Hi everyone! As many other LLm students I plan to pass a NY bar exam. There is not only a matter of money when it comes to comparison between these bar reviews. For instance, BarMax uses real MBE questions in contrast to Kaplan and (if I'm not mistaken) to Barbri. But at the same time it is not so extensive. I'm inclined towards Barmax (it costs only 1000$ and they are tranparent in their pass rates). But my priority is to pass, so if there are some heave cons agains taking this review I might consider more expensive options.
Could anyone please share empirical knowledge in this regard? Any advice would be highly appreciated.

I used Kaplan for the MPRE. Their book was not updated. I did not pass (though surely my lack of study time helped too - kids, study for the MPRE!).

Seriously questioning my choice now. Although, of course, I know LLM's who've passed with Kaplan.

I used Barbri several years ago and passed NY and Barmax to pass CA in July 2016. I loved Barmax because it was so streamlined and convenient (I was able to do a fair amount of studying on the subway during my commute with the app). I knew I would pass CA if I knew most everything Barmax gave me, just based on prior experience. However, I don't know about Barmax for a first time taker. Barmax is great if you only have an hour or so to study a day and have already taken another bar exam. Not sure if I would recommend the super streamlined approach to someone who is doing it for the first time and has more time to study. If you have more time to study, might as well use a bigger program.

But either way, both worked for me. I did love Barmax with the caveats for you above.

Thank you guys for sharing your experience. I had the same concern that a foreign trained lawyer would experience difficulties with streamlined review...