Balanced Body vs. Merrithew reformers: Which home machine fits you?

If you want a studio-quality reformer at home, it usually comes down to Balanced Body vs. Merrithew, the two big studio brands. Balanced Body builds its reformers at its headquarters in Sacramento, California. Merrithew, the company behind STOTT PILATES, is headquartered in Scarborough, Ontario, and ships its home reformers from Canada, per Merrithew's product pages.

The closest home-model match is the Balanced Body Allegro 2 vs. the Merrithew At Home SPX, the two models NBC Select and Women's Health both reviewed. Most head-to-head comparisons online come from reformer dealers and makers with machines to sell. This guide lines up what each company publishes, adds what editors at NBC Select and Women's Health said, and draws its own conclusions from those specs.

The short answer

• Choose Balanced Body (Allegro 2) if you want the footbar range editors praise, upright storage with a wheel kit, a US-made machine and a 10-year frame warranty. NBC Select and Women's Health both named it their best overall reformer.
• Choose Merrithew (At Home SPX) if you want published weight and height limits, a narrower and lighter frame, a box, platform extender and pole in the package, and a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and rails.
• Choose neither if budget comes first. An AeroPilates cord machine sits in the Under $500 tier, versus $1,000+ for either studio brand (see AeroPilates vs. Balanced Body).

Balanced Body vs. Merrithew at a glance

Here are the two main home models side by side, with the AeroPilates 287 for budget context. Specs come from each maker's product page.

A few more differences between the two studio-brand machines:

Both machines sit in the $1,000+ price tier. Balanced Body doesn't publish prices and asks you to contact a local representative.

How they differ

Springs and resistance labels

Both machines use five steel springs, but the brands label them differently. Balanced Body sorts its Signature Springs by color: on the Allegro 2, three red (medium), one blue (light) and one yellow (very light). Merrithew labels springs by percentage. The At Home SPX has four 100% springs and one 50% spring, with neoprene covers that Merrithew says reduce noise.

Tap the diagram to enlarge

In our reading, the practical point is that a "red" spring and a "100%" spring aren't the same thing. If you take classes on one brand, the other brand's settings won't translate one to one. Our reformer springs vs. cords guide explains how spring resistance works. As Mo Wolfe of Evolution Pilates told Women's Health, "Springs provide resistance and feedback, so the type and responsiveness of springs deeply influence your experience."

Ropes and adjustments

The Allegro 2 uses Balanced Body's SoftTouch rope system with a padded double loop kit, which the brand says "allows quick, quiet adjustments." The At Home SPX uses a traditional rope system, according to Merrithew. Merrithew's pricier At Home V2 Max switches to a retractable rope system with recoiling reels and self-locking cleats.

Claims that one system is easier or quieter come from the brands themselves. We found no independent comparison.

The Allegro 2's Infinity Footbar is the feature editors single out. It has four vertical positions and slides along the frame to nine positions, per Balanced Body. Instructor Bianca Melas told NBC Select she likes the "infinity footbar that can move up and down the rails."

Weight capacity and user height

This is the clearest gap on paper. Merrithew lists a 250 lb weight capacity for the At Home SPX and an "ideal user height" of 60–74 inches. Its At Home V2 Max is rated for 425 lb.

Balanced Body doesn't publish a maximum user weight or height range for the Allegro 2. It points taller or larger users to the Allegro Stretch instead. If you're near either end of the range, ask a Balanced Body rep for a limit in writing before you buy.

Tap the diagram to enlarge

Size, weight and storage

The Allegro 2 is 94 inches long and 31.25 inches wide with the footbar, and weighs 148 lb (155 lb with legs). The At Home SPX is 96.5 inches long and 26 inches wide, and weighs 115 lb. So the SPX is narrower and lighter, and the Allegro 2 is a little shorter.

Merrithew lists a 99-inch minimum ceiling height for standing exercises with raised arms on the At Home SPX. See how much space you need for a reformer for clearance around the frame.

For storage, the Allegro 2 stands upright with Balanced Body's optional Wheel Kit and Wall Security Strap (both sold separately). The At Home SPX can't be stacked or fitted with a vertical frame, per Merrithew. To store it upright you need the separate package with a Vertical Stand, which calls for a 97.5-inch ceiling.

Women's Health listed "heavy and immobile" as a con for the Allegro 2 and said setup took about two hours with two people. It called the Merrithew SPX bundle "too large for small spaces."

What's included

Merrithew's At Home SPX package includes a reformer box with footstrap, a padded platform extender, a metal roll-up pole, double loop straps, a poster and manual, and 60 days of Merrithew Connect access.

Balanced Body's Allegro 2 page lists five Signature Springs with spring collars, the SoftTouch rope and padded double loop kit, risers and shoulder rests, a 3-position headrest and a built-in maple standing platform. A box isn't listed as included, and the tower and Mat Retrofit Kit are sold separately. Check what your quote covers before comparing totals.

Warranty and maintenance

• Allegro 2: 10-year warranty on the frame from the invoice date, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, per Balanced Body.
• At Home SPX: limited lifetime on the aluminum rails, frame components, welding, gearbar and footbar mechanisms. Two years on other components, one year on ropes, straps and spring parts, and 90 days on upholstery. Merrithew says it isn't warranted for commercial or professional use.

Merrithew says to replace springs every two years to keep the warranty. We couldn't find Balanced Body's recommended interval or its per-part terms for ropes and upholstery, so ask before buying.

Step-up and alternative models

Here's how the two home lineups map to each other, based on each brand's product pages:

Merrithew's SPX Max is rated for 350 lb and uses three 100%, one 50% and one 25% spring. A 6-inch extension is available only at purchase, per Merrithew.

Allegro Stretch vs. At Home V2 Max (taller or larger users)

The Allegro Stretch has a 111-inch frame. Balanced Body says it's 18 inches longer than the original Allegro, with a carriage 2 inches wider and 6 inches longer. It uses five long Signature Stretch Springs and has a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and footbar, per Balanced Body. Balanced Body doesn't publish a max user weight.

Merrithew's At Home V2 Max specs, per Merrithew:

• Size: 100.5 x 29.25 in, 145 lb
• Capacity: 425 lb; extended-length upgrades for users over 6'4"
• Ceiling: 106.5 in minimum; carriage 17.25 in high
• Springs: 3 x 100%, 1 x 50%, 1 x 25%
• Storage: accepts a Vertical Frame

Merrithew calls it its "Most-popular Professional Reformer" (brand claim). It lists for well above the At Home SPX.

For more tall-friendly machines, see our best Pilates reformers for tall people.

Check the Allegro Stretch See the At Home V2 Max at Merrithew

Metro IQ (small spaces)

Merrithew has no direct match for the Balanced Body Metro IQ. Balanced Body says it stores under a bed or in a closet. Specs per Balanced Body:

• Size: 96 x 23 x 9 in extended; telescopes to 61.5 in (the feature text on the same page says 98 and 62 in)
• Weight: 85 lb
• Springs: five Signature Springs that Balanced Body says "offer up to 46 resistance options"
• Warranty: two years for non-commercial use

Check the Metro IQ

Rialto

Balanced Body calls the Rialto an "affordable option" for home and smaller studio use. It's 95.5 x 34.5 inches and 15 inches high, weighs 140 lb and has five Signature Springs (3 red, 1 blue, 1 green). It includes a Sitting Box Lite and padded footstraps, and carries a 5-year limited warranty. Balanced Body doesn't publish its price or max user weight.

See the Rialto at Balanced Body

AeroPilates vs. Balanced Body

AeroPilates machines are a different class. The AeroPilates 287 uses three elastic bungee cords, weighs 56 lb, measures 85.25 x 17.5 x 9 inches and is rated for 300 lb, per Stamina. Its warranty is 90 days on parts and three years on the frame, compared with 10 years on the Allegro 2's frame. It sits in the Under $500 tier, versus $1,000+ for Balanced Body.

Women's Health named the 287 its best budget pick. It listed limited use for advanced practitioners, a cramped fit for tall users and a non-adjustable footbar as cons. Amy Wilkinson told Women's Health, "I could see someone eventually progressing beyond the capabilities of this model." NBC Select notes that budget machines use rubber bands and that "metal is a more durable material that may last longer."

Balanced Body argues that "elastic cords lack the nuanced variable feedback of steel," but that's a brand view. Our AeroPilates models compared guide covers the 287, 4420 and other models.

Check the AeroPilates 287

What to ask owners on Reddit and forums

We could only verify editor reviews, covered above, so we don't summarize forum opinions. If you post on Reddit or an owner forum, these questions get the most useful answers:

• Does a local technician service this brand?
• How long did replacement springs and ropes take to arrive?
• Do the Allegro 2's limits fit your height and weight? Balanced Body doesn't publish them.
• How did delivery and setup go?
• What do used machines resell for?

Frequently Asked Questions

Merrithew vs. Balanced Body: which is better?

Neither is better overall; both are studio brands. NBC Select and Women's Health named the Balanced Body Allegro 2 best overall, and Women's Health called the Merrithew SPX bundle best advanced. Merrithew publishes capacity and height limits and includes more accessories with the At Home SPX. Balanced Body gives the Allegro 2 a wide-ranging footbar and a 10-year frame warranty.

What is the weight limit on Merrithew and Balanced Body reformers?

Merrithew lists 250 lb for the At Home SPX and 425 lb for the At Home V2 Max. Balanced Body doesn't publish a max user weight for the Allegro 2 and suggests the Allegro Stretch for larger and taller users. Ask a Balanced Body rep for a limit in writing.

Are Balanced Body and Merrithew springs interchangeable?

The brands label springs differently. Balanced Body uses colors (red medium, blue light, yellow very light), while Merrithew uses percentages (100%, 50%, 25%). Buy replacement springs from your machine's maker. Merrithew recommends replacing springs every two years.

Where are Balanced Body and Merrithew reformers made?

Balanced Body makes its reformers in Sacramento, California. Merrithew is headquartered in Scarborough, Ontario, and ships its home reformers from Canada, per its product pages.

Is Balanced Body more expensive than Merrithew?

Both home lines sit in the $1,000+ tier. Merrithew publishes its prices; Balanced Body asks you to contact a local representative for a quote, so compare quotes that include the same accessories (box, platform extender, legs).

Which is better for tall people?

Merrithew rates the At Home SPX for users 60–74 in and offers extended-length options on the At Home V2 Max for users over 6'4". Balanced Body points taller users to the 111-inch Allegro Stretch.

Is AeroPilates as good as Balanced Body?

They're different classes. The AeroPilates 287 uses three elastic cords and has a 3-year frame warranty, per Stamina. Balanced Body uses steel springs and gives the Allegro 2 a 10-year frame warranty. Women's Health called the 287 a good budget pick but limited for advanced users.

The verdict

Both brands make studio-grade machines, and the editors we read rated models from each highly. Based on the published specs, we'd pick by your body size, space and what you want in the box rather than by brand.

• Over 250 lb or taller than 6'2" (74 in): skip the At Home SPX; compare the At Home V2 Max (425 lb) with the Allegro Stretch, and get Balanced Body's limit in writing.
• Tight on width: the At Home SPX is 26 in wide vs. 31.25 in for the Allegro 2.
• Want upright storage without switching to a different machine package: Allegro 2 with the add-on Wheel Kit and Wall Security Strap.
• Want the box and platform extender in the price: At Home SPX.

If you want a confirmed weight and height range, a lighter and narrower frame, and accessories included, the Merrithew At Home SPX makes the case on paper. Our Merrithew SPX reformer review has the full specs. If you want the footbar editors praise, wheel-kit upright storage and the machine both NBC Select and Women's Health named best overall, go with the Allegro 2. Our Balanced Body Allegro 2 review goes deeper.

Check the Allegro 2 Check the At Home SPX

If you're taller or heavier, compare the Allegro Stretch with the At Home V2 Max. If space is tight, look at the Metro IQ.

Browse all home reformer guides, or see our best home Pilates reformers for options from other brands.

Sources

• Balanced Body: Allegro 2 Reformer
• Balanced Body: Allegro Stretch Reformer
• Balanced Body: Metro IQ Reformer
• Balanced Body: Rialto Reformer
• Balanced Body: Reformers collection
• Balanced Body: The ultimate guide to the Pilates reformer (brand claims)
• Merrithew: At Home SPX Reformer Package
• Merrithew: At Home SPX Reformer Package with Vertical Stand
• Merrithew: At Home V2 Max Reformer Package
• Merrithew: At-home reformers
• Merrithew: SPX Max Reformer and Extension Upgrade
• Merrithew: About Merrithew
• Merrithew: Spring center
• Stamina Products: AeroPilates Reformer 287
• NBC Select: Best Pilates reformers (Maria Cassano, Jan 10, 2024)
• Women's Health (via Yahoo): Best at-home Pilates reformers (Nicolette Accardi, NASM-CPT, May 18, 2026)