Bowflex Max Trainer M7
SKU: B085N9LTWF
Offer price: $999.99
Currency: US
Availability: InStock
Offer URL: https://amzn.to/3G6jwDQ
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Construction - 90%
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Performance - 90%
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Features - 85%
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Price - 75%
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Durability - 65%
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User Review
( votes)
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is basically the same machine as the Bowflex M8 except for some technology differences and just a slight modification to the console to hold various mobile devices. You will have a difficult time getting a concise answer as to the essential differences of the M7 vs. the M8. In a practical sense, I’ve owned both machines, so I will spare you some time and explain the difference as best as I can: Other than the console layout, the mechanical hardware of the M7 vs the M8 is 100% the same. In a nutshell, the difference is that the Bowflex M8 includes interactive Bluetooth technology. Here’s what that does for you.
Max Intelligence, Console, and Software
Bowlflex Maxtrainer M7 vs M8 Differences
The M8 Bluetooth technology means you can use the machine with Bowflex’s Max Intelligence software which basically gives you intelligent video and training workouts that are displayed and interact with your workout on your mobile devices; iPhones, iPads, etc. You can also stream the interactive software to your television with the use of an Apple TV or other streaming hardware device. The Max Intelligence App basically takes over the job for your console. For example, when you plug the Bowflex M8 Maxtrainer into your iPad, the display on your console will switch to your iPad. When your are connected to your mobile device, you will no longer see anything displayed on your console. This isn’t necessary, because the iPad gives you everything you need; heart rate, RPM, time, etc.. The console of the M8 is a little bigger to allow you to snugly mount various sized screens for your moble devices. There is also room on the bottom for a remote or water bottle.
M7 vs M8 – is it worth it to Upgrade to the M8
Here’s my little secret. I didn’t actually own both of these Maxtrainers. I bought a Bowflex M7 back in December when I stumbled upon a really enticing online deal. Having had it a month I was disappointed to learn that the bluetooth technology was not interactive. In other words, I would never be able to use 3rd party apps that could actually control things like speed, resistance, and workout performance etc. When I called Bowflex to ask them about this, they informed me of an upgrade that would essentially turn my M7 into an M8 for $299.00. I didn’t mind paying this too much because I had only paid $1,400 for the machine. My net cost with the upgrade is sitll well below the retail price of a new M8 and there is virtually no difference. The upgrade even came with a new front panel that says, M8 on it. The bulk of the package was the entire M8 console which took some assembly, but it was not too difficult. The upgrade includes a 1-year subscription to the Bowflex Video trainer. I was also pleasantly surprised that it included an arm-strap heart monitor which is far more convenient and works much better than the chest strap that was included with my original M7. Whether or not this arm strap is included with a new M8 purchase I don’t know. I do not see it listed anywhere on the Bowflex site. The main thing is that I was ready to experiment with some 3rd party apps to test how well the bluetooth interacts.
Third Party Apps to use with the Bowflex M8
Run Social
Run Social is one such iPhone/iPad application that is compatible with the bluetooth functionality of the Bowflex M8. I couldn’t wait to try it .RunSocial allows you to choose various virtual scenery and compete with other runners, bikers, etc from around the world. Unfortunately, I did not notice that the bluetooth did me much good other than to detect my speed. The routes I ran didn’t seem to adjust incline for going up and down hills. The big other big problem with RunSocial is that the scenery is very unrealistically repetitive. How likely is it on a run across the country that you will pass the exact same 1997, white Subaru legacy 12 times? On to other apps.
BitGym
I discovered BitGym when I first purchased my Bowflex M7 and it remains my favorite exercise scenery app. BitGym does not require the Bluetooth interactive functionality of my machine. Rather, it uses the motion from your device’s built-in camera. This is amazingly accurate which makes my whole reason for requiring the M8 vs. the M7 pretty much worthless. At least, until I find another app that actually interacts with things like resistance. Oh well. It’s nice to know I have the best elliptical Bowflex makes. But, how good is the actual machine?
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 vs M8
Brief Summary and Review
Basically, I bought this machine in order to keep myself in good cardio shape. I replaced an old, recumbent bike that served me well the last 10 years. What impressed me at the Bowflex Maxtrainer M7 I tried at a local sporting goods store was how sturdy it felt; just like a commercial elliptical trainer. Also, I felt that ergonomics of the Bowflex M7 felt good for the core of the body. It does not put too much emphasis or overwork any parts of the body. The Bowflex M7 is a 300lb machine with 20 levels of resistance. It has built-in, heart-rate monitor grips which project your heart rate on your screen or on your mobile device.
What’s not so Good
What I don’t like about this machine is that after 3 months of use it has developed a very annoying clicking and rattling noise inside of the flywheel. It worries me that something is going to fall apart. I’ve taken the flywheel apart and did not see anything loose. It somewhere deep inside. You shouldn’t pay $1,400 for a machine and have issues like these. I will end up contacting Bowflex about this. I was not real impressed with the online support and troubleshooting instructions for locating noises and squeaks – they were not real helpful. This machine has very positive reviews, but most of them seem to be coming from the Bowflex website. They heavily sell their products direct online. For this reason, I would be inclined to look up other brands besides the Bowflex Max Trainer M7. Here are some other highly rated Elliptical Trainers on Amazon:
Rob, great review.
How did it go with contacting Bowflex support on the rattling noise? Were they able to resolve and was it easy to fix?
I also purchased the M7 and I am debating if the M8 console is worth the additional $300.
Basically the difference is the Max Intelligence that the M8 console comes with.
Do you know without the Max intelligence, would you be able to create your own workout for each session?
Basically I see myself wanting the ability to use Bluetooth with Myfitnesspal app ans then create my own manual workout session where I can control the speed and resistance.
If I can do that, then I might as well stick with the M7 console.
Unfortunately, the clicking is still going on. As a school teacher at a hectic time of year, I’ve been too busy to go through all the hoops to contact Bowflex and find a fix to the rattle. Yep, it rattles, but it still works. At this point, I’d recommend sticking with the M7 for a while. If you find something that you really need that the M8 can do, then upgrade. Truthfully, after a few months use, I think I would have been just as well off saving the $300.