Bowflex PR1000 Vs Bowflex PR3000

Bowflex is a brand that creates multiple styles of home gym equipment, which can support various levels of fitness. Since their start, Bowflex’s focus has been providing versatile pieces of equipment that offer uniqueness. One of the standout features their equipment offers is the resistance power rods. These are lightweight rods that have good warranties, and provide a resistance that isn’t incredibly tough on the joints.

Two of their models that come from the same line are the Bowflex PR1000 and the PR3000. Both of these models offer similar characteristics, but also have a few stark differences. The PR3000 could be considered the PR1000’s big brother, and both models can be useful for a variety of gym-goers. Below we’ll break down what makes each model slightly different and similar.

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Key Specs and Features

Bowflex PR1000

The Bowflex PR1000 is one of Bowflex’s earlier models, and it still contains unique features compared to other home gyms. First, this machine has up to 210 lbs of lightweight resistance rods, which make it slightly easier to move compared to traditional weight stacks. Additionally, this machine has a fold down bench, so you have the option of performing supine movements that can’t be performed on Bowflex’s compact models.

Bowflex PR3000

Similarly to the PR1000, the Bowflex PR3000 has up to 210 lbs of lightweight resistance power rods, and offers an upgrade option (something the PR1000 does not). Another feature the PR3000 has that the PR1000 lacks is the additional content that comes along with it.

Possibly the best feature that comes with a purchase of a PR3000 is the access you get to Bowflex’s full-body plan, which is a library of content with workouts and tutorials for exercises. For this reason, I think the PR3000 edges out the PR1000 due to the wide variety of gym-goer this machine could assist.

Winner: Bowflex PR3000

Image courtesy Amazon.com. 

Versatility

Bowflex PR1000

The Bowflex PR1000 is is pretty versatile, and enables a gym-goer to perform over 30 exercises on the machine. One characteristic I like about this machine’s versatility is the fold down bench. This provides a gym-goer with the option to perform supine movements, and cardio based rowing. Below is a list of movements you can perform 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 

Bowflex PR3000

The Bowflex PR3000 provides a gym-goer with the option of performing over 50 exercises. A main difference between the PR1000 and PR3000 is the lack of bench on the PR3000. This is one of Bowflex’s compact models, which means it doesn’t come with the fold down bench. Below are a list of movements you can perform on the Bowflex PR3000.

• Legs: Leg extension, curl, and kickback 
• Chest: Flat, incline, and decline press
• Back: Lat pull-down with cables, row, lower back extension 
• Arms: Bicep curls and tricep pushdown
• Shoulders: Press, delt raise, shrugs 
• Core: Ab crunch, trunk rotation, and oblique crunch 

50 exercises is a fair amount, and it beats the 30 the PR1000 offers, but personally, I like the fold down bench option. For this reason, I like the Bowflex PR1000 when it comes to all around versatility.

Winner: Bowflex PR1000

Space Requirement

One of the major concerns home gym owners often have with buying equipment is the space requirement a machine will take up. Bowflex machines are pretty consistent with how much space each model requires. Space is a bigger concern for home gym owners who find themselves not have something like an open garage for space.

Bowflex offers two home gym model types which include: Compact and non-compact. The compact models don’t have a fold down bench option.

Winner: Bowflex PR3000

Price

Bowflex PR1000

The PR1000 is an older model, so its price is one the lowest options when it comes to Bowflex home gyms. Its price starts around $379.00, which is fairly good for the amount of versatility it has. Whether you’re a new gym-goer, or a weathered gym rat, $599.00 for a home gym is a pretty good price that can usually be made in one purchase.

Bowflex PR3000

The PR3000 has an asking price around $689.00, which definitely isn’t the cheapest for home gym equipment. In terms of only price, the PR1000 definitely has the edge on this comparison. Although, the only positive that may make this price justifiable is the additional content that comes with the PR3000, and the availability for financing through some online retailers.

Winner: Bowflex PR1000

Warranty

Bowflex models all offer pretty good warranties, and newer machines tend to have the best options. As a home gym owner, one of your main concerns should be how safe your investment is. For example, you don’t want to drop a lot of money on a machine, only to have to buy new equipment the next year due to it breaking. Both of these models offer pretty good warranties, which are listed below.

Winner: Bowflex PR3000

Overall Winner: Bowflex PR1000

This was a close match-up, but I felt the Bowflex PR1000 has a slight edge over its later Bowflex PR3000 model. I like the price of PR1000, and the amount of versatility it offers. While it’s not the advanced home gym Bowflex offers, I feel as though it’s equipped with enough to help multiple levels of gym-goers to achieve a solid workout. Plus, the warranties are pretty similar, even though the PR3000 is a newer model.

If you’re someone in need of a versatile piece of home gym equipment, then I think both models will help you out, but I’d suggest checking out the Bowflex PR1000 first.

Feature image courtesy Amazon.com.