Report Summary
39 YO consumer was performing an overhead press with adjustable dumbbells when one plate of dumbbell came loose and fell on his head. Consumer visited ER for a serious injury and immediate incapacitation. Consumer is scheduled for further evaluation.
Product Details
- Product Description: Bowflex 1090 adjustable dumbbell
- Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler Name: BowFlex Inc.
- Brand Name: Bowflex
- Model Name or Number: Bowflex 1090
- Serial Number:
- UPC Code:
- SKU#:
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Date Manufactured:
- Retailer: Bowflex.com
- Retailer State:
-
Purchase Date:
1/1/2024
- Product Category: Sports and Recreation
- Product Type: Track, Field & Exercise
- Product Code: Weight Lifting (Activity, Apparel or Equipment) (3265)
Incident Details
- Incident Description: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Report
Date: [Insert Submission Date]
Submitted by: [REDACTED]
Address: [REDACTED]
Email: [REDACTED]
Phone: [REDACTED]
Incident Report: Equipment Failure and Injury Due to BowFlex SelecTech 1090 Dumbbells
1. What happened that made you want to report?
On December 4, 2024, I was using a pair of BowFlex SelecTech 1090 dumbbells in my home gym when a serious equipment failure resulted in an injury. While performing an overhead press with the dumbbells set to 50 pounds, a 15-pound weight plate detached mid-lift from the dumbbell in my left hand. The plate struck me on the head, triggering a severe medical episode and leading to emergency medical intervention.
2. What type of product(s) were being used?
The product involved in the incident was a BowFlex SelecTech 1090 adjustable dumbbell, a piece of home fitness equipment designed for weightlifting and strength training.
3. Who was using the product(s)?
I, [REDACTED], was the sole user of the dumbbells at the time of the incident.
4. How were the product(s) being used?
I was using the dumbbells as intended for strength training exercises. Specifically, I was performing an overhead press, a standard exercise where the dumbbells are lifted from shoulder height to an overhead position.
5. Were there any injuries that happened or may have happened while using the product?
Yes, the failure of the dumbbell resulted in a significant injury. When the weight plate detached mid-lift, it struck me on the head, triggering a severe neurological episode due to a pre-existing condition called Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). This condition, when triggered, can lead to stroke or aneurysm. I experienced immediate incapacitation and required emergency medical attention.
6. How did any injuries occur?
The injury occurred as a direct result of the dumbbells structural failure. Upon later inspection, I discovered that the cause of the failure was a cracked plastic bracket that secures the largest weight plate in place. This plastic component appears to be a critical structural piece of the dumbbell, and its failure led to the unintended release of the weight plate. The impact of the plate hitting my head caused a medical crisis, requiring emergency transport to a trauma center and treatment with medication. Since the incident, I have been experiencing intense and frequent migraines and am at an increased risk of future RCVS episodes. I have upcoming neurology appointments for further evaluation, including an MRI to assess potential blood vessel damage in my brain.
Additional Details and Concerns
The dumbbells were used correctly and never dropped or mishandled.
The failure was due to a structural weakness in the plastic bracket, a material that seems inadequate for securing heavy weight plates.
Photographic and video evidence of the damage to the dumbbell is available.
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of this product, as a similar failure could result in severe head trauma, concussions, or worse injuries for other users.
Requested Actions
I am submitting this report to formally notify the CPSC of this dangerous defect. I urge the commission to investigate the safety of this product and consider whether action should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Please confirm receipt of this report and let me know if additional details are needed.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]
Email: [REDACTED]
Phone: [REDACTED]
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Incident Date:
12/4/2024
- Incident Location: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Victims Involved
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- Injury Information: Injury - Emergency Department Treatment Received
- My Relationship to the Victim: Self
- Sex:
- Victim's Age When Incident Occurred: 39 years
Comments from the Manufacturer/Private Labeler
Additional Details
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Submitter has product?:
Yes
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Product was damaged before incident?:
No
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Product was modified before incident?:
- If yes to any, explanation:
-
Have you contacted the manufacturer?:
Yes
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If Not, Do you plan to?:
- Report Number: 20250204-A93D7-2147333444
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Report Date:
2/4/2025
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Sent to Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler:
2/7/2025
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Report First Publication Date:
2/24/2025
- Category of Submitter: Consumer
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