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Bowflex is one of the most popular brands around when it comes to at-home gym equipment. But with so many models to choose from, which one is right for you?
This article will compare the Bowflex PR1000 vs. Xtreme 2 SE and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Both of these machines are top-of-the-line products from Bowflex, but they have some key differences that set them apart.
So let’s get started!
Bowflex PR1000 Vs. Xtreme 2 SE: Comparison
Bowflex PR1000
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The Bowflex PR1000 home gym is undoubtedly one of the best from the brand. With up to 30 plus exercise options, the PR1000 is ideal for beginners and intermediate health enthusiasts. You will find the signature power rod resistance system that makes Bowflex equipment a standout.
The PR1000 is packed with 210 lbs of resistance system and a fold-down bench so that you can perform a full-body workout. You will also love the media rack on the Bowflex PR1000 home gym, as it allows you to follow your favorite trainer very easily.
Perhaps the only issue with the Bowflex PR1000 home gym is its wide construction, which may be an issue if you are low on space. But overall, this is a solid investment for home gyms.
Pros:
- Can perform full-body exercises.
- Right resistance and functionality for beginners.
- Multimedia rack adds a lot of conveniences.
- Up to 30 exercises capacity.
Cons:
- Not ideal for use in a smaller space.
You Should Consider the PR1000 Model if:
- You are new to the fitness game and want efficient equipment to work out all muscle groups.
- You love watching videos of your favorite fitness gurus as you exercise.
- Space is not an issue, and you love aerobic rowing.
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
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The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE home gym is another fantastic one from the brand. This home gym system comes with an upgradable resistance of up to 410 lbs making it an excellent choice for advanced users.
Another great feature of the Xtreme 2SE home gym is that you can perform up to 70 exercises.
The adjustable seat in this Bowflex machine is also a great feature. The Xtreme 2SE also comes with solid steel and scratch-resistant construction so that you will be using this home gym system for a very long time.
Pros:
- Excellent range of exercise.
- Upgradable weight resistance.
- Solid construction with scratch-resistant materials.
- Adjustable and comfortable seat.
Cons:
- This home gym has a learning curve and is not ideal for beginners.
- The wide range of attachments can interfere with the performance.
You Should Consider the Xtreme 2SE Model if:
- You want a heavy-duty home gym system.
- Budget is not an issue.
- You don’t mind working with several attachments, and repositioning them comes easy to you.
In-Depth Comparisons: Bowflex PR1000 vs Xtreme 2 SE
Comparison Chart
| Bowflex PR1000 | Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Total exercises | 25+ | 70+ |
| Resistance | Power Rod Resistance 210 lb. | Power Rod Resistance 210 lb. (upgradable to 410 lb.) |
| Folding | Yes | No |
| Maximum User Weight | 300lbs | 300lbs |
| Workout Area Required | L 103″ x W 80″ x H 82″ | L 96″ x W 78″ x H 83″ |
| Bench press | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Built-in cardio | Yes | No |
| Leg attachment | Yes | Yes |
| Arm exercises | 5 | 24 |
| Shoulder exercises | 4 | 16 |
| Back exercises | 3 | 18 |
| Chest exercises | 4 | 6 |
| Ab exercises | 2 | 4 |
| Leg exercises | 6 | 12 |
| Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Features & Key Specs
Bowflex PR1000
The Bowflex PR1000 power rods have 210lbs of resistance, allowing you to perform up to 30 exercises.
Unlike other Bowflex machines, this one has a folding bench, making up for the generous dimensions. In addition, the media rack on this home gym adds convenience.
This home gym has a maximum user weight capacity of 300lbs, making it ideal for everyone in the family. Furthermore, the squat station with the 4 position lower pulley system is perfect for circuit training if you’re interested.
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE has similar specs as the PR1000 in maximum user weight capacity and leg attachment. But the Xtreme 2SE stands out for its upgradable resistance up to 410lbs and more than 70 different exercises.
In addition, the Xtreme 2SE has a more sturdy construction making it more heavy-duty for home gyms.
Winner: Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Versatility
Bowflex PR1000
With the ability to perform up to 30 exercises, the Bowflex PR1000 is great on flexibility, especially for beginners. Here’s a look at the exercises and muscle groups you can target with the PR1000.
- Arm exercises – Bicep curls, tricep pushdown
- Shoulder exercises – Press, shrugs, delt raise
- Back exercises – Lat pull, lower back extension
- Chest exercises – Incline, flat, incline press
- Core exercises – Crunch, rotation
- Leg exercises – Curl, kickback, leg extension
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE home gym offers the ability to perform more than 70 exercises. The handgrips and ankle cuff on the 2SE are also more flexible, allowing more functionality. Furthermore, the angled lat bar on this Bowflex model is a game-changer for upper body exercises. Exercises you can do with the Bowflex 2SE:
- Arm exercises: Bicep curl, triceps kickback/pushdown, hammer curl, wrists curl, resisted dip.
- Shoulder exercises: Reverse fly, rotator, extension, shrug, protraction, depression, retraction
- Back exercises: Lat pulls, lower back extension, bent over rowing exercises.
- Chest exercises: Bench press, incline/decline chest fly, incline/decline bench press
- Core exercises: Crunch, rotation
- Leg exercises: Curl, kickback, extensions, calf raises, leg presses
Winner: Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Space Requirement
Bowflex PR1000
The Bowflex PR1000 home gym has a wide design that requires 100″x78″ of workout space. However, the bench of this model can be folded when not in use, so you need to consider that.
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE home gym has a vertical bench design that makes it slightly compact and requires a workout space of 96″x78″ workout space.
Winner: Bowflex PR1000
Assembly
Both the PR1000 and the Xtreme 2SE are easy to assemble. If you have difficulty setting up the home gym, Bowflex provides an in-depth instruction manual with every machine so you can refer to it.
Price
The Bowflex PR1000 home gym is more budget-friendly price than the Xtreme 2SE. However, the cost of the two machines is justified since they target different groups. Nevertheless, both the home gyms are an excellent value for money without a doubt.
Click here to check the price for the Bowflex PR1000.
Click here to check the price for the Xtreme 2 SE.
Warranty
Bowflex PR1000
| Frame | 1 year |
| Power rods | 5 years |
| Parts | 60 days |
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
| Frame | 1 year |
| Power rods | Lifetime |
| Parts | 60 days |
Winner: Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
FAQs
Is the Bowflex PR1000 worth it?
If you love working with an aerobic rowing seat, do not need to increase resistance in the machine, but like the ability to have a full-body workout, yes. The Bowflex PR 1000 is worth it.
Which Bowflex home gym is better?
Deciding which is the best Bowflex home gym comes down to personal choice and exercise requirements.
The Bowflex PR1000 home gym is perfect for beginners or those who want to stay fit without having to lift heavyweight or add power rod resistance. Additionally, it is a great choice for people on a budget.
On the other hand, the Xtreme 2S E home gym is perfect if you love to work with weights, a vertical bench design, and you don’t mind paying a premium.
Is the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE worth it?
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a top-notch system for the best home gyms currently on the market. With a massive range of exercises, the Xtreme 2 SE is fantastic for those looking to work on every muscle group.
Everything from the power rods to the heavy-duty construction and the flexibility to create resistance according to your needs without the weights is something very few home gyms can boast about.
So yes, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is worth it.
What is the difference between a Bowflex Xtreme 2 and a Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE?
Between Bowflex Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 2 SE, there is no major difference in the key features, but you can see subtle ones here and there. These include:
The number of exercises on Xtreme 2SE is 70 plus, while Xtreme 2 is up to 65.
Xtreme 2 has 3 squat position bars, while the 2SE has a 4-position pulley system.
You will find 7 built-in workouts in the Xtreme 2SE but none in the Xtreme 2.
Both the home gyms have power rod resistance that you can upgrade. However, the Xtreme 2SE has a quick change system that makes it effortless to transition between different weight capacities and from one exercise to the other. The Xtreme 2, unfortunately, does not have a quick-change system.
Wrapping Up
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE home gym has several features that make it a better machine than others in the price range, especially from Bowflex gyms.
However, the Bowflex PR1000 home gym holds its ground very impressively. This simple yet effective home gym is all you need to stay fit and healthy.
Overall Winner
Though either of these home gyms will provide you with a fantastic workout, it’s hard not to give the edge in versatility and durability to the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE when compared against each other.
With its impressive range of exercises, heavy-duty construction, and ability to increase resistance without weights, the Xtreme 2 SE is our clear winner.
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