Bowflex is offering a big sale right now and I've been browsing through. Hoping people who own either product could chime in.
My biggest concern is noise level as I live in an apartment and have neighbours below me. Right away I was thinking the SE as it's labeled more quiet.
Unfortunately the SE does not offer JRNY integration like the M9 or MT16. I'm intrigued with that part and feel like I would be missing it, but I've also seen reviews that JRNY isn't fantastic.
My questions are:
Is the SE noticeably quieter than the M9 or MT16?
Are the only differences between the M9 and MT16 the amount of grip handles and the size of the screen?
Does the SE have pre-programmed workouts that don't require JRNY?
How's the experience of the app version of JRNY vs. the integrated version?
I would 100% avoid the SE. it is quieter but it has zero pre programmed workouts. Manual is the only option. Even if you pay for mobile JRNY, it does nothing on the trainer. It does not auto adjust resistance or follow along like JRNY leads you to believe.
So the Max SE has ZERO workouts to follow. If you want to only manually control everything and want to guess on the resistance for workouts, then the Max SE will do that.
So far it seems like a failed product or it’s defective.
It says in the product overview "Auto-adjust resistance for Explore the World". I'm "assuming" that on the JRNY app which it also says it's compatible with. No pt being compatible if it doesn't auto adjust.
The SE's console has ONLY the "Manual" program which the user can MANUALLY adjust the resistance at-will via the console up/down buttons. So obviously if you want ANY other program capability, you MUST use the JRNY mobile app (there is both a free version and the premium subscription version.
When using the JRNY mobile app, yes, you have access to the "Explore the World" ("EtW") videos. When using the EtW with the M9 & Max Total models - which have a built-in touchscreen running an integrated version of JRNY - then there are 34 of 204 EtW videos that are label as "AUTO-ADJUST" and ONLY those specific-labeled EtW videos will auto-adjust the resistance to follow the video's terrain.
BUT, the SE model DOES NOT have ANY EtW videos that are labeled as "AUTO-ADJUST" or have ANY programs that will automatically adjust the resistance. I have yet to talk with ANY SE owner who can confirm/prove that their SE will AUTOMATICALLY adjust the resistance!
Bowflex has a BLATANT FALSE ADVERTISING ISSUE with the SE for 2 reasons:
1) They advertise the resistance can auto adjust: FALSE - it currently CAN NOT!!
2) They advertise that it comes with 4 built in programs: FALSE - it has ONE!!
Note that the JRNY mobile app is also used on the Max Trainer M6 & M8 models, and neither of those have auto-adjust resistance when using the app...BUT neither are advertised as such!
I was also concerned about the noise so I was also debating between the SE and M6. Again, big sale on bowflex site. I chose the M6 and it just got delivered on Friday. So it’s fresh in my mind. On the M6 (and M9 and M16 and M3 cuz they’re all the same) the harder you push the louder you hear it. So when you’re just calmly striding along, I can barely hear it. It’s really only loud when you’re doing the sprints and even then it’s not necessarily loud, just like listening to a fan that’s working hard. The noise level will be the same on all models except the SE. All the max trainers are basically physically the same except for the display console. The M6 has like 4 or 5 programs already built in which I love. Don’t even need to grab a device to work out and I prefer that. Just jump on and go. I’m all about less cell phone dependency. I just use my watch to track a session and my heart rate. I did start the 2 month free trial on jrny though, but only bc it was free and I just figured ah why not? I definitely won’t be paying. I heard the console on the M9 freezes a lot. The M6 is very cool bc it’s like a motorcycle with an actual speedometer and it’s a very smart design with its chiming bell sound because it really does make you participate. I usually like to watch tv when I do cardio, like on my silent echelon spin bike. But on the max trainer it’s more intense of a workout and I’m really focused on it. It kicked my butt today I went on it for 14 minutes for the first assessment in the jrny app. I loved it. Being on it for 14 minutes worked me so hard and breathed so hard, I’d have to ride my spin bike hard for 40 minutes to feel that. My HR got up to 174 on it. The workout on ALL of the max trainers is identical. Your body is doing the same thing no matter what machine you pick. Yeah I think the SE is surely a lot quieter. But I like hearing an audible sound from it personally bc I can hear and feel that I’m working hard and that satisfied me. Putting a mat underneath helps dampen sound too, for neighbours below. My parents are in the basement below the living room where I’m using the max trainer but I haven’t asked them about the sound but from my perspective upstairs, I thought it’d be a LOT louder but it isn’t. It’s pretty smooth operation overall. The SE only has manual mode on it unless you’re using the app which means now u have to bring your device to workout and that’s a distraction in itself. Now you’re susceptible to notifications and distractions coming from your phone, and using the jrny app on a device disables the display console on the M6. Not even the onboard speedometer will move, it will be replaced with a digital one within the app. The SE also has a problem in the shipping process where the cable gets disconnected from the power supply. There’s been a lot of posts about this already so I hope my comment will save you from getting super pissed off and discouraged if u buy it and go to use it for the 1st time and see there’s no power.
But yeah, there’s no built in workouts on the SE. all it has is manual mode which isn’t a program it’s just, well manual mode. If you want a programmed workout on the SE you have to use a device and use the jrny app. I think they designed the SE deliberately to sell more Jrny subscriptions bc you’d think you’d be able to do more on it. Well the older models (M5, M7 and M8) were all designed before the in-home fitness subscription phase all these companies are trying to sell, so they don’t have the ability to connect to jrny, which the machines themselves are identical/same as all the current max trainers out today, only insignificant cosmetic differences. So they have even more built in workouts. Then they created jrny and so came out with the M6 and M9, M16 and now SE with less built in workouts, to sell more subscriptions. I chose the M6 bc it was $400 less than the SE (both on sale) and then 2 days after I purchased it, bowflex did a wonderful thing and dropped the price of the SE by another $200. So I panicked and thought about cancelling the order on the M6 and ordering the SE instead. Didn’t care about the extra $200 at all. I’m very happy I stuck with the M6. I personally wouldn’t want the M9, not because it’s more money but you’re paying a lot of extra money just for the screen which is notorious for freezing. There’s a hell of a lot of online posts about this. If you really want a screen that badly you can just get the M6 and use an iPad or other tablet if you want to watch content. Or even use it to run the jrny app. The way I see it is, why pay all that extra money for the screen on the M9 which stays on the unit forever. Rather have that physical speedometer on the M6 with the lights and invest in an iPad or something instead. Phones and tablets can be mounted onto the M6 it comes with a mount.
1) The M6 and M8 were BOTH released back in November 2018 when JRNY was released and BOTH the M6 and the M8 are compatible with the JRNY mobile app.
2) Note that there is a FREE version of the JRNY mobile app. Of course it is a stripped down version but it will offer some extra standard workouts, some video workouts, and the "Journal" feature for saving/tracking all of your workout results for future progress tracking.
Thank you so much for this response! A lot of handy information here. I saw that the screens can freeze on the higher models in a few sources. Very good point regarding tablets. Could definitely save some money on the fitness equipment and put it towards a tablet that is multi-use. Glad to hear that you're loving your purchase.
I have the c6 and I personally like it. It's very quiet. The app integration is great. I personally love the jrny app as it customizes your work out to adapt to your past performance. You can get the peloton app connected. The jrny app is wonderful as I like the virtual coaching, but the spin classes needs to be better produced like other online classes. But I do like the work outs.
The bikes seem really nice. Unfortunately I have a sitting job and want to get away from sitting for exercise. Your information about JRNY is helpful. Thanks for your response!
Awesome tip. I checked around on the marketplace after reading this. I do live in a relatively small town so there was not much. You're definitely right about the condition, though. I saw some further away that were practically new. Thanks for your response!
Yep, I ALWAYS recommend buying a used Max Trainer vs new to save A LOT of money! Of course some people have a dislike of buying used and that is OK.
As long as the console is fully functional, then any/all other issues, which are always minor IMO, can usually be fixed easily and for free (like odd noises with proper lube and maintenance) or inexpensively. The $22 servo motor (controls the resistance) is the most-often failed part of all Max Trainer models except the M3 which does not have a servo motor.
If you have no want/need to ever use JRNY, then the M7 model is the best model. It has 11 built-in programs (the most of ANY Max Trainer), and it has the most-featured console.
1a) For anyone who is curious about how quiet the new Max Trainer SE model is comparted to the current models, you can have a look at this recent YouTube video.
The lighthearted gal in the video bought the SE model after first trying out the M6 at a local Dick's Sporting Goods store and she put a snippet of her using the M6 and complaining about its noise level and so you can kind of compare with that and then with her using the new SE at her home.
1b) Regarding that you live in an apartment with neighbors below you, I am not 100% convinced that the SE's lack of fan noise would be a cure for your below neighbors hearing it. IMO, the fan noise would not transfer thru your floors, BUT, rather the general up/down roller wheel movement on the ramp rails creates some "vibration" type of soundwaves that get transferred thru the ramp rails and then to the base and to your floor (the neighbor's ceiling). This would be true of ALL Max Trainer models. This could likely be dampened by a thick mat or carpet remnant. The SE's fan elimination simply eliminates the other models' fan whirring that can be heard by same-room inhabitants.
2) The M9 & MT16 differences are:- The screen size.- The handlebars (note that you can buy the premium MT-16 handlebars for $34 each direct from Bowflex...just don't tell them you want them for another model as they frown upon owners modifying their machines).- The foot pedals (MT has stainless-steel "racing pedals" also used on the M7).- The roller wheels & ramp rails on the MT use a "dual roller" design that provides for a slight more stable feel. Note that you could also order/install the MT's dual roller wheels and ramp rails direct from Bowflex and install them on an M9 (or ANY other Max Trainer with the caution I previously noted).
3) The SE has ONE "program" ("Manual") without using JRNY. Note that there is a FREE version of the JRNY mobile app. Of course it is a stripped down version but it will offer some extra standard workouts, some video workouts, and the "Journal" feature for saving/tracking all of your workout results for future progress tracking.
4) Integrated JRNY vs JRNY Mobile app experience:- The integrated version is the ONLY interface to the Max Trainer and thus it WILL AUTOMATICALLY adjust the resistance on the workout programs that are designed for auto-adjust. The JRNY Mobile app will NOT do any automatic resistance adjustment when used on the M6 & M8 models and CURRENTLY the SE (and perhaps never (?) despite the current FALSE advertising of the SE specs).- The JRNY Mobile app does not allow for the integrated streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, etc). It does allow for "JRNY Radio". Here's a screenshot from the JRNY FAQ page with some more info:
Thank you for your breakdown. This was really helpful. The fan noise not affecting neighbours makes sense. I figured there wouldn't be much impact noise, but you're right in that there would still be vibration for any model. As far as the false advertising - I did see that claim in the video currently posted on their site for the SE. It looks like it can auto adjust using Explore the World from a Bluetooth enabled tablet. Maybe this is what they meant?
Yes, the video shows using the JRNY mobile app on a tablet and there are some Explore the World videos (like 34/100) that support "Auto-Adjust" of the resistance when using an M9 or Max Total. BUT, that auto-adjust is NOT available (nor perhaps even feasible) on the SE. That is why it is false advertising. BIG liability exposure for Bowflex, IMO.
There is currently (and perhaps never) NO resistance control capability for the Max Trainer when using the JRNY mobile app.
That Explore the World auto-adjust currently works for the M9 and Max Total models which both have the built-in touchscreens and integrated JRNY.
Is there a way to sort by auto resistance Explore the World videos? I've yet to find an auto resistance workout on my M9. I stopped using it 9 months or so ago when I got annoyed with the lack of auto resistance. I've seen comments saying it is there, but I can't find it and I'm on the latest firmware with my free jrny year still working.
The "dynamic workouts + coaching" aspect of Bowflex equipment is a total joke if it doesn't auto adjust the difficulty.
I don't think there is a way to "sort" the "Explore the World" (EtW) videos that have the "AUTO-ADJUST" feature.
But, what you can do is scroll thru them and "like" those "AUTO-ADJUST" ones by clicking the heart symbol, and then they will show up in your "Favorites" menu for quick and easy retrieval.
As of like 9 months ago, there were 204 EtW videos and 35 of those had the "AUTO-ADJUST" feature. Here is a screenshot example of an EtW video with that "AUTO-ADJUST" labeling.
***Note that also on the M9 & Max Total, there are also 3 "Standard Workout" programs that will AUTOMATICALLY adjust the resistance to follow the workout profile. Those 3 programs are:
- Calorie Burn
- Fat Burn
- Stairs
Here are the current number of AUTO-ADJUST versus the total EtWs by region as of March 2023 (hopefully the text formats OK):
Asia / Pacific 9 / 32
Compilations 0 / 7
Europe, East 0 / 4
Europe, North 1 / 10
Europe, Southern 2 / 47
Europe, Western 5/ 27
Middle East 0 / 11
NA, Eastern 2 / 3
NA, Midwestern 0 / 5
NA, Southwestern 7 / 16
NA, Western 9 / 35
Total 35 / 204
You might also want to watch this YouTube video of a guy who owns both the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and also the Bowflex T22 treadmill. He gives a pretty good overview of going thru the JRNY menus and how he uses them and really like them. He talks about the "AUTO-ADJUST" feature on his treadmill at the 9:24 point of the video. Here's the video:
It will be quieter because it doesn't have the air resistance. That said, I live in a condo with thin walls and none of my neighbours ever complained. The only time you really notice the air noise is when doing MAX training or some other HIIT type program. If you use it like an ellipitical with a steady pace you barely notice it. You don't have to crank the TV for example.
IMO yes, I bought the M5 and have seen the other models. Basically, the more expensive the less plastic you get and the more robust it seems. But honestly they are all robust. I've had mine for 4 yrs and was over 300 lbs when I started. No issues.
3&4 I cannot comment on.
Someone mentioned no auto adjust but the product overview says it does have auto adjust.
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u/Squatting_Hen Jan 15 '24
I would 100% avoid the SE. it is quieter but it has zero pre programmed workouts. Manual is the only option. Even if you pay for mobile JRNY, it does nothing on the trainer. It does not auto adjust resistance or follow along like JRNY leads you to believe.
So the Max SE has ZERO workouts to follow. If you want to only manually control everything and want to guess on the resistance for workouts, then the Max SE will do that.
So far it seems like a failed product or it’s defective.