If you’re in the market for a home gym, Bowflex is arguably one of the top brands that come to mind. The Bowflex Xceed, for instance, is a compact model that’s a go-to for full-body workouts. For additional exercises, the best-selling Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a solid training option as well. At first glance, both models share many of the same physical features. Up close, however, you’ll find some key differences that might make you choose one home gym over the other.
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Bowflex Xceed vs Xtreme 2 Home Gym Comparison Chart
| Model | Bowflex Xceed Home Gym | Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| No. of Exercises | 65+ | 70+ |
| Technology | Power Rod resistance | Power Rod resistance |
| Resistance | 210 lbs, upgradeable to 310 lbs and 410 lbs | 210 lbs, upgradeable to 310 lbs and 410 lbs |
| Bench Press | Vertical | Vertical |
| Squat Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Leg Attachment | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Change System | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 53″ x 49″ x 82″ | 53″ x 49″ x 83.25″ |
| Warranty | 1 year on frame, 5 years on rods, 60 days on parts | 7 years on the machine, lifetime warranty for the rod |
Design and Build
Both the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE are compact yet heavy-duty home gyms.
When it comes to design, the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE share plenty in common. Both home gyms are crafted from heavy-duty steel frames and sport Bowflex’s characteristic bows and resistance system. They feel solid, with little to no wobble given their size and height. Despite almost similar dimensions, however, the Bowflex Xceed has a larger 10.4 ft x 10 ft footprint compared to the Xtreme 2 SE’s 8 ft x 6.5 ft.
Still, these are compact fitness equipment considering the number of exercises one can do on the machine. They’re also built to be comfortable. Both the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE feature polyurethane foam-covered seats. These can be adjusted and customized to one’s body positioning. For flexible workout performance, the machines are equipped with a five-way hand grip as well.
Given their design and complexity, both the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE can take a while to be assembled. For the Xceed, different parts have varying warranty coverage as well. With the Xtreme 2 SE, you get a lifetime warranty on the rods and a 7-year coverage for the machine.
Key Features
The Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE share many of the same exercise features.
Central to the Bowflex home gym system is its bow-and-arrow-inspired form. Within this design, the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE boast the Power Rod resistance system. Unlike other fitness equipment, however, Bowflex home gyms don’t just rely on weights and gravity. Instead, the Power Rod system slowly builds resistance as you go further, allowing for a more fluid increase in tension.
In terms of features, the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE have plenty in common. Both home gyms come with a vertical bench press and a squat bar. They’re equipped with a 4-Position Lower Pulley/Squat Station and Lat Tower with Angled Lat Bar, too. With the Xceed, users also get an Ab Training Strap, while the Xtreme 2 SE comes with an Ab Crunch Shoulder Harness.
Of course, there is no skipping leg day with BowFlex. The Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE also include a leg extension attachment.
Looking for more fitness equipment? Check out our Bowflex vs NordicTrack Dumbbells review.
Exercises and Resistance
While the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE offers more exercises, you still get the basics with the Bowflex Xceed.
According to Bowflex, the Xtreme 2 SE comes with over 70 exercises, while the Xceed features over 65. While the difference might seem like an edge for the Xtreme 2, you still get the basics and then some with the Xceed. Both home gyms, for instance, will allow you to do squats, lat pulldowns, biceps curls, calf raises, leg extensions, and triceps pushdowns.
Now, the Bowflex Xceed and Xtreme 2 SE come with the standard 210 lbs. of resistance courtesy of the Power Rod system, too. This can then be upgraded to 310 lbs or 410 lbs.
Where the Xtreme 2 SE has the edge, however, is its No-Change Cable Pulley System. This makes it easier to move between some exercises without changing any of the cables. Both home gyms don’t come with any instructional DVDs, although you do get a simple booklet out of the box. With the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, you also get seven free trainer-built workouts as part of the manual.
Verdict
Although the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE comes with a couple more features, most fitness enthusiasts will be satisfied with the Bowflex Xceed.
Bowflex remains a highly-recommended brand when it comes to compact and robust home gyms. The advanced Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, for instance, features additional exercises and optional attachments that make it the better equipment. However, the price point for an extra 10 exercises and some new trainer-built workouts might not be appealing. For many users, the Bowflex Xceed can cover most exercise and training needs. It comes with the same resistance — and most of the basic exercises you need — as the Xtreme 2 SE but at half the price.
FAQs
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE comes with more exercises than the Bowflex Xceed. In addition, the Xtreme 2 features seven trainer-built workouts included in its manual.
At half the price of the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, the Xceed is still worth it. It comes with an extensive list of over 65 exercises, along with the same resistance and load capacity.
According to Bowflex, the Xtreme 2 SE is about 6.9 ft. in height.
The Bowflex Xceed home gym weighs 157 lbs. when fully assembled.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API