What To Look For
Establish a budget, then shop within that budget for elliptical trainers that feel sturdy and solid. Don't get distracted by impressive features such as numerous, pre-programmed workouts, Internet connectivity or race simulators, unless these rank very high on your priority list. The most important features on any elliptical trainer are the drive system and stride length. You'll get more use out of an elliptical trainer with relatively few features and a smooth, quiet drive system with a comfortable stride length that fits your body than from a well-featured elliptical that falls apart or has a loud, rough ride.
Common Pitfalls
The absolute worst thing you can do when purchasing an elliptical trainer is not try it out beforehand. Each manufacturer's drive system and stride will differ at least slightly--sometimes dramatically--from that of other manufacturers. A 16-inch stride may feel limiting on one machine, too-long on another, and choppy on a third machine.
Even if you're planning to purchase an elliptical trainer online, visit a fitness retailer or sporting goods store near you first and try that model out before you commit to the online purchase. This is the only way to be sure that the elliptical's stride length fits your body, and that the drive system is as smooth and quiet as every manufacturer wants you to believe.
Where To Buy
Always start by consulting manufacturers' websites whenever possible, then move on to other online retailers, such as Amazon.com, to compare prices. Don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping. Some exercise equipment manufacturers offer free shipping, while other retailers may tack on $50 or more in shipping fees. What initially appears to be an attractive discount may end up costing you more, once the elliptical trainer is delivered.
Cost
Marking items relatively high, then selling them at a steep, constant discount, is common practice in the fitness equipment industry. The discounts may be as deep as 50 percent. This convinces you, the customer, that you're getting a killer deal, and encourages you to buy quickly before that deal ends, even though it never does. According to Elliptical Trainer Review, elliptical trainers typically range between $300 and $3,000 in cost, and a decent elliptical trainer will cost $900 or more.
Comparison Shopping
If you have the money to invest in a high-end elliptical trainer, shop for models with an "eddy current" braking or resistance system. Eddy current braking has no moving parts, and thus little to no noise or risk of malfunction. The second-best type of resistance system you'll find is magnetic resistance, but the exact build and quality of magnetic resistance systems vary widely. Don't believe manufacturer claims that a given magnetic resistance system is silent. If it does not use eddy current braking, there will be at least some noise when you adjust resistance levels. Try the machine out to see just how noisy it gets.
Insider Tips
Be extremely wary of elliptical trainers in the under-$800 price range. Although you may occasionally find a gem in this price range, cheap elliptical trainers tend to be lightly built and often fall apart or stop functioning under heavy use. If you're limited to shopping in this price range, look for an elliptical trainer that has a bare minimum of 1-year warranty coverage; anything less is a vote of "no confidence" from the manufacturer.
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