A Very Low Quality Machine
The Momentum G 3.1 is definitely not one of the better products made by Icon Fitness. A slight step above the Weslo Momentum 620 model, this elliptical trainer has only one thing going for it! It’s very affordable!
The low price may seem quite attractive on the surface. Take a moment and consider the cost of materials, labor, and marketing, though. To get an elliptical trainer at such a low cost, something has to be sacrificed. That “something” is QUALITY.
You get a bargain elliptical trainer. In other words, the Weslo Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer is a small, light-weight unit. It has limited features, and it is constructed of cheap, inferior parts.
If you visit the Weslo website, you’ll discover that there is only a 90-day Parts and Labor Warranty for the Momentum G 3.1 model. Now, that can’t be a good sign!
The only product specifications of the Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer mentioned on the Weslo website are the push-button resistance and the oversized pedals. Not much is said about either specification.
NOTE: You may want to check out some of the machines from ProForm. They are also made by Icon Fitness but offer much higher quality and durability.
Only three features are listed for the Weslo Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer. Those features include:
Of course, because cheap components are used to make the Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer, don’t expect the few features this model has to always work properly without regular maintenance. In fact, don’t expect this elliptical trainer to have a very long life!
The Weslo Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer does not have much to offer. All you have to do is look at this particular elliptical machine to realize that there is a good reason why it is so affordable. Without even trying out the unit, you can tell that it is not going to be very sturdy or durable. It is also not going to provide a smooth, quiet workout.
Even short, light-weight adults are going to find the ride on the Momentum G 3.1 to be wobbly and unsteady. The noise might be enough to soon grate on anyone’s nerves! With the likelihood of constant maintenance issues and the probability of a short life span,is the Weslo Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer a bargain, or is it a waste of money?
I cannot, in good faith, recommend the Weslo Momentum G 3.1 elliptical trainer. Sure, it doesn’t cost a lot of money initially, but what about the cost of maintaining this machine? Replacing parts and paying for labor can add up to quite a few dollars. You’d be better off saving your money until you can afford a better quality elliptical trainer.
Does Not Live Up to Icon’s Standards of Quality
I’m not sure what Icon Fitness was thinking when they built the Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 elliptical trainer. Such a product certainly doesn’t live up to the standards most people would expect from Icon.
Only the cheapest parts could have gone into the manufacture of the Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 . Certainly, this machine is more affordable, but its buyers are sacrificing quality and endurance to save money. In the end, it’s rather like throwing money away! After all, this elliptical trainer is prone to have a lot of issues from the start and will probably require maintenance during its short life.
Just a glance at the Momentum CT 3.0 is enough to assure someone who knows about fitness equipment that this is an inferior product. It is small, has a lightweight frame and flywheel, and simply does not look very sturdy. Even a small user shouldn’t expect to get a quiet, smooth workout on this unit! Furthermore, you find that the elliptical motion tends to be very bouncy.
NOTE: The Momentum CT 3.0 is no longer available for sale. Instead, check out the ProForm Smart Strider 535 for $599. It is made by the same company and offers much higher quality than the Momentum CT 3.0.
Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 Features
There aren’t any really amazing features on the Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 elliptical trainer. Then, who would expect anything amazing about an elliptical trainer in this price range?
The Momentum CT 3.0 DOES come with a heart rate monitor with a pulse sensor built into the console. A heart rate monitor is a nice feature to have. Nevertheless, does a heart rate monitor make sense on this model? The price of adding the heart rate monitor made it necessary to cut back further on quality in order to produce a machine this inexpensive. Besides, can exercisers actually reach their targeted heart rates on this particular elliptical trainer?
Two personal trainer workouts are programmed into the Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 elliptical trainer. One program focuses on cardio. The other focuses on weight loss. That gives you a little exercise variety. The problem, however, is that if you put too much effort into your workouts, this trainer is going to wobble and shake and make all kinds of noise. It isn’t built to withstand too much abuse.
The digital resistance allows you to adjust the resistance for higher intensity workouts. Still, you have the issue of working with a cheap, unsteady elliptical trainer. How efficiently does the digital resistance feature work? How will this elliptical operate when the resistance is increased?
The LCD display shows calories burned, fat calories burned, speed, time, distance, and pulse rate. Chances are, however, that the cheap LCD display is going to require regular maintenance to keep it working properly.
The Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 elliptical trainer by Icon Fitness is a cheap machine. At the price it sells for, it is obvious that only cheap parts and labor went into the production of this elliptical machine. Cheap components are indicative of maintenance issues to come. Who wants to constantly deal with maintenance issues?
The small size and light weight of the Momentum CT 3.0 guarantees that this elliptical trainer isn’t capable of providing a smooth, quiet, and comfortable workout…no matter what the user’s size or weight.
For those of you who are serious about getting in shape and staying in shape, you’d be wise to save a little more money and purchase a higher end elliptical trainer. If you opt for the Weslo Momentum CT 3.0 , there is a good chance you will be disappointed.
Note: The company that builds Weslo elliptical trainers also builds ProForm Ellipticals. ProForm offers some better built machines in the upper end of the budget category. I recommend their models for over $700. Focus on the sales items, that is where you will get the best value.
Cheaply Built Machine
The Stamina 1772 elliptical trainer has one strong appeal, that is the price. Beyond that I can’t imagine why anyone would want to buy this cheaply built machine. Well yes, I guess I do know. Almost 50% of this country are overweight, and people are looking for solutions. Besides dieting, exercise is an obvious choice. And having some sort of fitness equipment at home is convenient for burning calories.
The problem is, there are countless uninformed consumers that think they can spend a few hundred dollars for a cardio exercise machine, and it will be adequate. A machine like an elliptical trainer takes abuse. Not only does it need to hold up understand the weight of the user, but it has to provide a resistance training. The price threshold for even a basic budget machine, in my opinion, should be at least $700. At that price you are still getting a machine that compromises on the quality, but it may last for several years of constant use.
Overall Weight – I couldn’t find the exact weight, but the shipping weight is 89 lbs. That is extremely light weight and will be very stable under even an average weight individual. Especially if you crank up the speed and resistance. Let me give you a comparison. The Sole E35, which sells for $1,299 with shipping weighs 200 lbs. It is a very solid and stable machine. The Stamina 1772 is going to be very unstable.
Small Footprint – Another factor that contributes to the instability of the Stamina 1772 is the small footprint – 55″ x 20″. The 20″ width does not provide adequate surface contact to prevent shifting left to right. Especially when combined with the machines light weight.
Very Small Stride – I’m an average height individual and I prefer a 20″ stride. A 14″ stride is humorous. If you were to compare this to riding a bike, it would be like riding a tricycle for tots. You would not a full elliptical stride, and consequently you would be lacking some of the benefits from cross training.
Short Warranty – Not surprisingly you only get a 90 day parts warranty, according to Amazon.com. And it appears there is no labor warranty. Why is that not surprising. That really is a statement on the quality.
When you read reviews for the Stamina 1772 there actually a number of people that were satisfied with their purchase , however there are a fair amount who are dissatisfied. Enough to take notice.
Quality of construction, durability and stability are three important factors to consider when buying an elliptical trainer. The Stamina 1772 comes up short on all three.
Note: A popular consumer magazine rated the Stamina 1772 a “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk”. When they tested it bolts loosened and came off.
Also see the Stamina E1000 review.
More Negative Reviews Received Than Any Other!
There is only one good argument for buying the Image 8.25 elliptical trainer — it only costs $250. However, we have received more negative reviews on this elliptical trainer than any other!
Realize there is a good chance the Image 8.25 will not last for long, especially if you plan to use it regularly. What do you expect for $250?
It should be noted this elliptical is not designed for tall or very overweight individuals. At 113 lbs. it is not very stable. Furthermore, being a compact elliptical, tall individuals will find it confining. Also, the reviewer below makes an important point. Rather than sealed bearings the Image 8.25 relies on bushings, which are more likely to wear and require replacement.
The Image 8.25 is no longer available for sale.
Instead, we recommend that you check out a low priced machine from ProForm like the Endurance 520E for $599. Yes, it costs more, but the difference in quality and durability more than makes up for it! Another low priced option you may like is the ProForm Hybrid Trainer for only $349.
The Image 8.25 has an 18″ stride, which is longer than most ellipticals in this price range. It also is equipped with four different workout programs that automatically control the resistance of the elliptical. This adds some variety.
One recommendation that we suggest for anyone buying an Image product – consider buying the extended warranty. This way you’ll have a little more protection when this machine breaks on you after several weeks of use.
You need to realize that when you purchase a cheap machine like this, you are only going to get a limited amount of use out of it before it breaks. If you are looking for a machine that will last a significant amount of time and provide a quality workout, then you are much better off going with another brand.
ProForm Endurance 520 E – This is the lowest priced machine you’ll find on our recommended list. Read our full review here.
Image is built by Icon Fitness, which is the same parent company that builds ProForm and NordicTrack. Either one of these brands offers MUCH better value for your money. They come with better construction, more features, and stronger warranties. Warranties are important to consider, because they give a clue about how much confidence a company has in their machine. If a machine has a Lifetime warranty on the frame (like the ProForm Endurance 520 E) than you can bet that they know the frame is well built and can handle the stresses of a vigorous exercise session.
A machine like the Endurance 520 E comes with a longer 19″ stride, decent 16 lb flywheel, iFit Coach fitness tracking programs, 18 built in programs, 300 lb weight limit, EKG Pulse grip heart sensors, and a Lifetime frame, 1 yr parts and labor warranty. You’ll be spending about twice the amount as the Image 8.25, but the machine will last MUCH longer. Plus, you’ll be getting a better quality workout with each session. If you had decided to stick with the Image 8.25, you’ll like suffer through frustrating workouts that don’t do the job before it finally breaks on you. Then you’re left deciding if you should buy another el-cheapo machine or finally spend the bucks to get a quality brand.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer – This machine is usually priced around $349 and receives great customer reviews. Read our full review here.
If you are determined to buy an inexpensive option, then you might also consider the Hybrid Trainer from ProForm for around $349. This machine is a hybrid elliptical and exercise bike that has gotten very strong reviews over the years. It is even endorsed by celebrity fitness trainers Chris and Heidi Powell of ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss TV Series!
Just our thoughts.. hope they help!
Here are some more reviews from customers who have purchased the Image 8.25.
I just got the 8.25 from Wal Mart, the price is attractive for an entry level elliptical $295 with taxes and 2 yr extended warranty. Good packaging and good instructions,labeled fastner kit helps assembly. It appears to be a substantial machine with heavy double bushings at all moving joints, good continuous welds, and a good powder coat paint. The adjustable upper body hand bars is a nice feature, but not sure how well the plastic clamp mechanism will hold up over time. The machine worked correctly the first time, now time will tell about longevity. I think the bushing joints should be dissassembled once a year and repacked with grease, or at the very least have lithium grease shot into the bushings. The maintenance portion of the manual says nothing about future lube but I can see this as a problem for the future given that it is a bushing at wear points and not sealed ball bearings .
I was very happy with my machine until the back bushing shered off and I fell off the machine. I have tried to get the company to fix it. I guess I am out $250.00. – Margaret
I bought the Image 8.25 Elliptical at Wal-Mart for $199.86 plus tax. For anyone who is considering buying this equipment, please listen to my words of warning: DON’T BUY IT. It is a waste of money. I have used this elliptical for three months and the support frame broke. I almost fell off the equipment. I am not overweight so there is no excuse for the frame to break except poor quality. The equipment is junk. Save your money and join a gym for 3 months and you will get a far better workout for the money. I called the company’s toll free number and waited on the line for over 5 minutes. I got a recorded message that all the service reps were busy and to leave my phone number and then I was disconnected. There is NO customer service to help with your complaints. Be warned, NO NOT BUY IMAGE 8.25 ELLIPTICAL. You will regret your decision. – Julie
I love this machine!! I bought it for $288.00 at Walmart two years ago. The only problem I had was the handle bars slid side to side, but my husband put two washers between them and that fixed the problem. I bought the elliptical after I had my second baby and needed to loose the weight. I went from 151 lbs to 129 lbs just using this machine 30 to 45 minutes a day 3 to 5 days a week. Still works as good as it did the first day I used it.
I have owned this machine for 2 yrs now and used it regularly for 6 months, then I joined a gym. It’s not very stable. I weigh 130 lbs and the flywheel axle just broke after I tried to use it for the first time in a year. You get what you pay for. – Angel
Purchased from Walmart. After about 20 uses, center frame rail broke. I weigh 175 lbs. Out of warranty, haven’t tried to call yet, may try to re-weld. Worked fined until then. Shoddy material apparently
I was looking for a low end elliptical to see whether or not I would use it and possibly buy a more expensive model. I have had it for two years, and it is still going strong. While I am fairly small (145) a couple of my friends that are 200+ have used it quite a bit as well. The adjustable handles do work their way down, but other than that I haven’t had any problems. I must admit that my 15-year old daughter put it together…maybe that explains why it has held up so well.
Worked pretty well, except for the heart rate monitor, until the support frame collapsed, ~6 months. While taking it apart to trash it, discovered that the belt that connects the pedals to the resistance device was almost completely worn out too. If you’re getting black fiborous stuff on your floor, that’s probably what it’s from. I’ll plan on spending a bit more on a replacement.
PIECE OF XXXX!!!!! Purchased from Walmart and after a couple of weeks the frame broke. This machine wasn’t worth the box it came in. Don’t waste your time or money… JUNK JUNK JUNK!!!!
bought the 8.25 image elliptical, and it sucks. I use it 5 times, and know it is broke. There is a crack on the bottom, and know it is off balance. Do not buy this brand.
Better alternative is the ProForm Endurance 520E or the NordicTrack ACT.
A Very Basic Budget Elliptical
The Eclipse 2100 HR elliptical trainer is a very basic budget elliptical. However, it is also a very popular seller because of the price point. This type of elliptical is attractive to individuals with a limited budget, who have a desire to burn excess calories and get back into shape.
If it has been awhile since you have exercised, and you are uncertain about your commitment, you may consider limiting your investment. That may be a wise fiscal decision, but if you get a machine that is not suited to your fitness goals, it is a waste of money. So to help you make a smart buying decision, I want to explain exactly what you are getting with this budget elliptical.
Elliptical Drive – The drive system is cheap, there is no getting around it when you build an elliptical for around $400. It will not have that smooth motion you will find in higher price machines. It is moderately quiet at best.
15″ Elliptical Stride – I recently read a review from a woman who was 5’6″ and bought an elliptical that 18″ and wish she would have gotten a machine with a 20″. At 15″ you are getting a very restrained elliptical stride. Rather than elliptical, it tends to be more circular and bouncy.
96 lbs. Machine Weight – This is not a very heavy machine, and when you get a lightweight elliptical it is less solid and stable.
275 lbs. User Weight Limit – A 275 lbs. person working out strenuously on this elliptical would make a good YouTube.com video. Get real!
One Year Limited Warranty – You get coverage for parts and labor for a full year — for the price that is not bad. But before I bought this elliptical, I would qualify what the “Limited” means.
Buying this elliptical is risky for two reasons. First, it is not all that durable. You get what you pay for. Second, with the 15″ stride, the quality of the exercise is compromised.
My recommendation: Save up a couple of hundred dollars more and get a Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer. It comes with an 18″ stride. It also received some impressive customer reviews on Amazon.com.
A Low-End Machine
Brought to you by the company that sells the Tony Little Gazelle, the Eclipse 1100 HR elliptical trainer is a low-end machine sold through various mass merchants. In general, I do not review cheap machines like the 1100 HR, but considering how popular it is, I felt it necessary to mention the pros and cons.
What are the pros? Primarily the price. Like Proform, Weslo, Image and other low-end brands, the Eclipse elliptical trainer appeals to a growing market of overweight and out of shape Americans. They want to change, but lack the funds to buy quality fitness equipment. Many feel it is too risky to spend too much, since there is a good chance the machine will end up being a clothes hanger.
I can appreciate their concern, but the question is, “Do you want an elliptical trainer that will last and contribute to your overall well-being?”
Elliptical Stride – The 1100 HR has a 15″ stride. By industry standards that is very small. Rather than a long elliptical stride, you get more of a restricting and bouncy stride. For taller individuals this will be particularly noticeable and uncomfortable.
Machine Weight – The Eclipse 1100 HR weighs in at a mere 90 lbs. That does not provide considerable weight for overall stability, particularly to individuals who are overweight. There are moderate price ellipticals that weigh 190 lbs. If you plan to do rigorous workouts you want a machine that is solid and stable.
Compact Size – This goes hand in hand with the short elliptical stride. The Eclipse 1100 HR is very compact, which is nice if you want to store it in your closet. But the size contributes to a restrictive motion for both the lower and upper body. One customer mentioned that the upper bars were too short for his size.
Warranty – If you go to the Fitness Quest site, all they state is that the 1100 HR comes with a limited 1 year warranty. I could not find any details, and that always makes me leary. I did find another site that broke down the warranty. Surprise, there is no service warranty. It is an additional purchase. In comparison to ProForm, the 1 year parts warranty is generous, but ProForm at least gives a 90 day service warranty.
I checked out a number of customer reviews at various web sites, including SportsAuthority.com, Epinions.com and Amazon.com. In general there were complaints about the Eclipse ellipticals being noisy.
Considering how cheap the Eclipse is, many customers were satisfied with the overall performance and quality. There were several comments about the limited stride and upper body workout. And it is apparent that with rigorous use you will need to maintain this machine.
One customer complained about the foot pedals cutting off his circulation, but he was 250 lbs. working out on a 90 lb. machine.
I would recommend as an alternative the Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer.
Also see:
A Fine Product at an Affordable Price
The Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical trainer is the least expensive of the Spirit models. It weighs a little less than the higher end Spirit elliptical trainers, and the parts used in this machine are not quite as high quality as those used in the more expensive models. Nevertheless, the XE195 is a fine product at a fairly affordable price.
Many of the same features found on the top-of-the-line Spirit ellipticals are also found on the Spirit XE195. For example, all of the Spirit elliptical trainers have a 20” stride. They also have heart rate monitoring systems with built-in sensors and Polar telemetry belts.
What you won’t find on the Spirit Fitness XE195 model that is found on the more expensive ones is an LED display or an infinite pedal angle adjustment. The XE195 has a cheaper LCD display in the console and only a three-position pedal angle adjustment. The parts warranty on the XE195 elliptical trainer is only 5 years versus the 10-year parts warranty that comes with all other Spirit elliptical trainers. So, you get a little less with this model, but you also pay less for it.
NOTE: You may also be interested in the Pompano elliptical from Yowza Fitness.
Even on this lower-end Spirit Fitness elliptical machine, reliable and durable components are used. Below is a list of additional features found on the Spirit XE195 elliptical trainer:
Compact footprint—perfect for smaller homes and apartments.For a low-end model elliptical trainer, the Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical trainer is a bit pricey, although it IS more affordable than other Spirit elliptical trainer models. Of course, part of the expense is related to the fact that Spirit Fitness equipment is sold primarily in small, specialty fitness equipment stores as opposed to larger chain stores or online. But as far as low-end elliptical trainers go, this one is really a decent, dependable one.
Because of its heavy steel frame and steel flywheel, you’ll get a smoother, more stable workout on the Spirit XE195 than you would on most other low-end elliptical trainers. This one should also require very little maintenance, and it should last through quite a few years of constant use.
You won’t be sacrificing much with the Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical trainer as far as quality goes. You’ll simply be giving up a few minor niceties, such as the LED display and the infinite pedal angle adjustment. But, hey, you still get pedals with angle adjustments, and you still get a nice LCD display! The footprint is a bit smaller than that of other models. However, the compact platform and lower price may be ideal for your needs!
Has Some Nice Features
The Gold’s Gym elliptical was sold only through the Walmart.com website. The rear drive flywheel on the Gold’s Gym Maxx elliptical tends to keep the machine more centered and positioned. As a result, the machine is more stable during workouts, and there is less wear and tear on the elliptical trainer’s parts.
The Gold’s Gym Maxx rear drive elliptical trainer has a manual incline, which is great for working the leg muscles in different ways and for increasing the intensity of your workouts. There IS a drawback to this type of incline mechanism. The only way you can adjust the incline level is manually. Therefore, anytime you want to change that level during an exercise session, you have to get off the elliptical to do so. You can get a power incline version of this machine with the NordicTrack E 11.9 Elliptical.
NOTE: The Gold’s Gym Maxx elliptical is no longer available from Walmart. We’d recommend you check out some of the ProForm Ellipticals. They are made by the same company and offer better overall quality.
What other features will you find on the Gold’s Gym Maxx elliptical trainer?
You really do get some nice features on the GG Maxx, considering it sells for less than $1,000. Here’s a look at what this elliptical trainer has to offer:
For a lower-priced elliptical trainer, the Gold’s Gym Maxx is a decent model. It isn’t a top-of-the-line elliptical trainer, by any means. Nevertheless, it has some good qualities.
Although the GG Maxx elliptical weighs over 200 pounds, it is designed so that you can fold up the foot pedals and base when the machine is not in use. That’s a really nice design for residences with limited floor space.
The rear drive design makes the Maxx elliptical trainer sturdier and less prone to wear and tear of its parts. Less wear and tear means less maintenance and longer life. This elliptical also has free-wheel technology that lets you start up and stop instantly.
If you do not want to pay shipping costs, you can always have the Gold’s Gym Maxx rear drive elliptical trainer shipped to a nearby Walmart store, where you can pick it up.
Not Worth the Money
If you are considering purchasing the Gold’s Gym Stridetrainer 380 Elliptical Trainer, I commend you for taking a positive step towards getting in shape, and probably losing weight. Having the convenience of a crosstrainer in your home makes it easier to exercise on your schedule.
Elliptical trainers offer a number of benefits. They provide a low impact workout that minimizes the strain and stress to your joints. Crosstrainers also allow you to exercise both your upper and lower body. You can workout numerous muscle groups simultaneously. Not unlike swimming. However, use caution when considering purchasing a budget exercise machine.
Note: Also check out ProForm Elliptical Trainers, which are built by the same company. They have more of a selection and the quality is better. The Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 is available for sale on www.Amazon.com.
14″ Stride Length — A 14″ stride is very restraining. It may work for someone under 5′, but otherwise the user is going to get a very choppy elliptical stride. In fact, it will be more like an oval than elliptical motion. I’m 5’8″ and I prefer a 20″ stride. I am also very comfortable on ellipticals with a 21″ stride. Below 18″ and it feels like I am bouncing up and down.The primary reason you may want to consider the Gold’s Gym Stridetrainer 380 Elliptical Trainer is the price. You are not committing considering money, particularly if you decide you would rather use the Stridetrainer 380 as a clothes hanger rather than an exercise machine. However, the lack of quality can be a deterrent to using it on a regular basis. Especially if you are use to the quality machines found at your local health club.
I will say there are a number of positive customer reviews, but when you get in this price range you increase the chances of incurring service issues. My recommendation is to try the Stridetrainer 380 out first. Don’t make this an impulse buy. Compare it with other machines that cost more and see if it will suite your needs. You want an elliptical that you’ll actually use and will not be inoperable because of mechanical problems.
Shop now at www.Amazon.com.
Okay for Short Term Use
That being said, this machine would work well for certain users. If you have budget limitations, this machine will do its job for the first few years of its life. This may be the perfect option for people who are trying to break old habits and get into a daily fitness routine. Plus, if it ends up becoming an expensive clothes hanger, than you are not out very much money.
The company that built this machine is known for making quality pieces of equipment, however this isn’t up to their regular standards. The Merit 725E will work fine for you for the first few years, but after that, you’re running on borrowed time. The motion on this machine isn’t terrible and the programs will do an effective job of providing a workout.
We generally do not recommend purchasing machines under $599. You really do get what you pay for. It would be better to spend just a few hundred dollars more and by an entry level machine like the Horizon EX59 or ProForm Endurance 520E. You’ll get a TON more quality, better warranties, and more console technology.
The Merit 725E is available for sale on Amazon.
