Having a Home gym is a must these days!
However, with all the products available for purchase today how can you tell which to get?
In this article, we compared the Soloflex vs Bowflex since they are among the top home gym brands. Both the Soloflex and Bowflex home gyms are similar resistance based training systems. They were developed at the same time in the 70s and started gaining popularity among households.
However, Bowflex has since completely dominated Soloflex in both quality and the total number of units sold.
Despite all that, a Soloflex home gym is still a great workout solution that you may even consider purchasing!
Soloflex Vs Bowflex Comparison
In this section, we’ll take a look at product design, brand variety, size, warranty, cost, the pros, and the cons.
SoloFlex Review
For most people, hitting the gym is a hassle because they can’t find the time or afford expensive gym fees. For those reasons, Soloflex was created. And since so many of us hated the gym, their machines gained fame shortly after the first soloflex infomercial aired in the 80s.Soloflex was created to deliver a full-body workout right at home. Which was achieved by its capabilities to do everything you would do at a gym and more. The machine was also a cost-effective solution to rehabilitating injuries due to its design. Sadly, with all the great things it had going, the product was discontinued due to the increasing competition from Bowflex machines.
Product Design Comparison
When comparing both brand products, the main thing that most people notice is the stark contrast in design. The design of the soloflex strays more towards traditional home gym machines and allows exercises such as pulldowns, barbell workouts, and free body exercises. It features a floating barbell and a bench for doing the majority of exercises. And attached to the floating barbell are heavy duty weighted rubbers known as Soloflex weight straps.
A Bowflex, on the other hand, is more compact and sits wider and slightly taller than the soloflex. It uses power rods for weight resistance and a cable pulley system. Most exercises that you do on the Bowflex will be done while sitting upright. In contrast, the soloflex has a bench that you can lay flat on to perform ab workouts. However, some bowflex models have a adjustable seat that can be turned into a bench.
Which Home Gym Brand Has More Variety & Workouts?
When comparing which brand is better between the soloflex or Bowflex, the answer is Bowflex. Bowflex has currently produced more than five home gym models. However, at present only two models are featured on their website for purchase. They are the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE and the PR1000 model. In contrast, the soloflex has one model with three variations; the Retro Muscle Machine, Muscle Machine and Muscle Machine with Butterfly and Leg Extension. The only difference between the soloflex machines is that one is older than the other.
One surpassing feature that the soloflex has over the Bowflex is the ability to add free weights.
Which Product Allows More Exercises?
Regarding exercise capabilities, the Bowflex beats the soloflex. Bowflex machines offer the ability to do 70 exercises. However, both machines do provide a full-body workout.
Size and Weight
The soloflex is smaller than the Bowflex by a good margin. Measuring 4 ft wide by 4 ft deep and 6 ft tall the machine has a minimal footprint. The Bowflex measures 4.4 ft by 4 ft by 6.8ft tall. Furthermore, the Bowflex has a workout area dimension of 8 ft by 6 ft. The soloflex machines weigh roughly 176 lbs while the Bowflex weighs 185 lbs.
Soloflex Cost Vs Bowflex
On their website, you can purchase a soloflex for about $2000. However, you can easily find a used one in excellent condition on sites like craigslist and eBay. You can usually find amazing USED prices ranging from $250-$500.
On the other hand, you can get a Bowflex home gym new from about as low as $$$.
Product Warranty
The soloflex machines come with a 30-day money back guarantee while you get a 5-year warranty the Bowflex.
Pros & Cons Soloflex
Pros
- Soloflex has a smaller footprint.
- Great for rehabbing an injury.
- It can help with stabilizing muscles more.
- Can take more weights than Bowflex
- Soloflex is very durable and should last for years.
- Spare parts are readily available.
Cons
- Bar position is uncomfortable when doing some exercises.
- Price is higher than Bowflex.
- Only offers a 30 Day warranty.
Pros & Cons of Bowflex
Pros
- More exercises than Soloflex.
- Costs less than Soloflex.
- Bowflex includes more features than Soloflex.
- They have a more extended warranty for the frame and resistance rods
- Resistance technology is more advanced and widely accepted.
Cons
- Larger than the soloflex.
The Verdict
After comparing the Soloflex muscle machine vs Bowflex PR1000 or X2SE, it’s evident that both models have their advantages and even similarities.
However, the Bowflex is a better product to purchase. With all the features you get on a Bowflex and the variety of workouts you get to do, it’s a better buy.
If you are on a budget, you can try acquiring a used soloflex on eBay as it’s cheaper used than the Bowflex. But if you were to purchase a home gym between these two brands today, then you would be better off with a Bowflex.
If you need help in choosing a Bowflex model, make sure you check out our guide on the Best Bowflex home gyms.
Join in the review and tell us what you think of either brand below!
I’m very dedicated to working out and I rarely miss a workout. With that being said, I have owned 3 Bowflexes and the rod weight tension is horrible and to be honest you’re not going to get any size with a Bowflex. You can be nicely toned but that’s about it. I finally decided to purchase a used Soloflex which I purchased for $200 with all the available attachments. The Soloflex just in the ability to do push-ups, chin-ups, and dips on the machine; those exercises alone make it a better piece of equipment than the Bowflex. I wish I would have started with a Soloflex and not wasted the money on the 3 Bowflexes I have owned. I should mention, I do have hexagon dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells, and for cardio I have a piece of equipment called, ‘The Rack.’ The Rack looks like a walker that you see old people using to get around. I do the Fat Shredder on The Rack once a week and it never gets any easier. The Rack brand new is $100 but make sure you get the 30lb model and not the 27lb model. Another thing I love about the Soloflex is squats because you have to start from the down position. Starting squats from the down position will let you know right away if you can actually push the weight. Starting from the bottom position will also make you stronger at squatting, much faster than starting from the standing position. If you think I’m mistaken simply try it the proof will be in the pudding. For those who say you need to go to a gym so you can say motivated. Nobody knows you better than you. If you have discipline like I have nothing is better than a home gym and nothing beats Soloflex!
Hey Paul, We totally agree that if you can find a decent Soloflex to purchase then it’s definitely worth it over the Bowflex. It does most of the things the Bowflex does and we found that the weight straps on the Soloflex do last a little longer than the older Bowflex tension rods. However, when comparing both products as “NEW” then the Soloflex loses out to the Bowflex in terms of price and features. Of course, that all depends on which Bowflex Model you decide to go choose. We’ve made this list of the best Bowflex models to buy here: https://bodhealthiness.com/home-gyms/bowflex-home-gym-reviews/
We agree with you 100% though, there is nothing better than owning your home gym!
Due to corona virus causing gym shut down. I bought a used soloflex off Craigslist for $150. I was skeptical of it at first. Being able to bench press 310lbs easily for 10 reps. By trying bench press of soloflex the bands are extremely tension resistant. I struggled to pushed 300lbs on the bands so I had to lessen the tension to 250lbs of resistance. By surprised for 38 year old 6’2 weighing at 230lbs. It gave me a sore strenuous workout leaving my chest pump feeling satisfied. Only con is just getting under the bar easily for I have to slide in and out. But it definitely great for highly strength training in keeping your mass if you are well conditioned
Due to corona virus causing gym shut down. I bought a used soloflex off Craigslist for $150. I was skeptical of it at first. Being able to bench press 310lbs easily for 10 reps. By trying bench press of soloflex the bands are extremely tension resistant. I struggled to pushed 300lbs on the bands so I had to lessen the tension to 250lbs of resistance. By surprised for 38 year old 6’2 weighing at 230lbs. It gave me a sore strenuous workout leaving my chest pump feeling satisfied. Only con is just getting under the bar easily for I have to slide in and out. But it definitely great for highly strength training in keeping your mass if you are well conditioned
I found an aftermarket bar for bench press on ebay & love it! Looks like handlebars so there is no need to slip under the bar.
Soloflex doesn’t have the wear items that Bowflex does. Pulleys, cables, etc. If you have to replace a power rod, you have to disassemble the whole pack from the machine, remove screws to get the broken rod out, install the new rod and make sure it faces the right direction before tightening the screws. Then you still have to reassemble to the machine. Too much work. Any number of things can render the Bowflex machine inoperable until the new part arrives and Bowflex has recalled over 1 million of its home gyms due to product failures and injuries. With Soloflex, the only wear items are the weight bands and shock rings. And you can still use the machine with what you have. No disassembly or reassembly. Soloflex has also never recalled any of their products. With Soloflex, you get a top quality product that stands the test of time unlike anything else on the market. For what it is and it’s pretty good, there is no comparison.
I’ve owned both the Soloflex and the Bowflex. Gave away my Soloflex to “upgrade” to a Bowflex. Biggest mistake of my life! Gave away the Bowflex and bought a used Soloflex on Craigs list for $75! If you’re looking for a workout machine, do yourself a favor and get a Soloflex!