Staying home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has brought new challenges to workout fanatics, who are used to going to their local gymnasium. Due to movement restrictions and the need to stay safe, you may be looking for a home gym that will keep you occupied as you continue with your fitness regime.
We shall be explaining in this article the difference between the Bowflex Xtreme2 and the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, two of the home gyms available in the Bowflex Home Gym Series. Stay on, as we delve deeper into what makes each of them unique, and which is the best for your home exercise needs.
In-Depth Comparison: Bowflex Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
Let’s look at the different features and aspects and see what makes them different from each other.
Price
The Xtreme 2 is significantly pricier than the Xtreme 2 SE. Either way, when it comes to price these two models are not comparable.
PS! There’s also another model, called Bowflex HVT, but has a lot less functionality than the above models. However, if you’re looking for something cheaper, HVT might be a good alternative.
Design and Style
These are very similar when it comes to design and style. Both models come with a reinforced x-shaped base that gives it very good stability. They are also both comfortable with adjustable polyurethane cushioned seats, and wide seat back to provide a good lat exercise support.
They also come with a pulley system, for better effectiveness during your workouts. The hand grips are designed to offer 5 different grip options, making them versatile and flexible.
Quality and Durability
For quality and durability, both home gyms are made with heavy-duty steel frames common in the Bowflex home gym series. They are therefore very reliable with good life and strength.
The Xtreme 2 weighs 190 pounds against the 157 pounds of the Xtreme 2 SE. This is because the Xtreme 2 has a sturdier build than the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE, giving it a slight edge over the Bowflex Xtreme SE.
Maximum User Weight
All the models in the Bowflex Home Gym Series have a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. These 2 models are no different and are therefore similar in that respect.
Resistance
When it comes to resistance, these two models are comparable in every sense. Both models feature the standard 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance, with optional upgrades to 310 or 410 pounds.
Accessories
The accessories for these two home gyms are easily available and should not give a problem to any user. Accessories available include the power rods for resistance upgrades, rod attachment cables, hand grips, power rod attachment hooks, and many others.
Warranty
These two models share similar warranty aspects. The Bowflex Xtreme series comes with a warranty of 1 year on frame, and 60 days on parts, and a lifetime warranty on power-rods.
Other Special Features
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 and Bowflex Xtreme 2SE all have a 4-position adjustable lower pulley system giving great squat positions. It is also designed to make the transition from one exercise to another to be quick and easy.
The extreme 2 can let you do up to 75 exercises, while the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE gives up to 70 exercise options. The power rods are covered with a protective black rubber coating, with the resistance rating indicated at the end of the rod.
Both models come with an owner’s manual that gives awesome exercise and fitness guidelines, with all the different exercise options that you can do with these incredible machines.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 2 SE: What Do People Say
Amazon Reviews
Amazon purchasers of the Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym and Xtreme 2 have given both model an average rating. Jones gave the Xtreme 2 Home Gym a high rating and calls this “a nice product”, that came with easy assembly instructions.
He also likes that the cables do not require re-routing, making a workout routine flow more naturally. Metcalf reviews the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE home gym, and also gives it an overall high rating score. He points out his best features like the ability to switch between workouts.
He also enjoys doing the workouts given in the workout book that is included in the package. For an ex-military man, who has experience in work-outs, this recommendation is useful.
YouTube Reviews
Jeff Smith a YouTube reviewer gives the downside for the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE as the loss of resistance in the power rods after usage of a few years. He recommends tying the power rods together, after every workout.
He loves the easy switch between exercises, and how it’s easy to select the weights. He says that “it’s worth having in my opinion, it’s practical, it’s handy” and for the price is good enough for what you will get with it.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 2SE - Which Is Better?
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a better buy than the Xtreme 2. The features for both models are the same, yet the Xtreme 2 SE is easily available and comes with a better price point. You should buy the Xtreme 2 if you are looking for durability that comes with something heavier and sturdier.
Buy this also for the more exercise options that it comes with. It has a range of up to 75 exercises, as opposed to the Xtreme 2 SE that only has up to 70. You should buy the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE if you prefer the lower price point, and are also looking for a home gym that you can easily get.
The Xtreme 2 is not easily available in stock and seems to have been phased out by the manufacturer. I hope you’ve found some valie from this article about the two Xtreme models within the Bowflex Home Gym Series.
Building your home gym? We have other workout bench and dumbbells reviews that we have done that you should check out as well.
Current cheapest price for the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE found from this site.
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Buyer’s Guide to Investing In A Home Gym
Size
Are you looking for a home gym that will fit your garage or a dedicated home gym room, or will you keep it in one end of your living room or bedroom? Space will be an important consideration, in determining the size of the home gym that you will want.
There are compact home gym models for tight spaces are available, while others that take up bigger space are also available.
Resistance
Look out for the mechanism used by the home gym to achieve resistance for your work out. They typically use weights or power rods to achieve resistance. Also consider how easy it is to switch resistance levels during your workout, and whether the resistance can be upgraded in the future or not.
Durability
Check for the material used to make the different components of the home gym for durability. Check the mainframe, and establish what kind of metal it uses. If it uses power-rods also check what kind of composite material was used, and how long that is likely to last.
Unlike home gyms that use weights for resistance, a power rod loses resistance with time, and you should be keen to establish the durability of the power rod.
Accessories
Home gyms usually come with additional accessories to either upgrade resistance or increase work out options. You will find that as you get accustomed to using the same home gym, you will require additional accessories for it.
Check out whether the model you are getting comes with varied accessories for the home gym, which would increase the variety of workouts that you can achieve. Find out also how easy it is to get these accessories, and whether they are affordable.
Additional Features
In purchasing a home gym, also check out for non-standard features that come in addition to the home gym. With the varied brands and models available, you will find that some of them come with cool features that you wouldn’t get on other brands.
Consider how these additional features will add value to your workouts, and whether the additional price that may come for that model, will be worth it.
Article by:
Daniel DeMoss
I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.
Get in touch: daniel@dumbbellsreview.com
