>I think the model with the flexible rods is being
>discontinued.
Sandra, where did you hear this? The Bowflex machines with power rods are still very strong sellers for Bowflex, so I have a hard time believing they'd discontinue them anytime soon. Bowflex still offers several power rod models on their website.
We have the Bowflex Blaze and we really like it. We didn't see the need for getting any of the more expensive models, and so far, we're happy with our choice. We've had the Blaze for maybe 9 months or so. Before that, we had an old old OLD Bowflex model (seriously, it was like 15 years old) - it worked just fine, and had held up very well over the years. The only reason we replaced it was because it just didn't offer the ease of use of the newer Bowflexes, plus we wanted a lat tower.
Some of the drawbacks of the Bowflex
(1) the weights on the power rods do NOT correspond with free weights. I can generally lift "heavier" on the Bowflex. It's not really a big deal to me, though.
(2) If you're exceptionally tall or short, it might be difficult to use for certain exercises, but I think this is true of any weight machine. I'm 5'2" and DH is 6'4" and neither of us really have any big problems.
Other than that, it's a great machine to have around and I'd certainly recommend it to others.