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The Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE are two of these models.
Sometimes there is a trade-off between extra features at a slightly higher price vs a more basic model at a lower price. However, when comparing the Bowflex Blaze vs the Bowflex Extreme 2 SE the choice is relatively clear.
The Bowflex Blaze offers more compact storage, the option to do aerobic rowing, a flat bench (that is also adjustable), and basically the same muscle-building potential but at a price that is a lot lower.
In some cases like if you don’t have enough room to use the Bowflex Blaze and if you need a lighter model, for example due to a weak floor, the Bowflex Extreme 2 SE could be the only option.
Besides these exceptional situations, the Bowflex Blaze is generally the best option of the two.
This article will also go over some of the other features of the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, and in what situations the differences between the two matter the most.
Important differences Bowflex Blaze vs Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
Both the Blaze and Xtreme 2 SE 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. at the time of writing. Over time this can change and other dealers and distributors can have different policies.
| Feature | Bowflex Blaze | Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 195 lbs (88.45 kg) | 157 lbs (71.21 kg) |
| 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 | Not Specifically Mentioned* |
| Price | $$ | $$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Newer models often have 7 years on machine and no-time-limit warranty on individual Power Rod® resistance rods.
Other features Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
There are other features besides the ones above. For some of these, the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Recommended Workout Area | 100″ L x 78″ W | 96″ L x 78″ W |
| Quick Change System (No Cable Change) | No | Yes |
| Chest Exercises | 8 | 6 |
| Shoulder Exercises | 14 | 16 |
| Back Exercises | 9 | 18 |
| Arm Exercises | 16 | 24 |
| Abdominal (Ab) Exercises | 5 | 3 |
| Leg Exercises | 13 | 12 |
| Aerobic Rowing | Yes | No |
| Number Of Exercises | 65+ | 70+ |
| Squat Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Crunch Harness | Not Included | Included |
| Instructional Placard | Yes | No |
Differences Bowflex Blaze vs Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE in-depth
Seeing the differences between the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE.
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 Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE 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 Xtreme 2 SE. Additionally, the Blaze has wheels which again makes it easier for storing.
Lastly, the Bowflex Blaze is 38 lbs (17.24 kg) heavier than the Bowflex. This can be relevant for example if your floor can only hold a certain amount of weight.
Winner For Using: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
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. at the time of writing.
There are also conditions like using the machines normally, at home, etc. Over time the policies can change and other dealers and distributors can have different policies.
An additional issue is that the warranty of the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is hard (potentially impossible) to find.
That being said, the Bowflex Blaze has 5 years on the machine. Newer models like the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE often have a warranty of 7 years on the machine.
Both can be sufficient but if these numbers are correct, the Xtreme 2 SE is obviously the winner in this area.
Winner: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE (if the typical warranty applies, hard to find for the specific model)
Price
The muscle-building capabilities for both machines are similar but the prices are different. The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is more expensive than the Bowflex Blaze by a relatively high amount.
The exact price differences depend on where you buy your models and vary over time.
In some situations like not having enough room to use the Bowflex Blaze and having a weak floor that is not strong enough for the Blaze, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE can be the only option.
However, in most other cases, the Bowflex Blaze is the clear winner. You get certain extra features and similar muscle-building capabilities at a price that is much lower than the Xtreme 2 SE.
Winner: Bowflex Blaze
Bowflex Blaze and Xtreme 2 SE exercises
The user manuals of the Bowflex Blaze and Xtreme 2 SE 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 that are not in the manuals.
So just because there are 16 arm exercises described in the user manual of the Bowflex Blaze, and 24 arm exercises in the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, does not mean the second option is more focused on your arm muscles.
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 exercise 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 Xtreme 2 SE, 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. Their tension is also not as constant as free weights.
That being said, overall, the Bowflex Blaze and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE receive very good reviews. At the time of writing, the reviews for the Bowflex Blaze are slightly more positive.
Is the Bowflex Blaze or Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE right for you?
In some comparisons, there is a fine line between getting certain extra features at a slightly higher price. However, in the case of the Bowflex Blaze vs the Bowflex Extreme 2 SE, the choice is relatively clear.
The Bowflex Blaze offers basically the same muscle-building potential but at a price that is a lot lower. Additionally, you get more compact storage, the option to do aerobic rowing, and a flat bench.
Two situations where the Bowflex Extreme 2 SE can be better are if you do not have enough room to use the Bowflex Blaze and if your floor can only hold a limited amount of weight. The Extreme 2 SE is slightly lighter.
So besides these exceptional situations, the Bowflex Blaze is generally the best option of the two.
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