The quality, features and styles available in an elliptical can vary greatly based on the money you want to invest. Due to the flooding of manufacturers hitting the market with new models of ellipticals every year there is an increasing need to know what the best reviewed models are by experts and consumer publications. Elliptical trainers are typically graded on their workout options and quality in terms of stability and dependability.
Fuel FE44
American Council on Exercise registered trainer, Bret Spottke, in an 2011 interview names the Fuel FE44 the "best elliptical under $600 on the market. The 19-pound flywheel and 18-inch stride length deliver a solid pedal stroke that is superior to most other ellipticals in this price range." The elliptical also features 14 specifically designed workout programs to meet all users level of fitness.
Precor EFX 5.25
In the club quality trainer category, the Precor EFX 5.25 is a top-end trainer. The most recent sale price was about $2,999, as of March 2011. Spottke says "the incline feature on the EFX 5.25 is the best in the industry and allows you to work all the muscles in your legs effectively." The built-in heart rate monitor can provide real time resistance adjustments based off of the users heart rate. The club quality machine provides the user a stable frame that will last for years if you are willing to invest in a top-end machine.
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro
The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro is one of the only elliptical trainers as of March 2011 in the $999 price range to offer the largest incline range on the cross ramp from 10 to 30 degrees. This allows for a greater variety in workouts with the widest degree of difficulty. The Autostrider has a natural stride feel because of the automated stride length adjuster with increasing inclines. Like most models in this price range it will feature a MP3 player connection.
Diamondback 1260Ef
In December 2010 "Consumer Reports" rated the DiamondBack 1260Ef one of the best elliptical trainers on the market. Using a front flywheel design on the machine it simulates exercise similar to an stair-stepping machine. The increased price point will feature over 20 levels of resistance settings. As of March 2011, the $2,200 investment will be built to last and comes with a standard 19-inch stride length to accommodate all users.
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