The Matrix E5xc elliptical trainer's price tag places it at the very high end of trainers intended for the home market, and the middle-low end of commercial elliptical trainers. But it's intended, and designed, for commercial use. Consider buying this sort of elliptical trainer for home use if you plan to put it to heavy, sustain use for a long period of time -- especially if multiple heavy users will be using it.
Stride Length
The Matrix E5 has a fixed 21-inch stride length. Stride length determines what path the elliptical pedals follow. As the Exercise Equipment Expert points out in his elliptical trainer buying guide, longer is usually better. The E5's 21-inch stride length is long enough to accommodate most users comfortably, and avoid the choppy up-and-down movement that's a common pitfall for front-drive ellipticals with a short stride length.
Resistance
The E5xc runs off a cordless, brushless Johnson Integrated Drive, or JID, resistance system. The JID generator is powered by your pedaling, and supplies the power to both run the E5's console and provide 25 levels of resistance. You can either control the E5's resistance manually or select one of the pre-programmed workouts -- rolling hills, intervals, fat burn, random, constant watts, target heart rate control or a fitness test.
Features
Commercial elliptical trainers like the E5xc are built for quality and durability, not packed with glitzy, failure-prone features like some home models. But that doesn't mean the E5 is featureless. It comes with proven, useful amenities like an in-console cooling fan, on-the-fly program changes, cushioned footpads, handgrip heart rate monitors and wireless heart rate monitoring.
The E5 is also compatible with CSAFE communication protocol and FitLinxx computerized training systems -- relevant features in a gym setting. If you're using the E5 in a commercial setting, it also contains an integrated wireless transmitter that continuously transmits its status.
The E5 lacks two relatively common features: It has no adjustable incline ramp, and it's not iPod compatible.
Size and Capacity
The Matrix E5 measures 75.5 inches long by 29 inches wide by 71 inches high. It weighs 308 lbs., heavy enough to provide a sturdy, stable ride. The maximum user weight limit is 400 lbs.
Price and Warranty
As of October 2010, The Matrix E5xc has an MSRP of $5,950. It comes with a 7-year frame warranty, 5 years of coverage on the resistance generator and 3 years of parts and labor coverage.
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