Elliptical Trainer Buying Guide 2011-2012

January 24, 2012 by SmartReview
Filed under Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical Trainers

About Elliptical Trainers: The elliptical trainer provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining both upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers can emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. Regular use on elliptical trainers will increase your heart and lung capacity while improving your overall health (and it burns calories at the same time). Elliptical Trainers provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home. Elliptical trainers are low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines. You simulate the motions of walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing while building up both arm and leg strength. Smart-Review limits reviews to only the top rated models. So you will not find all treadmill models on this site, but only those that meet our requirements.

Magnetic Resistance The heart of the elliptical trainer is how it provides resistance. Resistance provides a harder workout that can vary depending on your workout program. All of our top rated ellipticals use magnetic resistance. Resistance is also referred to as Braking resistance, like the brakes on a car. The advantage of magnetic resistance is that there is no friction involved and the wear associated with friction. Magnetic resistance offers greater reliability, little to no maintenance costs, and very quiet operation. Many of our top rated Ellipticals use ECB (Eddy Current Brake) Resistance. ECB is the latest generation of magnetic resistance and considered the best. Older braking technology of Ellipticals have used tension cables and brake pads that wore out (due to friction) and had to be replaced. Even some lower priced models now have magnetic resistance.

Top Rated Elliptical Trainers with magnetic resistance include:

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (ECB Magnetic Resistance)
Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Trainer (Magnetic Resistance)
Horizon EX-69 Elliptical Trainer (Magnetic Resistance)

Electronic Screen – Elliptical Trainers come with an electronic screen that tells you how long you have been on the treadmill, the level of difficulty, the speed, and even heart rate. More expensive elliptical trainers come with backlit screens (which are illuminated). There are two types of displays, the LED (usually red or orange), and LCD screens. LED screens are naturally backlit, while LCD screens can be backlit or not. We are seeing more LCD screens in the newer models.

Top Rated Elliptical Trainers with LCD backlit screens are:

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer (LCD Backlit Screen)
Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (LCD Backlit Screen)
Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (LCD Backlit Screen)
Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (LCD Backlit Screen)
Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (LCD Backlit Screen)

Top Rated Elliptical Trainers with LED screens are:

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Trainer (LED Screen)
Horizon EX-69 Elliptical Trainer (LED Screen)

You get what you pay for – This is especially important in elliptical trainers. Lower priced ellipticals will not be built as well as expensive ones (not as sturdy). More expensive elliptical trainers use heavy duty parts and are heavier in weight, should last longer, have stronger motors (more horsepower), and generally will have longer warranties. We have seen below average reviews for many of the “cheap” ellipticals. Heavier elliptical trainers (those weighing more than 200 lbs.) should feel more like gym elliptical machines and give you more stability. The heavier the person, the heavier the elliptical machine you should buy. Buying a cheap elliptical trainer may seem like a great deal, but is no bargain compared to better quality higher priced models.

Price of Elliptical Trainers – We have found Amazon.com to be very competitive on the prices of elliptical training machines and other exercise equipment. (Savings up to 40% off). Most of the time you will find these prices to be much cheaper than local stores, and you generally do not pay sales tax, and in many cases Amazon provides free shipping. Keep in mind that most people will have an elliptical trainer delivered even if they buy from a local store, as ellipticals can weigh anywhere from 150 – 225 lbs and higher.

Maximum User Weight – This is the maximum recommended weight for a given elliptical trainer. Smart-Review has listed the maximum user weight for each top rated elliptical training machine. Choose an elliptical that is above your weight. The heavier the elliptical, the more stable. Generally the higher weight capacity, the higher the cost of the elliptical trainer. If you weigh close to the weight limit, consider going to the next weight level limit up. So if you weight 240lbs., its better to go with the elliptical with a 300 lb. limit rather than one with a 250 lb. limit. The farther you are from the weight limit, the better.

Ellipticals with the highest maximum user weight include the