The Weider Crossbow and Bowflex machines are direct competitors because they have some important things in common. The are both home gyms that use resistance bars or rods instead of weight plates or a weight stack for resistance. They both come in a variety of models and versions, which does make them difficult to compare directly. Crossbow models include as the Crossbow Max and Platinum, though these may also be listed as the Weider Max or Weider Platinum. Bowflex makes several machines as well, including the Classic, Xtreme 2 and Power Pro to name a few. They are made by Nautilus.
Space Saving
A main drawback to owning a home gym is the space it takes up. Saving money on gym fees is great, but giving up room in your home for a weight machine may not be possible or desirable for some. The Weider Crossbow folds up for easy storage, allowing you to fold the bench up toward the frame to make the machine much smaller. The Bowflex Classic and Power Pro models may also be folded up and stored, but the Xtreme 2 cannot.
Bowflex Resistance
The majority of the Bowflex machines come with 210 lbs of resistance in their Power Rods, though the Xtreme 2 has 310 lb. standard. Additional Power Rods are able to be added so you can upgrade to 310 or 410 lbs. The Power Rods rest vertically behind the main frame of the Bowflex. They bend outward as you exercise and pull on the handles, so there needs to enough room for the rods to fully extend outward.
Crossbow Resistance
The Crossbow uses resistance bars that are very similar to the Bowflex's rods, but they sit horizontally behind the frame and move downwards when pulled on. The resistance bars are removable so you can exercise with them separately away from the machine. Crossbows come with around 240 lbs. of resistance, though you may upgrade to 440 lbs.
Number of Exercises
You can work your upper, middle and lower body on either a Crossbow or Bowflex. The Bowflex machines range from 30 exercises to over 100. The more expensive the machine, the more exercise options. The Crossbows offer about 50 to 65 exercises.
Warranties
The Weider Max comes with a one-year warranty, whereas the Weider Platinum comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Bowflex machines' warranties also vary per model. Of the current Power Rod gyms, the Classic has a five-year warranty, the Xtreme 2 has a seven-year warranty and the Ultimate 2 has a 12-year warranty.
References
- Exercise Equipment Review: The Weider Crossbow Reviewed
- The Bowflex Classic Home Gym Owner's Manual; Nautilus, Inc.; 2008
- The Bowflex Power Pro Home Gym Owner's Manual & Fitness Guide; Tom Purvis RPT, RTS; Nautilus, Inc.; 2003
- The Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym Owner's Manual & Fitness Guide; Tom Purvis RPT, RTS; Nautilus, Inc.; 2004
- Weider Plantinum User's Manual; ICON IP, Inc.; 2004
- Weider Max User's Manual; ICON IP, Inc.; 2004
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