The Bowflex BXT116 and the Bowflex BXT216 are both premium treadmills built for hardcore runners. But they also share very similar specs, which can make it difficult to choose between the two.
The goal of this post is to highlight the key differences, and point out the key similarities to help you make a decision. Let’s get started.
What are the main differences between the Bowlfex BXT116 and the Bowflex BXT216?
- More powerful treadmill motor – The Bowflex BXT216 has a slightly more powerful treadmill motor (4.0 CHP) than the BXT116 (3.75 CHP).
- Wider Treadmill Belt – The treadmill belt length is the same (60 inches), but the BXT216 has a wider 22 inch belt, versus the 20 inch belt width of the BXT116.
- Slightly Better Cushioning – The BXT216 has 5 comfort tech cushioning cells, whereas the BXT116 only has 3.
- Bigger Screen – The BXT216 has a 9 inch screen. The BXT116 has a 7.5 inch screen.
- Max user weight – The BXT116 has a 375 lbs max weight setting. This bumps up to 400 lbs for the BXT216.
- Total Workout programs – The BXT116 supports 9 workout programs. The BXT216 supports 11.
- Price – The BXT216 is about $300 more than the BXT116. That being said, the BXT116 is still a premium treadmill that will meet the needs of almost all amatuer runners.
Bowflex BXT116 vs Bowflex BXT216 - Key Similarities
Main Reasons To Choose the BXT116
It's more affordable, and almost as good
Because these treadmills are so similar, it’s plain to see that the BXT116 actually gives you slightly better value for money. The 3.75 CHP motor is more than adequate for most runners, and the treadmills actually have the same max speed (12 mp/h), max incline (15%) and treadmill roller size (2.75″).
In other words, you could say that the BXT116 and the BXT216 are basically the same thing, apart from a few minor upgrades found in the BXT216.
Main Reasons To Choose the BXT116
The wider belt is easier to run on
Generally speaking, the wider the treadmill belt, the easier it is to run on. Fortunately, both the BXT116 and the BXT216 should be wide enough for most people, but if this is a concern for you, it obviously makes sense to choose the BXT216.
You don't need any extra horsepower
With a 4.0 CHP treadmill motor, you really don’t have anything to worry about from a power perspective. This is the kind of spec that you would expect in a commercial grade treadmill shared by hundreds of users at a gym. To have this kind of motor tucked away at home with only a few users is a massive win
It's the better treadmill overall
Simply put, the BXT216 is the better treadmill. It has a more powerful motor, better cushioning, a wider belt, a bigger touchscreen and more workout programs.
If you want the better of the two treadmills, going for the BXT216 is a no brainer.