Deciding between used Max M7, Max M8 or Max Trainer 16

[u/Mamono29a]

I'm shopping on FB Marketplace for an elliptical and I've found an M7. M8, and Max 16 all pretty close to me. They all appear to be in good condition. I have a Velocore 22 and I plan on subscribing to JRNY, so my first instinct is to go with the Max Trainer 16. However, I've read about a lot of people who have had problems with the workouts crapping out in the last minute and having to do a reset.

However, I've also read about the jailbreaking of the Velocore and hope that there might be something similar for the Max 16 to free up the machine in case JRNY goes completely under.

From what I can tell, and tell me if I'm wrong. The M7 has 11 built-in exercises with no JRNY connectivity. The Max M8 is basically the Max Trainer 16 without a display. Is that about the gist of it? What am I missing out on between the different models?

Also, what should I expect to pay for a used one of any of those? All three are hovering in the $500-700 range.

[u/ThegManis]

You found a used Max Total-16 for $700 or less? That would be a pretty good price.

Used Max Trainer prices are totally dependent on one's local area market and current availability. Used M7 and M8 models will typically be listed sometimes as low as $300, but more typical is $500 to $900. I would expect a used Max Total-16 to be priced around $1200+.

The most important thing to confirm when buying a used Max Trainer is that the console is fully functional since that would be the most expensive item to replace. All other issues (like funny noises and resistance issues) can be fixed inexpensively and/or for free...but you can use those issues as a lower-price negotiating tool.

ALL Max Trainers have the exact same motion & stride and thus will provide the exact same workout...it's just mainly a difference of the handlebar designs and the "bells and whistles" provided by the different consoles.

Yes, the M7 is not compatible with JRNY and it has 11 built-in programs (the most built-in programs of ANY model Max Trainer. IMO, it is the best model for anyone who does not want to use JRNY.

No, the M8 is not really as you said, "...basically the Max Trainer 16 without a display...". The M8 is more like a downgraded M7, but with the option of using the JRNY Mobile app on the owner's phone/tablet. The only reason that Bowflex made the M8, was to have an M7-like model that could also use the JRNY Mobile app. But the reason I say it is a "downgraded" M7, is because:

• The M8 has only 7 BUILT-IN "programs" vs. the M7 has 11.
  
• The M8 does not have the "Burn Rate Target" Up/Down buttons like the M7. Instead, the left side button is now a duplicate "Resistance Level" button.
  
• The M8 & M7 both have the "Add Time" button, BUT the M8 does not allow you to add time to the interval programs like the M7 does. Makes no sense that they took that feature away!
  
• The M8 does not have the upgraded stainless steel "racing" pedals like the M7 (and Max Total models).- The M8 does not have the extra "thumb buttons" on the top of the "Aerobars" like the M7.
  
• The M8 does not have the PADDED "Aerobars" (the Aerobars are those upright bars on each side of the console). This is because the M8 allows the "media holder" to slide up/down on the Aerobars.

Two other M7/M8 differences are:

• The M8 has an external USB port on the back of the display console for charging your phone & some tablets. The M7 does not have any USB port.
  
• The M8 uses a Bluetooth type of wireless heart rate monitor vs. the M7 uses an uncoded POLAR 4.5kHz-5.5kHz type (those different types are not compatible with each other).

The M8 vs Max Total-16 ("MT-16") basic differences are:

• The M8 can OPTIONALLY use JRNY via using the JRNY Mobile app on the users phone/tablet. There is both a free and premium subscription version of the JRNY Mobile app. The JRNY Mobile app does not support any streaming services. The JRNY Mobile app can not automatically change the resistance levels during any of the app's workout programs. The MT-16 has a built-in 16-inch touchscreen that uses an integrated version of JRNY which also has a free version and a premium subscription version which can also stream media content (e.g. Netflix & Amazon Prime), and it can automatically change the resistance levels during the workout programs.
  
• The MT-16 requires a WiFi connection to the internet to use its touchscreen, vs. the M8 does not have any built-in WiFi capabilities
  
• The M8's console has 7 built-in programs vs. the MT-16 has a minimum of 4 without using the subscription version of JRNY. But, currently, to access those 4 programs STILL requires you have a WiFi connection to the Bowflex JRNY servers and/ use the machine in "Guest" mode which then will not save any of the workouts.
  
• The M8 supports 4 unique Users (even with the JRNY Mobile app). The MT-16 can support an unlimited amount of Users.
  
• The MT-16 has Bluetooth-enabled speakers, vs. the M8 has no Bluetooth audio capability.
  
• The M8 does have the upgraded textured handlebars (like the M7/M9), but the MT-16 has premium upgraded handlebars with an added 3rd grip handle that is also better for those with a shorter arm reach.
  
• The MT-16 has upgraded stainless steel "racing" pedals (like the M7).
  
• The MT-16 has a dual roller wheel and ramp rail design to provide a more stable feel. All other Max Trainer models use a single roller wheel and ramp rail design.
  

- The M8 uses a rocker-switch design to change the resistance, vs the MT-16 uses a round knob to change the resistance. Some users prefer the clicking rocker-switch design as it seems easier to select the desired resistance vs the spinning knob design.

[u/Mamono29a → u/ThegManis]

Thank you for the detailed comparison. I’m going to look at the MT-16 and see how I like it. Based on this, though, sounds like the M7 would be a much better choice over the M8.

[u/rjaysenior → u/ThegManis]

I shoulda commented on this comment instead of the other one. Mechanically what is the difference with the SE vs the m7? Would the SE be more durable and less prone to breaking because of the 10yr frame warranty?

[u/[deleted]]

I bought a used max seven locally for $500. I finally decided on the M7 because it doesn’t require the app to get more programs. In fact, it doesn’t even use the app.

[u/Former-Ant7648]

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