elliptical machine reviews

Often considered the big brother of the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine, the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine is not just an upgrade on the E35, but brings with it some significant new features which can justify the fact that its price is somewhat on the higher side as far as home elliptical machines re concerned. In the process of integrating new features, this elliptical machine has been endowed with a few specifications which are truly record breaking, such as the ramp incline and the flywheel weight, while keeping the overall machine weight within reasonable limits. These tend to make it superior to the competition in this price range.

Technical Specifications

Structure

Like the Sole E35, the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine comes with a sturdy frame made of heavy duty steel tubing that has been moulded along ergonomic lines to ensure balance and maximization of elliptical machine benefits. What really sets this machine head and shoulders above the competition is the incline of the ramp. At 30 degrees, it is the highest available for any elliptical machine in this price range (and any price range for that matter). This record setting incline coupled with the motorized ramp angle alignment that is the hallmark of the higher end Sole machines, makes the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine one of the most versatile exercise machines available. This is because steeper the ramp angle, more the muscle groups involved and more the calories burnt. On the other hand, those with weak muscles or injuries can opt for a simpler exercise as well.

Despite this unique feature (as well as a heavy flywheel which is discussed later), the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine weighs the same as the E35 – 215 pounds. As we mentioned in the E35′s review, this is slightly on the higher side, but not intolerably so, and this added weight in fact improves the balance and stability of the machine. With dimensions of  27 by 62 by 83 inches (WxHxD), this elliptical machine is not one that will take up too much floor space.

On the other hand, this machine boasts of a whopping 400 pounds user weight capacity, which easily beats other machines. Add to this the magnetic eddy current braking system of the 20 resistance levels available on this machine, and you have a machine that boasts of both capacity and variety.

As always, Sole provides you with a lifetime warranty on the frame itself, and five year warranties on electrical and mechanical parts. Labor warranty is also a industry beating two years.

Parts

The Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine provides the two pairs of handlebars – one static and the other moving – as is expected in this price range. Like all of Sole’s products, the quality of the build is premium and design is ergonomic for maximization of workout benefits. Like the E35 elliptical machine, there are pulse rate monitors in the static handlebars.

Most elliptical machines in this price range have a great sound system for playing music from iPads, etc. and the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine is no exception to this rule. A powerful but quiet fan has been provided to cool you down when you’re sweating away during a workout.

Most importantly, however, the elliptical trainer comes with a 34lb flywheel, which is amongst the highest available in the industry, and possibly the highest available in any price bracket for home elliptical machines. As we know, the higher the weight of the flywheel, the better the stability and smoothness, because the weight adds to the inertia and prevents instability.

Stride and Footplates

Like most good elliptical machines, the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine has a 20-22 inch stride length, which should be sufficient for all but the tallest of people. Like the E35, the E95 has specially designed footplates to ensure a good workout without overstraining vital ligaments and muscles or putting excess pressure on Achilles heel nerve endings. Indeed, Sole Fitness has collaborated with top fitness specialists to create footplates that have a two degree angle and over ten different positions, thus allowing the machine to be used by people with virtually any foot shape and size.

Operation and Programs

The Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine has a 9 inch LCD monitor with blue backlighting to ensure that the data is visible clearly at all times. In fact, a 9 inch display is extremely rare even amongst higher end commercial elliptical machines.

Available programs is probably the only area where this elliptical machine falls short of expectations. Considering the price range, it gives only six automated programs and three user defined ones. In comparison, the E35 gives 25 programs. However, the few programs offered by Sole include the heart rate monitoring system, with the wireless chest strap being provided in case the user prefers not to use the fixed handlebars.

Comfort

An ergonomic design, coupled with padding on the handlebars and the footplates ensures that workouts are never an uncomfortable experience with the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine. Further, the magnetic resistances and heavy flywheel ensure smoothness, thus improving the comfort significantly.

Pros

Cons

Sole Fitness E95 Demo

Conclusion

Though the price tag may appear slightly on the higher side, the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine more than justifies itself as the flagship product of Sole Fitness by providing record-breaking specifications inflywheel weight, ramp incline, monitor size and user weight capacity. Indeed, it is truly hard to find an elliptical machine with so many good features combined together. Together with excellent build and sufficient warranty, the features can provide great value for money to any user who is seeking a premium home elliptical machine with top of the range specifications.

Unlike other elliptical machines in our best elliptical machines list, the Proform Hybrid Trainer is, as the name suggests, an elliptical machine that has been merged with another exercise machine, in this case a recumbent bike. As fitness enthusiasts wold be well aware, recumbent bikes make for excellent cardio workout systems, and when combined with the elliptical machine benefits, you get the best of both worlds. With the particular machine, Proform has put in its very best in terms of design, features and of course, pricing, making it the ideal workout machine for a wide range of people.

Technical Specifications

Structure

Proform maintains the standards expected of premium exercise equipment by providing an ergonomically designed and very durable frame. The confidence of the manufacturer in the durability of this machine can be gauged from the fact that it comes with a 5 year warranty on the frame. There is also a 90 day warranty on parts and labor. This may seem rather less at first sight, but you must remember that the price of the  Proform Hybrid Trainer is a fraction of what the high end machines from Schwinn or Sole Fitness demand. At this price range, this warranty is standard across the industry.

Furthermore, despite having all the features of a recumbent bike, the weight of the machine is substantially lower than that of other top elliptical machines at just 149 pounds. Transport wheels have been provided at the lower end for easily moving it once workout is over.

Even with such a low machine weight however,  it supports users up to 350 lbs in weight. For comparison, only the machines from Sole Fitness, Sole Fitness E95 elliptical machine comes with 400 pounds capacity, beat this, and that too not by a large margin.

There are 14 digital resistance levels, which is again great considering the price and should be able to serve most average family members without much difficulty. Using SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance) Technology, they ensure that the working of the machine is extremely smooth and quiet, just as you would expect from high end machines.

Parts

Like all good elliptical machines, the  Proform Hybrid Trainer comes with two sets of handlebars – one static and one movable. The static handlebars have heart rate monitors to supply relevant data to you through the control panel. Both sets of handlebars are ergonomically designed to ensure that you do not suffer any pressure on your hands.

Since this machine also includes a recumbent bike, it is provided with an adjustable seat. Below the seat you have the pedals which can be used during a recumbent bike workout. Both of these have been seamlessly integrated with the elliptical machine parts, so as to ensure that you do not have to carry out major adjustments when shifting from one type of exercise machine to another.

The other major part of the elliptical machine is the flywheel, whose weight determines the smoothness and stability of the elliptical trainer. Proform has provided this hybrid trainer with a inertia-weighted heavy duty flywheel to ensure this very stability and smoothness. To these can be added a pair of levelling feet, which ensure that no matter how uneven the surface is, your workout is not affected due to machine instability.

Those comparing this machine with our other top elliptical machines would note the absence of a cooling fan and speaker. However, such amenities are not available in this price range, and the Proform Hybrid Elliptical machine merely confirms this.

Stride and Footplates

This trainer provides a stride length of 15 inches, which is sufficient for all but those with the largest legs. The footplates are oversized to ensure that those with large feet can work on this machine with ease. Furthermore, the footplates are adjustable so when you are working on the recumbent cycle, there are no problems with adjustment.

Operation and Programs

Proform has provided this device with a large LCD display that is capable of simultaneously displaying many vital metrics such as distance traveled, calories burnt and most important of all, the heart rate. Using theEKG Heart Rate Monitor, it uses the dual grips of the fixed handlebars to monitor the heart rate, which are then fed into the heart rate program to measure the heartbeat, rate of recovery, etc.

Moreover, fourteen apps have been provided to allow you to workout according to regimes designed by a Certified Personal Trainer. Furthermore, a target pacer has been provided to monitor your cardio goals. A light blinks to tell you whether you need to speed up or slow down to reach your cardio goals in time.

Comfort

The  Proform Hybrid Trainer comes with padded handlbars, cushioned footplates and an equally well padded seat. This, added to the stability provided by the weighted flywheel and the levelling legs underneath the machine, allows you to enjoy a smooth and comfortable exercise every time.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Although it lacks some of the special features found on high-end machines, it more than makes up for it by providing the recumbent cycle and elliptical machine benefits in one machine. Added to this are the extremely lightweight but well built structure and the excellent features (like Silent Magnetic Resistance) that are on offer. When considered as a complete package, these tend to make the Proform Hybrid Trainerfar more value for money than any of the elliptical machines available today in the lowest of the price brackets. Click here to see more cardio machines.

Do you want a low-impact workout without willing to step out of your house and are tired of trying other machines to strengthen your muscles and get yourself in shape? Do you want an elliptical machine that could fit in a small space at your place and would not disturb others with its noise? Do you want to make fewer efforts and get results?

For any of these questions if you have answered yes, then the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is the right choice for you. This machine has all the features that one would look for while shopping a best elliptical machine for himself.

Technical Specifications

Structure

The Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid has a powder coated steel frame and is known to be one of the strongest machines available in market. The machine is 48 inches in length, 30 inches by width and has 66 inches of height. It has a weight similar to the weight of Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine which is 215 pounds. It is quite durable and is capable of carrying a user weight up to 275 pounds as opposed to Sole E35’s capacity of 375 pounds user weight.

Apart from this, the machine has 17 resistance levels meaning that you can set your desired workout and set a challenging level for yourself. Like Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine, the E1 also includes a heart rate monitoring system to help you monitor exertion level of your workout. The center drive designand low center of gravity gives you a perfect balance for your workout.

The purchase of this elliptical machine is for sure a safe buy as Best Fitness offers following warranties on different parts of this machine: Frame – 15 years, Motor – 10 years, Electronics – 2 years, Labor – 1 year, and wear parts – 6 months.

If the machine is cleaned and greased on regular basis, most likely it will not require any warranty claims.

Parts

This machine is appointed with moving arms and this makes upper and lower body workout easier. The moveable arms helps in maximizing your cardio muscular exercise. The dual action of moving arms makes upper and lower body workout simpler. With the machine having a heart beat monitor installed there is no need to buy a standalone monitor. Also it has static bars where you can rest your arms during workout.The handlebars and pedals are cushioned for comfortable workout.

A bottle holder is given at the front towards the right of the machine so that you can re-energize yourself during workout.

The Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is easy to move from one place to another and easy for storage. The design of the machine is compact that saves your space and is thus a perfect one for home users. A pair of wheels towards the front makes it easier to move and the handle bar towards the rear part makes it easier to pull out machine for use.

Stride and Footplates

The stride of the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is designed for complete comfort with length of 21 inches similar to that of Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine (20-22 inches). You will be in a state of complete equilibrium while your workout. You can enjoy comfort of having normal steps during walking, running or jogging on this machine.

The footplates are designed to decrease exhaustion during workout around your hips. The pedals of this elliptical machine are placed close to each other and this design gives a compact feel of the machine. The pedals are of good size and this eliminates the need of adjustable pedals. The machine also has a step-up height option which makes getting on and off quite easy. This option is designed for safety and comfort.

Operations and Programs

The LCD design of Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is a blue back-lit console of Liquid Crystal Display. Reading is made easier with the use of some white letters. You can get many details of your workout over this LCD including information like: Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, and Pulse, etc.

The machine has 12 different preset exercising programs and these can be accessed through touch of a button. You can also set your own program on user mode according to your individual requirements. You can easily switch between various programs from P01 to P12 through up and down buttons in training mode.

Comfort

One of the main reasons why the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is considered to be the best elliptical machine is the level of comfort it offers while use. As far as the noise level is concerned, this machine has a quiet operation for the following reasons:

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

For all those who are planning to invest their money in one of the best elliptical machines suitable for use at home, the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid is a great choice for you. This mid-range elliptical machine is easy to assemble and simple to use machine with smooth and quiet operation. It is appropriate for fitting, transport and storage in small space.

When one hears of elliptical machines with motorized strides and 25 resistance levels, one immediately fears a massive price tag. However, Schwinn has managed to pack in these features, along with a number of other useful and value-adding ones, to the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine. Though slightly costlier than the Schwinn 430, this elliptical machine boasts of updated technology and more features at a price tag which is far better than that of its competition.

Technical Specifications

Structure

Keeping up Schwinn’s reputation for excellent quality elliptical machines, the Schwinn 470 comes with an ergonomically designed frame similar to the one found on the Schwinn 430 elliptical machine. However, the10 degrees ramp on the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is motorized, as opposed to the manual ramp on the 430. This allows the ramp incline to be changed using five quick keys on the elliptical machine. This makes adjustment of the incline far smoother than what it is on the Schwinn 430.

Like other Schwinn machines, the 470 also comes with mechanisms which improve the balancing of the machine during heavy workout. These mechanisms include two integrated levellers and a central crossbar support. Interestingly, Schwinn has also provided the elliptical machine with oversized crossbar tubing for increased support and stability.

Like the Schwinn 430, the Schwinn 470 comes with a 10 year warranty on the frame which is decent for the price range, though perhaps not as decent as the same warranty in the Schwinn 430′s price point. Warranty for the electrical parts is 1 year, while that for the mechanical parts is an equally good two years. The 90 days warranty on labor may appear slightly on the low side at first sight, but we should remember that Schwinn offers the same warranty on most of its products.

Finally, the Schwinn 470′s structure includes 25 resistance levels, which can be changed using five dedicated buttons. Not only does this compare favorably with the 20 resistance levels available on the Schwinn 430, but it is in fact one of the best in its price range, and tends to justify the slightly higher price point of the machine. Further, the resistance is created using magnetic eddy currents, which ensures that workouts are smooth and virtually noiseless.

User weight capacity on the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is a good 300 pounds, which is the best offered by an elliptical machine in this price range. The machine weight, on the other hand, is 231 pounds, which is slightly higher than that of the Schwinn 430. However, the higher weight can perhaps be explained by the fact that while the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine has a motorized ramp, the 430 has a manual ramp. In practical terms, however, the difference should not be a major one since the Schwinn 470 also comes with wheels underneath it which can be used to stow away the machine safely once it the exercise is complete.

Parts

One of the most important parts of an elliptical machine are the handlebars, since they provide the much needed balance and stability to you when you are exercising. Schwinn provides both moving and static handlebars which have grip heart rate monitors. This means that your grip itself is the measure of your heart rate and you do not need to use any other specialized equipments to measure it. Further, like the Schwinn 430 and 470 models, a technology called BioFit has been used, which ensures that the handlebars are ergonomically designed for ease and comfort. This is especially noticeable in the moving handlebars which have an angled design for an easier grip.

The other parts of the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine are the flywheel, the speakers and the fan. Thespeakers are quite loud, thanks to the acoustic system found in Schwinn’s machines. The three speed fan is the standard provided in Schinn’s machines, and is quite efficient without being too loud. The elliptical machine has a perimeter weighted high inertia high speed flywheel that combines the best of stability and speed to provide you a smooth and hassle free workout.

Stride and Footplates

The elliptical machine comes with a 20 inch stride which is more than sufficient for most exercise enthusiasts. Add to fact that the ramp is motorized and you realize that this elliptical machine has one of the finest.

The footplates of the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine are quite large, which allow them to maintain the most essential feature of any elliptical machine – the contact of the feet with the surface while working out.

Operation and Programs

Like the Schwinn 430 elliptical machine, the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine offers a dual LCD display, which can provide up to 13 different exercise metrics at the same time without reducing the size of the display size to atomic levels. Sweetening the deal further, Schwinn has provided the dual LCD displays of the Schwinn 470 with blue backlighting, so you can see the metrics clearly even when it is dark.

Further, the control panel has 29 programs, which makes it the best elliptical machine in this price range when considered in terms of the number of programs available. Even better, it offers four user defined profiles, which is double the number offered on the Schwinn 430 elliptical machine.

Schwinn also offers the SchwinnConnect feature with the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine. SchwinnConnect allows you to export your data or upload it to myfitnesspal.com. Either way, this helps you keep track of your fitness goals wherever you go, and allows you to continue pursuing your goals on a different Schwinn machine.

Comfort

Schwinn is well known for taking good care of its customers, and the 470 is no exception. It offers cushioned footplates and handlebars to ensure that your arms and legs don’t feel uncomfortable when working out for long hours. Add to these the stability offered by the twin levellers and large flywheel and you can appreciate why Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is rapidly gaining popularity.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine knows that a higher price demands more features, and therefore, it has improved the feature list by including a motorized ramp, more programs, blue backlit feature on display and double the number of user profiles. These more than justify the price difference with the Schwinn 430, and tend to make it one of the best elliptical machines in the below $1,000 price range.

Makers of exercise and fitness machines are definitely making great strides – no pun intended – as they come up with more advanced and innovative features, all in the name of creating the best elliptical machine that will work for everyone. Schwinn is certainly not to be left behind, churning out quality products such as the highly customizable Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine, among others. With the Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine, Schwinn has successfully built a compact yet highly ergonomic entry- to mid-level elliptical trainer that is perfect for home use, especially by those who are looking for a low impact yet highly effective workout, at a price that won’t break the bank.

Technical Specifications

 

Structure

The Schwinn A40 elliptical machine is definitely more compact than the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine, which makes it the best elliptical machine for home use. When assembled, the Schwinn 470 has dimensions of 70.1” x 28.2” x 63.2”, while the Schwinn A40 is a much smaller 56” x 23.7” x 64.5” footprint. It is also lighter, at only 90.4 lbs (41kg) compared to the Schwinn 470’s 164 lbs (74.5kg). Assembly is very straightforward and, with the use of the instructions manual, you can put it together in an hour.

Made of heavy-duty steel, this elliptical trainer is sturdy enough to hold user weight of up to 275 lbs (125kg).The frame comes attached with a 2-year warranty, while the metal parts and electronics components come with a 6-month warranty. The wearable parts, on the other hand, are covered by a 30-day warranty.

Parts

The battery-operated Schwinn A40 Elliptical machine features the Quiet Magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) Resistance System, utilizing 8 resistance levels. The handlebars can be set to Moving and Static, and boast an ergonomic design for a more comfortable grip, no matter which workout profile you choose. The handlebars are also covered with sweat-resistant rubber, so you will feel more comfortable even during extended workouts. Also notable are the mounted contact heart rate sensors on the handlebars, which serve as a very handy heart rate monitor.

Mounted on the console is a battery-powered 2-speed fan, which will help you remain cool all throughout your workout. If you look at the console stem, you will find a convenient water bottle holder.

Stride & Footplates

Many users choose the best elliptical machine by its stride, and how comfortable it is. The Schwinn A40, which features a perimeter-weighted inertia flywheel, offers a stride length of 17.5 inches. This long and comfortable stride is deemed to hit just the right spot for most elliptical machine users, particularly those who find the 20-inch stride of the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine a bit too much.

The articulating footplate of this model is also proof of its biomechanical design, which offers a natural stride or foot motion. No need to worry about experiencing foot strain.

Operation

The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is so easy to operate that you will be further motivated to work out. The problem with other fitness machines is their lack of versatility, where you only have one program to work with. With the A40, you are given various program options, so you can easily switch through your exercise regime, keeping monotony and boredom at bay. It comes with a total of 7 workout programs, which include 6 workout profiles and one Quick Start (Manual) option. With the Quick Start option, you can start working out right away, even without putting in data such as your age, weight, and height. Should you decide to choose among the 6 programs, you will be able to take advantage of the 8 resistance levels offered by the A40.

Operating it is a breeze; it comes with a Start/Stop button that you can press at the beginning and end of your workout session. If you want to pause for a while to catch your breath, all it takes is a quick tap on the button.

Display

The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is equipped with a multi-function LCD, which provides display readouts for workout stats, such as Time, RPM, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, and Course Profile.The grid display is so intuitive, with its touch controls, so you won’t have trouble navigating through the profiles. The 6 buttons are strategically placed and spaced, giving you easy and convenient access.

Comfort

The best elliptical machine should, without a doubt, have comfort factored into its design and overall performance. The parts, such as the handlebars and footplates, are already designed for a comfortable workout. The inclusion of the fan and the water bottle holder is also another plus. The fact that it is lightweight and very portable also raises its place in the comfort stakes.

Pros

At less than 100 lbs, portability is not a problem with the Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine. It does not take up a lot of space, and moving it takes very little effort. Despite being lightweight and smaller than the usual elliptical machine, the Schwinn A40 is a very stable elliptical trainer. Its solid and sturdy construction guarantees longevity, and the range of programs it offers enable users – of all ages and fitness levels – to get the most out of every workout session. There is nothing complicated about its operation, because all the important information you need is laid out for you in its easy-to-use programs. The inclusion of the heart rate monitor also makes this a very good machine for cardio workouts.

Cons

One complaint against the Schwinn A40 is the lack of backlighting of the user console. This means users will have trouble checking out the readouts if the room is poorly lit. It would also have been better if it came with an AC adapter, instead of having to purchase it separately.

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Reviews

Conclusion

So you don’t want to blow thousands of dollars on an elliptical machine that you only hope to use in your home. However, you also don’t want to spend a single cent on a machine that will only break down at the first opportunity because of flimsy construction, poor design, and even poorer features. That’s not going to be a problem with the Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine, which is considered to be the best elliptical machine in its price range.