Judging from its name, clearly the Bowflex Xtreme 2 is an upgrade of a previous version. That's true. The Xtreme 2 is actually an upgraded version of the Bowflex Xtreme XTLU. The older XTLU did well when it was first released and the Xtreme 2 appeared to be closing in on the popularity of its predecessor.
Xtreme 2 and Xtreme XTLU Compared:
There are just 3 main differences in the Bowflex Xtreme series. The first and most noticeable difference is the price. Currently, the XTLU sells for around $ 1000, whereas the Xtreme 2 sells for about $ 1400. Both units have a standard of a maximum weight of 210 lbs but can be upgraded up to 410 lbs for $ 198.
Another main difference between the units is that the Bowflex Xtreme 2 gives the user the ability to use the equipment without the need for changing or switching its cables just to adjust the tension ratio. This means that those who use the equipment can go from one exercise to the next without the bother of having to stop and adjust cables.
The company also advertised the Xtreme 2 as a machine in which you could do up to 70 different exercises whereas they stated that the XTLU could only do 65. These equipments also have a warranty of 7 years.
Aside from the above mentioned three, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 and XTLU have a lot of similarities. They both have the same dimensions normally: 6 '11 "high x 4' 8" long x 4 '2 "wide.They both provide great support and comfort using an upholstered polyurethane work bench fused to high-grade PVC. need adjusting from a lying to a sitting position so it's also quite efficient as compared to other equipment.
The Xtreme series also has the leg attachment and lat tower attachment included in the pack. Many experts believe that these two are a must for any home gym equipment. The addition of these two attachments also helps add out to the exercise count of the Xtreme.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 versus Other Home Gym Equipments:
Perhaps the most iconic of all the features of the Xtreme 2 which is not present in other brands is the use of their famous Bowflex Power Rods. These power rods are made in the USA and are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Currently, the method of producing these power rods is proprietary information but what experts do know and share about them is that they are of extremely high quality.
The use of these power rods is also what makes the Bowflex Xtreme 2 safer than most home gyms. This is because home gyms and weight machines are commonly used weights stacking as a method of adding or decreasing the weights to be lifted. This is now branded as an inferior way of adding weight and the Xtreme 2 has gone away with it.
The Xtreme 2's system is also uncomplicated, as compared to other equipment. It does not need programming knowledge to operate, nor does it need any software to run it with, which, more often than not, is the cause of the machine break down anyway.
Most critics would say that the Bowflex Xtreme 2 is inferior to other products because it does not have rowing capacity. However, it should also be considered that not all users need to (or want to) have rowing exercises anyway. So for someone who buys a product with aerobic rowing capacity but does not use that feature would have bought a waste of his money.
Another thing about the Xtreme 2 is that it does come un-assembled. But, once done, the Xtreme 2 is quite compact and takes up less space than some of its competition.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 Reviews:
Typically, there have been great reviews published for the Xtreme 2. For the most part, most of the reviews come from the previous users of the Xtreme XTLU. They all loved the newer version and its upgrades. The feature they liked most about it is the fact that now, they do not have to stop and change cables. They've also commented positively on the Xtreme 2's use of power rods. They agree that this feature is the latest in gym equipment technology, and the guarantee that it'll last for practically forever is very reassuring. One user and expert reviewer even cave it a 5 out of 5.
One thing that users did not like about the machine is the lack of a rowing ability. The lack of this feature has turned off buyers from the product. Another is that the Xtreme 2 costs quite a bit more than its competition and again, some users find that the lack of rowing ability does not make the price worth it.
The Bottom Line:
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 is a great addition to any home gym. It is flexible and worth its price because it offers the latest in gym equipment technology and others simply can not keep up with it.