A Few Good Things Going For It
For sale at Sears and Amazon.com for under $100, the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical trainer has gotten some fairly high ratings for such a small, inexpensive machine. Although this “elliptical trainer” doesn’t compare to a higher priced, full-size elliptical, it does have a few good things going for it.
In addition to being affordable, the Stamina 55-1610 E1000 elliptical trainer is small enough to stow away in a closet or some other out-of-the-way cubbyhole. According to several people who have bought and used this machine, one can get a really decent cardio workout on it, as well.
The Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical trainer is a very simple machine. It appears to be nothing more than a set of foot pedals attached to a tiny steel base. There is no huge frame or flywheel. There are no upper handle bars or console. The entire unit weighs a mere 24 pounds!
The base of the Stamina E1000, to which the pedals are attached, has an adjustable tension for controlling the intensity of your workouts. There is also an electronic display that shows number of strides per minute, total number of strides, calories burned, and exercise time. The display is capable of scanning all the stats so that you can easily monitor your progress during each workout session.
The foot pedals on the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical machine work in both forward and reverse motions. This allows you to work muscle groups in different ways for more variety and challenge. Once you get cranking on those foot pedals, you can really raise your heart rate level to build endurance and burn calories.
People who have tried and reviewed the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical trainer have often commented on the ease and convenience of setting up this machine. Many individuals were attracted to this machine’s small size and affordable price.
Some users were amazed to discover that they really could get a good cardio workout on the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical. For the most part, people were satisfied with this particular machine.
Nonetheless, the Stamina InMotion E1000 does give you the low-impact lower-body workout of other elliptical trainers. This means that there is little-to-no risk of injury to the hips, knees, back, and ankles during workouts.
Our Review – The Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer
If you have limited space and limited funds and don’t expect too much from the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical trainer, this could be the right machine for you. It requires little assembly. It is easy to move and can be stored in small spaces. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to operate it.
For an elliptical trainer that costs under $100, it is remarkable that the Stamina E1000 has received such positive reviews. Be aware, however, that the quality of this unit isn’t going to be all that great. There are no guarantees that it will last very long. Fortunately, if this machine does break down, you haven’t thrown away too much money on it.
Workouts on the Stamina InMotion E1000 elliptical trainer may be a little wobbly and unsteady. If you do not think you can deal with the balance issues and lack of a console and handle bars, this is not the machine for you.
I had mixed feelings about purchasing this because of its size and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get a good cardio on it. Boy was I wrong. When I workout on this my heart rate ranges from 145-160 which is exactly where I want it to be. It’s very sturdy but does take a little getting used to as far as balancing on it but you can get a great workout from it. The strides are much smaller than what you find in a gym but that’s expected. I think it’s a very effective piece of equipment for the price.
This is a fairly compact, noiseless and easy-to-assemble machine and it does its job.
The counter is placed out of the way, between your ankles, so you don’t have to stare at it while exercising (unless you exercise while staring at your ankles) which to me is a plus. Also, the counter only accounts for the actual time you spend exercising, so if you go get a drink of water and return, it self-pauses, which is cool.
The machine does occasionally rock slightly from side-to-side during use which I’d imagine could cause injury. Also, the machine doesn’t glide easily during strides as it does on a regular elliptical; it occasionally jolts. This can be jarring, especially if you’re not used to the unusually short strides on this machine. I recommend using this while you have something to stabilize yourself if this happens (I use it in a doorway)
Not the best machine out there, but it’s certainly affordable and easy to use, a great purchase for a small space or for someone who wants to be able to stow away exercise equipment easily.
Very easy to assemble and does a good job for a low price. Some people may have a bit of trouble keeping their balance, but I had no difficulty after a few spins on this — I think trying to maintain balance only enhances the effects of the workout. Small computer does a decent job.
Biggest cons would have to be that 1) the range of motion is definitely smaller than on a “real” elliptical and 2) the resistance setting isn’t all that great.
All in all, if you have a small place and don’t want to pay $40+/mo for a gym membership, this is a great alternative to running up and down stairs.
Also see the Stamina 1772 Elliptical Trainer review.
A Great Overall Value
Probably the most important feature on the Horizon Fitness EX69 is its overall value. For around $700, which is not a lot for a cross trainer, you are getting a fairly durable machine designed around the needs of the user. These needs are part of what Horizon calls their SixStar Certification. It is a list of design criteria that include…
Close Pedal Distance — I currently have an elliptical trainer where the pedals are not all that close together. For my height it is not a problem, but my shorter wife finds using the machine discomforting. Particularly for woman, having an elliptical with pedals far apart can cause stress on hips and their back. The Horizon EX69 has the pedals almost touching each other.
The Horizon EX69 no longer sold. Instead check out the Horizon EX-59.
Optimal Handlebar Placement — The handlebars are positioned within ideal reach and distance for both small and large-framed users. You don’t find yourself leaning forward to utilize the upper body workout. The design of both the lower body mechanics and the handlebars allow your body to exercise in an upright position. Something you don’t always find in a front drive elliptical trainer.
Body Centered – Many elliptical trainer designs result in the user having to lean forward. This slightly strains your joints leads to additional exertion. The EX69 keeps you centered and upright.
10″ Step Up — There are individuals that find mounting an elliptical trainer difficult because of the high clearance. The Horizon Fitness EX69 is designed with a low 10″ step up to reach the pedals.
20″ Elliptical Stride — Many ellipticals in this price range have an 18″ stride. Worse, many have very bouncy oval strides. The EX69 has a 20″ stride length is that very elliptical in motion and feels natural. This comfortable motion is further enhanced by the design of the large drive pulley system and the 17.6 lb flywheel.
Our Review — Horizon Fitness EX69 Elliptical Trainer
I tried out all the Horizon ellipticals when I was at their corporate headquarters. Horizon has made some serious improvements in their crosstrainers in the last few years. Previously their machines were not all that durable. Their new generation of elliptical trainers, built around the SixStar Certification, are a vast improvement.
In fact, the predecessor of the Horizon EX69, the Horizon EX68, received a “Best Buy” rating from a prestigious consumer magazine. They gave it an “Excellent” rating for construction and ergonomics. And considering this is only a $800 cardio machine, that is impressive.
It should be noted that the Horizon EX69 falls in the budget category. It is ideal for moderate usage. However, it is not commercial grade and I would have reservations recommending this crosstrainer for someone who weighs 300 lbs., which is their recommended weight limit. That said, the EX69 is one of the better values at $800.
A Best Buy From Nautilus
Nautilus currently builds only one elliptical trainer, it is the Nautilus E614. They also build a couple of treadmills and exercise bikes, and several home gyms. In addition, Nautilus manufactures Schwinn elliptical trainers. And in fact, the Nautilus E614 is almost an exact duplicate of the popular and award winning Schwinn 430. Besides getting my “Best Buy” award in the sub $1,000 category, it received a “Best Buy” rating by a popular consumer magazine.
The Schwinn 430 came out about four years ago. It usually sold for $599, which is not a lot of money for a cross trainer but it’s almost $800 now. However, for the money it has been a stand out value. It is fairly stable, sturdy and durable. Which is not always the case in this price range. The Schwinn 420 is virtually the same as the 430 — why mess with a winner! Unfortunately the 420 was recently discontinued.
Evidence of the quality of the Schwinn 430 are the customer ratings on Amazon.com. As of the writing of this review, together these ellipticals have 574 reviews with ratings averaging 4-4.5 stars. Not bad for $600 cardio machines.
So I am not going to rehash the features of the Schwinn 420 and Schwinn 430, you can read the Schwinn 420 review and get a feel for the overall quality of the Nautilus E614. I will though talk about the difference in cost and what justifies the difference.
The Nautilus E614 cost $649 and the Schwinn 430 typically sells for $800 on Amazon.com. Both prices included free shipping. They are the same price on the Nautilus and Schwinn web sites, although you have to pay $149 for shipping. So Amazon offers a much better deal.
Here are the additional features on the Nautilus E614…Nautilus is a better deal?
An Elliptical With a Winning Formula!
The Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer came out in 2014, and is the fourth generation of this model, which suggests it has a winning formula. I have been a fan of their ellipticals for a number of years. They build some impressive budget crosstrainers that tend to be very durable relative to their pricing.
And in fact, a leading consumer magazine recently gave the Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer the third highest ranking in their reviews. Considering that it cost considerably less than most of the other ellipticals that were reviewed, this is very impressive. They gave the the Schwinn 470 “Very Good” for ergonomics, construction, ease of use and exercise range.
20″ Elliptical Stride — The other Schwinn models come with an 18″ stride length. That use to be the standard for elliptical trainers, but these days the longer 20″ stride is found on the majority of crosstrainers. The extra 2″ tends to give a more elongated and natural elliptical motion. It is also better for individuals that are over 6′ tall.
Incline Adjustment — The Schwinn 470 allows you to adjust the incline. By adjusting the incline of the elliptical motion you are able to target more lower body muscles and get a more intense cardio workout.
Articulating Foot pedals — Articulating pedals help eliminate foot lift as you move. You’ll find that this machine does a pretty good job, but your foot will still lift up a bit.
LCD Display — Monitor you stats on these 2 LCD displays. There is also a tablet ledge.
25 Installed Programs — This array of programs will help keep you interested in your workout.
SchwinnConnect — It’s rare to find a piece of fitness equipment these days that doesn’t track your workout stats in some sort of app. Schwinn Connect can link with MyFitnessPal to track your goals and progress.
Fan and Speakers — Okay sound on these speakers and an okay breeze from the 3 speed fan. Nothing too exciting here.
210 lb. Unit Weight — This is a fairly solid machine especially considering it’s in the budget elliptical category.
Warranty — This is where Schwinn comes up short. The offer a 2 year parts, 1 year electrical and 90 days labor and wear parts warranty. You probably want to get an extended warranty to protect your investment. Service can be expensive.
Note: They put the user weight limit at 300 lbs. More realistic is around 230 lbs.
The Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer is one of the better choices at under $1,000 because of the overall quality of the construction and the numerous features. Schwinn has always had a very competitive model at this price range and I feel very comfortable recommending the Schwinn 470. And my endorsement is supported by a leading consumer magazine.
I’m very pleased with this elliptical. It operates very smoothly and quietly, and it offers plenty of features that make your workout as easy or challenging as you wish. I
So far, this appears to be a quality machine for this price range. I have been using it for a week and a half and am much happier with it than my old elliptical. If anything changes in the future, I will immediately update my review. Otherwise, assume I am still loving it. If you have any questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer them.
An Exceptional Value for Less than $500
The Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer is the perfect elliptical for anyone who is limited on workout space. It is a smaller elliptical, with a footprint of 53.8″ x 24″ x 62.5″.
Schwinn is a very popular brand, particularly on Amazon. Their company features many machines under $1,000. Realize that there are some pieces of @#%& in this price range. So to get a relatively durable elliptical for under $500 is exceptional. Schwinn has typically managed to build some very reliable machines at an inexpensive price.
Although this machine does come at a very attractive price point, it does have some limiting features that you should be made aware of.
18″ Elliptical Stride — This stride length is best suited for average height individuals that are no taller than 6′. There are ellipticals with longer and smoother strides, but for the money the Schwinn 411 has decent elliptical motion on their machines.
Streamlined Console — The console on the 411 displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.
Moving and Fixed Handlebars — The handlebars feature contact grips.
16 resistance levels — This is actually pretty impressive for the $499 price point. You can really get your heart pumping during your workout.
100 lb. Assembled Weight — This is not a heavy machine weight. While the light-weight is great for moving or storage, it’s not as great when considering stability during your workout. There is a 300 lb. user weight limit on the Schwinn 411.
Warranty — 90-Day Labor, 1-Year Electronics, 2-Year Parts, 10-Year Frame. This is not the best warranty.
Our Review — Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer
The Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer has features that we would expect at the budget price point it is offered at. Although it is certainly an average elliptical with no extras included, it is a decent machine if you are on a budget, and searching for an elliptical in your home. We do like the fact that is very space-conscious.
Overall, the customer reviews on Amazon were outstanding for a budget elliptical trainer. There were a couple of complaints. It has 4/5 stars with almost 3,000 user reviews.
Here are some comments:
Was easy to assemble. Was more difficult to get the pieces out of the box than assemble, but the packaging definitely kept all the parts safe and secure. Directions were clear. Doesn’t take up much space. Seems sturdy, durable, and well constructed. The lowest resistance level is fairly strenuous. This is probably not well suited for someone just beginning an exercise program. I had a heart attack at 51 three months ago and begun walking immediately after discharge. I’m up to 5+ miles per day at 4-4.5 mph. I’ve had to do 5 minutes on and rest as my heart rate gets high at the lowest resistance. But I love that I’m getting a better full body workout. A lot of that is just being introduced to some new muscles.
A Low Maintenance Machine
The Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer is sold through Body Solid, a company that originally focused on weight lifting equipment, but over the last several years they have expanded into elliptical trainers and treadmills.
Actually the Body Solid ellipticals were previously sold through LifeCore and models like the Best Fitness E1 have been out for at least the last 6 years. The machines have a “Solid” record for being low maintenance.
Most elliptical trainers are either front or rear drive design, and their are benefits to each. The Best Fitness E1 elliptical is a center drive design that also has its unique benefits.
Compact Design — Many elliptical trainers are space hogs. A perfect example is the Sole E95 with a 71″ length. In comparison the Best Fitness E1 is only 48″ long and 30″ wide. It is ideal for individuals who are space challenged, like apartment dwellers. However, this smaller footprint does not compromise the stability and with the 215 lb. unit weight, it further guarantees the Best Fitness E1 is a very stable and solid machine.
Center Drive Advantage — More and more companies are coming out with center drive machines. Besides being compact, they also center your body over the flywheels. Although everyone has their own preference of the type of drive they prefer, a center drive elliptical tends to cause less heel to toe action. Consequently you have less up and down motion in the elliptical stride. You ergonomically flow much better with the motion and it is less stressful on your hips, knees and ankles.
Tight Pedal Spacing — Most people do not realize that the spacing apart of the pedals can be an important issue. Particularly for smaller individuals and woman. Woman have a different hip structure than men, something I personally notice all the time. And certain machines can cause stress on their legs and hips due to wide pedal spacing, making workouts uncomfortable. The Best Fitness E1 elliptical trainerhas a very tight spacing, which reduces the potential for stress.
Easy Step-Up – The pedals on the Best Fitness E1 are only 8″ off the ground, making it easy to mount and exit the machine.
12 Installed Workout Programs – These workout routines automatically adjust the resistance, giving your a variety of challenges.
21″ Elliptical Stride — I prefer a longer stride and I am of average height. A 20″-21″ stride is a necessity for taller individuals. The 21″ stride on the Best Fitness E1 makes for a very smooth motion. However, individuals under 5’4″ may find the stride too long.
Console and Display – The display is a basic backlit LCD which does the job of providing the nessicary feedback. However, the console does not have speakers, MP3 input and a fan, which are standard on most elliptical trainers.
Warranty – The warranty is below average. You get…
The Best Fitness E1 has a number of factors that make it an appealing model, including the smooth center drive motion, the comfortable 21″ stride and the compact design. However, one of the major benefits is it is a solid machine designed to take abuse. It is not commercial grade, but it is a reasonably heavy-duty residential model are a very reasonable price.
Overall the Best Fitness E1 elliptical trainer got 4.5 stars out of 5 from customers on Amazon.com. Here are some of their comments…
It arrived well packaged. It was not difficult to put together. Everything was labled and marked step by step for putting it together. Do recommend that 2 people put it together because some of the parts were heavy. I started using it right away. It is quiet and the motions are smooth. I like the fact you can also go in reverse on it to work the muscles differently. It does have a different feel than what I am used to using at the gym. The ones at the gym don’t exercise the arms so that took some getting used to. Also the stance for the stride is narrower than what I am used to. It works well. I would recommend this elliptical for home use especially considering its compact size which was a factor in my purchasing this product.
I bought this machine a little over a year ago and am still using it 4-5 times per week. It has a small footprint and is smooth to operate. The programming allows me to change it up so that my routine isn’t SO routine. I set this machine up in front of my television and barely notice the time going by. The only thing that has been less than perfect is the squeaking. Although that is to be expected, it is difficult to determine where, exactly, the squeaking is coming from. I end up just applying lubrication to everything and the noise stops. Definitely recommend this to someone looking for a low-impact machine. For about 14 months, this machine has worked great and continues to do so. I am 5’7″ and the machine size is perfect for me.
Some Limitations on This Machine
We can’t all afford commercial grade elliptical trainers for the home. In fact, many of us have very limited budgets for purchasing an elliptical trainer. I commend individuals who are willing to make a commitment to lose weight and get back into shape by buying a crosstrainer. However, when you spend under $500 for an ellipticals, there are going to be compromises on the quality and durability of the machine. And this introduction segues into the review of the ProForm 395 E Elliptical. It is what I consider budget level elliptical with several limitations. For many, the ProForm 395 E may be an ideal machine to get physically fit. Although, some may be disappointed with their purchase. Especially if they are buying it sight unseen. So I am going to give you some insight.
NOTE: The ProForm 395 E is NO LONGER AVAILABLE. I encourage you to check out the ProForm Smart Strider 535 instead. It cost $599 with shipping, but it is a vast improvement over the ProForm 395 E.
18″ Stride – The norm is 20″ these days. Average to above average height individuals may find the stride a bit confining. You may also find the motion more oval than elliptical. I would not recommend this elliptical for someone over 5’10”.
Lightweight Flywheel – They do not list the weight of the flywheel, but I can assure you it is not heavy. The heavier the flywheel, the more natural sensation of the elliptical motion. If you have been on a commercial model you know how it feel like you are running in the air. That will not be the case on the ProForm 395 E Elliptical.
145 Lbs. Unit Weight – This is not that heavy for an elliptical trainer. And it is absurd to suggest that a the ProForm 395 E can accommodate users up to 250 lbs. How can the machine be stable with a user that weighs 100 more.
Short Warranty – You get a 90 day parts and labor warranty. If there are mechanical issues after 90 days you may as well buy another elliptical. Repairs can be very expensive.
Overall I have a rather brutal with my assessment of the ProForm 395 E. However, I don’t want to totally discourage potential buyers. If you have a very limited budget, you are not too tall and not excessively overweight, the ProForm 395 E Elliptical may be right for you. Just realize the limitations and what you are buying.
GREAT DEAL! For a limited time, Sole is offering a FREE 90 day trial membership to their interactive fitness technology Studio with the purchase of any Sole elliptical.
Note: The reviewer has owned the Sole E25 for the last 11 years and has had no service issues and is generally very pleased with the purchase. “Still works like a charm!”
The Sole E25 elliptical trainer is one of the better values at the competitive $1,000 price range. This newest model now includes Bluetooth capability and a white backlit display for easier viewing. For the money it is a reasonably stable and durable machine with a good service record. Although there are some structural differences between the E25 and their higher price models.
The Sole E25 is built on a frame that is 11″ smaller than their other ellipticals. The smaller size has a minor impact on the stability, of course it makes it more compact. The other models with an 82″ frame take up considerable space.
Get the commercial grade Sole E25 elliptical at a residential price of only $1,099. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Click Here for the Sole E25 from SoleEllipticals.com
*Shipping/Delivery Note: All Sole ellipticals come with free curbside delivery. For this standard delivery, the driver will back the truck up as far as they can (which is sometimes at the end of your driveway) and unload your elliptical box for you. Ellipticals can often be awkward to move and typically require more than one person. Sole now offers Assembly Authority Delivery for $299. An Assembly Authority Tech will unload the elliptical to the designated room of your choice, assemble it, and demonstrate the functionality for you. This new delivery option is a great deal in our opinion.
The E25 comes with a very basic LCD display, with a white backlit screen. The white backlit screen allows for easier viewing. You’ll notice in the photo that the E25 comes with a built-in fan. A popular feature, but don’t expect to get blown away. You also get built-in speakers with a plug-in for your MP3 and iPod player. The quality of the sound is not all that great, but it is nice having the music focused directly at you.
Bluetooth Capability – This model has Bluetooth capability that allows the machine to communicate with your smart device. Simply download the free Sole Fitness app and then track your workout stats after each session.
White Backlit Display – Another new feature on this upgraded model is a white backlit display instead of the old blue style. This type of screen is designed for easier viewing.
Incline Adjustment — The Sole E25 elliptical was upgraded from a manual to a power incline, where you can adjust to 15 different incline levels. It is similar to the ability to adjust the incline on a treadmill. By changing you can better target and tone your lower muscles. It also gives you a serious cardio workout when you increase the incline.
Articulating Pedals – They angle with the elliptical motion to reduce stress and strains to your foot and ankles.
Installed Programs — You get a nice selection of exercise routines. Our only criticism is that you can only make adjustments to the incline to increase the intensity, you cannot increase the resistance. Therefore, the manual settings or the user defined setting are your best choice.
Heart Rate Control — The Sole E25 offers heart rate control with the a wireless strap. There are two heart rate control programs, or you can adjust the intensity of your workout manually. Many consider working out by your heart rate as a very efficient way to burn calories and get into shape.
20 lbs. Flywheel — The weight of the flywheel contributes to a fluidity and the naturalness of the motion.
Click Here to See a Comparison Chart of the Sole Ellipticals
The Sole Fitness E25 has Bluetooth capability. This new technology helps bring the Sole Fitness machines into the game as far as workout tracking statistics. A free Sole app is available for your smart phone that allows you to keep track of your workout statistics. Plus, this model includes a white backlit screen for easier viewing. We would not recommend the E25 for someone planning on strenuous workouts. Also, although they put the user weight at 325 lbs., I would put the limit at around 240 lbs.
For an extra $300 you should consider the Sole E35 for these reasons…
On Amazon.com the Sole E25 received 4.5 stars out of 5 from nine customers, which is am impressive rating for a $1,000 elliptical.
Comments included…
“The machine is really sturdy and solid. I bought it because I am particularly heavy and its one of the few machines with a higher weight limit and a lower price. (Note: I feel the weight limit is a bit high.)”
“This Machine is quiet, works great, and was easy to put together.”
“So far this elliptical is the best I’ve seen of its kind. Very solid, especially for this price. The customer service was excellent and, so far, I couldn’t be happier with my decision!”
“My brother in law recommended the Sole E25 to me after he had bought one and loved it. Site unseen, I bought online and was leery even with his positive comments. I’m so glad I did, the quality of the machine is tremendous. I’m truly amazed Sole can build this piece of equipment for the price.“
Go to www.SoleEllipticals.com
You can also watch the video below:
*With the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer Review we attempt to be as accurate as possible. Warranties, features and prices can change without notice. Our review .is based on not only product testing, but also comments, testimonials, reviews and ratings of customers, manufacturer web site and third parties.
Check Out the 7″ Web Enabled Color Touchscreen
The NordicTrack E 11.9 elliptical trainer is one of 4 front drive ellipticals that the company offers. The E 11.9 is typically priced at $999. It comes with some impressive features for the money.
And if you were to compare it to other $999 ellipticals you will find that the NordicTrack E 11.9 probably has a better warranty, heavier flywheel, unique interactive programming, and adjustable foot pedals.
iFit Live Compatible— In conjunction with the ability to incline and decline, the NordicTrack E 11.9 is compatible with iFit Live. There are two features to iFit Live. First, you can trace routes on Google Maps or pick a popular route from the iFit Live library (trails in national parks, cityscapes, etc.), and the NordicTrack E 11.9 will simulate the terrain with the incline/decline feature. Through the color display you can visualize your progress through Google Maps with either a street, satellite or earth view.
In addition, you can get customized workout programs. By going to iFit.com and defining your fitness goals, iFit Live will download a progressive workout routine. The exercise programs will control the incline and resistance of your elliptical and includes audio coaching. Your stats are feedback to your iFit.com account so you can track your progress. And studies have shown that those that track their progress are more likely to achieve their fitness goals. There is an additional cost for the Wi-Fi module.
Power Incline — Most new ellipticals include a power incline. The advantage is that it gives you a more intense cardio burn as you raise the incline. And it provides the sensation of hiking up a hill, which results in working more lower body muscles.
Front Drive Design — There are three advantages with a front design elliptical trainer. First, it is more compact. Second, you can easily mount and dismount. That is particularly a beneficial for older users. Finally, with a front drive elliptical the pedals are closer together. This reduces stress to your hips and your back, and puts your body in a more natural position.
28 Lb. Flywheel — This heavy flywheel contributes to a smooth, fluid elliptical motion, unlike what you find in cheap crosstrainers.
Adjustable Cushioned Pedals — You can adjust the angle of the pedal to reduce heel lift and foot numbness. The pedals also have extra cushioning to further reduce impact to your joints.
Speakers and MP3 Input — The quality of the sound of the NordicTrack E 11.9 elliptical trainer is reasonably good considering the speakers are mounted on the console. The real advantage is that you have the apex of the sound pointed directly at you.
Warranty — Lifetime frame, 3-Year parts, and 1-Year labor coverage. Often at this price range you tend to only get 1-year parts coverage.
24 Installed Exercise Programs — The workouts included in the NordicTrack E 11.9 are designed by professional fitness trainers. According to NordicTrack, “These workouts target your glutes, quads, calves and core for faster results! Each workout targets specific muscle groups by changing the incline or decline of your stride.” In general, having the ability to switch and change workout routines allows you to break up the monotony of exercising in place.
Dual Grip Handlebars — The dual grip handlebars allow you to change up your position, which in turn allows you to workout different muscles in your arms.
Snap Assembly — I have not actually assembled an E 11.9 , but they claim that you can assemble in half the time. I’ve put together a number of ellipticals, and the assembly can be grueling.
Cooling Fan — Having the fan built into the console allows you to direct the breeze at your core, which is the most important part of your body to cool down.
Unit Weight — The NordicTrack E 11.9 comes in at approximately 230 lbs. This is one of the heavier ellipticals at around $999. The extra weight gives you more stability and a more solid feel. Although it can make it a bit awkward to move around.
What makes the NordicTrack E 11.9 appealing are two factors. First, it usually costs $999, which is not a whole lot of money for a decent crosstrainer. Second, the E 11.9 comes with an array of features you will generally not find on a comparably priced elliptical trainer. As I’ve mentioned with other NordicTrack reviews, the company excels at offering the most for the least.
Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com for more details.
Smooth Elliptical Motion
I recently checked out the line-up of Diamondback elliptical trainers at ProSource in Raleigh. In addition, I spent about an hour discussing the pros and cons of their machines with Dan Young, their sales expert.
Diamondback is best known for their exercise bikes, which are very popular and found at numerous sporting goods stores. However, their ellipticals have gotten some serious exposure after the Diamondback 1260Ef received a top rating from a popular consumer magazine.
Note: Check out our Elliptical Trainer Best Buy Reviews.
What makes Diamondback elliptical trainers unique is that they come in both front and rear drive models. The rear and front drives have different feels, with different appeals. Some like the free-floating feel of the rear drive, while others prefer the front leaning motion of the front drives.
The front drive on the Diamondback 1260Ef design is similar to an Octane, but considerably less money. Moreover, unlike a Sole elliptical, the pedal sits on a wheel located at the front of the pedal, rather than on a rear rail and has a 19″ stride.
What makes the Diamondback 1260Ef stand out is the ability to adjust the elevations, similar to adjusting the incline of a treadmill, allowing you to burn more calories in less time. There are only a couple of other high-end ellipticals that have this feature – Precor and Octane. However, both of those brands cost at least a $1,000 more than the 1260Ef.
It should be noted that the 1260Ef and 1190Er come with an optional light commercial warranty, which says a lot about their durability. See our complete review of the Diamondback 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer
Diamondback 1190Er Rear Drive EllipticalThe rear drive Diamondback ellipticals have a 21″ stride, which is longer than your average elliptical. I felt this gave it a nice smooth stride, and was comfortable for my height. This would be a good fit for anyone above average height.
The foot pedals angle with the motion, reducing the possibility of numbness from long use. Each elliptical comes with wireless heart rate control to give you a more accurate picture of the workout you’re getting.
In general, we found the Diamondback ellipticals to all have a smooth elliptical motion. The ellipticals were relatively quiet. I really liked the adjusting elevation feature of the Diamondback 1260. That is a sweet option.
Diamondback has been building ellipticals for the last 9 years. Their models are strong contenders in $1,500-$2,000 price range. Overall, Diamondback ellipticals are a solid value. You can find them at local fitness equipment specialty stores or at Amazon.com
