Bowflex Home Gyms Compared
Bowflex's pages show the Revolution at $2,199 and the Xtreme 2 SE at $899, read on 2026-11-02. The deciding difference is resistance and size: the Revolution uses SpiraFlex plates at 220 lb in a 97 x 37.5 in frame, the Xtreme 2 SE uses Power Rods at 210 lb in a 53 x 49 in one.
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The short version
MudderElla did not test either machine. Every figure here is what Bowflex's own pages say, read as raw page text on 2026-11-02, and the page for each is named in the Sources. Both machines sit in the wider best home gym comparison, and this page narrows it to the two Bowflex strength machines a reader is most likely to weigh against each other.
The Revolution costs more and states more: a higher exercise count, plate-style resistance, a longer warranty and a rowing line in its feature list. The Xtreme 2 SE costs less and takes up less room when stowed. Neither page lists a subscription, and Bowflex's category page says both machines work without Wi-Fi, electricity or subscriptions.
Side by side
All rows read from bowflex.com on 2026-11-02.
| Point | Bowflex Revolution | Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199 shown; $2,999 also shown | Listed $1,499, shown $899 (both listings) |
| Resistance type | SpiraFlex plates | Power Rods |
| Stated resistance | 220 lb, upgradable to 300 lb | 210 lb, upgradable to 310 lb and 410 lb |
| Upgrade price | $149 plate upgrade | $129 per 100 lb step |
| Exercises as stated | 100 exercises with 400+ variations | 70+ exercises |
| Size (L x W x H, in) | 97 x 37.5 x 72 | 53 x 49 x 83.25 |
| Size in use | 112 L x 62 W | 76 L x 78 W |
| Stowed size | 56 x 37.5 x 82 | Length 53 is the figure the two listings differ on |
| Machine weight | 336.2 lb | 174 lb |
| Max user weight | 300 lb | 300 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years machine, 10 years SpiraFlex packs, 90 days labor | 7 years machine, 5 years Power Rods |
| Paid protection plans | $179 (3-year), $259 (5-year) | $129 (3-year), $189 (5-year) |
| Return | 30 days from delivery | 30 days from delivery |
Two listings for the Xtreme 2 SE
Bowflex lists the Xtreme 2 SE twice. One listing is tagged "New" and the other is tagged "Clearance" and named "Xtreme 2 SE (Gen 1)". Both show the same $1,499 listed price and $899 shown price. The only difference Bowflex's pages state is length: 53 in on the new listing and 63 in on the Gen 1 listing. The pages give different product codes but do not explain any other difference, so this page cannot say whether the machines differ in anything else. The figures in the table above are from the new listing, and the resistance, exercise, warranty and user-weight lines are the same on both pages.
Resistance: plates against rods
Bowflex's page says the Revolution uses SpiraFlex technology with 220 lb of resistance, upgradable to 300 lb. The same page carries a footnote saying SpiraFlex plates are made with heavy-duty elastic straps, that the weight figures are estimates, and that elastic resistance normally degrades over time and with heavy use. The Xtreme 2 SE page says 210 lb of Power Rod resistance, upgradable to 310 lb and 410 lb with accessory purchase, and "5 to 105 lb per side in 5 lb increments". Bowflex's category page says Power Rods offer a resistance experience that reduces inertia.
So the two differ in type, not only in number. A reader who wants a higher stated ceiling in the box gets 220 lb on the Revolution and 210 lb on the Xtreme, close together. A reader who wants a much higher ceiling needs the upgrades: 300 lb at most on the Revolution, 410 lb on the Xtreme with two $129 steps. That is $258 in upgrades beyond the $899 shown price.
Exercises and what is included
Bowflex's page says the Revolution offers 100 exercises with 400+ variations and lists a leg press station, an integrated workout bench with an inclined seat back, a preacher curl attachment, 10 arm positions with the Freedom Arms and a leg extension. The Xtreme 2 SE page says 70+ strength-building exercises and lists a lat bar, a straight bar, hand and foot grips, an ab crunch harness, a leg extension system and a four-position lower pulley and squat station. These are different counting methods on different machines, so the 100 and 70 are the maker's own figures, not a like-for-like comparison.
Rowing: what each page says
The Revolution page's only rowing text is the bullet "Converts to a rowing machine". It is the only hit when the page is searched for row, rower or rowing. Bowflex's own search lists no rowing seat or add-on for sale. The Xtreme 2 SE pages say nothing about rowing machine function. Their only "rows" wording is a line saying the straight bar can be used for squats, presses, rows and more, which describes an exercise, not a rowing machine. The Revolution is a strength home gym with a rowing conversion, not a dedicated rower, and the Bowflex Revolution review goes through the wording in full.
Room
The Revolution's page gives 97 x 37.5 x 72 in assembled and says length can increase to 112 in and width to 62 in in use. It also states a workout area of 148 x 134 in, while the Revolution owner's manual, a document filed under a 2012 listing, says 120 x 84 in, so Bowflex's two sources disagree on that one figure. The Xtreme 2 SE page gives 53 x 49 x 83.25 in, rising to 76 x 78 in in use, with a workout area of 112 x 150 in.
The Xtreme 2 SE is smaller assembled, but it is taller at 83.25 in and its in-use width of 78 in is wider than the Revolution's 62 in. Neither page gives a ceiling clearance figure. For tighter rooms see the compact home gym guide.
Who each suits
The Revolution suits a reader who wants plate-style resistance, the larger stated exercise count and a rowing conversion in the feature list, and who has room for a 112 x 62 in working footprint. It is wrong for a reader on a smaller budget, and wrong for anyone who wants a dedicated rower.
The Xtreme 2 SE suits a reader who wants a lower price and a smaller assembled size, and is content with 70+ exercises and rod resistance. It is wrong for a reader who wants a rowing line in the feature list, a plate system or the longer 10-year warranty.
Shipping, assembly and other costs
Both pages show FedEx Parcel delivery at $199.00 and White Glove delivery with assembly at $399.00, with a free-shipping offer on standard shipping only. Bowflex's FAQ recommends two people to assemble these machines. The return policy page says a return carries return shipping costs of $155 and a processing fee of up to 20%. Add those to the price when you compare.
Related guides
If you want other kinds of machine, the all-in-one home gym comparison covers cable and stack machines, and which cardio machine fits your home covers rowers, treadmills and bikes.
FAQ
Which Bowflex home gym costs less?
Bowflex's pages show the Xtreme 2 SE at $899 and the Revolution at $2,199, a difference of $1,300 on the shown prices. The listed prices are $1,499 and $2,999, a difference of $1,500.
Why are there two Xtreme 2 SE pages?
Bowflex lists a current one and a Gen 1 one tagged "Clearance". Both show the same prices. The only stated difference is stowed length, 53 in against 63 in.
Can the Xtreme 2 SE be used as a rowing machine?
Bowflex's Xtreme 2 SE pages say nothing about rowing machine function. Only the Revolution page lists "Converts to a rowing machine".
Do these machines need an app or subscription?
Bowflex's category page says neither needs Wi-Fi, electricity or subscriptions to function. The Revolution page does not mention a subscription.
Is the stated resistance exact?
Bowflex's Revolution page says its SpiraFlex weight figures are estimates and that elastic resistance degrades over time.