Bowflex home gyms are designed to equip gym-goers with versatility. They provide accommodated resistance with their signature power rods, which are useful for keeping the weight of their machines lighter, and being less stressful on the joints. When seeking the perfect Bowflex model it can be intimidating due to all of their different specs.
Two of their more similar models include the Bowflex PR1000 and the Bowflex Blaze. These two models are somewhat similar in design, as they both have the fold down bench, but their date of release differs. In this article, we’re going to analyze all of the specs that make these models alike and different.
Image courtesy amazon.com.
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Key Specs and Features
Bowflex PR1000
The Bowflex PR1000 comes equipped to provide a gym-goer with over 30 exercises to perform. In addition, it has Bowflex’s signature resistance power rods, and this machine specifically comes with up to 210 lbs of resistance. Also, this machine has a fold down bench that some Bowflex models lack, which enables a gym-goer to perform supine movements.
Bowflex Blaze
The Bowflex Blaze is similar to the PR1000 in design, and is a sizeable step up when it comes to versatility. It also has a fold down bench, but it goes a step further by providing a gym-goer over 60 exercises to perform. This doubles what the PR1000 offers, and to top it off, it also comes with 210 lbs of resistance power rods, along with the ability to upgrade to additional resistance (something the PR1000 can’t do).
Another key feature that the Blaze comes with that the PR1000 lacks is the additional workout content. The Blaze comes with a workout DVD and an in-depth user manual to walk a gym-goer through various movements. For this reason, I think the Blaze has the edge over the PR1000.
Winner: Bowflex Blaze
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Versatility
Bowflex PR1000
We mentioned it earlier, but the Bowflex PR1000 does a fair job in terms of versatility. It provides a gym-goer with over 30 exercises, which isn’t terrible for a very beginner model. If you’re brand new to the gym and working out, then I feel as though this enough to equip you with dynamic workouts, and body part specific work.
Below are a few examples of exercises and major muscle groups you can work with the Bowflex PR1000.
- Legs: Leg extension, curl, and kickback
- Chest: Flat, incline, and decline press
- Back: Lat pulldown, row, lower back extension
- Arms: Bicep curls and tricep pushdown
- Shoulders: Press, delt raise, shrugs
- Core: Ab crunch, trunk rotation, and oblique crunch
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Bowflex Blaze
Like we pointed out above, the Bowflex Blaze has a decent step up in versatility when compared to the Bowflex PR1000. This system allows a lifter to perform over 60 exercises, and can be equipped with heavier weight, which in turn can allow for more gym-goers to use it. Although, the equipment each system comes with are somewhat similar, the Blaze does have the additional workout content to assist gym-goers.
Below are some of the exercises and muscles you can target using the Bowflex Blaze. The list is virtually similar to the PR1000, but have more variations within each exercises.
- Legs: Leg extension, curl, and kickback
- Chest: Flat, incline, and decline press
- Back: Lat pulldown, row, lower back extension
- Arms: Bicep curls and tricep pushdown
- Shoulders: Press, delt raise, shrugs
- Core: Ab crunch, trunk rotation, and oblique crunch
Winner: Bowflex Blaze
Space Requirement
Bowflex systems are definitely not the smallest home gyms on the market, but they’re also not the largest. For this reason, they can often be used in a variety of settings, and rooms. So when buying a versatile home gym like this, one of the main concerns consumers have is their space requirement.
Below are how the Bowflex PR1000 and the Bowflex Blaze stack up in terms of their space needed. Keep in mind, both systems can be stored by folding up the bench, so one can save a little space there, but the Blaze does save some room on width.
| Bowflex Model | Space Requirements |
| Bowflex PR1000 | Length: 103″, Width: 80″, Height: 82″ |
| Bowflex Blaze | Length: 90″, Width: 38″, Height: 83″ |
Winner: Bowflex Blaze
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Price
Bowflex PR1000
The one area where the Bowflex PR1000 has the edge on the Blaze is in its price. This system starts around $370.00, which is pretty tough to beat for the amount of versatility it offers. It’s one of Bowflex’s earlier models though, so you’re getting what you pay for, and if price is your main concern, then I think the PR1000 is a great option for you.
Bowflex Blaze
The Blaze is a newer model that offers a little more versatility, so it makes sense that the price is higher. This system starts around $720.00, which still isn’t terrible for a home gym. In terms of price alone, this machine almost double the PR1000, but it still isn’t a ridiculously priced home gym. Yet, if price is your only concern, then you’ll fair best with the Bowflex PR1000.
Winner: Bowflex PR1000
Warranty
All of Bowflex’s home gyms have somewhat similar warranties, but the newer models are equipped with better options. Every one of Bowflex’s models come with warranties covering their frame, power rods, and attachments. This is ideal because you don’t want to invest in a home gym, and have to fork out money a couple months later because it breaks prematurely. Below are how the Bowflex PR1000 and Bowflex Blaze’s warranties stack up.
| Bowflex Model | Warranty Specs |
| Bowflex PR1000 | Frame: 1-year, Power Rods: 5-years, Parts: 60-days |
| Bowflex Blaze | Frame: 1-year, Power Rods: 5-years, Parts: 60-days |
Winner: Tie
Overall Winner: Bowflex Blaze
Both machines are pretty evenly matched, but the Blaze takes the win for the extra workout content and versatility. Plus, it save on a little extra space if that’s someone’s main concern. But keep in mind, the PR1000 is a similar machine at a cheaper price, so if price is your main priority, then our overall winning pick can be ignored for you. Yet, for the price, versatility, and warranty, we feel the Blaze is a solid pick.
If you need a versatile home gym for a decent price, then both of these gyms will fair pretty well, but the Blaze does offer a little more.
Feautre image courtesy amazon.com.
