Quick Stats:
Price: $2499
Number of Exercises: 95+
Resistance Weight: 310lbs (Standard), 410 lbs (Upgraded)
Size: 92" L x 46" W x 82"H
Warranty: 12 years Machine Warranty, Power rod no time limit warranty
Extra Features:
- 310lbs of Power Rod Resistance (Standard), upgradable to 410lbs
- Lat Tower with Angled Lat Bar
- Built-in Rowing machine
- Leg extension/Leg curl attachment
- Ab Crunch Attachment - 5-way handgrip/ankle cuffs
- Workout DVD
- Owner’s Manual & Quick reference poster
- 'No Cable Change' Pulley System
- Preacher Curl Attachment
Strengths:
The Bowflex Ultimate 2 lives up to the name - you basically get everything you need with this gym including over 95 exercises, lat tower, ab crunch attachment, leg extension/leg curl station, preacher curl attachment and integrated squat station.
It comes standard with 310 pounds of resistance however you can upgrade to 410 pounds of resistance. The No-Change Cable Pulley System makes it easy to move from exercise to exercise without slowing down to change cables. This helps you keep your heart rate up and makes working out easier.
The Ultimate 2 also comes with a rowing machine - which is great for warming up before you workout or getting your cardio in.
The Bowflex Ultimate 2 consistently averages high ratings from users. Average ratings range around 4 out of 5 stars at user review sites.
Considering online user reviews can be skewed towards the negative side (more people leave comments if their experience was negative versus those whose experience was positive), this is impressive.
How does it compare to other Bowflex Power Rod machines?
Basically the Bowflex Ultimate 2 is more complete than any other Bowflex machine.
The Ultimate 2 comes with 5 position (vs. 2) adjustable pulleys, preacher curl attachment (not on other machines), rowing machine (not on the Extreme models), longer warranty and the 'no cable change' system (not on the Bowflex Ultimate or Extreme). You can do more exercises and the standard weight resistance is higher (310 vs 210 lbs).
You also get a workout DVD specific to exercises you can do on the Ultimate 2.
Weaknesses:
For some, the Ultimate 2 may be a bit out of their price range. More affordable options would be the Extreme or the Ultimate home gyms with less options but still an high grade of construction.
Bottom Line: Highly Recommended
The Bowflex Ultimate 2 is a monster machine - beautiful construction, with a huge variety (95+) of exercises and 310-410 lbs of resistance.
Basically the Ultimate 2 gives you everything you need to work your entire body including preacher curl, ab crunch attachment, lat tower and leg curl attachment, integrated squat station and 5 way ankle/hand grip cuffs.
Workouts go faster and easier with the 'No Change Cable Pulley System and you can get your cardio in with the built-in rowing station.
While it might be a bit much for somone new to exercising, basically if you're looking for a top-of-the-line Bowflex, you'll find it in the Ultimate 2.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
It's easier to deal directly with them and they often have exclusive discounts, depending on the time of year.
