Evo Gym vs MaxPro vs X3 Bar

EVO Gym, MAXPRO SC, and X3 Bar Elite are portable strength training systems designed for effective workouts without traditional gym gear. All three offer full-body training using compact equipment that’s easy to store and carry. They replace bulky weights with resistance-based systems, allowing users to perform squats, presses, rows, and more. Setup takes minutes and requires minimal space, making them ideal for home, travel, or outdoor use. Each system supports consistent strength gains without the need for a gym membership. Their common goal is simple—help people train anywhere, stay strong, and save time without compromising on workout quality or results.

EVO Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

EVO Gym is a portable strength training system with a compact design, perfect for home use. It includes adjustable resistance bands, a sturdy frame, and attachments for a variety of exercises. The system offers flexibility and ease of use, making it a practical solution for users looking to maintain strength training routines in small spaces without sacrificing performance.

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

The MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine is a 9-pound, compact device that delivers up to 300 pounds of adjustable resistance. Using its patented PowerClutch system, users can adjust resistance in 5-pound increments. Its ultra-strong cables, 15 times stronger than steel by weight, minimize joint stress while providing focused resistance during the lifting phase. The machine is engineered for efficient and effective strength training with less muscle soreness.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar Elite Home Gym

The Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar Elite Home Gym is a portable strength training system utilizing variable resistance. It features an aluminum alloy bar, four latex resistance bands, and a steel ground plate, allowing users to achieve up to 600 lbs of resistance. Designed for low-impact, high-efficiency workouts, it helps target muscles through their full range of motion, with sessions typically lasting 10 minutes. A 12-week training program is included to guide users in maximizing their workouts.

Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar Elite Home Gym

Compare Design

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment Design - EVO Gym features a foldable base with a low-profile, suitcase-style design. The frame is made from durable materials with integrated slots to anchor resistance bands securely.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine Design - It has a clamshell-style build with built-in handles and retractable cables. The outer shell houses the resistance mechanism, keeping all components enclosed. Its minimal footprint allows it to be used flat or mounted.

X3 Bar Elite Design - Features a solid aluminum alloy bar with internal bearings for smooth movement. It comes with a steel ground plate for stability and four heavy-duty latex resistance bands. The bar includes rotating hooks for easy band attachment.

Verdict

Among the three, MAXPRO SC stands out for design due to its ultra-compact, enclosed build and structural versatility. At just 9 pounds, its clamshell-style case with integrated handles and retractable cables makes it highly portable and self-contained. EVO Gym follows closely with its foldable suitcase-style frame that neatly organizes all components. The X3 Bar Elite is the most rugged, with a strong focus on durability, but its design leans more toward functionality than compactness. Overall, MAXPRO balances minimalism, portability, and usability best, making it the most thoughtfully designed among the three for modern, space-conscious users.

Compare Portability

In terms of portability, MAXPRO SC is the clear winner. Weighing just 9 pounds, it features a compact clamshell design with built-in handles and retractable cables, making it exceptionally travel-friendly and easy to carry. EVO Gym comes next with its foldable, suitcase-style frame that organizes all components within the base. X3 Bar Elite, while durable, is less portable due to its heavier steel plate and multiple separate parts. Overall, MAXPRO offers the most streamlined and lightweight option for users prioritizing portability without compromising on workout capability.

Compare Resistance Type & Mechanism

EVO Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment - EVO Gym uses a band-based resistance system anchored to a foldable base. The design includes integrated slots that securely hold the resistance bands during use. The bands offer variable resistance depending on stretch length, allowing for progressive overload across exercises. There are no pulleys or weights—just mechanical simplicity focused on portability and ease of use.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine - MAXPRO SC uses a cable-based resistance system powered by its patented PowerClutch mechanism. This system employs multi-plate friction technology to deliver adjustable concentric resistance up to 300 pounds. Users can fine-tune resistance in 5-pound increments using side dials.

X3 Bar Elite - The X3 Bar Elite uses high-tension latex resistance bands with a solid alloy bar and steel ground plate. The system relies on variable resistance where tension increases as the bands stretch. Rotating hooks on the bar allow easy band adjustments. There are no pulleys or weights, making the setup simple while providing resistance up to 600 pounds.

Verdict

The X3 Bar Elite offers up to 600 pounds of resistance with high-tension latex bands. The resistance increases as the bands stretch, making it ideal for heavy strength training. The MAXPRO SC uses a cable system with up to 300 pounds of resistance. You can adjust it in 5-pound increments, providing control for various exercises. The EVO Gym has a simpler band-based system with adjustable resistance but doesn’t offer as much customization or resistance as the other two. The X3 Bar Elite is the most versatile in terms of resistance.

Compare Maximum Resistance Capacity

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment - Offers resistance from 10 to 320 pounds in 10-pound increments.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine - Offers resistance upto 300 pounds.

X3 Bar Elite - Offers resistance upto 600 pounds with the Elite Band.

Verdict

X3 Bar Elite offers the highest resistance at 600 pounds, making it best for serious strength training. However, MAXPRO SC stands out with its cable-based system and PowerClutch mechanism, giving smoother, more precise control up to 300 pounds. EVO Gym, while compact and portable, tops out at 320 pounds using resistance bands. Overall, MAXPRO SC delivers the best balance of resistance type, control, and usability—making it the winner in this category.

Compare Material

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment - EVO Gym uses aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for the foldable base and structural frame, offering high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The base includes reinforced polymer composite inserts to reduce wear at band anchor points. Resistance bands are multi-layered latex rubber, designed for consistent elasticity and durability under repeated stretch cycles. The handle grips are made from textured thermoplastic rubber for secure grip and comfort.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine - MAXPRO SC uses a high-impact polycarbonate outer shell. Its internal frame is built from aircraft-grade aluminum. The PowerClutch mechanism includes precision steel components and multi-plate friction discs. The retractable cables feature high-tensile synthetic fiber sheathing. Rubberized overmolds on the handles and dials improve grip and comfort.

X3 Bar Elite - The X3 Bar Elite features a solid machined alloy steel bar with internal bearings for smooth rotation. The ground plate is made from laser-cut steel with a non-slip surface. The resistance bands are made from layered latex for high-tension durability. Rotating hooks on the bar are constructed from hardened steel to support high loads and repeated use.

Verdict

When it comes to Durability & Performance, all three equipment options excel in their respective categories, but the X3 Bar Elite stands out as the most durable and high-performing option. Its solid alloy steel bar, high-tension latex bands, and hardened steel rotating hooks ensure longevity under intense use. The internal bearings and laser-cut steel ground plate enhance its overall strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty strength training.

Following closely, the MAXPRO SC offers impressive durability with its aircraft-grade aluminum frame and precision steel components. The retractable cables and polycarbonate shell ensure smooth performance and resilience.

The EVO Gym, while highly durable with aerospace-grade aluminum and multi-layered latex bands, focuses on portability and lightweight design, sacrificing some performance in extreme conditions compared to the other two.

Compare Exercises you can perform

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment - It supports squats, deadlifts, and lunges using resistance bands to challenge the legs and glutes. Chest presses and rows can be done by anchoring the bands to the base, targeting the chest, shoulders, and back. Bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder raises engage the arms with variable resistance. Core exercises, like Russian twists and planks, are also possible.

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine - Chest exercises like cable presses and flyes can be performed with adjustable resistance. For back development, rows and reverse flyes are effective. Shoulder exercises such as lateral raises and front raises use the cable system for controlled resistance. Leg exercises include squats, lunges, and leg extensions, utilizing the machine’s adjustable resistance. The compact design allows for bicep curls, triceps pushdowns, and core rotations, making it versatile for full-body training.

X3 Bar Elite - You can do chest exercises like bench presses and chest flys with the resistance bands. Back exercises include rows and deadlifts using the bar’s high-tension bands. For shoulders, try overhead presses and lateral raises. Leg exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses work well with the adjustable resistance. Arms can be trained with bicep curls and tricep extensions. The bar also supports core exercises like rotational twists, making it a practical tool for strength and conditioning, whether at home or on the go.

Verdict

MAXPRO SC stands out in this category.

Compare Dimensions

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

• Base (opened): 29″ L × 12.5″ W

• Base (closed): 15″ L × 12.5″ W × 2″ H

• Bar: 36″ L × 1.7″ D ​

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

• Unit: 16″ L × 10″ W × 4″ H

X3 Bar Elite

• Bar: 21.5″ L × 1.25″ D

• Ground Plate: 10″ L × 19″ W × 1″ H

Compare Weight

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

• Bar Weight: 3 lbs.

• Total System Weight: Not specified​

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

• Total System Weight: 9 lbs​.

X3 Bar Elite

• Bar Weight: 4 lbs.

• Ground Plate Weight: 7 lbs.

• Total System Weight: 17 lbs. (19 lbs. with Elite Band)

Compare Accessories Included

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

• Steel workout bar

• 6, 8, or 10 resistance bands (depending on the model)

• 2 handles

• 2 ankle straps

• 1 hook

• 1 door mount

• 1 pouch

• User manual (emailed)

• Safety instructions

• Access to downloadable training videos​

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

• MAXPRO SmartConnect device

• 3-piece Quick Connect long bar

• 2 workout handles

• 2 ankle/wrist straps

• 2 door mount brackets

• USB charger

X3 Bar Elite

• Solid machined alloy steel bar with internal bearings

• Steel ground plate

• Set of heavy-duty layered latex resistance bands

• Rotating hooks on the bar for band attachment

• Access to a 12-week workout plan

Compare Price

Evo Gym Portable Strength Training Equipment

• Starter (120 lbs. resistance): $179.99

• Advanced (220 lbs. resistance): $199.99

• Elite (320 lbs. resistance): $219.99​

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

• Standard Model: $599.00

• With Wall Track: $918.00​

X3 Bar Elite

• Standard Package: $549.00

Advantages of the Evo Gym

Portable and Space-Efficient - The foldable base and compact design make it suitable for users with limited space at home or those who frequently travel. It fits under beds or in closets and comes with a carry bag for convenience.

Supports Home and On-the-Road Training - Works reasonably well for those who prefer or need to work out at home or while traveling. Helps maintain consistency in workouts without relying on a gym.

Allows for Full-Body Workouts - The setup enables users to perform a wide variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, providing a practical all-in-one solution for basic strength training routines.

Quantifiable and Scalable Resistance - Users can track progress using numbered notches and band resistance levels, which is helpful for those following progressive overload principles.

Facilitates Micro-Loading - Offers the ability to make small incremental adjustments in resistance by moving up a notch or adding a lighter band—useful for fine-tuning difficulty level during a workout.

Eliminates Guesswork in Band Positioning - Compared to loop bands that rely on foot placement and guessing hand positions, Evo Gym’s structured notches allow for more repeatable setup and consistent resistance.

May Work for Beginners or Casual Users

For those not lifting heavy or those just getting started with resistance training, it provides a portable introduction to strength-based workouts without complex gym equipment.

Disadvantages of Evo Gym

Build Quality and Durability Issues

• Multiple users reported bands snapping during exercises such as preacher curls and curls with heavier resistance, even during first-time use.

• The connecting straps between bands and rings are prone to failure, not just the bands themselves.

• Carabiners are flimsy, with no locking mechanism; they can twist or detach during movement, becoming potential projectiles.

• The base board is flimsy and unstable, especially if not standing precisely on the corners.

• Several users noted the product felt like a low-grade DIY assembly, lacking professional engineering or safe construction.

Safety Concerns

• Band and carabiner breakages have resulted in injuries and bruises, with near-miss accidents involving the face and pets.

• Users feared serious injury due to projectile hardware and weak structural components.

• Poor directions and setup guidance increased the risk of incorrect assembly and misuse.

Design Flaws

• No consistent resistance in early range of motion—deadlifts and bench presses lack tension until the bar is mid-lift, making them ineffective for full-range training.

• Resistance only activates at the top range, reducing efficacy of foundational lifts like deadlifts, squats, and presses.

• Shorter users (under ~5'6") face major limitations, with bands offering no tension until midway through a rep.

• Limited ability to make small resistance adjustments—users can't fine-tune load precisely, affecting progressive overload.

Usability & Convenience

• Setup is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring constant adjusting of band lengths and switching attachments.

• Carabiners are difficult to detach and attach, especially when bands are under load or in tight configurations.

• Squat setup is awkward and painful, requiring overly tight straps that make positioning the bar on the shoulders difficult or unsafe.

• Frequent band adjustments and slot realignment make exercise transitions inefficient.

Effectiveness and Versatility

• Promised exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses are not effective due to tension issues.

• Resistance provided is insufficient for experienced or heavy lifters, even at maximum capacity.

• Users report fewer real-world training benefits compared to basic alternatives like free weights, push-up tools, or standard resistance bands.

Value for Money

• Price is considered excessive relative to the materials, safety, and overall training value.

• Perceived as not suitable for serious training, especially when compared to similarly priced systems with higher durability and functionality.

MAXPRO SC Cable Machine Advantages

It’s Portable, I'll Give It That - As much as I’d prefer a traditional setup, you can’t deny MAXPRO is compact. For something that folds up and fits into a backpack, it does offer a decent alternative—especially if you don’t have a lot of room to spare.

Surprisingly Wide Range of Exercises - While the app doesn’t always help, the machine itself can be used for quite a few moves. If you’re willing to experiment (or wing it), you can cover most major muscle groups.

Adjustable Tension is... Fine - Adjusting the resistance is easy enough—even though the numbers don’t mean much unless you use the app or create your own lb-to-number cheat sheet. Not ideal, but manageable.

Pairs (Fairly) Well with Add-ons - The wall track and bench accessories do add more possibilities. It’s a bit frustrating they’re not included upfront, but with them, the setup becomes more usable.

Decent Option for Small Spaces - If you live in a place where setting up a full rack or power cage isn’t realistic, this does the job. It’s probably one of the few options that won’t take over your living room.

Okay for On-the-Go Workouts - Not the first thing I’d pack for travel, but if you're constantly on the move—say, living in a truck or hopping between places—it’s not the worst solution.

Not Bad for Seniors or Casual Use - It seems to work well enough for lighter workouts or those who aren’t pushing for max gains. Seniors, in particular, might appreciate the lower-impact usage.

Build Quality is Acceptable - It’s not gym-grade, but it doesn’t feel flimsy either. You’ll notice some catchiness in the cables, but the base construction seems sturdy enough for regular, moderate use.

App is There… Kind Of

While it’s frustrating that many workouts are locked behind a paywall and the app doesn’t fully understand the machine, it does offer a few guided sessions to get you started. It’s something, at least.

MAXPRO SC Cable Machine Disadvantages

Mechanical and Build Issues - Cables lack smoothness: Users consistently report that the cable pull is jerky, catchy, or clunky—especially during slow or controlled movements. This can be uncomfortable and may even feel unsafe for some exercises.

Uneven resistance - There are noticeable inconsistencies between the left and right cables. Users often need to adjust one side's tension lower than the other to create balanced resistance, which is more pronounced at higher resistance levels.

Defective out-of-box experience - Some units arrived with immediate functional issues such as cables not retracting or being misaligned. These defects required returns or replacements, adding to customer frustration.

No eccentric resistance - The machine lacks resistance during the return (eccentric) phase of exercises, limiting the muscle engagement typical of traditional gym equipment.

Break-in period is long and unclear - The machine reportedly requires a lengthy break-in period during which it remains stiff and jerky. Even with regular use over several weeks, many users saw minimal improvement.

Design and Usability Limitations - No accurate calibration: The dial numbers lack meaningful correlation to real weight values. Users are unsure how much resistance they're actually using, making it hard to track progress accurately.

Platform limitations - The small platform size can interfere with foot positioning and exercise stability, particularly for movements that require heel drive or a wider stance.

No adjustable bench included - The absence of an adjustable or flat bench limits the range of effective strength training exercises, especially for chest and upper body workouts.

Limited floor-based options - Without a door mount or wall mount (often sold separately at a high price), users report difficulty finding enough effective floor-based exercise options—especially for upper body.

Incompatibility with some doorways - The device may not fit standard door sizes, and no extension accessories are included or clearly offered during purchase.

Buggy companion app - Users report app instability, such as broken video controls, poor casting options, and navigation problems within embedded workout content.

Unclear training guidance - The app doesn’t provide enough variation or clarity for alternative setups (like floor-only usage), limiting usability without accessories.

Short battery life - The device reportedly loses charge quickly, sometimes before a full workout is completed.

Feels overpriced for the quality delivered - Many users expressed that the product doesn't meet expectations given its high cost, especially when factoring in mechanical quirks, required accessories, and a less-than-premium user experience.

High return pressure due to limited trial window - With a steep learning curve and unclear break-in timeline, the 30-day return window may not be enough time to fully assess the product.

Advantages of the X3 Bar Elite

Increased Versatility (Somehow) - While it’s essentially just a longer version of the original bar, it does manage to offer a bit more utility—not just in hand spacing but in how resistance plays out during certain movements.

Modified Resistance Feel - Oddly enough, the longer bar shifts how the bands behave. This changes the force angles, which—surprisingly—can make exercises like chest presses feel easier or harder depending on the strap used.

Fine-Tuning Between Bands - If one band feels too easy and the next one up feels like overkill, the longer bar provides a bit of middle ground by subtly altering the perceived difficulty. It’s not a game-changer, but it helps smooth out the awkward jump between resistance levels.

Improved Comfort on Certain Exercises - The extended grip does make pressing movements (like chest presses) more bearable, especially for users who found the standard bar a bit cramped.

X3 Bar Elite Disadvantages

Bands Prone to Damage - The resistance bands can suffer wear and tear quickly, especially when used with the floor plate—leading to issues like pitting and shearing within just a few weeks.

Bar is Too Short - The bar doesn’t accommodate wider shoulders well, making it difficult to evenly position it for shoulder or chest exercises. Users with broader frames find it restrictive and uncomfortable.

Poor Fit for Shorter Users - The system seems built for tall, strong individuals. Shorter users (especially women) often need to buy third-party bands to make it usable—highlighting a lack of inclusive design.

Limited Grip Variation - The fixed bar doesn’t allow for changes in grip orientation, unlike free bands, which can be adjusted for a more joint-friendly, neutral grip.

Unbalanced Band Resistance Options - Resistance levels between bands are not well calibrated. One may be too light, the next too heavy, leaving users to awkwardly combine bands or struggle with unusable levels—especially for taller users who experience too much tension at the bottom.

Restricted Range of Motion - The bar and bands together often limit full movement in exercises, particularly for users with shorter limbs or those needing more flexibility in form.

Poor Suitability for Joint Issues - Many exercises require knee flexion, which is painful or impossible for users with joint conditions. Some have even been advised by doctors to avoid it due to knee strain.

Twisting and Misalignment Issues - The smaller bands tend to twist or shift when placed over the upper back/shoulders, causing frustration and uneven tension—particularly challenging during upper body exercises.

Floor Plate Design Concerns - Though useful in theory, the floor plate limits stance adjustments and may present injury risks. It also contributes to quicker band damage due to friction.

Lack of Progress or Results - Several users reported minimal strength gains after weeks or months of consistent use, leading them to question its effectiveness as a standalone system.

Very Generic, Repetitive Workouts - The included training program lacks variety or progression, making it feel uninspiring and monotonous over time.

Overpriced for What You Get - Many feel the X3 Bar Elite is significantly overpriced—essentially being just a metal bar, bands, and a plastic plate. Comparable alternatives exist at a fraction of the cost.

Not Ideal for Certain Movements - While it performs well for squats and deadlifts, the torque curve and resistance profile are less effective for movements like bent-over rows or presses.

Not Beginner-Friendly - Without hands-on trial, it’s hard to gauge whether the system will suit your frame, strength level, or mobility—making it a risky blind purchase.

Durability Concerns for the Price - Despite solid initial impressions, bands have shown signs of tearing within 2 months of use—raising questions about long-term durability.

Lack of Inclusive Content - Instructional materials and videos heavily cater to men, with minimal guidance for women or users with different needs or body types.

Mixed Customer Service Reports - While not universally experienced, there are concerns about poor customer support when issues like damaged bands arise.