Bowflex is a common name when it comes to home fitness equipment like treadmills, but among runners and other cardio enthusiasts, ProForm treadmills are among the best of the best. Part of this acclaim of ProForm treadmills is the high-quality construction and cutting-edge features; however, Bowflex isn’t far behind when it comes to build quality and technology.
There are more ProForm treadmills than there are Bowflex. So, if you are deciding between these two brands of treadmills, we wanted to compare two similarly-priced ProForm treadmills to their Bowflex equivalents and let you decide which machine is right for you.
Bowflex BXT116 vs. ProForm SMART Pro 5000
The Bowflex BXT116 treadmill can easily be compared to the ProForm SMART Pro 5000, as they are similar in price and features. However, depending on what you are looking for in your new treadmill, the Pro 5000 or the BXT116 may appeal more to you.
| Features | Pro 5000 | BXT116 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 | $1,599 |
| Motor | 3.75 CHP | 3.75 CHP |
| Display | 10″ smart HD touchscreen | 7.5 Backlit LCD |
| Programs | Free month iFit membership | 2-month JRNY membership |
| Incline range | -3% to 15% | 0% to 15% |
| Weight max | 300 pounds | 375 pounds |
| Warranty | 10-year frame 2-year parts 1-year labor | 15-year frame & motor 5-year parts & electronics 2-year labor |
One of the main things that put the BXT116 over the Pro 5000 is the greater warranty length, as well as the higher weight limit. However, if you are looking for exercise engagement, the access to the extensive video workout library of iFit on the ProForm makes up for a lot.
You can easily search for a workout with the touchscreen built into the Pro 5000, but you will need to bring your own device to use the 2-month video workout JRNY subscription on the BXT116.
ProForm SMART Pro 9000 vs. Bowflex BXT216
Out of all the treadmills available from Bowflex and ProForm, the BXT216 and the SMART Pro 9000 are the most expensive with the highest levels of features available.
| Features | Pro 9000 | BXT216 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799 | $1,899 |
| Motor | 3.6 CHP | 4.0 CHP |
| Display | 22″ smart HD touchscreen | 9 Backlit LCD |
| Programs | Free month iFit membership | 2-month JRNY membership |
| Incline range | -3% to 12% | 0% to 15% |
| Weight max | 300 pounds | 400 pounds |
| Warranty | 10-year frame 2-year parts 1-year labor | 15-year frame & motor 5-year parts & electronics 2-year labor |
The main differences between the Pro 9000 and the BXT216 are similar to the treadmills we compared above. You get a better warranty and weight limit on the BXT216, and the Pro 9000 offers better fitness technology. However, both of these treadmills are much pricier than the two we compared above, without offering a whole lot more.
Picking A ProForm Treadmill vs. A Bowflex Treadmill
Unless you need a treadmill for a large group of people, you may be better off with either the Pro 5000 or the BXT116. There isn’t a massive difference in the features offered by the BXT216 and the Pro 9000 than those of the less expensive two treadmills we have featured here.
For a more engaging treadmill that won’t become a coat rack after a handful of workouts, the Pro 5000 may be your best option. However, if you are over 300 pounds or are sure you will be a regular treadmill user, the BXT116 can be the superior choice.
After you are done comparing these machines and settle on a ProForm treadmill, be sure to use our ProForm discount code. With this discount, you can take 5% off of your new treadmill’s price and enjoy both your new treadmill as well as the helpful savings.
