StairMaster
StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill
$10099
Best Stair Climbers · head-to-head
StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is cheaper at $1999. Every spec and price links to its source.
Bowflex
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
$1999Cheaper
Which is better: the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill or Bowflex Max Trainer M9?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is the cheaper at $1999. The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill | Bowflex Max Trainer M9 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $10099 | $1999 |
| Brand | StairMaster | Bowflex |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 |
Sources — StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill: corehandf.com (verified 2026-08-01). Bowflex Max Trainer M9: ellipticalreviews.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill and Bowflex Max Trainer M9?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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