# StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill (StairMaster) and Bowflex Max Trainer M9 (Bowflex) among stair climbers. Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is the cheaper of the two at $1999.

## Side by side

| Spec | StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill | Bowflex Max Trainer M9 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $10099 | $1999 |
| Brand | StairMaster | Bowflex |
| Step height range (cm) | 20 | — |
| Resistance levels | 20 | 20 |
| Max user weight (kg) | 181 | 136 |
| Drive type | Electronically controlled, chain-driven alternator/brake | Magnetic resistance (JRNY app-connected) |
| Step rate spm | 24-162 | — |
| Console programs | Apex 16in HD Touchscreen or Apex LED console; Quick Start, Manual, Fat Burner, Calorie Burner, Intervals, Bell-Shaped, Build, Mystery Challenge, Steady, Heart Rate Zone Trainer, Landmark Challenge (virtual world landmarks) | 10in HD touchscreen; JRNY app integration (subscription-based on-demand HIIT programming), contact heart-rate sensors in handlebars, Bluetooth speakers |
| Flywheel weight (kg) | — | — |
| Dimensions (cm) | 147 x 86 x 200 | 125 x 77 x 165 |

## Key differences

- Max user weight (kg): StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill 181 vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 136
- Drive type: StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill Electronically controlled, chain-driven alternator/brake vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Magnetic resistance (JRNY app-connected)
- Console programs: StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill Apex 16in HD Touchscreen or Apex LED console; Quick Start, Manual, Fat Burner, Calorie Burner, Intervals, Bell-Shaped, Build, Mystery Challenge, Steady, Heart Rate Zone Trainer, Landmark Challenge (virtual world landmarks) vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 10in HD touchscreen; JRNY app integration (subscription-based on-demand HIIT programming), contact heart-rate sensors in handlebars, Bluetooth speakers
- Dimensions (cm): StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill 147 x 86 x 200 vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 125 x 77 x 165

## Sources

- StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill: https://www.corehandf.com/products/stairmaster-8gx-1 (corehandf.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- Bowflex Max Trainer M9: https://www.ellipticalreviews.com/bowflex/max-trainer-m9/ (ellipticalreviews.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stair-climbers/stairmaster-8gx-gauntlet-vs-bowflex-max-trainer-m9/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill ($10099) vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 ($1999) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stair-climbers/stairmaster-8gx-gauntlet-vs-bowflex-max-trainer-m9/
License: CC BY 4.0.