Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym Review

Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gyme (New version) Review

With an RSP of  $1600 this is at the top end of the Bowflex Range.  So why consider this model?  For  a start its far better value than the range topping Bowflex Revolution Reviewed Here.

Our full Bowflex Xtreme SE2 Review >>>

The Bowflex Xtreme SE2 is packed with exercises, over 70, which will allow every muscle group in the body to be targeted during a workout. Out of the box, the Bowflex is fitted with 210lb of weight and you can add more as your strength increases up to 410 lb.

Weight resistance is delivered through the Bowflex Power Rod system, which means that you cannot add iron to the system. What it does do is allow for a very compact unit, and with its innovative pulley system the cables remain fixed and do not need to be adjusted for every workout.

Actually despite its high list price, its usually avalible on some great deals.  We have found the Bowflex SE2 for % off here:

What exercises can do do on the Bowflex SE2?

There are no shortage of exercises that can be performed on the Bowflex.

Its clear the Bowflex have given thought to the whole body, and each muscle group can be targeted individually or you can go for the big 5 compound exercise: Press, Row, Squat, Deadlift, Overhead Press.

All the SE2 exercises

The list of exercises appears endless: Arms: 23 exercises including: Tricep Pushdowns, Hammer Pushdowns, Reverse Curl, Wrist extension, Dips, Bicep Curls Shoulder 16 Exercises including: Fly, Press, Lateral Shoulder Rises, Rotator Cuff, Legs 12 exercises including: Squats, Deadlift, Calf Raises Back 16 exercises: Pull downs, Seated Lat rows Deltoid Rows Chest 6 exercises: Bench Press, Decline Press, Chest Fly Abs 3 exercises Resisted Crunches, Resisted Trunk Rotation

How the resistance is delivered.

The Bowflex uses a strong cable system to safely deliver the weight.

Out of the box the maximum is 210lb, which can be increased in 5lb increments. The advantage of the cables, and they do look complex, is that you do not need to reconfigure the machine to move from one workout to the next. Finish squats and you can go straight in to chest exercises .

This cuts workout time and means that you can focus on the exercises, not playing with the kit.

As you get stronger then there is the option of upgrading the weight to a massive 410 lb.

Ease of use

Most of the exercises revolve around the seat. This has been well designed to be easily and quickly adjusted and provides plenty of knee and back support as well as being comfortably padded. The material is strong and looks able to support the weight of the lifter and the weights.

WarrantyBowflex SE2 Xtreme Review

If you shop around you may find differing warranty options. Bowflex offer the following:
Frame: 1 year
Parts: 60 days
Power Rods: lifetime

Should you step up to the top model, the revolution Bowflex offer 10 years.

Dimensions

83 x 58 x 49 inches
96 x 78 x 83 inches (workout area required)
157 pounds

Most Popular Bowflex Home Gyms:

Product nameRating Price
Bowflex Blaze Home Gym Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
$799.00
Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Click to see
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
$999.00
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
$2899.00
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym
$1,499.00

Comparison with other Bowflex Home Gyms

Image
Model & ReviewBowflex Body Tower ReviewBowflex PR1000 ReviewBowflex Blaze ReviewBowflex PR3000 ReviewXtreme SE2 ReviewBowflex Revolution Review
MSRP$499.00$799.00$1,099.00 $1,299.00 $1,599.00$2,999.00
ResistanceBodyweight210 lbs210lbs upto 410lbs201 lbs upto 310lbs210 upto 410 lbs22lbs upto 300lbs
PlatformN/AHorizontalHorizontalVerticalVerticalHorizontal
Number of Exercises2030605070100
Arm Exercises251642421
Chest Exercises4483618
Ab Exercises325238
Back Exercises23941815
Shoulder Exercises241461622
Leg Exercises561371217
Cardio RowNoYesYesNoNoYes
Maxium User Weight300 lbs
Workout Area RequiredL 53" x W 50" x H 77"L 103" x W 80" x H 82"L 90" x W 38" x H 83"L 96" x W 78" x H 83"L 96" x W 78" x H 83"L 120" x W 84" x H 83"
WarrantyFrame: 5 yearsFrame: 1 yearFrame: 1 yearFrame: 1 yearFrame: 1 yearAll components: 10 years
Wear parts: 1 yearParts: 60 daysParts: 60 daysParts: 60 daysParts: 60 days
Weights: N/aWeights: 5 yearsWeights: 5 yearsWeights: 7 yearsWeights: Lifetime

Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym User Reviews

Enough from me, lets see what other users of the Bowflex Xtreme have to say.

The new version, launched for 2013 has 5.0 out of 5.0 for its reviews with one commenting:  “Is as advertised. Work out on it every day and love how it performs. Wanted to be able to work out at home and this does the job.”

The previous version scored a credible 4.6 out of 5 and was regarded for its high quality and ease of use. In particular being able to transition between exercises quickly.

“I’ve owned the Bowflex for 1 month now and cannot believe how easy, fun and fast results have happened. Its simply AMAZING! I love it!”

Some reviewers are pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Bowflex, its like a Dr Pepper moment for them : “My first home gym purchase and boy am I glad I waited. This thing is, wait for it, F$@*n Awesome = Fawesome!“

Included in the box, you get the set up instructions along with a DVD walking you through all the exercises possible on the Bowflex. This is important as correct form is vital to ensure you get the most from the workout. As one user points out some of the weights feels a little light.

This is common with most Home Gym setups and is one of the (few) compromises that has to be made.

Click Here to read More pros and cons>>>>

Video

Any issues or complaints?

There are quite a few upgrades that Bowflex offer, such as a weight reconditioner for $15, and additional weights. It would be nice if they could be bundled in. Apart from that the machine seems well made and up for the job! If you want some free weights to compliment the Home Gym then you could consider the Bowflex Selecttech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Reviewed here

This gym is quite heavy and can mark some floors, we would recommend using some rubber matting underneath to protect your floor

Summary:

The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym is an expensive choice. However with the Xtreme 2SE you still have the build quality and ease of use of its larger brother. The advantages are incredible price savings, and you don’t lose that much in the workouts. All it needs is an hour of set up you will be good to go.

We like the quick changes to the workouts, the good levels of resistance and the overall build quality. If you are looking for a home gym, then we would certainly recommend the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE.

Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym Review Summary:

  • 70 plus exercises that cover the entire body
  • 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance, upgradeable to 310 pounds or 410 pounds
  • Multiple cable or pulley positions with the Quick Change Power Rod system
  • Bowflex provides 7 free trainer built workout regimens
  • Heavy duty steel construction frame offering long term durability
  • Ergonomic adjustable seat with polyurethane high density foam cushion
  • Ab training strap, squat bar and lat bar included
  • 5 way hand grip or ankle cuffs