Most experts agree that as of 2010, you should expect to pay at least $1,000 for a really solid, durable elliptical trainer. But there's nothing wrong with hunting for the best buy possible, no matter what your price range. You can find a few decent machines for under $1,000, and if you've got the money to spend, you should still hold out for the best value in the $4,000 and up price range. All prices are current as of 2010.
Schwinn 420
Fitness Equipment Reviews singles the Schwinn 420 out as one of the best buys in the under-$1,000 price range, because of its solid, smooth motion. It's far better to get a solid, stable machine in this price range than something with a lot of glitzy features to disguise poor construction that will fall apart with regular use.
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro
The AudioStrider is cited repeatedly as a good value in the under-$1,000 range; Fitness Equipment Reviews ties it with the Schwinn 420. The AudioStrider 990 has a good service record, in addition to an adjustable stride length, iFit Live technology and a power incline ramp.
NordicTrack ACT
The NordicTrack ACT stands out because of its unusual center-drive design, which allows you to enjoy a stride length of 18, 20 or 22 inches in a compact footprint. The ACT retails for approximately $900.
Sole E35
Exercise Equipment Expert singles the Sole E35 out as "one of the very few genuine bargains on the elliptical market today." It joins the other well-regarded Sole models with an MSRP of about $1,300.
Sole E55
With an MSRP of $1,499, the Sole E55 is Treadmill Doctor's first runner-up in the $1,000 to $1,499 price category, right behind the Sole E35.
Sole E95
Elliptical Trainer Review awards its Best Overall designation to the Sole E95. This takes into account the elliptical's high value in return for a low price tag, starting at about $1,700. It's a heavy, substantial machine with a slight inward tilt to the foot pedals that combats the foot numbness sometimes associated with elliptical trainers.
Smooth Agile Trainer
The Smooth Agile Trainer stands out because of its dynamic motion training, which allows you to choose your own stride length as you pedal. You can go straight from an up-and-down stride to a long, running gait. The Smooth Agile retails for about $2,600.
StarTrac S-TBT
StarTrac elliptical trainers show up in the "best" list for both AllEllipticals.com and Treadmill Doctor. The StarTrac S-TBT is the AllEllipticals.com pick, garnering five out of five stars and frequently selling for as little as $3,500.
Precor EFX 5.31
Precor has long dominated a significant portion of the commercial elliptical trainer market, and holds a sound reputation for performance and reliability. The EFX 5.31 gets five out of five stars possible from AllEllipticals.com, with a retail price of about $3,700.
True Fitness ESX
If you could spend as much as you wanted for an elliptical trainer, Treadmill Doctor recommends the True Fitness ESX as the best buy in the $4,000+ price range, citing its superior quality compared to other high-end elliptical trainers and an excellent warranty.
Member Comments