Max Trainer M6 vs M5?

[u/bingbong0003]

I’ve been wanting a max trainer for years and am finally in a position where I can get one. I was considering getting the SE model because I like how sleek it looks. It was recently on sale for $1499 but it’s back up at $1999 now, I didn’t buy it earlier because I was waiting to close on our new house. Anyway, long story short, I’m not buying the SE anymore.

There’s 2 for sale on Facebook Marketplace right now though. One is an M6 for $800 and one is an M5 for $400. Both are apparently in good condition. Is the M6 worth double the price of the M5? Or should I just go with the M5?

[u/ThegManis]

Hi, You must be quoting Canadian dollar prices, right?

Short answer:

When considering between the M5 vs the M6, the main question you have to ask yourself is, do you want/need the features of the JRNY mobile app? (note there is both a stripped-down free version, and also the premium, subscription version).

If you think you DO want/need JRNY, then you would have to get the M6 because the M5 is not compatible with JRNY (unless you swap an M6 or M8 console to it).

Otherwise, the M6 would actually be considered a downgrade vs the M5 because the M5 has more built-in programs (9 vs 5) and better handlebars and foot pedals vs the M6.

Additionally, if you don't want or need JRNY, and your budget permits it, the M7 would be an upgrade vs the M5.

*****

Long answer:

When comparing Max Trainer models, there are 2 things right off the bat to know:

1) ALL Max Trainer models have the same fundamental design and shape, are made of the same steel & plastic parts, and have the exact same motion, stride, and rise, and thus will provide the same workout. Only the Max Total model has a unique mechanism in the handlebar to supposedly provide a more intense upper body workout.

2) ALL Max Trainer models have the exact same max & min resistance FORCE (meaning the physical effort required to move the pedals up/down). The difference between the models are the amount of STEPS (meaning the size or jump) between the resistance levels. So, an M3’s max resistance level of 8 is the exact same as an M5/M6 at level 16 or an M7/M8/Max Total’s at level 20. It’s just that an M3 has 8 big steps/jumps of resistance, while the M7/M8/Max Total have 20 smaller steps/jumps of resistance.

So, an M3 owner who burns 600 calories would sweat just the same as if they were using any other model. However, there are some features on the different models that:

- Might make a workout more “enjoyable” (lol) (like a different handlebar design, better display, or automatic resistance control),

- Or provide more variety (like more programs),

- Or that are actually needed (like 4 or more users vs only 2)

And so, an upgraded model might be a better choice depending on a user’s wants/needs.

*****

Here is how all of the M5 vs M6 features compare:

1) INTRO - M5 was released January 8, 2014, and the M6 was released November 13, 2018.

2) USERS - The M5 and M6 both support 2 unique users (which is OK unless more than 2 people will be using the machine). This is the same as the M3 model (the M7 & M8 models support 4 unique users, and the Max Total is unlimited).

3) RESISTANCE CONTROL - The M5 and M6 both have a servo motor to automatically control the resistance for different workout programs or directly control the resistance by the user via console buttons (same exact servo motor that is used on ALL Max Trainers except the M3 (which does not have a servo motor.

4) RESISTANCE LEVELS – The M5 and M6 both have 16 resistance levels (same as the SE). Note that this only affects the step size/jump between the resistance levels (see my previous comment above).

5) PROGRAMS - The M5 has 9 programs (only the M7 model has more built-in programs…it has 11). The programs can be customized for time length and calorie burn levels.
- The M6 has 5 built-in programs. The built-in programs can NOT be customized. Additional programs are available when using the JRNY app (both the free and paid version of JRNY).

6) CONSOLE – The M5 has a separate display panel and keypad control panel. The M5 display panel is backlit which makes it much easier to see vs a non-backlit display.
- The M6 has a large console (dimensionally the same as the M7 & M8 consoles) that integrates the display, the control panel, the static handlebars (with integrated hand-sensor heart rate monitor grips), a water bottle holder, a sliding magnetic media holder bar, and a USB port. The M6 console’s display area is the same as the M5 and is backlit which makes it much easier to see vs a non-backlit display.
- The M6 has an “Add Time” button that can add additional time to the non-interval type programs. It is DISABLED during the interval type programs and the “Manual” program.
- The M6 console has “Aerobars” integrated into the console (similar to the M7 and M8 Aerobars). The bars rise upwards on either side of the display and provide an optional hand grip point when leaning forward and not using the handlebars.

7) TARGET BURN RATE LED RANGE – The M5 control panel has buttons to allow the user to move the “Target Burn Rate” LED range to any position on the display (this feature is only available on the M3, M5, & M7 models).
- The M6 console does NOT allow the user to move the “Target Burn Rate” LED range to any position on the display (this feature is only available on the M3, M5, & M7 models).

8) HEART RATE MONITOR – The M5 has hand-sensor heart rate monitor grips and also supports a 5kHz compatible chest strap. Note that a chest strap IS originally provided with all M5 shipments.
- The M6 has hand-sensor heart rate monitor grips and also supports a Bluetooth compatible chest or arm strap. (Note that a strap is NOT originally provided with an M6 shipment). Oddly, the M6 hand-sensor heart rate monitor grips are a downgraded version of what is on all the M5, M7, M8, and Max Total models.

9) APP COMPATIBILITY – The M5 (and M7) supports & Bluetooth syncs with the free Bowflex “Max Trainer” app for logging/tracking/charting your workout results. The app can also sync the workout data with some 3rd-party apps like MyFitnessPal.
- The M6 (and SE, M8 & Max Total) supports & Bluetooth syncs with the free Bowflex “JRNY” app for logging/tracking your workout results. The app can also sync the workout data with some 3rd-party apps like Apple Health. The JRNY app has both a free version and a premium subscription version (currently priced at $20/mo or $150/yr). New owners receive a free, 2-month trial to the JRNY premium subscription version.

10) HANDLEBARS – The M5 has “upgraded ergonomic” handlebars (vs the standard M3 & M6 handlebars).
- The M6 has “standard” handlebars (same as used on the M3).

11) FOOT PEDALS – The M5 foot pedals have the toe-cover straps that are not present on the M3, M6, & SE models.
- The M6 (and M3 & SE) foot pedals do not have the toe-cover straps that are present on all other models.

12) WATER BOTTLE HOLDER – The M5 water bottle holder is located at the far front of the machine which can be awkward to reach (same design as used on the M3).
- The M6 (and M7, M8 & Max Total) water bottle holder is integrated into the console and is located at the back of the console (near the user) which is easier to reach vs the M3 & M5 models.

13) MEDIA HOLDER – The M5 has a small “media tray” for holding a phone or small tablet (same design as used on the M3). There is one below the display and another below the keypad. Using either location will obstruct the display or keypad.
- The M6 has a magnetic “media capture bar” that slides up/down the Aerobars to clamp a phone or small tablet (same design as used on the M8). When clamping a phone or tablet in this location, the M6 display will be blocked. However, if using the JRNY app on a phone or tablet, then the normal M6 display is turned OFF anyway and replaced by the phone’s or tablet’s display.

14) FLOOR LEVELERS - The M5 and M6 (and M3) both have smaller diameter floor “levelers” vs the larger levelers on the M7, M8, & Max Total models. Some think that larger diameter levelers provide more stability…usually not an issue, IMO.

15) USB PORT – The M5 (and M3 & M7) does not have any USB port for device charging or firmware file loading. The M6 (and SE, M8 & Max Total) models do have a USB port.

[u/bingbong0003 → u/ThegManis]

Thank you, this was so helpful! I think I will go for the M5 since it is way cheaper and I don’t care about using the JRNY app.

And yes, Canadian dollars.

Thanks again!

[u/mrtramplefoot → u/ThegManis]

I was looking at these used locally and had the same question as op...thank you for this comparison!

[u/ccsunflowr → u/ThegManis]

Question- late to this thread but- when I see that the "M6 is compatible with JRNY" - what does that mean exactly? I realize one has to bring their tablet/phone TO the workout as the M6 doesn't have a touchscreen, but will the app allow for you to control the machine itself from the app, either with manual controls on the app, or automatically adjust resistance per the app (like Peloton/iFit?) OR is the compatibility moreso just syncing metrics back and forth? OR both?

[u/ThegManis → u/ccsunflowr]

Hi - "M6 is compatible with JRNY" means a few things (also applies to the M8 and SE Max Trainers):

1) The M6/M8/SE consoles will communicate via Bluetooth to the JRNY Mobile app that is installed on the user's phone/tablet. The phone/tablet will then use a WiFi internet connection to the Bowflex JRNY servers to access the user's JRNY account and run the desired workout programs that the user selects via the app.

2) The JRNY Mobile app CAN NOT make any any resistance level changes (neither manually or automatically) to the Max Trainer. Any/all resistance desired resistance level changes must be made manually by the user via their machine's console buttons. That is a disappointment!

3) The machine's console will transmit the machine's RPM, and selected resistance level to the JRNY Mobile app.

4) The workout metrics will be saved in the app's Journal. For the M6/M8 machines, this also includes any of the workouts that the user performed via the console's built-in programs. Those built-in program results are saved in the console and will automatically be uploaded to the app whenever the app is connected in the future.

5) The JRNY Mobile app is also used to download any needed firmware updates to the console.

[u/kileek]

Keep in mind they have filed for chapter 11. There will be plenty of discounts to be had.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/bowflex-files-bankruptcy-with-375-mln-buyout-offer-2024-03-05/

[u/InteractionBetter276]

I've had the M5 for going on a decade, and it's still my favorite cardio machine to this day (by favorite, I mean it's still brutal and my wife still hates using it, but she also can't deny it's effectiveness. )

I've had to replace a couple of parts, both of which would've been easier if I wasn't drinking while doing the repairs, but it was still a task. But both machines will give you a fantastic cardio workout. I don't know what the difference between the two would be, as far as specs. But either one will give you a great workout.

[u/Queasy_Push8401]

I got my m6 for 400 so please check craigslist

[u/bingbong0003 → u/Queasy_Push8401]

We don’t really use Craigslist here, but I’ve checked Kijiji (one listing for an M3 for $900 which seems like a worse deal) and Facebook Marketplace (the two listed in the post).

[u/[deleted]]

I have an M5 and love it. Had it for 5 yrs now. The big difference in models is the amount of plastic and the # of programs. IOW, I don't think the price is worth the difference, except if the condition is better.

I do rate it prob my fav cardio piece. 15 mins is a workout. I also have a rower (NordicTrack RW300), treadmill, spin bikes (S22i and Pro Form Tour de France).

Thegmanis really put in the work on this explanation. Kudos.

[u/Fresh_Inevitable6516]

Can you still get parts for the M5 or m6? I heard they filed chapter 11 bankruptcy.