The Bowflex Line Up: M5 Vs. M6

Amy TokicLast Updated: August 11, 2020

Wondering which Bowflex is going to be best to meet your needs? How can you ensure that you’re making the right purchasing decision? The Bowflex Max Trainer is one of the hottest pieces of equipment on the market today and for good reason: it can really transform your physique and allow you to see wonderful improvements in your fitness level.

The Max Trainer is fun to use, offers good variety, and is easy on the joints – all things that most people are looking for when on the hunt for fitness equipment.

This said, there are different models in the Bowflex line-up and at times, it can be a challenge to know which is the best option for you to choose.

That’s why we’re comparing three of the popular models here today. Let’s take a closer look at the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 and M6 models and give you the scoop so you can make a smart purchasing decision.

Price Points

Since price point is the limiting factor for many people, let’s start there. With the Bowflex M5, you’re going to be paying $1599 for the machine. This price point isn’t one that’s too terrible high yet, but it definitely is a step up from some of the lower end bikes or treadmills out there. If you are looking for a budget machine to do your workouts on, the Max Trainer is likely one that isn’t quite for you. This said, the machine is a higher end machine to begin with, even at the lower models, so once you give it a try, you’ll likely find that you can justify that cost to yourself better.

If you’re already in for the Max Trainer and expecting that price range, note that you can step it up to the M6 for just $100 more. And when we go through the benefits in the second, I think you’ll agree that for most people, that extra $100 is worth it.

Stability

Moving on to stability, for this, we look at the user weight limit. This tells us how much the machine is capable of handling, which then gives us an idea of how stable it is.

Stability is something that is not absolutely essential to doing the workout, but sure does make a difference while using the machine. You won’t get that feeling like the machine is rattling from side to side when using it if it’s got a high user weight rating.

Both of these Bowflex Max Trainer machines come in with a max weight rating of 300 lbs., so you can feel confident using it that you are not going to shake around the machine unless you are nearing the 300 pound mark.

Users even up to 225-250 should feel quite comfortable while using this cardio equipment.

Warranty

The warranty is one point of difference that you do definitely want to check out. Remember how we said that most people who are considering the M5 would want to instead check out the M6? This is why.

The M6 comes with a full three year warranty while the M5 is only two years. For that extra year, the $100 price difference is well worth it.

As long as you feel fully committed to your workout routine, remember that if that machine brakes after the second year has passed during that third year, any repairs done could easily amount to $300-500+. So spending $100 upfront to get that assurance, in our minds, is well worth it.

The only people who may not want to go that route are those who are only looking to use the machine at a low intensity level, infrequently, and who aren’t that committed in the first place and aren’t quite sure if this new workout program will ‘stick’.

Then perhaps it isn’t worth it, but this will be a case far and few between.  When you break these machines down on a per month basis, you’ll find that the M6 actually becomes cheaper when covered under warranty. Assuming you had to replace the machine after the warranty was up, the M5 will cost you $133 per month while the M6 will only cost $70 so it should be a no-brainer.

Number Of Users

The number of users is the next factor to think about here. Do you have more than one person who wants to store data on the machine? How many people are in your family who will be using it?

The M5 and M6 both come with the ability to add two users. This is great for couples who both want to use the machine and store data on it. Note that if you have a family of more users, say four people who want to store their data, this will not be possible unless you to go a machine that is one level up.

While this doesn’t really make a difference in how well the machine works as you can still use it without entering your data, if you want to easily store your workout information, it helps to have this at your fingertips.

Heart Rate Monitoring Function

Finally, consider the heart rate monitoring function. Both of these machines come with integrated hand grips for ease and comfort and they also provide a chest strap if you’re someone who prefers using that instead to gather your heart rate data.

So there you have a few of the key differences between the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 and M6. They are the same on many levels but have those few distinctions that sets them apart and calls for different price points. Think about this as you decide which one is best suited to you based on your unique user preferences and needs.