MX Select MX100 Review: The Best Adjustable Barbell & Curl Bar?

If you’re looking for an adjustable barbell system that gives you the convenience of a fixed bar set without the bulky footprint or huge price tag — this review is for you.

The MX Select MX100 Rapid Change Adjustable Barbell / Curl Bar System is a fast-adjusting straight and EZ curl bar combo with a durable adjustment mechanism that can go up to one hundred pounds.

Model	Pros & Cons	Rating
MX Select MX100 Adjustable Barbell / Curl Bar System	Pros: 28–100 lb range covers most lifters’ needs Plates don’t catch when racking/unracking Easy re-racking—no need to line it up perfectly Includes both straight and EZ curl bars Fast, durable all-metal adjustment mechanism Adjusts quickly to keep workouts moving Sturdy storage rack included Grippy, comfortable knurling Cons: Balance can feel off, but is manageable Some may outgrow the 100 lb limit 8 lb jumps make weight math tricky EZ curl unracking is awkward at first Bar shafts prone to oxidation without maintenance Dial sticker looks a bit cheap Storage rack is less convenient against a wall	Rated 4.5 out of 5 View product page

But here’s the thing… While the build quality is excellent and the adjustments are quick, it’s not perfect. There are some quirks, most notably the balance, as well as a few things that could be more polished. But it’s nonetheless a piece I gravitate towards, and have been using consistently for over two years.

In this in-depth MX Select adjustable barbell review, I’ll cover:

• How the MX100 works and what makes it unique
• How it stacks up to the Bowflex 2080
• My personal long-term experience using it in my own home gym
• And whether the $699 price tag is actually worth it

Let’s dive in.

MX Select MX100 Review Video

Watch my MX Select adjustable barbell review video on YouTube:

What Makes the MX100 Stand Out?

The MX Select adjustable barbell system includes both a straight bar and an EZ curl bar, offering fast weight adjustment from 28–100 lbs in 8 lb increments for both bar types. This dual-bar setup provides serious versatility and significant space savings, mimicking a commercial fixed straight and EZ barbell sets without the large footprint and even bigger cost.

It’s one of just two high-end selectorized adjustable barbell sets currently on the market. The other notable contender is the Bowflex 2080, but it’s worth noting that the MX Select adjustable barbell was first to market (in its first edition, being the MX80), and Bowflex actually licenses MX Select’s patents for their design.

The MX100’s rapid weight adjustment is achieved using a dual-sided rack-and-pinion dial mechanism that selects the desired amount of weight. Crucially, all the internal components are metal, which speaks volumes about its durability. The only key non-metal adjustment piece is the dial itself. I would’ve preferred if this were anodized aluminum rather than plastic.

A compact, sturdy rack is also included standard with the set – no extra purchase required – allowing you to rack, unrack, and adjust the weight at a comfortable height.

Adjustment Mechanism

Operation:

Adjusting the MX Select adjustable barbell is straightforward and quick. Each side of the bar features a small yellow dial. To adjust the weight:

1. Press the black unlock button on the side of the enclosure. This makes the dial pop up.
2. Rotate the yellow dial to your desired weight setting.
3. Press the dial down again until it clicks into place, locking the selected weight.

Repeat this process for the other side, and you’re ready to lift.

The entire adjustment, for both sides, takes about 5 seconds total. The dials are generally smooth. But they can sometimes jam when pressing them down, but that only happens if you don’t have them fully turned to the desired increment.

Mechanical Design:

The robust internal mechanics of the MX100 adjustable barbell system set it apart from the Bowflex 2080, which uses plastic gears. Since the MX100 utilizes an all-metal rack and pinion system internally, it has an edge when it comes to longevity.

However, while the 2080’s mechanism may not be as durable, it is a bit easier to adjust, simply because there’s no release button and the dials are much bigger.

The plates are designed with a dovetail-style interlocking system, featuring dual tab-and-slot points. This design ensures that all plates remain securely attached to the barbell during lifts, preventing any unwanted movement or accidental disengagement.

The plates only separate from the main stack when you intentionally lift the bar from its tray while the selector rod is retracted for weight adjustment.

Build Quality & Materials

The MX Select adjustable barbell system boasts a solid construction designed for durability. Both the bars and plates are made of steel, with the plates further protected by a nylon coating, which has proven to be very durable over my two years of use.

And as I’ve already mentioned, all load-bearing and moving internal parts are metal, so I have no worries that they’ll degrade over time.

But even though the robust construction makes it durable from repetitive normal use, you should still be aware that these bars are not designed to be dropped. Of course, you should never need to dump the weight on any exercise typically performed with curl bars or short straight bars, so this shouldn’t be seen as a negative.

Knurling

The bars, especially the curl bar, have good knurling coverage. You’re not going to end up with part of your hand on a slick, un-knurled surface with the EZ bar. However, I wouldn’t complain if the straight bar’s knurling went further out to the ends, even if you’re unlikely to use that wide of a grip.

The knurling itself has a mild to medium depth with a high-density pattern, providing a comfortable but secure grip. It’s a “hill-style” knurl, not a sharp “volcano” pattern. You’ll only be lifting 100 lbs max on these bars, so you definitely don’t need aggressive knurling.

Additionally, both bars feature multiple knurl marks to guide consistent hand placement, which can be very helpful for maintaining consistent form across different exercises.

Shaft Finish

The shaft features a chrome finish. While not as oxidation-resistant as stainless steel, it’s a very standard and acceptable finish.

A fair amount of oxidation did develop. This was largely due to heavy, consistent use and my own admitted laziness in never cleaning the shafts.

However, it’s worth noting that this oxidation is primarily noticeable on the EZ curl bar, a testament to how much more it has been used compared to the straight bar, which shows significantly less (though not entirely absent) oxidation.

Importantly, there has been no chipping or flaking in the chrome finish, which is a crucial indicator that it is a true chrome finish, not merely decorative chrome seen on many cheap products.

If you do just SOME occasional maintenance by brushing the bars every once in a while, yours will look much nicer. I did a little scrubbing with 3-in-1 oil just for this review, and you can already see a major improvement:

How I’ve Used It & What It’s Good for

I’ve put the MX Select MX100 through its paces in my home gym, though I use the EZ bar way more than the straight bar, with my number one exercise for it being biceps curls.

I use it often, about twice a week for over a year straight, minus a few weeks leading up to this review when I had to switch to dumbbell work to test my Snode adjustable dumbbells.

In addition to curls, I’ve also done a lot of lying triceps extensions with it, but I had to take a long break from the extensions due to some elbow tenderness. It obviously works great for both of those movements, otherwise I wouldn’t use it so much!

I have used the straight bar in the past for wrist curls and wrist extensions, and it worked very well for those.

While it’s not part of my regular training, I have also tested it for overhead press, bent over rows, upright rows, and lunges, specifically in preparation for this review. It’s great for those, too, assuming the max weight setting gives you enough resistance.

Weight Range

The MX Select adjustable barbell system has a weight range of 28 – 100 lbs in 8 lb increments. And although that’s kind of a weird number for math simplicity, it’s a small enough increment for bilateral training. It’s comparable to increasing by 4 lbs per dumbbell, and most dumbbells have 5 lb increments.

For a more direct comparison, commercial fixed bar sets typically range from 20 – 110 lbs in 10 lb increments. So the MX100 actually has smaller increments, making progression just a bit more efficient. However, it does fall short of the max weight by 10 lbs.

In my personal testing and usage:

• For my specific training needs, the 100 lb max weight has generally been sufficient.
• For curls on the EZ bar, most of my working sets have been in the 76 – 92 lb range, below the maximum weight. Though I do generally focus on moderate to high rep ranges.
• Despite consistently pushing relatively high volume on curls and considering my curl strength to be above average for a home gym lifter, I’ve rarely needed the full 100 lbs. That said, if I were aiming for heavier weight and lower reps, a bit more weight would be beneficial.

Verdict: 100 lbs is sufficient for 95% of users. Only strong lifters pushing low-rep, high-intensity curls and triceps extensions might find themselves wanting more.

Design & Ergonomics

EZ Curl Bar Bend Profile

The EZ curl bar features a moderate bend profile with a noticeably steeper inner camber. This design makes it very wrist-friendly for close-grip curls and triceps extensions. Unlike cheaper curl bars that often have very slight, less effective bends, the pronounced bends on the MX100 curl bar are a definite plus, contributing to a very joint-friendly lifting experience.

Plate Diameter

The plates have a diameter of approximately 9.5 inches. While this is large compared to fixed bars, it doesn’t interfere with use or performance. This larger diameter is necessary to accommodate the heavier weight settings while keeping the overall bar length manageable.

Balance

One noticeable characteristic of the bars is that the balance can feel slightly off at times, particularly in terms of top-to-bottom rotation. I think this is due to a combination of the weight distribution of the internal adjustment mechanism, combined with the angled plates.

It can feel as if the bar wants to rotate in your hands if held in a specific rotational position. However, this sensation can be significantly reduced by adjusting your grasp on the bar before starting the lift, which will give you much better (but not perfect) balance during the movement.

It’s important to note that this balance issue is much more apparent with the EZ bar compared to the straight bar, as gripping the bent portion tends to exacerbate the imbalance.

Again, the key is to achieve the right rotational grip before starting your set. If you do this, the balance becomes “good enough,” and you’ll quickly adapt to it.

The bars feature fixed (non-rotating) sleeves. If you’re accustomed only to bars with rotating sleeves, the motion of the MX Select adjustable barbell will feel less smooth during quick, dynamic motions. However, this is distinct from the balance issue mentioned above and is consistent with how traditional fixed bars operate, which the MX Select system is designed to mimic.

Racking and Unracking Experience

A huge positive is that I have (almost) never had any issues with the plates sticking to each other or failing to fully nest with the rest of the plates, which could otherwise prevent the dial from moving.

I say that I’ve “almost” never had issues with racking/unracking because I have rarely experienced some catch when putting it back in the rack – but ONLY if it’s empty (28 lb setting). I never use the lightest weight setting during regular training, so this is something I don’t experience during typical use. If you have any plates attached, you’ll never experience any catching whatsoever when re-racking.

This means there are (almost) no hiccups with racking or unracking the bar, making this aspect of its use a pleasure.

Even when you’re fatigued, it’s very easy to place the weights back in. You don’t need to be overly precise with placement; it slides right in.

However, there is a minor ergonomic quirk: approaching the EZ bar to unrack it for curls doesn’t feel intuitive right away:

It’s best to crouch and grab from underneath so the bar is already oriented properly (i.e., balanced) when you stand up. If you don’t do this, the balance might feel off, requiring you to readjust its rotation in your hands after unracking, which can be awkward.

Storage Rack

The storage rack is compact, solid, and elevates the bar off the ground for convenient racking, unracking, and adjustment. Notably, this rack comes standard with the MX100 adjustable barbell set, unlike with the Bowflex 2080 where it’s an optional extra purchase.

The rack is 100% steel, which is great for stability and long-term durability. And the overall shape and design look very sleek in my opinion.

The storage rack is more than just a holder; it’s essential to the MX100’s functionality. Each side of the rack features trays that hold the plates in correct alignment, dovetailed to each other and to the outside of the cradles.

This alignment is critical, as it allows the bar’s internal selector rod to extend into or retract from the interlocking plates during weight adjustments. When you lift the bar, only the selected weight lifts out with it, while the remaining plates stay locked securely within the tray.

However, there is one significant flaw with the storage design: the bar that’s not currently in use is stored in the back of the rack. This can be awkward if your rack is placed flush against a wall, as is the case in my gym and I assume most others.

Swapping between the curl bar and the straight bar will necessitate pulling the entire rack away from the wall, or keeping an extra foot of space behind it, which is a waste of space. Even then, it’s annoying to have to bend over the rack to grab the other bar.

A design that allows for storage of the unused bar in front of or underneath the rack would be a considerable improvement in terms of convenience. That’s how the BowFlex 2080’s rack is designed.

Durability & Maintenance

After over two years of consistent use, the MX Select adjustable barbell set has proven itself as an overall durable piece of equipment, though there is some room for improvement. Here are the highlights:

• There has been no flaking or peeling of the chrome finish.
• Oxidation did appear on the EZ bar shaft, a direct result of my regular and complete lack of cleaning routine. Most of this can be prevented with basic maintenance. The straight bar, used less frequently, shows significantly less oxidation.
• The adjustment mechanism still works perfectly, smoothly, and reliably, just as it did on day one.
• The dials use cheap stickers for weight numbers. After many more years of use, I’m sure these will fade and possibly peel. Hopefully a future version of this bar will have aluminum dials with laser-etched weight settings.
• The protective nylon coating on the plates hasn’t chipped or scratched, maintaining its aesthetic and protective function.

Pro Tip: To maintain the pristine condition of the bar shafts, simply brush them every couple of months with a nylon bristle brush and 3-in-1 oil. This minimal effort will prevent oxidation buildup and ensure your MX100 straight and curl bars look their best for years to come.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 28 – 100 lb weight range is sufficient for the vast majority of home gym lifters.
• Plates (almost) never catch when unracking or re-racking, providing a seamless user experience. Note: Rare catching of plates can occur when re-racking, but only when putting the empty bar in the stack; if it has any other plates on it, it never catches.
• No need for precise placement when re-racking; the bar slides easily back into the cradle.
• Includes both an EZ curl bar and a straight bar, offering excellent exercise versatility.
• Features a durable all-metal internal adjustment mechanism for better durability.
• Rapid adjustments take only a few seconds, keeping your workouts efficient.
• A convenient and sturdy storage rack is included standard.
• Good knurling with a mild/medium depth and high-density pattern for a grippy yet comfortable feel.

Cons

• Can feel somewhat unbalanced (top-to-bottom rotation), though it’s manageable by adjusting the rotational position of the bar in your hands.
• Very strong lifters might desire >100 lbs for certain exercises, particularly for lower reps.
• 8 lb increments can make mental weight math a bit challenging compared to 10 lb increments.
• Unracking the EZ bar for curls can be awkward initially; it’s best to crouch and get under it for proper hand placement so you can start the lift immediately after unracking.
• Some oxidation will occur on the bar shafts if you skip routine maintenance.
• The plastic dial with a sticker label looks less premium.
• The storage design for the unused bar is inconvenient if the rack is flush against a wall, requiring it to be pulled forward any time you swap.

MX Select MX100 vs. Bowflex 2080

When considering high-end selectorized adjustable barbells, the MX Select MX100 and Bowflex 2080 are the only two options. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up:

Feature	MX Select MX100	Bowflex 2080
Max Weight	100 lbs	120 lbs (with optional upgrade)
Increments	8 lbs	10 lbs
Adjustment	Dial w/ unlock-rotate-lock	Simple twist dial
Internal Mechanism	All-metal gears	Plastic gears
Storage Rack	Included	Optional extra
Racking Ease	Excellent, no sticking/hiccups	Reports of occasional misalignment/sticking
Patent Holder	MX Select	Licenses from MX Select
Future Availability	Current	Rumored discontinuation once inventory sells
Price	$699	Check current price

The MX Select adjustable barbell system generally offers better build quality and a smoother racking and unracking experience, even if the Bowflex dials are slightly larger and somewhat easier to turn.

However, the Bowflex’s higher max weight (with an optional add-on) will appeal to stronger lifters.

Still, it’s important to also consider the MX100’s all-metal internals and Bowflex’s rumored product phase-out, which make the MX100 seem a bit more reliable in the long-term.

Overall Rating

Final Thoughts

The MX Select MX100 adjustable barbell system isn’t trying to replace a full set of Olympic barbells and plates; rather, it aims to provide a compact, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to a full set of fixed curl and straight bars. For most home gym owners, it absolutely nails that goal.

Despite some inefficiencies and annoyances, it’s nonetheless a piece of equipment I keep going back to, and one that I enjoy using. I’m okay with the trade-offs since I know some compromise is needed for ANY adjustable system.

It’s a great piece if you want a fast and efficient way to do curls and triceps extensions. At least, that’s where I use it most. It can also be great for a whole bunch of other exercises, too – It just depends on your training needs.

So if this sounds like it fits your training style, and assuming 100 lbs is enough for you, I think it’s worth a serious look. I think the $699 price tag is very reasonable for what you get.

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