Precor EFX 5.33

Bottom Line

As the creators of the elliptical, Precor sets the bar high. If you're looking for a solid quality elliptical and are willing to sacrifice nonessential features like speakers or a fan to get the best components, the EFX 5.33 may be the answer.

Performance

All about performance. The Precor EFX 5.33 has the largest footprint of any elliptical we cover, measuring 84 inches by 31 inches. Its large surface area and 240-pound weight help it achieve what experts say is the smoothest motion of any elliptical brand. Viewpoints.com users call the 5.33 "very stable and firm," and another enjoys its "effortless motion and whisper-quiet motor.

The EFX 5.33's CrossRamp incline technology is patented by Precor and often imitated. Although its 15-to-30-degree incline gradient is shorter than other high-end ellipticals, stride length can be adjusted between 21 and 23 inches. Reviewers say the EFX 5.33 is "solidly built, nicely machined, and very heavy."

Ease of Use

Few features, but well built. In contrast to ellipticals featuring all the bells and whistles, the EFX 5.33 has minimal features. Its 15-to-30-degree CrossRamp works well and, along with the 20 resistance levels, is easily controlled from the center console. To begin a workout, the user must always go through a setup process. There are no handlebar controls and only the stationary handlebars read heart rate. The machine boasts a heart-rate interactive program, but no custom options.

Sticking to the goal of commercial-grade durability, the center console is LED rather than LCD, and the EFX 5.33 has no speakers or fans.

Durability

Made to last. The idea behind the Precor EFX series is enduring performance. Precor cut out the extra accessories and features to focus on quality, durable components. Consumers like the idea, and reviews mention no durability issues. One Amazon.com user who assembled his elliptical himself says, "At the end of assembly, I was impressed; they really did use high-quality materials, and the component build quality is impressive."

Customer Service

Protected to last. Precor puts a lot of faith in the EFX 5.3 series, protecting it with what may be the best warranty in the industry: lifetime frame, 10 years on parts and one year for labor. Other Precor elliptical reviews suggest that customer service is more than satisfactory. One customer posts on Amazon.com, "they left me with the definite impression that they care about their customers."