Merrithew SPX reformer review: At Home SPX vs. SPX Max compared

The Merrithew SPX reformer line comes from the company behind the STOTT PILATES method, and Merrithew sells it for both home and studio use. They also sit well above budget reformers in price, so the real question is whether the premium buys you anything you'll use.

"SPX" isn't one machine. It covers the At Home SPX packages and the studio-oriented SPX Max and SPX Max Plus, and the differences matter. We found very little independent coverage of these reformers, so this review leans mostly on Merrithew's own specs, plus what Women's Health and NBC Select reported.

The short answer

• At Home SPX if you weigh under 250 lb, are between 5 ft and 6 ft 2 in, train at home, and want a package with the reformer box, platform extender and roll-up pole included.
• SPX Max if you need a 350 lb capacity, a quarter spring for finer steps, retractable ropes, a stackable frame, or the 6-inch extension for users 6 ft 4 in and taller.
• SPX Max Plus if you want a vertical frame (tower) on top of the SPX Max and have the ceiling height for it.

Which SPX is which

Specs below are from Merrithew's product pages. Merrithew uses stock numbers, so check the number on any listing before you buy.

Two more names you may see:

• Elevated At Home SPX (ST11072): The same At Home SPX with the carriage raised to 16.25 inches from the floor instead of 10, per Merrithew. It weighs 125 lb and costs noticeably more than the standard package.
• At Home V2 Max: A separate, higher-end home model with a 24-inch carriage, a 16-inch height and a retractable rope system, according to Merrithew. It isn't part of the SPX line and isn't covered here.

All SPX models sit in the $1,000+ tier. The SPX Max Plus lists for roughly twice the At Home SPX package on Merrithew's site, and Merrithew runs promotions, so check current pricing.

Merrithew At Home SPX reformer review

Home users up to 250 lb

Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer Bundle

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This is the package most shoppers mean when they search "Merrithew SPX reformer." Merrithew's specs:

• Size: 96.5 inches long (footbar down) by 26 inches wide. The carriage platform is 22 × 38.5 inches and sits 10 inches off the floor.
• Machine weight: 115 lb, on easy-roll wheels.
• Capacity: 250 lb. Merrithew says it's "ideally suited for those who are 60–74 in (152–188 cm) in height."
• Springs: 5 (four full, one half) with neoprene spring covers.
• Adjustments: 6 carriage stopper positions, 4 footbar positions, 3 gearbar positions and 3 headrest positions.
• Included: Reformer box with footstrap, padded platform extender, metal roll-up pole, double loop straps, an easy-start poster and 60 days of Merrithew Connect digital workouts.
• Ceiling: 99 inches minimum for standing exercises.

Merrithew's category page describes it as "90% assembled," which is a brand claim. It "cannot be stacked or upgraded to add a Vertical Frame," per Merrithew. Merrithew's page also says it's "not warrantied for commercial or professional use." Add-ons such as a Jumpboard, Cardio-Tramp Rebounder and Mat Converter are sold separately.

Women's Health named this package its Best Advanced pick. See what Merrithew SPX reformer reviews say below.

Pros

• ✓ Limited lifetime warranty on aluminum rails and frame components, per Merrithew
• ✓ Box, platform extender and roll-up pole included
• ✓ Published user height range (60–74 in)
• ✓ Women's Health's Best Advanced pick

Cons

• ✗ 250 lb capacity
• ✗ 96.5 in long and 115 lb
• ✗ Can't take a vertical frame or the 6 in extension
• ✗ Needs a 99 in ceiling for standing work
• ✗ Not warrantied for commercial or professional use
• ✗ Women's Health calls it not ideal for beginners

Storing the reformer upright

Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer Package with Vertical Stand

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This is the same At Home SPX sold with a stand. "The Reformer stores upright, making it perfect for any-sized space," according to Merrithew. It's a storage stand, not a tower.

• Size: 97.5 inches long by 26 inches wide, with the carriage 9.5 inches off the floor.
• Machine weight: 118 lb. Capacity: 250 lb.
• Ceiling: 97.5 inches to store it upright and 98.5 inches for standing exercises.
• Springs and accessories: Same as the standard package.

Merrithew's page says it's "not warrantied for commercial or professional use." Merrithew's Extension Upgrade is listed only for the SPX Max and SPX Max Plus, so it doesn't fit this package.

Pros

• ✓ Stores upright to free up floor space
• ✓ Same springs and accessories as the standard package

Cons

• ✗ Needs 97.5 in of ceiling to stand it up
• ✗ Same 250 lb capacity
• ✗ Not warrantied for commercial or professional use

Merrithew SPX Max and Max Plus reformer review

Higher capacity and finer spring steps

Merrithew SPX Max Reformer

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Merrithew markets the SPX Max to facilities as well as home users. Its Bundle page says it's "suited for facilities with limited space or multi-purpose exercise rooms and home users," and lists it as manufactured in Canada. Merrithew's specs:

• Size: 99.5 inches long (footbar down) by 26 inches wide. The carriage is 22 × 38.5 inches and sits 9.5 inches off the floor.
• Machine weight: 128 lb. Capacity: 350 lb.
• Springs: High Precision Springs Package, 5 springs (three full, one half, one quarter).
• Ropes: "Patented Retractable Rope System with recoiling rope reels."
• Build: Aluminum frame and rails, Baltic Birch wooden components and a 1-inch wooden standing platform. Stackable, with detachable shoulder rests.
• Ceiling: 97.5 inches for standing exercises and 100.5 inches for storage.
• Upgrades: A 6-inch Extension Upgrade, a High-Precision Gearbar, a Mat Converter and the SPX Max Plus Vertical Frame.

One catch: the reformer box, padded platform extender and maple roll-up pole come only with the SPX Max Reformer Bundle (ST01080), not the base reformer, according to Merrithew. The At Home SPX package includes those pieces.

Pros

• ✓ 350 lb capacity
• ✓ Quarter spring for smaller resistance steps
• ✓ Retractable ropes
• ✓ Stackable
• ✓ Can take the 6 in extension and a vertical frame

Cons

• ✗ Box, extender and roll-up pole only in the Bundle
• ✗ 3 in longer and 13 lb heavier than the At Home SPX
• ✗ No Amazon listing we could confirm

Reformer with a tower

Merrithew SPX Max Plus Reformer

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The SPX Max Plus is the SPX Max with a vertical frame. It has the same 99.5 × 26-inch footprint, 350 lb capacity and High Precision springs, per Merrithew.

• Machine weight: 164 lb (Merrithew lists the vertical frame alone at 36 lb). The frame is 68.5 inches tall.
• Ceiling: 97.5 inches for standing exercises, and 77 inches minimum to install the vertical frame.
• Extra springs: Push-thru, roll-down, arm and leg springs.
• Storage: Stackable once the vertical frame is removed. Manufactured in Canada.

The Max Plus Bundle adds a Mat Converter, reformer box, platform extender and roll-up pole. Merrithew says its springs suit "vigorous use with Jumpboards, Cardio-Tramp® Rebounders and other Reformer accessories."

Pros

• ✓ Tower work without a separate Cadillac
• ✓ 350 lb capacity
• ✓ Stackable with the frame removed

Cons

• ✗ Highest list price in the SPX line, per Merrithew
• ✗ 164 lb machine weight
• ✗ Needs 97.5 in of ceiling for standing work
• ✗ Amazon listing showed no clear offers when we checked

How they differ

Weight capacity and user height

This is the clearest functional difference. Every At Home SPX package is rated for 250 lb, while the SPX Max and SPX Max Plus are rated for 350 lb, according to Merrithew.

Tap the diagram to enlarge

Merrithew rates the At Home SPX for users 60–74 inches tall (about 5 ft to 6 ft 2 in). It doesn't publish a height range for the standard SPX Max.

For taller users, Merrithew sells a 6-inch Extension Upgrade (ST02094) that's "ideal for clients 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) and taller or those with longer torsos." It fits only the SPX Max and SPX Max Plus, not the At Home SPX or Vertical Stand models. It also "must be added at time of purchase," and isn't available as a retrofit. If you're tall, see our best Pilates reformers for tall people.

Springs: traditional vs. High Precision

The At Home SPX has four full springs and one half spring, per Merrithew. The SPX Max swaps one full spring for a quarter spring (three full, one half, one quarter), which gives smaller steps between resistance levels.

Tap the diagram to enlarge

Rope system

The At Home SPX uses a "traditional rope system," while the SPX Max has retractable ropes with recoiling reels, according to Merrithew. Merrithew presents the retractable system as easier to adjust, but that's the brand's claim.

Storage and ceiling height

None of these machines fold. Your storage options, per Merrithew:

• At Home SPX: Doesn't stack. Needs a 99-inch ceiling for standing exercises.
• At Home SPX with Vertical Stand: Stores upright and needs 97.5 inches of ceiling to do so.
• SPX Max: Stackable. Needs 97.5 inches for standing exercises and 100.5 inches for storage.
• SPX Max Plus: Needs 97.5 inches for standing exercises, and 77 inches minimum to install the 68.5-inch vertical frame.

To check whether a 96.5- to 99.5-inch machine fits your room, see how much space you need for a Pilates reformer.

What's in the box

The At Home SPX package already includes the reformer box, padded platform extender and roll-up pole. For the SPX Max, you need the Bundle to get them. Compare the bundle against the base machine before deciding which is better value.

Warranty and commercial use

Warranty terms are structured the same way across the line, according to Merrithew:

• Limited lifetime: Aluminum rails, frame components, welding and standard mechanisms.
• 2 years: Other components.
• 1 year: Ropes, straps, spring clips and spring covers (plus the comfort footbar on the At Home SPX).
• 90 days: Upholstery.

All three At Home SPX package pages say they're "not warrantied for commercial or professional use," and Merrithew says commercial use voids the warranty. If you plan to teach on the machine, the SPX Max line is the one Merrithew markets to facilities.

Where to buy: Merrithew, Amazon or Costco

• Amazon: The At Home SPX package has had an Amazon listing, but we couldn't load it when we checked, so search Amazon and confirm the stock number (ST11010) and seller before you buy.
• Merrithew direct: Sells every SPX package and offers "Move Now Pay Later" financing. It's the only seller we could confirm for the SPX Max and the Vertical Stand package.
• Costco: We couldn't confirm a current Costco listing. NBC Select listed Costco as a retailer for the At Home SPX bundle in January 2024, so check costco.com for stock.

Merrithew SPX vs. Balanced Body Allegro 2

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 is another premium home reformer with 5 springs. Balanced Body lists it at 94 inches long; 25 inches wide without the footbar (31.25 inches with it); and 148 lb (155 lb with legs). That makes it shorter and heavier than the At Home SPX, which Merrithew lists at 96.5 inches long, 26 inches wide and 115 lb.

Specs per Merrithew and Balanced Body. We couldn't confirm the Allegro 2's maximum user weight on Balanced Body's page. Both are in our best home Pilates reformers guide. For the Allegro 2's tower option and how it compares with the Allegro Nextgen, see our Balanced Body Allegro 2 review.

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What Merrithew SPX reformer reviews say

Independent reviews are scarce. Women's Health named the "Merrithew SPX Reformer Bundle" its Best Advanced pick. It said the included reformer box "adds height and range of motion" and the resistance is "challenging." Its listed cons were "Not ideal for beginners" and "Too large for small spaces."

Women's Health also describes a foldable vertical tower on this machine. That doesn't match Merrithew's specs for the At Home SPX, which can't take a vertical frame, so we treat that part as unverified.

NBC Select included the At Home SPX bundle in its January 2024 reformer roundup and listed Amazon and Costco as retailers, but it didn't add expert commentary on the machine.

We couldn't access current Amazon or Costco owner reviews, so we can't summarize what owners say.

The verdict

Most home users under 250 lb and 6 ft 2 in should pick the At Home SPX package: it includes the box and extender, and Merrithew warrants the frame and rails for life. Its limits are the 250 lb capacity, a fixed length rated for users up to 6 ft 2 in, and a 99-inch ceiling for standing work.

Step up to the SPX Max if capacity, height or studio features matter: 350 lb, a quarter spring, retractable ropes, stacking and the only route to the 6-inch extension. Budget for the Bundle if you want the box and extender. Choose the SPX Max Plus only if you want tower work and have the ceiling for it.

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The caveat is the evidence. Independent coverage is thin, and we couldn't read current owner reviews, so this verdict rests mostly on Merrithew's own specs. If you're still deciding whether a machine at this price makes sense, read is a home Pilates reformer worth it? or browse all home reformers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Merrithew SPX reformer worth it?

Merrithew gives the At Home SPX a limited lifetime warranty on the aluminum rails and frame components, and the package includes a reformer box, padded platform extender and roll-up pole. Women's Health named it Best Advanced. Its limits are a 250 lb capacity, a 96.5 in length and a 99 in ceiling requirement for standing work, per Merrithew. Women's Health calls it not ideal for beginners and too large for small spaces.

What's the difference between the At Home SPX and the SPX Max?

Per Merrithew, the SPX Max holds 350 lb vs. 250 lb, uses High Precision springs (three full, one half, one quarter) vs. four full and one half, and has a retractable rope system instead of traditional ropes. It's stackable and can take a 6 in extension and a vertical frame. It's also 3 in longer and 13 lb heavier, and the box, extender and roll-up pole come only in the SPX Max Bundle.

What is the weight limit on the Merrithew At Home SPX?

250 lb (113.4 kg), and Merrithew says it's ideal for users 60–74 in tall. The SPX Max and SPX Max Plus are rated for 350 lb.

Does Costco sell the Merrithew reformer?

NBC Select listed Costco as a retailer for the At Home SPX bundle in January 2024. We couldn't confirm a current listing on costco.com, so check there, or buy from Merrithew or Amazon.

Is the Merrithew SPX good for tall people?

Merrithew rates the At Home SPX for users 60–74 in (about 5 ft to 6 ft 2 in). For users 6 ft 4 in and taller, Merrithew sells a 6 in Extension Upgrade for the SPX Max and SPX Max Plus only, and it must be added at purchase.

Sources

• Merrithew: At Home SPX Reformer Package (ST11010), At Home SPX package options, At-home reformers, At Home SPX with Vertical Stand (ST11089) and Elevated At Home SPX (ST11072)
• Merrithew: SPX Max Reformer (ST01077), SPX Max Reformer Bundle (ST01080), SPX Max Plus Reformer (ST01076), SPX Max Plus Reformer Bundle (ST01081) and Extension Upgrade (ST02094)
• Merrithew: About
• Women's Health (via Yahoo): Best Pilates reformers for home (May 2026)
• NBC Select: Best Pilates reformers (January 2024)
• Balanced Body: Allegro 2 Pilates Reformer