What Brand Elliptical do you use and or own?

Hi All-

When I had a gym membership a few years ago I used to love the ellipticals! Burning so many calories at one time plus having the ability to strength train and doe cardio at the same time! At this time in my life, I can't find the time to get to the gym but I know if I owned one I'd use it every day. Any suggestions on your favorite brands? I've been looking at the Proform that has the mp3 plug in ability as well as a couple games. Anyone familiar with this one? Any other suggestions would be very helpful! Thanks all in advance!

If you can afford it, I think Precor is the best brand out there.  I bought one off of craig's list - it is an amazing piece of machinery.

Thanks, but those Precors are a little out of my price range. I'd like to try and stay below $1500 if possible.

Mine is a Nordic Track asr 700, just got it this week, so far love it!

I have a Proform from sears that I love. Bought in July 2007, wore out by March (had bought extended warranty). Repair guy said I had stripped the steel from using so much. For various reason I only use the elliptical and if I don't work on the weekends I walk 3 miles. I have lost 132 lbs from 251 to 118 at 5'7". I have increased the resistance and time over the year. If I go out of town (which is often) I change my routine because I try whatever elliptical the hotel has. Except the local ymca, my machine makes me work the hardest.  

That is so great to hear of your success with the ellipticals, donna! Congrats to you!

I use a Sole elliptical trainer - bought it at Dick's Sporting Goods (the main sports store in Indianapolis) for around $1k.  I wanted something gym-quality, but cheaper than the actual gym ellipticals.  Before owning my own elliptical, I used the Precor models at the gym.  LOVED the Precor ellipticals!  So smooth and sturdy...

Compared to Precor, my Sole elliptical is okay.  My Sole feels like I'm working with resistance, even when I'm not, which is annoying because I get tired so much quicker than on a Precor.  I used to be able to do 60 minutes of interval training on the gym Precor, and now I can barely do 30 minutes of flat terrain & zero resistance on my Sole!  I bought my elliptical last Spring and I'm disappointed in how much I use it.  I need to use it more, but I just keep remembering how hard it is compared to other ellipticals, and I end up talking myself out of it.  :(

I have a Precor EFX 5.23 it is 2 years old now, it was one of the best decisions I have made.

I too was at first apprehensive about the cost, but one thing I have learned is that sub par equipment will not get used. The Precor has a 10 year warranty which made the purchase a little easier.

In my travels I have used a few different machines, and they all were a let down, I couldn't wait to get home and get back on my Precor.

My advice would be to wait just a little longer until you could afford a Precor.

I use a Spirit model XE550 Elliptical machine at home.  I *really* like it.  I paid about $1600 for it.

I originally had purchased a different elliptical that was made by ICON (who produce many of the different brands of ellipticals and treadmills out there today - mine was an "Epic E950") from Costco.  I was very unhappy with the feel and quality of the ICON machine, and their customer service was worse.  I eventually wound up returning it to Costco and buying the Spirit machine from a fitness store in the area.  I would certainly agree with sgrynd's assessment that poor quality equipment will not get used, and based on my experience I would avoid any of the ICON brands - but maybe that's just me.

I use my Spirit machine several times per week, and it has held up well.  I don't belong to a club where I can use Precor machines, but when I travel on business I'll use the fitness facilities in the hotels that have commercial quality machines - often Precor, but sometimes something else.  I always wind up missing my Spirit machine because I just like the feel of it better.  (The Spirit just feels like a more natural motion to me.)  That's not to say the Spirit is better quality, but it's a good quality product and works for me.

If you're interested you can see a review here.  I don't know anything at all about the site that has the review (they may be owned by somebody selling the equipment, so maybe not unbiased).  However, since their review is in line with my experience, I feel comfortable providing it as a reference.

How's that for a long-winded answer to a pretty short question? LOL

I'm not sure if you already got it, but I actually just purchased the Proform 850 Elliptical with GameFit.  It's great!  The price was great and it's a smooth ride.  I've been using it everyday since I got it in the house.

I have a Smooth CE 3.2 and it is awesome! A few years ago I owned a top of the line Precor and had to sell it because I was moving to a tiny apartment. I now live in a much bigger apartment, so last June I ordered the Smooth CE 3.2 through the smooth website. I really, really wanted another Precor, but I thought I would take a chance on something priced much less. I am very happy with my decision. I can without a doubt state that this elliptical is every bit as good as the Precor elliptical. It is heavy duty, sturdy and provides a very challenging workout. The one thing I do miss from a Precor is that it was self-powered, so there were no cords, while the Smooth must be plugged in. At the time they had free shipping and placed the box in the desired room. There is some assembly, but my boyfriend and I did it in about an hour. I believe this is the closest elliptical you can get to a Precor elliptical.

~Meagan

I love these machines. This time I have lost 44 lbs on them since December 15, 2008. There's something about them that I like so much better than running, walking, cycling, and stair climbing. Maybe it's the lack of perceived exertion, the great time to calories burned ratio, or the fact that it doesn't hurt my joints. I have it set up in front of my TV and use headphones so I don't wake the kids up. I tend to work out in the evenings 'round 9:00 PM. After a few hours of cooling down I sleep like a baby (well, a baby that sleeps, anyway...not like mine!).

I am on my second elliptical. The first one I had was a Nordic Track Ellipse2. It had belt resistance but the stride was great and smooth. I had it re-welded three times before it finally died this January. I used it off and on for six years (more off than on).

Early this month I bought a used Nordic Track VGR 850 and I love it. Cost me just $300.00. I use it six days out of seven for 45 mins with my heart rate in the 80% zone. I find that stride length is a big, big factor in whether or not I like a machine. It has to be at least 18" for it to feel right. I have been spoiled because I simply cannot adapt to a cheap machine, and given my experience, I would probably not bother using it.

You can find quality used stuff out there. I suspect all those New Year's resolution purchases will be going up on Craig's list or Kijiji soon. I would stay away from anything that didn't cost a minimum of $1200.00 new. If you find the right deal, you can get away with spending a quarter of that on a good, used, elliptical.

alright, now im worried! I just bought a brand new elliptical healthrider for only 200 bucks. Im a big girl (200 lbs) and after reading all of these replys im scared im going to wear this thing out! I dont have money for these things, guys, I have 2 kids. I couldnt afford anything over 300! I love the elliptical and I understood i wouldnt be getting gym quality, but come on!