At first glance, the Bowflex Sport and Bowflex Elite home gyms are almost identical. Both compact gyms offer progressive Power Rod resistance and fold when not in use. The designs are also very similar, with both gyms sporting standard home-gym accoutrements like a leg developer, a lat tower and high, low and mid-level pulleys. But there are a few not-so-obvious differences between the Bowflex Sport and Elite.
Design and Features
Both Bowflex gyms offer almost identical features, with squat stands and two-armed leg levers that allow you to do prone leg curls. Both models also feature free-sliding bench seats that allow you to convert the home gym to a rower for a cardio workout. The biggest design differences between the two Bowflex Gyms are purely cosmetic: The Bowflex Elite's adjustable bench has an off-color section.
Resistance
One of the few real differences between the Bowflex Sport and Elite is their default resistance level. The Sport comes with 210 lbs. of Power Rod resistance standard. You can purchase additional Power Rods to upgrade to a total of 310 lbs. or 410 lbs. of resistance on the Bowflex Sport. The Bowflex Elite comes with a fixed 310 lbs. of Power Rod resistance.
Specs
The Bowflex Sport measures 90 inches long by 38 inches wide by 83 inches high and has a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. The Bowflex Elite can also support a user of up to 300 lbs., but measures a marginally taller 90 inches long by 38 inches wide by 84.5 inches high.
Price and Warranty
Both Bowflex home gyms come with a five-year warranty on the gym itself, and a no-time-limit warranty on the Power Rods resistance rods. The biggest determining factor in deciding between these similar home gyms may be price. As of 2011, neither machine is available through the manufacturer, and you can expect secondhand prices to range up to about $500 for either gym.
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