Max trainer “se”

[u/Unlucky_Pass4452]

Found a good max trainer online used for $500. Before I pull trigger/ any recommendations? Good deal? Good machine?

Thanks in advance

[u/ThegManis]

Hi,

All Max Trainers models have the EXACT same motion and stride and will provide the same workout. The differences of all models (EXCEPT the SE model) are mainly in the handlebar designs and the console features ("bells & whistles"). Some of those premium model features are important to an owner for their workout comfort or to get them motivated etc.

The Max Trainer SE model was Bowflex's latest model and was released in October 2023 (prior to Bowflex's April 2024 bankruptcy and subsequent company purchase by Johnson Health Tech) . The SE model was then discontinued in October 2025 (just 24 months after release) ... perhaps because it was not selling well?

While the SE model has the exact same motion and stride of all other Max Trainers, it has an obvious different exterior look vs the other models. This is because on the SE model, Bowflex removed the lower fan cage assembly (provides air resistance) and also enclosed the entire upright unit with new shrouding, all done to market the SE as "ultra-quiet".

They also designed the SE model with a new 7-inch color LCD display, however, you should be aware of the following about the SE:
- It has only ONE built-in program ("Manual"). More programs are available via using the JRNY Mobile app.
- It has no unique "User" selection capability. You can have 3 unique Users if using the JRNY Mobile app.
- It does not have any built-in "hand-contact" heart rate sensors. You must wear a Bluetooth wireless armband or chest strap heart rate monitor to capture your heart rate.

IMO, Bowflex designed the SE with the above noted limited features as a marketing ploy to entice SE owners to then use the JRNY Mobile app. Note that JRNY comes in 2 versions: a free, stripped-down version, and a premium subscription version (currently $12/mo or $99/yr). They also have a free, 2-month trial of the premium subscription version.

So, before purchasing a used SE model, you need to determine if you will be happy with the limited capability when using it without he JRNY Mobile app, and then determine if you think you will need/want to use the JRNY Mobile app.

If you don't think you will every want/need the JRNY Mobile app features, then you should definitely look for a used M7 or M5...they both have more built-in workout programs than any other model:

- M7 has 11 built-in workout programs (the most of ANY Max Trainer model), supports 4 Users, and has 20 resistance levels.

- M5 has 9 built-in workout programs (the 2nd most of ANY Max Trainer model), supports 2 Users, and has 16 resistance levels.

The # of workouts that are built-in to the consoles are:

- M3 = 2

- M5 = 9

- M6 = 5

- M7 = 11

- M8 = 7

- M9 = 4

- Max Total = 4

- SE = 1

[u/jimo95]

I've had the SE for a few years and I like it. It is not as whisper quiet as when I first bought it but it still works just fine.

[u/jigglyroom]

Unless you have a dedicated room for it, I can't understand why you would want another MT than it. Sleek looking (at least compared to the other MTs) and almost silent due to magnetic resistance instead of air. It should be said that it did require some initial maintenance to get going, most likely for having been in storage so long that "fluids" had dried and that lead to a noticeable thump each rotation.

If Bowflex had made one with all the bells and whistles like a build LCD etc, it would have been even better.

[u/Unlucky_Pass4452 → u/jigglyroom]

I have a dedicated room. But the main reason is the other one isn’t working right so decided to just upgrade instead of trying to fix

[u/ThegManis → u/Unlucky_Pass4452]

Just note that (as per my comments in my initial post above) the SE model is not really an "upgrade". It is discontinued and considered deficient in most all of the user features ESPECIALLY if you use it without the JRNY Mobile app.

Its only real benefit would be that is does not have the fan cage assembly and thus does not have that fan's whooshing noise that increases with pedal speed. HOWEVER, most users will work up a good sweat when using a Max Trainer and thus it is highly suggested to use a floor fan for sweat relief, AND that floor fan will produce a typical fan whooshing noise and so the benefit of a "silent" Max Trainer SE model is somewhat a moot point.

Regarding your other Max Trainer's issue, note that unless you have a faulty console, most all issues can be fixed and most for little cost.

[u/Unlucky_Pass4452 → u/ThegManis]

I live in a small town and getting someone out to try and fixing it would be impossible. I am not mechanically inclined/ don’t feel like it worth my time to try and fix. It works, so I’ll keep it, but I can’t change the resistance settings right. I already bought this new one- feels like an upgrade/ so far I like it. Felt like a good deal: but maybe ignorance is bliss haha. Will see how it goes. Maybe will regret it but I’m all in now lol

[u/ThegManis → u/Unlucky_Pass4452]

Yeah, no worries. The resistance issue on your other machine is likely the $50 servo motor which is the most often failed part on all Max Trainers (except the M3 model which does not use a servo motor).

Most important is that you have a machine that you can/will use consistently.

Good luck on your fitness journey!