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The Best Elliptical Machines of 2008 |
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Almost every company claims they offer the best elliptical machines available. You can test literally dozens of ellipticals in your quest for the perfect exercise machine and simply end up confused. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? We’ve taken some of the guess work out of finding the right machine by doing some research of our own and come up with five of the best elliptical trainers money can buy. Each one fits the “best of” category in a different way, so there will be one that appeals to you.
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Compare Prices, Features, Specifications and Warranties on Over 70 Models Here Under $500 | $500 - $1000 | $1000 - $2000 | $2000 - $3000 $3000 - $4000+ |
Since Precor is the company that invented the elliptical trainer, it’s no surprise that the Precor EFX 5.17i is considered the best overall in comparison to the best elliptical machines. Outstanding features include the patented Cross Ramp feature that allows you to adjust the incline angle of the pedals from 12-25 degrees to ensure a complete workout of all the leg muscles. State-of-the-art LED displays and graphics make designing and tracking your workout easy, and twenty resistance levels mean you’ll never outgrow this machine. It also sets the industry standard for smooth motion, has a generous 19” stride and comes with the best warranty in the industry. At around $2,300, you’ll feel like you’re on a commercial grade machine and you’ll use it for years.
Smooth Fitness makes the some of the best elliptical machines in the mid-price range, and their innovative Internet sales and service is legendary. The Smooth CE 3.2 offers ergonomic pivoting foot pedals for outstanding comfort and less strain on the knees and ankles. It also offers a wireless heart rate monitor, nine programmable user profiles and adjustable magnetic resistance. It’s extremely quiet and has a reliable display and computer system. For the price – about $1,700 – it’s the best value around. You’re getting a superior elliptical trainer without paying the high-end price. 
We admit it – there was a tie in the “Best Value” category. The simple truth is that we couldn’t decide which elliptical machine to go with – it will come down to preference for most consumers. Schwinn is another great value. The Schwinn 418 elliptical trainer comes in at slightly less than the Smooth CE 3.2 at around $1,100 and still offers some great features. Eight levels of resistance, twelve workouts and an LCD display that keeps track of everything from RPMs to calories burned. Although the warranty isn’t as strong as some, Schwinn elliptical trainers have a reputation for solid construction. An articulating foot plate makes this a very comfortable trainer with an 18” stride.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Eclipse 1100 HR/A comes it at just under $500, making it one of the least expensive best elliptical machines you can get that still offers eight different resistance levels and several programs. While lighter weight and with a shorter stride than some others, we found the Eclipse a very good budget trainer for beginners. It has a smooth ride due to the Orbital Linkage System and provides an upper body workout as well. It’s also one of the few elliptical machines in this price range with both forward and backward movement, working more muscles groups for better tone and fitness.
Here’s our top pick of the best elliptical machines money can buy – the champagne of in-home fitness machines. This is a sleekly designed cross trainer with the strength and durability others only aspire to. The Precor EFX 5.33 is a no maintenance dream with the smoothest ride you’ll ever enjoy on even the best elliptical machines. Engineered to move in tandem with your body, it has an intuitive feel to it and feels like you’re almost gliding. This elliptical trainer has a full fourteen programs, upper body workout and twenty resistance levels. If you can afford the $3,700 price tag, you’ll feel like you’ve opened a professional gym in your home. In fact, you’ll look forward to stepping on to it every time! Return from Best Elliptical Machines to the Elliptical Reviews Home Page
