Low Maintenance Machine for Costco
The Xterra FS5.7e elliptical trainer is built by Dyaco for Costco. Dyaco private labels the Xterra brand for Costco. Dyaco also builds Sole Elliptical Trainers, and you will find many similarities between the two brands. In fact, the Xterra FS5.7e is very comparable to the Sole E35 elliptical trainer (Click here to see the Sole E35 Elliptical Review.)
I have been recommending Sole ellipticals for a number of years, primarily for the durability and the fact they are low maintenance machines. That also holds true for the Xterra ellipticals.
Front Drive Design — The two most popular designs for an elliptical are front drive and rear drive. For patent purposes companies came up with the front drive to get around the protected rear designs of Precor. There are other companies who have rear drive ellipticals, but they pay Precor for the right to those patents.
The advantage of the rear drive is that it tends to have less moving parts and it often centers you better over the mechanism. Front drive ellipticals are often more compact and they are easier to mount and dismount.
With the front drive ellipticals your pedals run on wheels over rails. With the Xterra crosstrainers you have four rear wheels which ride on heavy duty rails to provide a smoother more stable feel. This also helps to reduce side to side foot pedal motion.
Heavy Flywheel — The Xterra FS5.7e elliptical comes with a 24 lb. flywheel. The advantage of this heavy flywheel is that it gives you a smooth and natural elliptical motion.
Power Incline — Like a treadmill you have the ability to incline the motion. This allows you to target more lower body muscles, while increasing your exertion and your calorie burn.
Speaker System with MP3 Input — The sound quality is mediocre, but it is convenient having the speakers pointed right at you.
Heavy Unit Weight — When assembled the Xterra FS5.7e weighs 231 lbs. This heavy weight guarantees that you will have a very solid and stable feel even when you crank up the resistance. However, this is not the easiest elliptical to move around, even with the portable wheels.
Warranty — With the FS5.7e you get generous coverage: Lifetime brake system, 7-year parts and 1-year labor.
The Xterra FS5.7e is a good choice for a crosstrainer, especially if Costco is offering free assembly. I also suggest you check out the Sole E35. It has several benefits over the FS5.7e.
The E25 has a longer frame (68″ vs. 81″) which tends to give you a more elongated elliptical stride. Both ellipticals are listed as 20″ stride lengths, but I’ve noticed a difference between the two machines.
The Sole E35 allows you to adjust the angle of the footpedal to your comfort zone, so you have less heal lift.
The Sole E35 only has a 5-year parts warranty, but you get a 2-year labor warranty. I, personally, would opt for the longer service coverage.
That said, whether you choose the Xterra FS5.7e or the Sole E35, you are selecting one of the best front drive ellipticals at this price range.
Also see the Xterra FS5.25e elliptical review.
A Durable, Well-Built Machine
Similar in style to the Sole E35 elliptical trainer, the Spirit XE295 is a durable, well-built machine (both are built by Dyaco.) Even Spirit Fitness feels confident about the quality of this product. As proof, the XE295 is backed by a 10-year warranty on its parts and a lifetime warranty on its frame and resistance brake! I don’t think you’ll find a better warranty on an elliptical trainer! This is equivalent to some of the higher price units you would find with Life Fitness.
Like the Sole E35, the Spirit XE295 elliptical weighs around 200 pounds. Its frame is constructed of heavy-weight, commercial grade steel. The extra weight may make it more difficult to move the elliptical around, but it also adds to the stability of the XE295. Lighter weight elliptical machines tend to be a bit wobbly and unstable.
The Sole E35 and the Spirit XE295 have fairly comparable consoles in appearance…both with LCD display windows. The Sole console has built-in speakers, however, which the Spirit model does not have.
The stride on the Spirit XE295 is 20″. This is generally a comfortable stride for average-to-taller users. Shorter individuals may find the 20” stride a bit too large. In that case, I would recommend an elliptical with a smaller stride that feels more comfortable.
The pedals on the XE295 are oversized and have a three-position angle adjustment using a rear-mounted, spring-loaded pop-pin. A slight adjustment of the pedals can create a better fit and a smoother, more pleasant workout experience. This can reduce numbness in the toes and pounding to your heal, since the foot is more level with the motion and less likely to have to raise to me the pedal.
By grasping the moving handlebars as you pedal, you will simultaneously work both the upper and lower body. As a result, you will burn calories more efficiently and achieve desired results more quickly.
The eight workout programs on the Spirit XE295 provide variety to challenge you and keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals. The cooling fan in the console helps make your workout sessions cooler and more tolerable.
The heart rate monitoring system includes a Polar telemetry belt. Heart rate may also be monitored through sensors in the stationary handle-grips. This system makes it easy to achieve and maintain your targeted heart rate.
Four concave wheels keep the motion of the elliptical smooth and fluid. The double wheels on each side follow the guide rails without easily coming off track (an issue found on cheaper elliptical trainers). This design reduces left to right movement of the pedals.
The Spirit XE295 elliptical trainer is a durable, dependable piece of fitness equipment. It looks similar to Sole’s E35 elliptical and is made of similar high-quality materials.
A couple of features are found on the Sole E35 which are lacking on the XE295. As mentioned previously, the E35 has built-in speakers for use with an iPod or MP3 player. The XE295 has no built-in speakers. The Sole model has a power incline feature that adjusts from 15 to 40 degrees for a more intense lower body workout. The Spirit XE295 is not an inclining elliptical trainer.
The Spirit XE295 is built to last and normally requires little, if any, maintenance. It also has great warranties to back it up. It would be a good machine to own…even though it is a little pricey. On the other hand, for around the same price, you can get the Sole E35 with the extra features and a 2-year service warranty.
It really comes down to price between the two units. If selling for around the same, the Sole E35 makes more sense.
A High Quality Fitness Product!
The Spirit Fitness XE500 elliptical trainer isn’t Spirit’s top-of-the-line elliptical machine, but it is very close. Coming in second to the Spirit XE700 model, the XE500 is without a doubt a high quality fitness product. All Spirit fitness equipment is a little more expensive than comparable models, so you can definitely expect to pay a somewhat hefty price for this higher end elliptical trainer!
If money is no object, the Spirit Fitness XE500 elliptical trainer is a good choice for residential fitness equipment. Its maker, Dyaco, uses only the finest components in all its products, including the XE500. (Dyaco also makes Sole fitness equipment, which we have given Best Buy” ratings.)
In addition to the fact that the Spirit XE500 is a really good product, its high cost is attributable to the elliptical being sold mainly in small fitness specialty stores. You pay more to receive the personal attention and service that you get in such stores. Many people prefer to pay a little more to get that personal touch, if they can afford it.
Of course, for those who are on a tight budget or do not wish to spend so much money, less expensive elliptical trainers may be found in large sporting goods stores and online. If you shop around, you’ll find a machine that is suitable for your needs and pocketbook. (Just remember: you get what you pay for!)
As previously stated, all the materials used to make the Spirit XE500 elliptical trainer are of the finest quality. Spirit Fitness backs this machine with a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime frame and resistance brake warranty. Labor is covered for only a year, but there should be little or no maintenance required on this elliptical machine anyway.
The following features are found on the Spirit XE500 elliptical trainer:
Frame—constructed of oversized commercial grade structural steel. Overall the XE500 has a very solid and stable feel.Aside from the price, there isn’t really anything negative to say about the Spirit Fitness XE500. It is, indeed, a fine piece of equipment! The steel frame and flywheel contribute to the heavy assembled weight of 215 pounds. (At that weight, you won’t want to move the elliptical trainer around too much. Nevertheless, it ensures a sturdy, smooth workout every time.)
Cheaper elliptical trainers that have front flywheels often tend to be wobbly and unsteady. The heavy weight of the flywheel on the Spirit XE500, however, has a different story. Because it is made of steel and weighs 30 pounds, it adds to the stability and durability of the machine. The XE500 by Spirit Fitness should be able to withstand many years of constant use, requiring minimal, if any, maintenance.
As with all elliptical trainers, efficient workouts can be achieved in less time on the Spirit XE500, because it allows you to work the upper and lower body simultaneously. With a variety of workout programs to choose from and 20 resistance levels, you’ll always be able to challenge yourself to do more.
Also see the Spirit XE400 Elliptical Trainer Review.
Durable and Reliable
Spirit fitness equipment is made to be durable and reliable. The Spirit XE400 elliptical trainer is no exception. Yes, it is a bit pricey…but if you want a truly high quality product, you’re going to have to spend a little more money.
First of all, when you buy the Spirit XE400, you get a product that you can count on! This elliptical is built very well. It is solid and stable and requires minimal maintenance. It is a machine that should last through years of constant use!
Secondly, the Spirit XE400 comes with some really nice features that ensure variety and comfort in your workout sessions.
Oversized pedals which can be adjusted to one of three positions to ensure a smooth, fluid workout. Adjustment is easy using the rear mounted, spring-loaded pin. By adjusting the pedals you can reduce to strain to your arcs, stress to your heal and numbness to your toes.The Spirit XE400 elliptical trainer is backed by amazing warranties!
Showing confidence in this elliptical trainer, Spirit Fitness backs the parts with a 10-year warranty…far superior to most elliptical trainer parts warranties! This indicates that only the finest parts are used in the Spirit XE400…parts that rarely, if ever, need replaced. Spirit also backs this elliptical with a lifetime frame and resistance brake warranty. The one-year labor warranty is also better than the labor warranties that come with most elliptical trainers.
The Spirit XE400 elliptical trainer is certainly a quality machine. Of course, when even the sale price of this model is near $2,000, you expect high quality.
You might want to check out the Sole E55 elliptical trainer before purchasing the Spirit XE400, nevertheless. Sole and Spirit are both manufactured by Dyaco. Sole products are made with fine commercial quality materials, just as are Spirit products. Both machines are stable, smooth, and dependable.
Oftentimes, the Sole E55 will be on sale at a lower price than the Spirit XE400, so you might be able to save a little money by buying the Sole elliptical. If you choose the Sole, you’ll still be getting a really good fitness machine. In fact, in some ways, the Sole E55 exceeds the Spirit XE400.
Both the Sole E55 and the Spirit XE400 are inclining elliptical trainers. The Spirit model inclines only up to 15%, but the Sole model incline ramp adjusts up to a whopping 40% angle. Maximum user weight capacity on the E55 is a few pounds less than that of the XE400. However, the difference is minimal. These two elliptical trainers are quite similar in many ways. If you can afford the price, you won’t go wrong with either model.
A Good Choice As Long As You Don’t Need an Incline Feature
The Spirit XE300 elliptical trainer has many of the same features as the XE400 model, and it costs almost as much as the Spirit XE400. The main difference between the two models is that the Spirit XE400 has an incline ramp and the XE300 does not.
If you’re in the market for an elliptical trainer that does not incline, the Spirit XE300 is a good choice. As are all Spirit fitness machines, this one is built quite well. It is stable, durable, dependable, and provides a quiet, smooth workout.
The one negative aspect of the Spirit XE300 elliptical trainer is the price. It is a bit expensive. However, you can rest assured that you are getting a high quality product for the cost of this model. Spirit Fitness even backs this elliptical trainer with a ten-year parts warranty and a lifetime frame and resistance brake warranty! That, itself, is a great testimony as to the good quality of this machine!
To begin with, the frame on this machine is made of commercial grade structural steel. Now, steel is a very hard, durable metal alloy. It is practically indestructible. Chances of the frame falling apart anytime soon on the Spirit Fitness XE300 are almost nil.
The 30-pound flywheel is also constructed of steel. All the steel used in the manufacture of the Spirit XE300 adds to the stability and durability of the elliptical trainer. The assembled weight of this particular model is 202 pounds. Whereas lighter-weight machines tend to be rather wobbly and unstable during exercise sessions, the heavy weight of this elliptical trainer ensures smooth, steady workouts.
The display on the XE300 is a high quality fine pitch dot matrix LED with a heart rate graph and a separate message center. The more expensive Spirit XE400 elliptical trainer has a cheaper LCD display.
The heart rate monitoring system comes not only with built-in sensors in the stationary handle grips, but it also comes with a Polar telemetry belt.
A cooling fan located in the console is a real comfort during those intense, sweaty workouts. The fan blows towards the upper body, providing a refreshing stream of cool air.
Our Review—Spirit Fitness XE300 Elliptical Trainer
The Spirit Fitness XE300 elliptical trainer is a well-built machine. When you consider the cost of this product, realize that it IS made of some very fine materials, and it is backed by an exceptional parts warranty.
Remember, too, that Spirit Fitness products are primarily sold in fitness specialty stores. These stores tend to charge a little more than larger chain stores and online stores. Of course, customers get more personal service at these small specialty stores, and that somewhat compensates for the higher prices.
If you decide to purchase a Spirit XE300, think of it as an investment in a top-of-the-line fitness machine. More importantly, think of it as an investment in your physical health. You really cannot put a price on your personal fitness.
If you don’t mind the cost factor, the Spirit Fitness XE300 elliptical trainer is a good product to own. It should be very reliable for many, many years to come!
“Excellent” Rating for Exercise Range, Ease of Use, and Construction
The Diamondback 1260Ef elliptical trainer has been getting some serious exposure after receiving a top “Recommended” rating from a popular consumer magazine. They gave it an excellent for exercise range, ease of use and construction.
Personally, I am not all that impressed with wth the 1260 Ef. It has been out for at least 5 years and during that time there has not been any real improvements. Meanwhile many companies are offering more features for less money. Also, many elliptical manufacturers are offering interactive technology designed to assist you in achieving your fitness goals. Something that is sorely missing on the Diamondback 1260Ef elliptical trainer. However, I do agree that it is a very solid built machine that is very durable.
Compact Design – Many elliptical trainers take up considerable space. For example, the Sole E95 is 80″ in length. In comparison the 1260Ef is only 69.5″ in length. Why take up the extra space if you don’t need to.
Solid & Stable – Although the Diamondback 1260Ef has a smaller footprint, that does not compromise on how stable this machine is. One of the reasons is the 245 lbs. unit weight. Consequently it can handle heavier users. Don’t be suckered into believing the suggested weight limits of many budget elliptical trainers. They are often grossly over exaggerated. The downside is you don’t want to move this machine around.
Adjustable Incline – More and more elliptical trainers are offering some type of adjustable incline or stride. The reason – it gives a more challenging workout, you can burn more calories in less time and you can target different lower body muscles.
Short Step-Up – The Diamondback 1260Ef has a low step-up to the pedals. Many find it preferable in mounting the machine and exercising closer to the ground.
Close Pedal Distance – One of the advantages of a front drive elliptical trainer is that the pedals can be spaced closer together. When the pedals are distanced to far apart there can be a discomfort. This is particularly true for woman or for individuals who are below average height.
Wireless Heart Rate Control – In addition to the heart rate monitoring in the handgrips, the 1260Ef has wireless heart rate control (strap included). Using one of the five heart rate programs, you can control the intensity of your workout by the level of your heart rate. HRC exercising is used by many professional athletes due to the ability to maximize your exercise.
LED Console – The console has a very user friendly design. It is simple to select programs and make adjustment. In addition, you have a large LED display with 4 Data display windows with individual select buttons for each data group . You can easily access numerous feedback on your workout.
I feel the Diamondback 1260Ef is a good value at around $1,700. The quality construction make this a durable machine. The numerous features mentioned above make the 1260Ef a crosstrainer that will challenge and motivate the user.
I would also suggest you check out the Sole E95, which has many similar benefits. in addition you get a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.
Both ellipticals are excellent choices in their price range.
Amazon customers gave the Diamondback 1260Ef a very impressive 5 out 5 star rating. The only real complaint was the labor required in putting it together. Click here to see Amazon Customer Reviews
Comments included…
“This is a sturdy, stable, well constructed elliptical that should provided years and years of use.”
“I’ve been wanting to buy an elliptical for months now. Did my research on consumer reports, shopped around. I must admit that I was a little nervous about buying such a large purchase through Amazon, but I’m glad I did. I noticed the price dropped to $1699 from $1899 and that was the motivation I needed to pull the trigger.”
“Recently purchased after reading the Consumer Reports fitness review, this machine lives up to the top rating and the best feature the price suggested retail is $2600, Amazon $1899, best elliptical best price is a win win!”
The Yowza Pompano elliptical trainer is their lowest priced model with the patented Cardio Core Training option. This unique feature is only available on Yowza ellipticals, and it adds a whole new dimension to crosstraining. What has made elliptical trainers so popular is both the low impact workout and the combined upper and lower body exercise.
We need to give you a quick word on Yowza. This company used to be awesome, but things have fell by the way-side these last few months. We no longer feel they are a solid investment.
Yowza Fitness is OUT OF BUSINESS.
We are still waiting to hear more information about this company but it seems they are no longer producing machines.
Note: It’s a shame that the company has gone out of business. This Cardio Core technology is certainly unique. You may want to check out the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i for another option.Your typical elliptical trainer has the dual handlebars that move back and forth in sequence with the elliptical stride. The advantage of the dual action is that you not only exercise more muscle groups, but you get a more intense cardio workout. Unfortunately, many people who workout on an elliptical trainer tend to go through the motions with the upper body exercise. They do not apply adequate resistance in order to get the full benefit. Also, the upper body workout tends to only target the arms and shoulders.
With the Cardio Core Training on the Yowza Pompano elliptical trainer you have a totally different concept with the upper body exercise. Rather than two handlebars moving in conjunction with the elliptical stride, you have a single T-bar handlebar that moves left to right. When I was at the corporate headquarters I tried the Cardio Core, and what I immediately noticed was how it worked the abdominal muscles.
According to the web site, “Yowza’s patented counter-rotational Core motion targets the muscles of internal and external obliques, rectus abdominus and serratus anterior like no other cardio machine.” For many of us, tightening our abs is one of our top fitness goals. We all want a leaner and tighter stomach, and an elliptical trainer with Cardio Core Training does a better job than your typical crosstrainer. I did feel that if I owned the Yowza Pampano I would probably switch back and forth from using to the cardio core training to using the stationary handlebars, because I found constantly using the Cardio Core Training was exhausting. Which is a good thing.
18″ Stride Length – You get a smooth and natural 18″ stride. The Yowza Sanibel and the Captiva have a variable stride, which you may want to consider if you are a taller individual. Yowza also uses fairly heavy flywheels, which further contribute to a natural elliptical stride.
Self Pivoting Foot Pedal with Soft Gel Technology – The pedal is designed to angle with the elliptical motion. It actually teeters based on the pressure from your foot. The advantage is that you have less heal lift, resulting in less strain on your ankles and less chance of numbness, according to the company. Combined with the Soft Gel covering on the pedals, it’s one of the more comfortable pedals we have tested.
“Each pad is anchored to our articulating pedal system that allows each foot pad to rock forward and backward intuitively throughout the elliptical motion. This creates the most comfortable and stress free design available in the market.“
Rear Drive – This is a rear drive design elliptical. The benefits are there are less moving parts that could result in service issues. (you do not have to clean the rollers, plus less noise). The only disadvantage is that the pedal distance can sometimes be further apart than on a front drive machine, which can be an issue for shorter woman.
Sealed Bearings – The sealed bearing feature on all joints is standard on this machine. Sealed bearings are very quiet and durable in comparison to bushings which wear more quickly.
Speakers and iPod Docking Station – When I was talking to the company president he mentioned that they wanted a speaker system that wasn’t embarrassing. I’ve got an elliptical where the speakers sound so bad I won’t listen to them. The Yowza Pompano elliptical speaker have a decent sound quality considering their part of an exercise machine. They opted to have an iPod docking station, rather than an MP3 plug-in because the sound quality is much better.
Warranty – Yowza falls inline with the industry, offering 5-year parts and 2-year labor coverage. The frame and braking system are covered for lifetime suggesting that the Yowza Pompano is durable and generally has few service issues. In fact, out of 330 reviews on consumer affairs, Yowza has a 4.5 star rating which is higher than anyone else in the industry at present.
In quality, the Yowza Pompano is equivalent to machines that typically sell for a much higher price. The cardio core training has been available for several years now and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
We have yet to get a complaint from anyone saying they bought one of the Yowza ellipticals with the Cardio Core Training and did not like it. As previously mention, many people tend to go through the motions with your standard elliptical trainer. With the Cardio Core Training you are forced to twist back and forth, thus working your abs.
This new concept of cross training seems appears to becoming more popular. Since Yowza has had so many issues in the recent months, you may want to check out the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i for another option.
A Unique Design That Provides a Challenging Workout
The AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical Trainer has gotten some notoriety after receiving a “Recommended” review from a prestigious consumer magazine. In particular they gave it an “Excellent” for construction, and a “Good” rating for ergonomics. Out of all the elliptical trainers that were reviewed the AFG 18.1AXT ranked second in the overall ratings. The top rated model was $500 higher in price.
The AFG 18.1AXT is not your typical looking elliptical. It has a unique design that provides a challenging workout while being extremely stable.
Incline Adjustment and Variable Stride Length — The combination offers two benefits:
At zero degree incline you simulate a walking or jogging motion, when you crank up the incline it is like climbing steps. During the process you not only increase the intensity of the workout, but also utilize different muscles.
Engage the incline feature on the Ascent Trainer and note how quickly you feel your glutes, hamstrings, and abs working. As you simulate uphill climbing, you will burn more calories and really give your muscles a good workout.
The stride length actually changes with the degree of incline. Most incline equipped ellipticals utilize a ramp design that tends to make the elliptical motion choppy as it gets steeper and often uncomfortable. According to Horizon…
“The incline mechanism was designed to increase the complexity of the workout without making the workout uncomfortable. The Ascent Trainer actually extends the stride length of ellipse as you incline while maintaining the narrow ellipse that is comfortable for all users.”
The problem with your standard elliptical trainer is that you get locked into a constant motion and stride. Your body adjusts to the motion and consequently you limit the results.
Solid & Stable Feel — Unlike most elliptical trainers, the AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical offers a wider base, giving it more stability while you are in motion. It takes up a little more width space, but it is shorter in length than most elliptical trainers. It also weighs a hefty 270 lbs., further adding to the stability.
Nike + — This feature automatically saves all your workout data directly to your iPod® so you can track your progress on nikerunning.com. I did read one customer review that said it only worked on older iPods
Large, Articulating Pedals — The large pedals on the AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical Trainer gives you more room for foot placement and the pedals angle with the motion. An interesting note, unlike most front drive elliptical trainers, the pedals do not ride on wheels. Consequently, you have less parts to wear or cause obnoxious noises. This particular design creates a smooth, perpetual motion.
Speakers and iPod/MP3 Input — Music is a great motivator when exercising. Having speakers direct towards you in close proximity allows you to get a clearer sound at less volume. Music can brightens up each exercise session and keeps you pumped up and energized.
Warranty — The warranty is what I consider subpar. You only get 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Most models at this price range offer 5 year parts and 2 year labor. You can upgrade another year or two.
When I tested the AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical Trainer I was impressed with the quality of the components. I found the workout challenging since you can both incline the motion and change the stride length. As mentioned the square base design makes this machine very stable.
The AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical Trainer represents a unique approach to crosstraining. I would put this model on your “A” list for consideration.
I love the challenging workouts. I use it several times a week and actually look foward to doing so. Smooth Operation, very sturdy. […] Well worth it. Previously, I did aerobics, but my knees and back started to hurt. This machine is easy on your joints and I have no more pain.
Horizon Fitness released four new elliptical trainers. Most we feel are a hit, but we are not crazy about the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 elliptical trainer. We do like some of the ergonomic features and the interactive options. However, we feel for what you get, it is a bit pricey.
This machine comes from the same company that produces Vision Fitness and Matrix Fitness. Let’s review the pros and cons of the Horizon Evolve 5. (By the way – you may be interested in checking out the Horizon Evolve 3 too.)
The Horizon Evolve 5 has been discontinued. We suggest considering the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical.
Ergonomic Design with Simple Assembly — Horizon did extensive research on what appeals to potential elliptical trainer customers and came up with their SixStar Certification. This includes:
23 Lbs. Flywheel — The heavy flywheel give a very natural elliptical motion. It is apparent when you start and stop. It takes an effort to get the motion moving and it gradually slows down.
Folding Mechanism — You can fold the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 elliptical so that it takes up only 28” in length. If space is a premium, this is an excellent feature.
ViaFit — Many manufacturers are moving towards a more interactive workout with their elliptical trainer. The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 is equipped with ViaFit, which allows you to track your stats and progress online. In addition, with the ViaFit app you can define fitness goals like number of workouts, calories burned, amount of time exercising or total distance and track your progress towards those goals.
Studies have shown that those individuals that track their progress are more likely to achieve their fitness goals. And in fact, tracking software, particularly on smartphones is becoming very popular. It kind of gives you a guilt trip if you are slacking. One last feature, which I feel rocks, is that ViaFit allows you to import statistics from other popular fitness, nutrition and weight loss apps, so you have a central locations for storing and viewing your health stats. What makes this feature most attractive is that there is no extra charge.
Passport — For an additional cost you can get the hardware and software to simulate and visualize running outdoors. Your Horizon Evolve 5 elliptical trainer can connect to your TV and provide high-definition destination footage displayed on your large screen which is synced to the speed and intensity of your workout. There is a library of walking and running experiences through famous landscapes like National Parks and seashores.
37 Installed Workout Programs — The Evolve 5 has a wide selection of challenging workouts that include 1 manual, 13 distance, 9 calories, 3 intervals, 4 performance, 10 step and 2 custom.
See a complete comparison chart of Horizon Ellipticals here.
Single Rail Per Pedal — In the past the single rail design on Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers was a major flaw. Often the floor models we would test would have the pedals fall off the railing. Of course, the floor models go through major abuse. The current design is a major improvement and under normal use should maintain a high degree of stability. However, for a couple of hundred dollars less you can get the Sole E35 with a dual rail system.
We also have a concern about the folding mechanism and how that impacts the long-term stability of the elliptical motion.
Warranty — The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 comes with a 3-years parts and 1-year labor warranty. The majority of elliptical trainers at this price range have a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.
Machine Weight — The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 elliptical weighs 181 lbs., which will provide a very stable feel for most users. You will find other models in this price to be heavier. For example, the Sole E35 weighs 215 lbs., and it is rock solid.
Maybe because it is Monday we are being picky. Overall, the Horizon Evolve 5 has pros that significantly outweigh the cons and overall it is a good value.
However, you may want to compare it to NordicTrack or Sole ellipticals in this price range. The NordicTrack models will have more impressive interactive features. (There is an additional cost for the features by the way). The Sole ellipticals appear to be more durable (though they lack interactive features). We feel the Horizon Elite E9 and E7 models are a better buy.
The Horizon Evolve 3 elliptical trainer recently launched combines their unique ergonomic features with some appealing interactive applications. The push in the fitness equipment industry is to allow your machine to communicate with the Internet and in the process motivate your to achieve your fitness goals.
Horizon Fitness has joined the fray with their Passport Player box that allows you to travel through interactive landscapes during your workout. The high definition video plays on your TV, making your elliptical routine a little more exciting. Horizon recently launched their Digital Pass, giving Horizon customers exclusive app discounts to apps like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio.
The Horizon Evolve 3 is no longer available online.
SixStar Certificate – The Horizon elliptical trainer adhere to a SixStar Certification. These are engineering features that focus on giving the user a more ergonomic experience.
The SixStar features include:
18 Lbs. Flywheel — The weight of the flywheel on the Horizon Evolve 3 contributes to a smooth and natural elliptical motion. An 18 lbs. flywheel is not excessively heavy, but is adequate in providing a smooth stride.
20” Stride Length — This is about standard at this price range. 20” seems to accommodate the majority of elliptical users. If you are very small you may want to consider a machine with a shorter stride length. Conversely, if you are excessively tall you may want to find a machine with a 22” stride length.
Folding Mechanism — With the Horizon Evolve 3 elliptical you can fold it upright, thereby reducing the footprint significantly when not in use. When folded you reduce the length by 28”. The Evolve 3 uses a hydraulic system, making is easy to fold and unfold.
175 lbs. Unit Weight with Simple Assembly – About an average weight for the price. Unless you are excessively heavy your will find that the Horizon Evolve 3 elliptical trainer will feel very solid and stable.
Warranty – Lifetime frame and motor, 3 year parts and 1 year labor. This is typical for this price range.
See a complete comparison chart of Horizon Ellipticals here.
Passport Player — This virtual feature allows you to simulate running outdoors through famous landscapes. The Passport player lets you connect your elliptical to your TV for larger viewing. This module is sold separately.
The Horizon Evolve 3 elliptical offers a sweet package by combining the SixStar features with their Passport application and digital pass discounts. In particular, we really like that this elliptical has an option to be folded, for those that are limited on storage.
The Horizon Evolve 3 elliptical is one of the top three ellipticals at the $1,200 price range. In addition, it is backed by one of the best customer services in the industry. We can comfortably recommend it for moderate single and multiple users.
To learn more, check out the HorizonFitness.com.
