Elliptical Machine Reviews

Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:29:14 +0000

Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
12 total customer reviews...

The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer is a machine that has you questioning your gym membership due to the low cost of this machine. We couldn’t give up the opportunity to test out this machine because we know how much our readers are looking for affordable and sturdy elliptical trainers.

What We Experienced:

The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer offers a few good features for its price range. Overall, it does offer limited features compared to what you may see in an elliptical trainer in the $1000+ range. For being a trainer with an approximate price tag of $350, you won’t find another trainer that offers what this does in the same price range.

The display consists of two LCD windows that display time, calories burned, distance, and speed. It’s not the fanciest display for an elliptical trainer, but it has the most important things handy on the display.

The stride length is only 16 inches. Some users may find this to be uncomfortably short. Most trainers have a stride length of 17”-20”. We wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who has long legs because the stride length simply will be too short. However, to people of a shorter height, the 16 inch stride may not be something to worry about.

The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer is super compact measuring 57 x 24 x 66 inches. It’s not one of those huge bulky machines that seem to take up an entire room. This machine will still leave room for weights or a bike in a room, if need be.

The flywheel is only 10 pounds. Now, this is a lot less weight than you see on other machines of a higher price tag. Again, keep in mind that for approximately $350, you get what you pay for. Even though the flywheel is only 10 pounds, it still provided us with a good workout that wasn’t wobbly or too hard on the joints.

The weight capacity on this machine is only 275 pounds, a lot less than what you see on other machines. If you’re someone who weighs more than that, this machine isn’t for you. For anyone under, this machine will do just fine!

Features:

Resistance: Manual, with 1 to 8 range

Flywheel: 10 pounds

Step-on height: 9 inches

Stride length: 16 inches

Crank arm length: 8 inches

Pivoting footpads

Pedal spacing: 6.9 inches

Weight capacity: 275 pounds

Warranties: 5 years on the frame, 3 years on the brake, 90 days on parts and labor

Would We Recommend?

It’s not very common to see a machine in the $300-$400 price range that is quality made. Even with the 10lb flywheel, this machine still gave us all a great workout. Keep in mind that the stride length is only 16 inches which is quite short compared to a lot of other machines. Would we recommend? Yes. But only to someone who is of the petite height and smaller weight due to the stride length and weight capacity.

Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer with Heart Rate Monitor and EZ-For-One Assembly

LifeCore CD400 C-Drive Center Drive Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:12:11 +0000

LifeCore CD400 C-Drive Center Drive Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
8 total customer reviews...

The LifeCore CD400 is a center drive elliptical trainer…not something you see too much around anymore! Center drive elliptical trainer’s have two smaller flywheels on each side of the machine, as opposed to one large center based flywheel.

What We Experienced:

Naturally, we have to start by reviewing the unique feature of the machine…the center drive technology. Having the center drive technology in the LifeCore CD400 makes working out a lot more comfortable! The bouncing motion that you may experience in other elliptical trainers is non-existent here. You stand more upright and get a more natural and comfortable workout, which still burns the calories and gives you a quality cardio workout.

The size of the machine is perfect for everything it does. The CD400 measures 42”x64”x31” which is super compact for this great quality of a machine. Even though it’s compact, it’s still incredibly sturdy. If you’re trying to fit multiple machines in a small room or simply don’t have enough room for one of those long rectangular-like machines, this will certainly do! We love how small and compact this elliptical trainer is.

The stride length is 21” on the CD400. Having a 21” stride is great for some, not great for others. For tall men that can’t seem to find a stride over 20”, this machine is great for you! For a lady with a petite frame, the 21” stride may be too long for you. All of us (5’4”-6’1”) found the machine to be comfortable, but we’re not sure how someone 5’0” would feel on the machine.

There are 18 built in workout programs on the CD400. They are similar to what you would find on any other machine. 4 heart rate programs, 12 pre-set, 1 user designed program, and a heart rate recovery program.

Specifications: (as per website)

Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Assembled dimensions: 42 by 64 by 31 inches (W x H x D)
Live area: 68 by 64 by 31 inches (W x H x D)
Optional accessories: Heart rate chest strap, equipment mat
Weight: 227 pounds
Residential warranty: Lifetime on frame, 5 years on parts, 1 year on labor (transferable)

Would We Recommend?

Of course we would recommend the LifeCore CD400! We absolutely loved everything about it and couldn’t find one thing that any of us disliked. The center drive technology made this one of the most comfortable experiences we’ve ever had. We love that you get a commercial grade workout feeling with such a small and sturdy elliptical trainer. The 21” stride is what really sold us on the machine though! For taller people, it’s hard to find an elliptical trainer with a long enough stride, but this certainly solves that problem. Overall, everything about this machine is absolutely perfect to us! Oh, and it gets even more bonus points for being a consumer reports best buy!

Lifecore Fitness Center Drive Elliptical Machines offer a balanced and natural feel. The smooth 21" stride of the C-Drive Elliptical Machine feels like a natural walking stride. Award Winning Patented Technology combined with sturdy frame work and a heavy weight design create a club quality feel and workout. The 2" pedal spacing helps keeps your body in proper alignment for your workout. The Compact design of the Lifecore Fitness C-Drive Elliptical Machines allow them to be placed in almost any room. C-Drive Machines have a Low 8" step up height which allows easy access and will fit under most ceiling heights. The cushioned grips and footpads deliver a comfortable workout and the console is easy to use with motivating programs and Heart Rate Control workouts. Lifecore Fitness C-Drive Elliptical Machines offer a Club Quality workout in a Compact and Cost Effective Design.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) Review

admin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:35:05 +0000

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
28 total customer reviews...

The Sole E95 is the best of Sole’s elliptical trainers. Some of the major pros include the adjustable power incline, the strong 30lb flywheel, and many others!

Features:

30lb Flywheel: The 30lb flywheel is heavier than the average in-home elliptical trainer’s flywheel. The heavier the wheel; the smoother the stride. This is a huge benefit! The stride is perfect length for us, and when combined with the flywheel, it’s completely quiet.

Speakers and Fan: Although not the greatest for either, it’s definitely nice having both of them readily available. We were able to have our iPod playing through the speakers, which allowed entertainment, but couldn’t have it super loud due to speaker quality.

20” stride: The Sole E95’s stride was long and smooth, much like you would find in a much more expensive Precor machine. We didn’t notice any hard jerking motions that would be damaging to the knees, like you may find in other machines.

Adjustable Foot Pedals: Users can adjust the foot pedals to give less strain on the feet and ankles—a definite benefit! Not a lot of machines have this feature, but it’s great for anyone who has had any ankle problems. Also, the 2 degree inward slope of the foot pedals helps reduce strain on feet and knees.

Handlebar Controls: You can control the resistance with buttons that are easily accessible on the handlebars. Not having to look at the display to find the resistance buttons definitely helps with not getting out of rhythm on your workout. Some people complained the handlebars were too thick, but we think it just takes some getting used to. There are also stationary handlebars for those who prefer them.

LCD Display: The 9-inch blue LCD display is designed to be user friendly. It displays distance, time, incline, resistance, calories burned, and paced. This display is one of the more detailed ones out there for a machine of it’s class!

Specifications:

Flywheel: 30 pounds
Front drive: Yes
Stride length: 20 inches
Resistance type: Eddy Current Braking
Resistance levels: 20
Adjustable pedals: Yes, 10 positions
Upper body: Yes
Handgrip: Standard
HGP: Yes
Telemetry belt: Yes
Heart rate control: Yes
Power incline: Yes
Display: Commercial-grade 9-inch blue backlit LCD
Data: Time, distance, calories, resistance levels, incline, pulse, pace
Profile matrix: Yes
Standard programs: 6
User-defined programs: 2
Heart rate programs: 2, with chest strap
Built-in cooling fans: Yes
Water bottle/accessory holders: Yes
Capacity: 400 pounds
Weight: 215 pounds

Warranty: Lifetime on frame; 5 years on parts and electronics; 2 years on labor

In Our Opinion: The Sole E95 provided us with an intense workout thanks to how sturdy the machine is. Obviously, our favorite feature on the machine is the heavy 30lb flywheel which allowed us to have great, smooth, and quiet strides. Overall, the 20” stride was okay for all of us(5”4’-6”1’). The handlebar controls are one of those nice features that isn’t a necessity, but we loved it! Overall, we would recommend this machine to anyone who is looking for an intense workout with comfort. Plus, you can’t beat the warranty!

The E95 elliptical from Sole® is a value in every sense of the word. It's designed with an easy-to-use console that features a vibrant LED readout, and a built-in cooling fan and water bottle holder offer total convenience. Fluid, natural motion is provided by the whisper-quiet drive system, while the combination of a 29-lb flywheel and high gear ratio ensures a smooth feel with plenty of top-end resistance.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009-2010 Model) Review

admin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:19:12 +0000

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009-2010 Model)
Average Rating:
44 total customer reviews...

What We Experienced:

Specifications: (as per website)

Assembled Dimensions: 82 by 33 by 68 inches (L x W x H)
Stride Length: 20 inches
Arm Spacing: 23 inches
Arm Stride: 30 inches
Step Up: 15 inches
Foot Spacing: 5.5 inches
Front Drive: Yes
Steel Frame: 38mm
Resistance Type: ECB
Adjustable Pedals: Worm Drive
Articulating Pedals: Yes
Flywheel: 30 pounds
Resistance Levels: 20
Power: Plug in
Upper Body: Yes
Molded Hand Grips: Yes
Pulse Grips: Yes
Handlebar Adjust: Yes
Display Type: LED
Heart Rate Control: Yes
HR Telemetry Belt: Yes
Auto Pilot: Yes
HR % Graph: Yes
Windows: 2
Track Display: Yes
Audio System: Yes
Incline: Power
Six Standard Programs
Two User-Defined Programs
Two Heart Rate Programs
Cooling Fans
Water Bottle Holder
Rear Rail Shroud
Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame and brakes – lifetime, parts / electronics – 5 years, labor – 2 years

Final Thoughts: We loved using the E95 a lot! The ride was consistently smooth and quiet. Because the machine is heavy and sturdy, we were able to get a very intense workout in without worrying compromising the quality of the machine. The assembly is incredibly user friendly and not something to be wary about. All the controls on the machine are easy to use which we loved. Overall, we couldn’t find any negatives on this machine. It’s definitely one of the best in-home elliptical machines we’ve had the chance to use!

Enjoy an efficient full-body workout without heading to the gym with the Sole E95 elliptical trainer. Boasting a heavy 30-pound flywheel, a high gear ratio not found on most comparable models, and a pair of upper body handles, the E95 delivers an extremely smooth workout with plenty of top-end resistance. Users will also appreciate the unique oversize and adjustable foot pedals, which were designed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist and sports enthusiast. The pedals are not only extra large, but also feature a 2-degree inward slope that reduces the ankle and knee stress that's common in other elliptical machines. The collaboration also produced a revolutionary foot pedal angle adjustment not found on any other elliptical. Taking into account that not everyone walks the same way, Sole engineers made the E95's pedals adjustable to fit the way you walk. This also reduces the likelihood of numb toes and sore Achilles tendons.

Workout specifics include 20 resistance levels, 10 total programs (including two custom and two heart-rate programs), and a 20-inch stride length. Perhaps the handiest feature from a user perspective, however, is the easy-to-use electronic console, which integrates a red/green display, a cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. Additional features include stationary handlebars with built-in pulse sensors for monitoring your heart rate; a heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring; heavy-duty rails with smooth-riding wheels on the back; and a rear plastic shroud that adds additional stability for aggressive use. The E95, which offers a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years on the labor.

Specifications:

Assembled Dimensions: 82 by 33 by 68 inches (L x W x H)
Arm Spacing: 23 inches
Arm Stride: 30 inches
Step Up: 15 inches
Foot Spacing: 5.5 inches

The E95 features an LED console to track your workout metrics.
Stride Length: 20 inches
Front Drive: Yes
Steel Frame: 38mm
Resistance Type: ECB
Adjustable Pedals: Worm Drive
Articulating Pedals: Yes
Flywheel: 30 pounds
Resistance Levels: 20
Power: Plug in
Upper Body: Yes
Molded Hand Grips: Yes
Pulse Grips: Yes
Handlebar Adjust: Yes
Display Type: LED
Heart Rate Control: Yes
HR Telemetry Belt: Yes
Auto Pilot: Yes
HR % Graph: Yes
Windows: 2
Track Display: Yes
Audio System: Yes
Incline: Power
Six Standard Programs
Two User-Defined Programs
Two Heart Rate Programs
Cooling Fans
Water Bottle Holder
Rear Rail Shroud
Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame and brakes - lifetime, parts / electronics - 5 years, labor - 2 years

About Sole
Sole brings over twenty years of treadmill and fitness product design and manufacturing to the table in their line of innovative equipment designed for fitness-conscious people. The company's treadmill line is simple in design, with an emphasis on quality and warranty all at a great price. Sole's easy-to-use treadmills offer a great value and feature a convenient, space-saving portable design. The treadmills have a very stable base with four wheels for ease of movement, folding decks to conserve space, and a 30-year motor and lifetime deck and frame warranty. Sole is always looking for ways to make their equipment better, more efficient, with higher quality at a great price.

About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.

Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.

Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.

Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer

admin — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:00:39 +0000

Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer
Average Rating:
36 total customer reviews...

With all the elliptical trainers we’ve reviewed, the Precor AMT100i Series Adaptive Motion Trainers has to be one of the top rated. Being that it’s a unique commercial grade elliptical machine, it comes with a steeper price tag, but it’s worth every penny!

Features

Definitely one of the most appealing features of this machine is its versatile stride length. While most elliptical machines have a stride length of 18-20 inches, the Precor AMT100i has the ability to change the stride length between 0-27 inches. This means anyone can go from deep lunges into a stair climbing motion, but still allows users to go into jogging and walking workouts. The movement options are endless on this machine!

Because it’s an adaptive motion trainer, the Precor AMT100i adjusts to the user’s stride which lets the user be more in control of their own workout. No two workouts feel the same!

The contra lateral arm movement means that both the arms and legs are coordinated during workouts, just how they’d be if jogging outside. It was a definitely more natural feeling than compared to other elliptical trainer arm bars.

There are four programs on the Precor AMT100i; manual, interval, heart rate control, and fat burner. All four programs are very similar to what you would find on other machines.

For the people who enjoy entertainment while working out, the Precor AMT100i has a personal viewing screen that gives users an entertainment option while working out!

Specifications:

· Maximum stride length: 27 inches
· Minimum stride length: Climber motion (0 inches)
· Pedal dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 inches
· Height of foot at highest position: 18.5 inches
· Height of pedal at lowest position (step up): 5.5 inches
· Maximum pause time: 30 seconds
· Maximum workout time: 240 minutes
· Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
· Resistance levels: 1 to 20
· Programs: Fat burner, heart rate control, interval, manual
· Dimensions: 74 x 28 x 69 inches (L x W x H)
· Weight: 445 pounds

Warranty

Frame – seven years, display face assembly – five years, parts – two years, labor – one year

Our Opinion

While at the higher end of elliptical trainers on price, we highly recommend this one for any person who is looking for the most out of their workouts. The Precor AMT100i gave us one of the most natural feeling workouts while still giving us an amazing workout! We’ve seen this machine in many gyms and we understand why…simply, it gives us one of the best workouts we’ve experienced thus far.

You are looking at the Precor AMT 100i. The AMT does more than customize a workout, it customizes a movement -- adapting to your motion -- which means you can completely change the motion and paths of your steps without so much as the push of the button. The AMT meets the needs of the most demanding members and provides a challenging alternative to any exerciser looking for variety and the chance to experience freedom of movement. Freedom of choice. This is what makes the AMT so unique. By allowing you to alter your motion at the slightest whim of your imagination, no two workouts have to feel the same. This keeps your mind engaged and your body torn between wanting to experiment with new movements and needing a second to catch your breath.

Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Elliptical Trainer with Handlebar Review

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:27:36 +0000

Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Elliptical Trainer with Handlebar
Average Rating:
6 total customer reviews...

The Sunny Health and Fitness Mini Elliptical Trainer is a low price elliptical machine designed for those with a low budget in mind. We take a look at it in today’s review. Does it make the grade?

Features

The Sunny Health and Fitness Mini Elliptical Trainer is a no frills elliptical machine. Just one look at it and you’ll see that there isn’t much to it.

The good news about this machine is that it’s small enough to fit in most homes. It’s also easy to put together such that if you need to take it apart and stow it away, you won’t have problems doing so.

Dimensions

The Sunny Health and Fitness Mini Elliptical Machine has dimensions of 17 x 11 x 49 inches. It weighs 55 pounds. This makes it one of the smaller ellipticals on the market.

Warranty

There isn’t any warranty information available online for this elliptical at this time. This should prove as a major red flag when purchasing this machine.

Price

The lowest price available as of this writing (12/24/2010) is $116.80 from Amazon with FREE shipping to the US.

Assembly/Customer Service

Most who have assembled the Sunny Health and Fitness Mini Elliptical have said it was fairly easy and straight forward. In searching for information about customer service via Sunny, I’ve had a hard time finding them on the internet, which to me is a giant red flag. Be warned.

Do We Recommend?

If you are in need of an elliptical at a low price and live in a small home, I would recommend this elliptical. However be forewarned that this elliptical does have its share of issues (some customers on Amazon have reported issues with the foot pedals and the screws that attach them to the machine).

This elliptical seems as if it’s more of a stair stepper than an elliptical due to its up/down stepping action as opposed to the normal sliding of your feet front to back that more traditional ellipticals provide. Users report that this elliptical does a great job of working you out (after 5 minutes on the medium setting one person said they were very winded).

SF-E806 Mini Elliptical with Handle Bar Non-impact aerobic workout firms and tones the lower body while improving the condition of the heart and lungs. Can be used in the forward and or reverse direction while sitting or standing on it. The adjustable tension allow you to increase or decrease workout intensity level. Compact to fit in small workout area. LCD display: scan, time, distance, count, calorie The height of the handle bar is adjustable.

Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:16:02 +0000

Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
2 total customer reviews...

The Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer is one of the top elliptical machines on the market today. We take a look at it with our review.

Features

The Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer has 20 electronic resistance levels which means you’ll be able to challenge yourself for years on end. More resistance levels means you will never plateau in your workout routine and will always be able to incrementally improve each time you work out.

It also comes with a heavy-duty 17.6 pound fly wheel. This means that it will allow for a smooth and quiet ride, not one that is rickety which is what you would expect with cheaper ellipticals that don’t have good fly wheels.

The stride length on the Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer is 20 inches. This is a good, average stride length for most people. Those who are very tall may find this stride length to be too short, but for most 20 inches will feel about right.

The maximum user weight is 275 pounds.

The EX-78 also comes with surround sound speakers which allows you to plug in your MP3 player and listen to music during your ride.

Dimensions

The EX-78′s dimensions are 74.8 x 22.2 x 65.2 inches and it weighs 177.1 pounds

Warranty

Frame and brake–lifetime
Elevation motor–1 year
Parts–2 years
Labor–1 year

Price

The lowest price we found for the Horizon Fitness EX-78 Elliptical Trainer was $799.99 with FREE SHIPPING from Amazon.

Assembly/Customer Service

Assembly of the EX-78 has to be one of the easiest ellipticals to put together. All the necessary tools are provided and the parts are individually marked in their own packages so it makes it a breeze to put the machine together.

Do We Recommend?

Yes, a resounding yes, in fact. Based on what we’ve experienced and what other customers have experienced, the Horizon Fitness EX-78 gets a high recommendation from us. It’s easy to assemble, has a great warranty, has a better than average stride length, good computer read out and very well built with a good fly wheel.

Bring the gym into your home and enjoy an efficient, high-caliber workout with the Horizon EX-78 elliptical trainer, which works your legs as well as your upper body. All Horizon elliptical trainers now feature SixStar Certification--a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the smoothest, most natural elliptical feel available. Perfect for rigorous training routines, the EX-78 offers a 20-level electronic resistance system, along with a heavy 17.6-pound flywheel that maintains pedal and arm momentum while offering a smooth, quiet operation.

For a challenging workout, the EX-78 features 11 programming options that include three targets (time, distance, calories), three workouts (rolling, mountain, reverse train), 1-30-day goal tracking, and two custom programs. Other features include a 20-inch stride length with FLATellipse foot path, 11-inch SUREstep step-on height for easy access, oversized footpad with rubberized traction, Sonic Surround speakers with MP3 compatibility, COOLfit workout fan, and pulse grip heart rate monitoring.

Features and Specifications:

Resistance Range: 1-20, electronic
Flywheel: 17.6 pounds
Elevation Range: 0 - 100% @ 5% intervals (true range: 16 degrees)
Stride Length: 20-inch FLATellipse foot path
Pivoting Foot Plate: Yes
Footpad: Oversized footpad with traction edges
User Feedback: 2 orange LED windows and an 8-digit alphanumeric window
User Programs: 11 program options with on-the-fly changes plus Advanced Goal Center with 3 targets (Time, Distance, Calorie) and 4 workouts (Hills, Weight Loss, Reverse Train, Custom), 1-31 day goal training
Speakers: Yes, Sonic Surround speakers with MP3 compatibility
Fan: Yes, COOLfit fitness fan
Contact (Hand Grip): Yes
User Capacity: 300 pounds
Assembled dimesions: 75 inches long by 22 inches wide by 65 inches tall
Boxed dimensions: 50 inches long by 30 inches wide by 21 inches tall

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame and brake--lifetime, elevation motor--1 year, parts--2 years, labor--1 year

About Horizon Fitness
Horizon is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. They are committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Horizon's manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing has a testing phase and 10 percent of Horizon's products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.

Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:46:41 +0000

Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
32 total customer reviews...

After reading how great this elliptical trainer was from consumer reports, we had to give this one a try!

What We Experienced:

While using the 1260EF elliptical trainer, we immediately noticed how sturdy the machine was. Weighing 245lbs, it’s definitely not one of those light weight machines that feel wobbly while using. Even with a 245lb product weight, the machine has a user weight capacity of 325lbs, which is low compared to other machines we’ve reviewed in the past.

The 1260EF also has a magnetic brake that makes the stride incredibly smooth, no more heavy, bouncing movement as experienced with other machines. The machine provides a nice little break on the knees!

There are 13 preset programs, including manual, random, interval, hill climb, sprint, target HR, HR interval, fat burner, HR hill, cardio, glute burner, quad builder, and total trainer.

Putting the machine together was quite easy, but we would recommend using two different people since the 1260EF is so heavy. It took a few hours to assemble, but was incredibly sturdy once complete!

For its price range, it’s one of the more advanced machines we have tried as far as features go.

The unit, which measures 69.5 x 65 x 27.5, is compact enough to fit in any exercise space while giving you the same intense workout you would find with much larger machines!

The ride is not only smooth, but we were completely impressed with how quiet the machine was!

Key Features: (as per website)

· Electronically controlled magnetic brake with 20 levels of resistance
· Green LED dot matrix profile
· Alphanumeric message display with program instructions
· Four data display windows with individual select button for each data group
· Easy-to-select program buttons with LED indicators
· Heart rate bar graph display
· Polar-compatible heart rate receiver and hand held contact heart rate receiver
· Built-in reading rack
· Console feedback includes time, segment time, watts, level, incline, % of maximum heart rate, calories, heart rate, calories, calories per minute, speed, pulse, RPM, and distance
· Workout summary shows the workout total of time, calories, distance, maximum heart rate, minimum heart rate, and average heart rate
· Dot matrix profile display of intensity profile, incline profile, and heart rate profile
· Pause mode with 5 minute Program Saver
· Heart rate bar graph display for % of maximum heart rate
· Five classic programs with Quick Start option: manual, random cross, interval, hill climb, and sprint
· Five heart rate interactive programs: target heart rate, heart rate interval, fat burner, heart rate hill, and cardio
· Three cross-training programs: glute burner, quad builder, and total trainer
· Heart Rate Lock function to quickly enter target heart rate program
· Personal Trainer function to enhance the total body workout
· Custom programs
· Built-in Warm Up and Cool Down modes
· Customized hand held pulse sensor
· Built-in Polar compatible heart rate receiver
· Chest strap is included
· 19-inch stride length
· 10 ellipse angle electronic adjustments
· 25 to 130 SPM step rate
· 20 to 130 RPM pedal rate
· 20 to 700 watts resistance range
· Welded heavy gauge steel frame
· Anti-rust powder coating
· High impact ABS plastic side cases
· Poly-V Belt drive
· Sealed ball bearings and permanently lubricated polymer bearings
· Aluminum extrusion incline structure with ball bearing rollers
· Krayton rubber comfort grips
· Extra wide EVA foam cushion foot pads
· 325-pound weight capacity
· Assembled Dimensions: 69.5 inches long by 27.5 inches wide by 65 inches tall
· Product Weight: 245 pounds

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame – limited lifetime, brake – limited lifetime, parts and electronics – 5 years, labor – 1 year, wear items – 90 days

Final Thoughts: Obviously, we’re most impressed with how sturdy the 1260EF was. The 19” stride was smooth and quiet thanks to the magnetic brake. Assembly is quite easy, but since the unit is so heavy, we recommend having at least 2-3 people to move the unit into the home. The pre-set programs are similar to what you’d find on any other elliptical trainer, but keep in mind; there are 13 preset programs which provide a good variety of workouts for any user.

The 1260EF Elliptical Cross Trainer by Diamondback Fitness. Better by Design. Expect top-of-the-line features, technology and comfort in Diamondback Fitness' most exclusive elliptical. You simply have to try it to believe the feeling! The 1260Ef Elliptical Cross Trainer features an incline motor to emulate stepping or uphill jogging. Couple that with smooth as silk electromagnetic brakes for fluid resistance and a patented linkage design exclusive to Diamondback Fitness and you're sure to see why many believe this unit is hands down the best in it's class - TRY IT ONCE, TRAIN ON IT FOREVER. The console's cutting-edge programming delivers 13 programs, custom workouts and the most advanced heart rate interactive programs. Combine all this with comfort footpads, grips and a value price -- and you have the most advanced elliptical in it's price range!

Spirit Esprit EL-455 20-Inch Stride Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:17:12 +0000

Spirit Esprit EL-455 20-Inch Stride Elliptical
Average Rating:
43 total customer reviews...

Cardio is by far the most important exercise around. Not only does it strengthen the heart and lungs, it also can facilitate the weight loss we’re all searching for. Elliptical machines are among the most popular methods of cardio. Not only are they much easier on the joints, medical science has also claimed that they burn much more calories than simply running. There are many elliptical machines on the market, and they all have different features.

What to Look for

There are many different types of elliptical machines, and it can be a tedious task to find the right one for you. There are several details you should look at when picking one, but the most important is how the machine actually feels to you. You should feel comfortable with the machine you pick, and the best way to find one that feels right is by simply trying them out.

Elliptical machines have different drives. The most popular today is the front drive elliptical machine, because they are both smooth and affordable. Rear drives are most often of the highest quality, but they usually cost much more than the typical front drive elliptical machine. There are also center drive elliptical machines, but they are quite rare.

Some elliptical machines have hand grips, and others do not. The hand grips are very useful in full body training as they utilize the arms, chest and back. I personally recommend getting an elliptical machine that comes with hand grips, as you never know when you’ll want to use them.

What Else is There?

There are many more important features when looking into an elliptical machine, and I’m going to outline some of the best features of the Spirit Esprit EL-455. I’ll go into some of the other features, but I won’t speak of them as much as the more important ones.

20 Resistance Levels

The Spirit Esprit EL-455 has more resistance levels than anyone could ever possibly use. It has more resistance levels than I have ever seen in an elliptical machine, and it’s definitely a great feature. More resistance levels means more training options which translates into a better workout. Resistance can add a great mix up to anyone’s routine, and the Spirit Esprit EL-455 has plenty for the taking.

Programs

The Spirit Esprit EL-455 has 10 different programs to take advantage of. There are 6 preset, 2 user set, and 2 heart rate controlled programs. The heart rate controlled programs is a great thing to mix up your routine, and they are quite useful when you’re trying to maintain a certain heart rate.

Creating your own routine in the Spirit Esprit EL-455 is incredibly powerful. You can set the resistance to increase after a certain time, or really anything else you want to do with it. It’s one of the best features in my opinion, and it can really help with busting through plateaus.

20 Inch Stride

This comes as a great relief for tall people. Most elliptical machines come with a standard 18 inch stride. While the 18 inch stride is great for the average woman and the average man, people over 6’2” have a problem with this. It can often feel awkward to run on, but the Spirit Esprit EL-455 has a slightly larger than average stride, and this is great if you’re tall.

350 Pound Weight Limit

Many elliptical machines have a weight limit of 275 or 300 pounds. But the Spirit Esprit EL-455 has a weight limit of 350 pounds, and this really speaks volumes of how sturdy it is. It’s obvious this machine was built with bigger people in mind, but that’s not to say the average person won’t want it. You can really tell this machine was built right from the minute you set foot on it.

The Bad

The only downside I’ve seen with this elliptical machine is the price. It’s a little more expensive than the average elliptical machine, but there’s good reason for this. It’s definitely one of the best models on the market today, and the quality of the parts and frame surpasses all standards. It’s definitely worth the buy if you don’t mind the extra price.

Does it Come With a Warranty?

The Spirit Esprit EL-455 comes with an outstanding warranty. The frame and brake are warrantied for life, the parts have a 5 year warranty and they’ll come to your house and fix it for an entire year. I’ve never seen a company offer in-house labor for free for an entire year, and it really speaks volumes about the quality of not only the Spirit Esprit EL-455, but for the company itself too.

Are There Any Other Features?

There are a ton of features, but I only felt it necessary to go over the ones I personally liked the best. Here’s the full features list of the Spirit Esprit EL-455 :

Maximum User Weight: 350 pounds
20″ Stride on Dual Chrome Rails for smooth motion
30lb heavy duty flywheel, health club commercial bearings and premium bushings for fluid motion
Extra large, easy to read Blue Backlit Display
Speakers and audio jack for your MP3 player
Product Dimensions: 64.6 x 23.6 x 66.9 inches ; 196.9 pounds
Shipping Weight: 224.4 pounds

In Closing

The Spirit Esprit EL-455 is by far one of the best quality elliptical machines I have ever set foot on. It’s quality and precision is apparent just by looking at it, and using it feels like walking on air. The warranty Spirit has included is by far the best in the industry, and it speaks volumes about the quality of both the product and company itself. I would give this machine three thumbs up if I had enough thumbs.

Experience the smoothest, front drive elliptical available today! The Spirit Esprit EL-455 dual action, 20" stride elliptical is the most feature-rich elliptical available. With a flywheel weight of 30lbs with sealed health club quality bearings and bushing this unit offer unmatched quality, durability and consistent feel. The concave wheels glide over the dual chrome rails to help you throughout your workout. Unique features include the 3-position adjustable pedal angle which is great for multiple users and fights foot fatigue. An extra large, blue backlit LCD display is easy to use and includes built in speakers for your MP3 player. Reach your fitness goals with a variety of 6 pre-set, 2 user and 2 heart rate programs and 20 resistant levels. Transport wheels are built in for convenient mobility. The user capacity is 350lbs and the EL-455 is warranted for life on the frame and brake, 5 years for parts and 1year for in-home labor

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer Review

admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:12:12 +0000

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer
Average Rating:
99 total customer reviews...

Cardio has often been referred to as the cornerstone of all things exercise. But why is cardio so important to an exercise routine? Not only can it help you lose weight more effectively than any other exercise, it can also help strengthen your heart and lungs. Running and jogging is what comes to mind when most people think of cardio, but the elliptical machine has also become a prominent member of the cardio team. If you’re looking to purchase an elliptical machine, there are some things you should pay attention to.

What to Look for

There are thousands of elliptical machines on that market today, and many people find it difficult to find the one that’s right for them. The most important detail to pay attention to when shopping for one is how it fits you. If a machine feels awkward to use, then it’s most likely not for you. Make sure and try out several before you commit to buy.

Elliptical machines come in three different main styles: front drive, rear drive and center drive. Front drive is by far the most popular because it is not only smooth, but because it is also more affordable than a rear drive. Rear drives are most often of the highest quality, and they feel the smoothest, but they come with very high price tags in most cases. Center drive elliptical machines are quite rare, and should probably be avoided.

Elliptical machines also differ when it comes to hand grips. These hand grips are used for upper body training, more specifically the arms, chest and back. They can make a huge difference in results, and I recommend getting a machine that includes them even if you don’t plan on making use of them.

What Else is There?

There are tons of features that come with each and every elliptical machine, some more important than others. I’m going to outline the best features of the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer today.

Programs

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer has 16 different programs to choose from, ranging from terrain to time. It also includes heart rate controlled programs. These programs can help you keep your heart rate in the target range for the duration of the workout.

Creating your own routine in the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is an incredibly powerful tool. You can set the resistance to increase after a certain time, or really anything else you want to do with it. It’s one of the best features in my opinion, and it can really help with busting through plateaus.

11 Workout Profiles

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer comes with an added feature of 11 workout profiles. You can set up your own workout profile which lets you track progress in your workout career. This can be a helpful feature when trying to determine how far you’ve actually come.

Variable Stride

Most variable stride machine are incredibly expensive, but the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer comes at a very affordable price. Having a variable stride let you do some pretty amazing things. You can target certain muscle groups depending on what stride length you take, and it can also be a great feature for people who’s stride is above average. I personally love this feature, and I strongly recommend getting a variable stride machine for yourself.

The Bad

This machine is all around excellence, but I do have to pick some parts of it I don’t like just to give you a better feel of the machine. It is quite difficult picking out bad points of this machine, because it is of great quality and very, very affordable.

300 Pound Weight Limit

To some people, this might seem like a great weight limit. But for many of us, it just doesn’t cut it. To be honest, the weight limit could probably be much higher than this, but Schwinn has decided on a cut off of 300 pounds. For the person on the heavy side, this could possibly be a huge turn off.

Resistance Levels

I can’t seem to find anything on how many resistance levels this elliptical machine has, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it lacks them. I know the heart rate controlled systems vary the resistance based off of heart rate, but the description doesn’t have anything on how many levels the machine actually has. It might be 2 and it might be 200. There’s no way of knowing just based off this description.

Does it Come With a Warranty?

The warranty offered on the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer leaves a little to be desired, but it still has a decent warranty. It comes with a 10 year warranty on the frame, a 2 year warranty on parts, a 1 year warranty on electronic and a 90 day warranty on wear parts. It’s not the best warranty offered on the market, but it is more than most people will ever need.

Are There Any Other Features?

These are not the only features offered on the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer, just the ones that I felt were necessary to go over. Here’s the full features list of the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer:

V-Stride technology, integrated in the cam/footplate, enables strides from 2 to 26 inches
Independent footplates let users target core muscles while engaging both sides of the body
16 total programs: 1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for two users
Quiet, magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance with 16 levels
Fly wheel: 25 pounds, steel
Drive system: Computer controlled
Fixed and moving handlebars
Chest strap with telemetric and grip heart rate monitoring
Heart rate grip on padded static handlebars
Transport handle and non-skid wheels
Articulating foot plates minimize heel impact
Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for two users
Dynamic backlit LCD touchscreen console
Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, Course Profile
11 workout profiles contain embedded fitness prompts to maximize results
Oversized water bottle holder and angle-adjustable fan
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 73 inches (L x W x H)
Unit weight: 221 pounds
Power requirements: AC adapter

In Closing

For a variable stride machine, the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is incredibly affordable. There are some downsides, but overall this machine is of great quality. If you’re looking for a variable stride machine, then I strongly recommend this product. The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer gets a strong two thumbs up from me.

The Schwinn® 460 elliptical helps you burn up to 2 times as many calories as a treadmill, and up to 15% more calories than on a fixed-stride elliptical. Schwinn® V-Stride™ technology allows you to change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications. 11 workout profiles built by the Nautilus Institute include instructional messages on utilizing stride lengths and foot/leg motions for maximized results.

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