Powerhouse Gyms vs X-Golf
Powerhouse Gyms vs X-Golf: Powerhouse Gyms costs $48K to $788K to open; X-Golf costs $488K to $1.1M. Powerhouse Gyms has 34 units, X-Golf has 95. SBA loan history: Powerhouse Gyms = 33 loans (15.2% default); X-Golf = 166 loans (0.6% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Powerhouse Gyms vs X-Golf: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Powerhouse Gyms requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($48K vs $488K for X-Golf), a 90% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $26K for Powerhouse Gyms versus $35K for X-Golf, Powerhouse Gyms has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, X-Golf operates 95 units to Powerhouse Gyms's 34, roughly 3× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
X-Golf has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 166 7(a) approvals compared with 33 for Powerhouse Gyms. Powerhouse Gyms's peak SBA year was 1995 (7 loans); X-Golf's peak was 2023 (43 loans). X-Golf's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Both systems have the most SBA funded units in MI. Borrowers in that state will find the deepest lender familiarity with either brand. Average SBA loan size on funded Powerhouse Gyms deals is $341K vs $579K for X-Golf, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 15.2% for Powerhouse Gyms and 0.6% for X-Golf, X-Golf has the cleaner SBA loss record by 14.6 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 27 (Fair) for Powerhouse Gyms and 64 (Moderate) for X-Golf, giving X-Golf the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 27/100 | 64/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 33 | 166 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 15.2% | 0.6% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $48K to $788K | $488K to $1.1M |
Franchise Fee | $26K | $35K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 7% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 1% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 34 | 95 |
Franchised Units | 34 | 95 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | 5 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 2015 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1965 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 61 yrs |
Headquarters | St Clair Shores, MI | Dubai, MI |
Category | Sports | Sports |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Powerhouse Gyms or X-Golf?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Powerhouse Gyms: $48K starting · X-Golf: $488K starting
More SBA lender confidence
X-Golf
Powerhouse Gyms: 33 SBA loans · X-Golf: 166 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
X-Golf
Powerhouse Gyms: 15.2% · X-Golf: 0.6%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Powerhouse Gyms: 34 units · X-Golf: 95 units
More lender financing options
X-Golf
Powerhouse Gyms: 23 unique lenders · X-Golf: 25 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Powerhouse Gyms vs X-Golf: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Powerhouse Gyms and X-Golf is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $48K to $1.1M.
Powerhouse Gyms has 33 SBA loans on record and X-Golf has 166. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Powerhouse Gyms vs X-Golf, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Powerhouse Gyms or X-Golf?
How much does a Powerhouse Gyms franchise cost compared to X-Golf?
Can I finance Powerhouse Gyms or X-Golf with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Powerhouse Gyms or X-Golf?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman