 lbs max, borrow, trade, and train together

Here’s the honest truth: if you regularly need more than 40 lbs, you’ll outgrow this for heavy strength work. My not-so-serious solution is also the most practical one: team up with a friend, swap kettlebells, and share workouts. As Marisa put it:

Marisa: "I swapped the heavier kettlebell with a friend for my weekly strength day—best compromise."

For most people, though, the 840 stays a win: quick changes, solid feel, and simple Full-Body Workouts that keep you consistent—because the best program is the one you’ll actually do.