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The Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed are two home gym systems from the Bowflex brand. How do they compare in features and which one is the best?
Bowflex is a brand that offers home gym systems that allow you to build muscle in a variety of places. The Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed are two of these models.
The main differences between these two models include size, price, and a few extra features. These machines have similar potential when it comes to building muscle.
The Bowflex Blaze requires slightly less storage space, has an aerobic rowing system, and has a flat weight bench (that is also adjustable).
On the other hand, the Bowflex Xceed requires slightly less room to use and comes at a lower price.
If you only care about growing and strengthening your muscles at the lowest price possible, the Bowflex Xceed will generally be the best choice.
For individuals who want to save as much storage room as possible, like aerobic rowing, like a flat bench, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for these features, the Bowflex Blaze can be a great choice too.
This article will also go over some of the other features of the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed, and in what situations the differences between the two matter the most.
Most important differences Bowflex Blaze vs Bowflex Xceed
Both the Blaze and Xceed models are from the same Bowflex brand. Even so, since they are their own separate models, there will still be some differences.
Not all of these differences are that important. In the first table below you can see some of the most important features when it comes to investing in a home gym system.
Keep in mind that the warranties below only apply to merchandise purchased by consumers directly from Nautilus, Inc. Other dealers and distributors can have different policies. These warranties are from the user manuals and checked at the time of writing (1, 2).
| Feature | Bowflex Blaze | Bowflex Xceed |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 90″ L x 38″ W x 83″ H | 53″ L x 49″ W x 82″ H |
| Folded Footprint | 52″ L x 38″ W x 83″ H | / |
| Wheels | Yes | No |
| US Residential Warranty | 5 Years on machine, No-Time-Limit Warranty on individual Power Rods | 7 Years on machine, No-Time-Limit Warranty on individual Power Rods |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Other features Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed
There are other features besides the ones above. For some of these, the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed are similar, for others they are different.
One thing to keep in mind about the table below is that the number of exercises for the different body parts is as described in the user manual. In reality, there will be many other exercises and variations of mentioned exercises.
Additionally, the number of available exercises does not represent how much muscle you can build with these machines. One exercise can be enough for certain muscles.
| Feature | Bowflex Blaze | Bowflex Xceed |
|---|---|---|
| User Weight Limit | 300 lbs (136.08 kg) | 300 lbs (136.08 kg) |
| Power Rod Resistance | 210 lbs (95.24 kg) | 210 lbs (95.24 kg) |
| Power Rod Upgradability | To 310 lbs (140.61 kg) or 410 lbs (185.97 kg) | To 310 lbs (140.61 kg) or 410 lbs (185.97 kg) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88.45 kg) | 157 lb (71.21 kg) |
| Recommended Workout Area | 100″ L x 78″ W | 96″ L x 78″ W |
| Chest Exercises | 8 | 4 |
| Shoulder Exercises | 14 | 15 |
| Back Exercises | 9 | 14 |
| Arm Exercises | 16 | 18 |
| Abdominal (Ab) Exercises | 5 | 1 |
| Leg Exercises | 13 | 11 |
| Aerobic Rowing | Yes | No |
| Number Of Exercises | 65+ | 65+ |
| Squat Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Instructional Placard | Yes | No |
Differences Bowflex Blaze vs Bowflex Xceed in-depth
Seeing the differences between the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed in a table is definitely a helpful start.
That being said, some of the differences deserve a bit more explanation in the sense of for what type of people the differences matter in what ways. This can help you make a better decision between these two home gym systems.
Weight and dimensions
There are some small differences between the dimensions of the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed.
The Bowflex Blaze take in 90″ L x 38″ W x 83″ H (228.6 cm L x 96.52 cm W x 210.82 cm H ) with the bench down.
However, when you are not using this machine, you can fold up the bench. When you do this, the Bowflex Blaze only takes in 52″ L x 38″ W x 83″ H (132.08 cm L x 96.52 cm W x 210.82 cm H).
On the other hand, the Bowflex Xceed takes in 53″ L x 49″ W x 82″ H (134.62 cm L x 124.46 cm W x 208.28 cm H). Both when using and storing the machine.
So when it comes to storing these machines, the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed take up about equal amounts of space. With the bench down, the Bowflex Blaze requires 37 inches (93.98 cm) length more and 11 inches (27.94 cm) width less.
Even with these differences in mind, the user manuals describe equal amounts of workout space needed. In reality, many exercises on the Bowflex Xceed will likely require less space than the Bowflex Blaze.
When it comes to storing the machine, the Bowflex Blaze requires slightly less space than the Bowflex Xceed. Additionally, the Blaze has wheels which again makes it easier for storing.
Winner For Using: Bowflex Xceed
Winner For Storing: Bowflex Blaze
Warranty
For this next difference, you need to keep in mind that the warranties described are for the US and apply only to merchandise purchased by consumers directly from Nautilus, Inc. There are also conditions like using the machines normally, etc.
Other dealers and distributors can have different policies. These warranties are from the user manuals and checked at the time of writing (1, 2).
That being said, the Bowflex Xceed has a warranty of 7 years on the machine. The Bowflex Blaze has 5 years on the machine. Both can be sufficient but obviously, the Xceed is the clear winner in this area.
Winner: Bowflex Xceed
Price
The muscle-building capabilities for both machines are similar. However, the Bowflex Blaze does come with some extra exercise options and a horizontal weight bench.
This leads to the Bowflex Blaze being pricier than the Bowflex. The exact price differences depend on where you buy your models and vary over time.
Whether this extra investment is worth it to you depends on your budget and how much you value the extra benefits of the Bowflex Blaze
If you want to build muscle for the smallest investment possible, the Bowflex Xceed is generally the better option.
If you don’t mind investing a bit more in the horizontal bench, aerobic rowing, and compact storage, the higher price of the Bowflex Blaze can definitely be worth it.
Winner: Bowflex Xceed
Bowflex Blaze and Xceed exercises
The user manuals of the Bowflex Blaze and Xceed come with instructions for several exercises. In the comparison table earlier in the article you can see how many exercises for each body part are described.
Something to keep in mind is that these user manuals are not a complete description of all the options out there. In reality, you can do many other exercises and variations of the described exercises.
So just because there are 9 back exercises described in the user manual of the Bowflex Blaze, and 14 back exercises in the Bowflex Xceed, does not mean the second option is more focused on your back.
Additionally, the number of available exercises does not represent how much muscle you can build with these machines.
Someone who only does weighted squats can build more or less just as much leg muscle as individuals who do weighted lunges, step-ups, and pistol squats.
That being said, one exception is the option to do aerobic rowing on the Bowflex Blaze. This can be a fun way to warm up before your strength training but is not essential to a good strength training program.
Additionally, the Bowflex Blaze does have a horizontal weight bench. This can be a benefit from a personal preference standpoint.
For both models, the Power Rod Upgrade Options can be helpful to grow and strengthen your muscles more and faster. Especially if you are a relatively strong individual.
Winner: Bowflex Blaze (differences are generally not that relevant)
User reviews
Generally, looking at the differences in features offers the most objective comparison, especially when comparing two models of the same company.
Sometimes it can be helpful to check out the specific reviews too. In the case of the Bowflex Blaze and Xceed, the reviews are very similar in a good way. Most users are very happy with their purchases.
Some people emphasize that using these machines is not the same as an actual gym workout but can be effective nonetheless.
One potential area for improvement is that some users are not big fans of the rods as resistance. In a few cases, these start to offer less resistance after a few months.
That being said, overall, the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xceed receive very good reviews.
Is the Bowflex Blaze or Bowflex Xceed better for you?
Which of these two models is the best home gym system for you ultimately depends on what your budget is, how much room you have for using and storing, and how much you value the few extra features of the Bowflex Blaze.
The Bowflex Blaze is slightly smaller to store, has an aerobic rowing system, and a flat bench.
On the other hand, the Bowflex Xceed comes with similar muscle-building capabilities, slightly less workout room required, and a lower price.
Unless you really like aerobic rowing and a flat bench and need to save every inch of storage space, the Bowflex Xceed is generally the best if you compare muscle growth and strengthing potential with the price.
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