Club-Quality Ellipticals

Best high-end elliptical trainers

If you've used an elliptical trainer at the gym, it was probably a commercial machine. Reviews say these types of elliptical trainers are more expensive, durable and feature-laden than most people need at home, and experts question the value for most home users.

Still, if you want a high-quality elliptical trainer that can hold up to daily exercise -- and you have the budget -- an expensive model may be worth the investment. Precor elliptical trainers earn several recommendations in this price range, especially the Precor EFX 5.25 (*Est. $3,000). As you would expect from a pricey elliptical, the Precor EFX 5.25 has an adjustable incline (from 15 to 25 degrees) and 16 resistance levels. Other features include an adjustable stride from 18.5 to 20 inches, eight workout programs and a handgrip heart-rate monitor. The elliptical supports wireless heart-rate monitoring, but a chest strap is not included. Precor has recently changed the warranty for the EFX 5.25 elliptical. For all models sold after Dec. 1, 2010, the warranty includes lifetime coverage for the frame, 5 years for parts and wear items and one year for labor (EFX 5.25 ellipticals sold prior to Dec. 1, 2010 have a 10-year warranty for parts and wear items).

The elliptical experts at TreadmillDoctor.com give the Precor EFX 5.25 a Best Buy award. "The quality of the 5.25 is in another league compared to what you can get from LifeFitness or Octane in this price range," they write. Fred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com agrees, saying the Precor EFX 5.25 is "one tough machine" and "ideal for serious performers or multiple users." Expensive ellipticals don't attract as many user reviews as lower-priced machines, but the few reviews we found at Amazon.com are highly positive. Reviewers say the Precor EFX 5.25 has smooth motion that feels stable while exercising. "The actual performance of the machine is a dream. All movement is so well balanced and fluid the machine actually feels like an extension of your body," says one owner. Assembly is straightforward, according to reviews, but the elliptical is large and heavy and it takes some time to put together.

Other Precor ellipticals also get high marks, including the Precor EFX 5.31 (*Est. $4,000). Although it is much more expensive than the Precor EFX 5.25, the EFX 5.31 has a higher incline (up to 30 degrees) and 20 resistance levels; it also comes with a 10-year parts warranty. However, the Precor EFX 53.1 doesn't have arm rails like the EFX 5.25, so it only provides a lower-body workout. Precor doesn't publish a weight limit for any of its residential-use ellipticals. According to the company, "we don't set user weight limits. We test to a certain weight limit, but we have never rejected a warranty claim due to a consumer's weight or even asked them how much they weigh. So we don't mention weight limits. We simply don't limit anyone who wants to get fit." But for a reference point, Precor has tested the EFX 5.31 to 300 pounds, and the Precor EFX 5.25 to 275 pounds.

The Precor EFX 5.31 elliptical trainer earns a Best Buy award from TreadmillDoctor.com. Editors give it high ratings for warranty, adjustability and reliability. It also performs well in a recent independent test, where it earns excellent scores for ergonomics and user safety. User reviews are scarce.

The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT (*Est. $2,700) is another well reviewed elliptical that can stand up to heavy use. It includes 12 motion levels and 20 resistance levels, in addition to 13 preset exercise programs. The stride length varies from 19 to 24 inches, which provides much more adjustability than less costly elliptical trainers. Other features include ergonomic self-pivoting pedals, a wireless heart-rate monitor, adjustable fan and built-in speakers. The frame and braking system come with a lifetime warranty. Parts and electronics are covered for five years, and in-home labor is covered for two years.

TreadmillDoctor.com says the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is a "home run", and offers more adjustability than most elliptical trainers. "If you are looking in the premium elliptical category and want a really adjustable unit, this is really your only choice," the editors write. Fitness-Equipment-Source.com also praises the exercise range, saying the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is an "innovative exercise machine." However, several users at Amazon.com complain that the elliptical didn't work properly after being professionally assembled and customer service representatives were unresponsive. "I hear nothing from them for weeks despite me calling every few days and leaving my cell phone number and every possible way of reaching me," says one owner.

At 73 inches long and 31 inches wide, the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT will take up a considerable amount of space in any home gym. Assembly can also be a challenge, likely because the unit weighs a whopping 356 pounds. One reviewer at Amazon.com calls it ''the Everest of assembly required.''

The Octane Fitness Q47c elliptical (*Est. $3,600) is another commercial-quality elliptical worth considering. It offers an adjustable stride length of 18 to 26 inches, 20 resistance levels, 12 workout programs and moving arms. The Octane Q47c weighs 290 pounds, and it can accommodate individuals up to 300 pounds. The Q47 also comes in a Q47ci model (*Est. $4,200), which offers more features, including a console fan, wireless heart-rate monitor and 20 workout programs. Both ellipticals have a lifetime frame warranty and five-year part warranty. Labor is covered for one year.

Fred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com praises the Octane Q47, saying it's ''definitely worth considering'' if you're looking for a club-quality elliptical. TreadmillDoctor.com likes the many features, but editors say that Precor ellipticals are a better bet overall. "The quality is not up to the standard that you can find from competitors like Precor. It's close but it just isn't there," says TreadmillDoctor.com.