I tried one prior to purchase and also read the reviews so I was prepared to add additional rods to my PR3000, which I really like by the way. So for you guys and gals who have been lifting free weights at the gym, here is my try at telling you what you need….

I am 6′3″ tall and the machine fits me well. When I go to the gym, my chest workout after warming up is 3 sets of 8-10 reps with 135# (olympic bar with 45# plates on each end). By the end of the 3 sets, I’m flat done. When I got the Bowflex, I used the entire 210#, did 3 sets of 20 and could have done more.

Today, I put on the 310# and the 410# upgrade. With the 410#, I can do 8 reps and I’m done. The 310# weight just about equals the 135# I was using at the gym. I also tried moving the seat forward (4″ block behind my back) this made the 210# weight stack better but not good enough, also was bending the rods pretty far.

All in all, I don’t agree with the reviewer who said that the PR3000 is not enough, I downloaded the book for the Bowflex Ultimate II and use a lot of the exercises from that book. But I do agree with everyone that say not to consider 210# to be adequate in most cases. I could not find anything on the Nautilus/Bowflex sites that explains how they determine their weights but believe me when I say, I could not find anyway to justify 210# rating on this equipment.

Also, ebay sells a hook for the rod stacks that makes it a lot easier to hook multiple rods together. Necessary if you go to 410#.

After set-up I tried out all the different power rods and one of the 50lb rods snapped in 2 places. The rubber coating kept any debris from flying across the room luckily. I jumped online and it looks as if this is NOT an isolated case. I purchase the extra set of 50lb bars (as suggested in a few other reviews) so I will not be without in the meantime. There is even two capped holes in the rod holder base just for this upgrade. I will call the 800 number on Monday and see how their customer service is. I have high hopes that it will be replaced for Free (including shipping).

I am glad I spent the extra money on the pr3000 instead of the pr1000. I think changing the cables between exercises would take alot more time. I highly recoment this product to anyone wanting to get in shape.

Pros: On the plus side, the machine provides a wide range of exercises that enable you to work almost all of the muscle groups. It was easy to assemble and comes with fairly clear directions. It also includes a basic workout book, although you will probably want to supplement this with additional information about working out. Properly assembled, the machine seems very solid and as long as you maintain it, it should provide a safe workout.

As you can see from the pictures, it has three sets of handles: one high, one middle and one low. This allows you to get a wide range of workouts and replicate most traditional free weight training moves. It also has the attachment for doing leg lifts. The seat can be easily removed to allow you to safely do standing exercises.

A major plus for this machine is that the power rods connect to all the handles. In other words, you do not need to constantly switch cable connections for your workout. Some lower end models lack this feature, which would be a bit annoying.

Cons: While the machine allows you to do a large range of exercises, it does have clear limits. For example, you can only do leg lifts with the leg exercise attachment (although you can do leg exercises using the handles). Also, it suffers the inherent limitations of a rod based machine relative to free weights. For example, the weight on the resistance rods seem rather optimistic (I suspect the weight is based on the resistance offered at maximum bend). To compare the machine with free weights, I did curls with the 50 pound rod and with a 35 pound free weight. The free weight provided far more resistance (in the form of weight). This is because the weight always weighs 35 pounds and the rod’s resistance increases as it is pulled.

You will also want to spring for the 100 pound upgrade-this consists of two 50 rods. I think the rods should have been included, but I suppose that some people would be fine with the stock rods.

I’d suggest getting them when you get the machine, otherwise you’ll have to take the “rod box” off the machine so as to put in the rods. Mine didn’t come with instructions (just two rods and two screws in a cardboard box), but this is what I did: carefully lean the machine to one side, preferably with someone trustworthy holding it (make sure that they are not the beneficiary of your life insurance). Unscrew the three screws holding the box in place. Remove the box and take out the plugs (two of them, just ahead of the installed 50 rods). Insert the rods and screw the included screws into the rods (at the bottom). Put the rod box back in place and then screw the screws back in. Carefully test the rods to make sure they are secure, and then you are ready to go.

I normally don’t review products but this time I am. The box it comes in is extremely heavy so don’t have it dropped off if you have stairs, etc. As for the machine, it’s just simply amazing. The assembly is pretty easy – just make sure you measure the parts so you put the right bolts in the right spot. The hardest part honestly was running the cables and it’s not even hard at all. As for operation, the machine doesn’t take up much space and is EXTREMELY quiet. You can easily work out next to someone reading and not even bother them. Also, the workouts will make you sore, but not so sore you can’t move around the next day. My only recommendation is to order 1 extra set of handles so you can have handles at all three locations. The leg extension does take up some of the workout room and is slightly hard to detach/attach. However, you can just remove it and put the foot/handle straps on the bottom and do all the workout you could with the leg extension on. Anyways, if your looking for a quiet, attractive, effective workout machine for your home this is it.