Elliptical Best Buys
Three Ways We Evaluate and Choose our Elliptical Best Buys:
1. Personally Trying the Different Models (Yup, this means we test the machines).
2. Visiting with Manufacturers & Maintenance Centers (Yes, we’ve been to the corporate headquarters).
3. Calling Customers that Have Made a Purchase (We’d Love to hear from you)!
Our Complete List of Elliptical Best Buys:
Price Range: $1,500 - $1,999
The NordicTrack FS7i allows you to set your own stride pattern rather than forcing you to confirm to a set pattern of the machine. The advantage is you can target more muscles resulting in a greater cardio burn with the ability to perform on a elliptical, treadmill and stair stepper all in one machine! The FreeStride Trainer comes with a touch screen monitor and features ifit live. This is one of NordicTrack's best sellers. . Read the full
Review Here or visit the manufacturer at
NordicTrack.com to learn more.
Runner-up: $1,000 - $1,499
Having fully testing a Sole E35 elliptical at Sole headquarters, we feel confident in recommending it as one of our "Best Buy" models. In fact, one customer we spoke with indicated that her assembly technician said he couldn't remember the last time he was called for a Sole machine warranty (but he mentioned many other brands with problems). It's funny as when we were at Sole, the lead customer service person was sitting around without anything to do (it's true!). At Dick's sporting goods, although the one we visited offered many brands of equipment, the salesperson quickly responded to us that the Sole elliptical was their best seller and he mentioned it was due to the noticeable quality difference. Read our in depth analysis on the
Sole E35 Here or visit the manufacturer website directly at
Sole.com
Price Range: $1,000 - $1,499
ProForm has been building some of the most durable and stable ellipticals in their class for years. They have won many “Elliptical Best Buys” awards from a number of prominent sources, including this website. The ProForm PRO 16.9 Elliptical has cushioned foot pads which are designed to match your normal gait for walking and running. With the ProForm PRO 16.9 you have adjustable pedals to help eliminate "toe sleep", a decent quality sound system compared to most, and a SIX year parts warranty which speaks of the durability (Lifetime on the frame), 3 years labor. If you are looking for a rewarding cross trainer experience and a very low maintenance machine, for less than $1,500 the ProForm 16.9 we feel will give you great service. Read our full
Review Here or visit the manufacturer's website at
Proform.com/Ellipticals to learn more!
Price Range: $500 - $1,000
The ProForm SMART HIIT Trainer is an excellent choice if you want to get the maximum workout in the shortest amount of time. It is designed to take advantage of high intensity interval training style workouts. The machine takes up less space than a traditional elliptical with a very steep elliptical pattern that has 10” of vertical and 5” of horizontal motion in each step. It’s a great option — sure to give you results — for only $999.
Price Range: $2,000 - $2,499
Comfortable and fun exercise machine, the Sole E95S includes up to a 5 year warranty which speaks of the quality. Electro-magnetic resistance on the heavy duty spin wheel makes it one of the quietest and smoothest machines we tested when changing resistance levels. The E95S includes many safety features such as ergonomically designed foot pedals to prevent toe sleep. We have been on a number of machines in this price category and you normally would spend $3500-$4000 with competitors for this quality. Buy direct from Sole and receive a better value with more "bang for your buck". Read our full
Review Here or visit the manufacturer at
Sole.com for more details.
Price Range: $2,500 - $2,999
This elliptical has two features that make it a stand-out. First, there is the Variable Motion, so you can extend your stride out to 38″. In comparison to a fixed elliptical stride, the Variable Motion exercises more lower body muscles while giving you an intense cardio workout. Second, this machine has a 10” full color touch screen display with iFit Live. You can define your goals, track your stats, and simulate running outdoors with Google Maps. These two technologies make the FreeStride Trainer FS9i one of the most innovative and effective cross-trainers on the market. This is a serious cardio burning and body toning machine. Read our full
Review Here or visit the manufacturer at
www.NordicTrack.com to learn more.
Runner-up: $1,500 - $1,999
Read our complete review on the
Bowflex MAX Trainer . Superb Customer Service and satisfaction is the majority of feedback we receive from customers who have purchased the Bowflex M5 Max Trainer. The M5 is engineered around extreme interval training which allows you to exercise using short vigorous sprints followed by a cool off period, then repeat. This type of training has been endorsed by many professional athletes and it allows you to burn a lot more calories and better muscle tone. The M5 MAX Trainer has premium grips, bluetooth compatible and has an integrated heart monitor on the contact grips and chest strap. Visit the manufacturer at
Bowflex.com to learn more!
Price Range: $3,000+
This elliptical is commercial grade for the home. The evidence of the durability of this machine is the 5 year parts warranty. In addition, the Life Fitness E5 excels in its ergonomic and biomechanical features. You pay a premium for the quality of a Life Fitness elliptical, but there is NO compromise with this machine and it’s why we’ve given it the Elliptical Best Buy label.
It truly is one of the best ellipticals on the market. Read our complete
Review Here or visit the manufacturer's website at
LifeFitness.com
Interested in a Treadmill or Stationary Bike?
Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com
– Over 100 Reviews
– Our ‘Best Buy’ Treadmill Recommendations
– An in-depth Analysis of Products and their Features
About-Bicycles.com
– Tons of Reviews written by our good friend Rob Chapman, a stationary exercise bike authority!