Speediance 2S vs Original: The Processor Secret Nobody Talks About

The Question Nobody Could Answer

People kept asking me: is there actually a difference between the Speediance Original and the 2S? The website doesn't list different processors. The specs look identical. Some users claimed the 2S was snappier, others said they couldn't tell a difference.

I reached out to Speediance directly and asked for the specific processors in each machine. They confirmed what I suspected: **the 2S has a meaningfully upgraded processor from the original**. They asked me not to publish the exact specs, but I can tell you — there's a real difference in compute power.

What That Means In Real Use

After lifting over 600,000 pounds combined across both machines, here's what I notice:

The scrolling on the 2S is noticeably smoother. The loading screen when you hit Start is about half a second shorter. Neither of these changes your workout — but they add up when you're using the machine daily.

The real difference shows up in firmware capabilities. Features like Safety Start and the upcoming Pilates integration require the newer processor. That's not marketing — it's actual compute requirements. The original Speediance hardware simply can't run some of the newer software features.

Why The Original Is Still A Great Buy

Here's what nobody tells you: if money is tight, the original is still an incredible machine.

I've seen open-box Originals go for $1,000 to $1,500 with full warranty. That's an absolute steal. The original handles every movement the 2S does — you just might wait half a second longer for the screen to load.

I have the original downstairs and the 2S in my office. I do arms-focused workouts on the original all the time because those weights never exceed what it's capable of. It's still a phenomenal machine.

The Angle Adapter Truth

A lot of people talk about cable wear and the angle adapters that come with Speediance. Here's my experience: I'm 6 feet tall, and if I leave the angle adapters on the machine, I can't get full range of motion on bicep curls. The cable loses tension about three-quarters of the way down.

Either you're 5'5" with shorter arms, or you're not getting full stretch with them on. I take mine on and off depending on the movement. If the angle bracket was supposed to be used for everything, they'd have designed it to slot in on top — not on the side.

The Lunar Flow Challenge Changed My Training

Speediance ran a Lunar Flow challenge — workout every day for 18 days. Before it, my typical session was 30,000 to 40,000 pounds that required a recovery day after. I couldn't do that seven days a week.

The challenge pushed me to develop smaller, targeted daily sessions. I'm now doing 5,000 to 10,000 pound sessions daily instead of grinding out massive volume every other day. I actually enjoy both formats now and alternate between them.

I've worked out every day since the challenge started. That's the thing about these challenges — they force you out of your programming comfort zone and into something new.

The Rope Problem (And The Fix)

The Speediance rope handle is plastic. Every other part of the machine is metal — but this one piece is plastic, and it's not good. Grip was my limiting factor on heavy pulls.

Here's what I did: I bought a rubber-grip rope off Amazon that's even better than the Tonal rope I was using. Now my grip is the limiting factor on raw strength — not the pain of holding onto a plastic handle. That's the goal with every lift: let your raw strength be the limiting factor, not your equipment.

The Bottom Line

If you're deciding between Original and 2S: the processor difference is real but subtle. The 2S is future-proofed for features the original can't run. If you can find an open-box original with warranty, jump on it — you won't regret it.

After 600,000+ pounds across both machines, I'm still using both. That's the real answer.