Elliptical Trainers: Reviews

Elliptical trainers in this price range are the best blend of durability, function and value. Experts say the Sole E35 is a sturdy and quiet elliptical trainer, and it excels in independent testing. It has a 20-inch… stride length -- longer than most of the less costly ellipticals -- and it includes wireless heart-rate monitoring, eight workout programs and 20 resistance levels. For 2009, Sole added a power incline to the E35, which experts like better than the manual variety. The Sole E35 is backed by a solid warranty: lifetime on the frame, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. On the downside, owners posting to review sites say assembly can be frustrating, although the instructions are relatively clear. We also saw enough complaints about poor customer service to raise concerns.

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It is expensive, but experts say the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is a high-quality elliptical trainer that offers a great deal of adjustments; The stride length varies from 19 to 24 inches, and the elliptical includes 12… distinct motions and 20 intensity levels. Testers say this adjustability provides a tough and varied workout. The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is built like a tank and weighs 390 pounds, and reviewers report that it is stable and smooth even at high speeds. It also gets high marks for a solid warranty: lifetime for the frame and braking system, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. Given the size and heft of this elliptical trainer, assembly can be a challenge -- expect it to take at least several hours. Some users also report that small components, especially the pedals, break after heavy usage. Overall, though, experts say the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is a great choice if you want a high-quality elliptical for your home gym.

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Among elliptical trainers priced under $1,000, the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 is a good choice, but with some caveats. The AudioStrider has features to match more expensive ellipticals, including a motorized incline, 24… workout programs, built-in speakers and a 325-pound weight capacity. The stride length is adjustable from 18 to 22 inches, which is great news for taller individuals. Most reviewers praise the AudioStrider 990 for offering a solid feel and lots of workout programs, and they love the value. However, the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 is not without its downsides. In particular, we read mixed reviews for durability -- including complaints about squeaks, back-ordered parts and long service delays. Others say components are cheap-looking.

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If you don't want to spend much, the basic Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer gets excellent user reviews. The Schwinn 430 is a compact elliptical trainer that boasts 16 resistance levels, eight workout programs and moving… handlebars for an upper-body workout. The stride length is 18 inches, which is in line with most ellipticals that cost less than $1,000, but some taller users say it feels too short. The Schwinn 430 only includes labor coverage for 90 days, and you're stuck paying labor costs if the unit breaks down after that; parts are covered for a year. Assembly can also be challenging. Overall, experts say the Schwinn 430 is a good budget elliptical, but they recommend that serious athletes, heavy individuals or tall users look for a more durable trainer like the Sole E35.

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