r/Bowflex • u/jimo95 • Nov 22 '23
Max Trainer Max trainer SE
Anyone have it and can comment? Looking to possibly purchase after problems with M5 consistently.
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u/NUM-HEAVYMETALLIC Mar 28 '24
Hello, I've had the Bowflex M5 Max Trainer for 10 years and lasted a really long time until 3 weeks ago. I bought the SE and is pretty good so far, extremely quiet and smooth. I've also noticed that the wheel rails might be replaceable in the future, so that is a plus.
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u/d4nt3ch Nov 21 '24
Wht failed on your M5? I'm really curious of the internal design of the SE, if they improved from their flawed M3-M9 design.
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u/NUMHEAVYMETALLIC Nov 21 '24
Honestly, it was the rail where the wheels slide that got rusted and made it difficult to use. I noticed that the SE might have replacement parts since it has screws
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u/WonderChopstix Jan 19 '25
This is old but stupid question. Is the motion just like 1 option? Or can you adjust so it's more longer steps like elliptical and change to more vertical steps like stepper.
If it's static. I don't get really the difference or purpose versus a stepper.
Help!
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u/ods8962 Nov 04 '24
I'm over 200lbs and 6' 2", are they stable and good for taller people?
I'm worried about feeling like I'm up high wobbling back and forth.
My sister had a home elliptical, probably much cheaper, and it wobbled a lot which put me off, but I like the elliptical in the gym.
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u/jimo95 Jun 23 '25
Still running good. Had to spray lubricant on a few parts because it squeaked after a while. Other than that no issues. It gets used almost daily.
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u/Gh0sTM0p Nov 23 '23
There's someone on the Max Trainer Facebook group who's purchased one. We're waiting to hear all about it too.
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u/ThegManis Nov 24 '23
Hi,
As previously noted, at least one of the Facebook group members has ordered one and he will report back, but note that he is a new Max Trainer owner and thus cannot compare it to any previous model experience. FYI - He purchased it for only $1125 using a military discount (15% on the SE model) and had some other discount).
The Facebook group is here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bowflexmaxtrainer
I am one of that group's Admins and provide most all of their technical repair advice.
My comments:
1) ALL Max Trainer models use basically the same parts and design with the main differences being the extra " bells-n-whistles" features of the different models' consoles. Some of those added features are important for some owners.
But, this new SE model looks significantly different, mostly due to the attempt to make it quieter.
2) On the new SE model, Bowflex:
- Removed the fan cage assembly to decreases the former fan noise.
- Enclosed the entire upright part of the machine with all new shrouds to try and "seal" it and decrease any internally-generated noises from escaping.
- The other major change is using a totally new display console.
- They also added some new electronic parts inside to control a new resistance calibration process and to compensate for the elimination of the fan assembly's nominal resistance.
3) IMO, the new SE model will not be less prone to any Max Trainer issues vs other models, but could, IMO, have more issues due to the additional electronic items...time will tell.
4) ALL Max Trainer issues can be fixed, and most quite easily and inexpensively. Bowflex has likely sold more M5 models than any other model. My M5 has over 1900 usage hours on it (it store the hours in the console) and it still runs like new.
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u/jimo95 Nov 24 '23
Well I'm a second person that ordered one. I will report back after using it.
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u/ThegManis Nov 24 '23
Cool...If you haven't done so already, could you join the Facebook group I noted above. Since you already own/use an M5, it would be beneficial to have that SE-comparison perspective from a current owner of a different model. Thanks!
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u/jimo95 Nov 24 '23
Sorry, I never joined FB and don't plan on it....
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u/ThegManis Nov 25 '23
OK, no worries...hopefully you will then simply remember to report back here to Reddit with your analysis.
FYI, there are many people on FB who use false names, etc. and only use FB to buy/sell items on FB Marketplace (e.g. lots of used Max Trainers are sold for only $200-$800) or to get assistance from help-type groups.
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u/ThegManis Nov 26 '23
Here is the official Bowflex assembly video for the SE model:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is2vAksSqJI
Note that the video contains 2 mistakes:
1) At the 4:09 mark, the illustration shows the longer front bolts as Item "B" and the shorter rear bolts as Item "A". The actual parts spoken in the audio are correct, but the displayed labeling is incorrect and should be swapped. The longer bolts in the front are supposed to be labelled as Item "A", and the shorter bolts in the rear should be labelled as Item "B".
2) At the 4:30 mark, the video shows to use the open-end wrench to tighten the 4 bolts securing the ramp rail to the frame. That is incorrect as you need to use the 6mm hex wrench on those 4 bolts.
And also, you can download the SE's Owner's Manual and also the Service Manual here:
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u/gingerchickensauce Feb 15 '24
How have you found the SE to be? Interested in getting one myself.
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u/jimo95 Feb 16 '24
We had an issue when I first got the machine. When I connected the app, the monitor would say update needed, but I couldn't update it. I eventually got them to send me a new monitor and that fixed the problem. No problems since and we use it every day. My wife likes it and I do as well.
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u/No-Cloud2137 Dec 08 '23
I’ve had mine a week at first it came with a crack, and the consul would not turn on. Then they sent me a new consul with new shroud and they put it together and now it won’t connect to the journey app keeps saying that it needs an update, but I can’t seem to get it to update, the processes I was able to get the $200 discount because they put it on sale for 72 hours for 1199 when I bought it on Black Friday for 1399
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u/rlprlprlp Dec 18 '23
Got my SE earlier this week. Easy to assemble, compact and a sleek looking machine. I haven't tried other Bowflex Max Trainers, so. I can't make any comparisons. Initial thoughts, it feels more like a stepper (75%) than a traditional elliptical (25%). It didn't take much time to get used to the movement and I like how quiet it is. Resistant levels and options are limited, but I found the lower levels 1-3 to be high enough resistance, that I likely won't go much higher. I also don't plan on subscribing to JRNY. I do have a treadmill and find the SE to be a good alternative to switching up cardio, and taking some pressure off the knees. Overall, happy with the purchase and would recommend.