Need help choosing Elliptical...

R

robin4health

Cathlete
I'm hoping some of you can point me in the right direction. We are looking at purchasing an Elliptical Trainer for our family X-mas gift. Here's the problem, I know NOTHING about them!

I know they range from $100 - $3000. We are looking at spending less than $500 on it (preferably around $250-300).

For those of you who have one, what brand/model do you have?
Where did you purchase it?
Would you reccomend it or would you not buy it again if you could?

Any reccomendations positive or negative would be a great help!

Thanks!
 
I look forward to hearing the answers to this as well.

I went looking for ellipticals and all of the less expensive models didn't seem to be as smooth as the ones in the gym. Of course that is the only experience I have with the trainers.
 
I just bought the Nordic Track Autostrider 800 Spacesaver at the recommendation of some trusted fellow Cathe-ites. It was on sale at Sears this week for under $800. It won't be assembled until Friday, so I haven't actually used it yet. But I can't wait to break 'er in!

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]
[font face="comic sans ms"]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee296/runninteach/th_sunshine.gif
 
I hate to tell you this, but chances are you will not be satisfied with a $250 elliptical...the path is not usually as comfortable as it is on a more expensive machine. I have a Horizon E-65 (I think) that I got from Play it Again Sports for about $700 and it's fantastic.

My biggest piece of advice is to TRY OUT any elliptical you are considering purchasing. All feel different from one another. I won't use the ellipticals at my rec center because their foot path is weird for me, even though it's a 'nicer', more expensive machine. I had a previous Horizon machine as well, which my parents took (so I had to buy a new one), and it was very nice too.
 
That is the info I am looking for! Thanks!

I was guessing that $300 elliptical may not be very good, that is why I wanted all of your feedback.

I will definately try it out first before I buy one. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a piece of equipment that doesn't 'feel' right to me.

Any more reccomendations/suggestions???

thanks!
 
I have a Proform 800. My husband gave it to me about 4 or 5 years ago for my birthday. He got it from Sears, I think it was about $400. I have had no problems with it and really enjoy using it.
 
Robin,
If you have Dick's and Sports Authority near you, check out the Black Friday sales. Dick's has a Horizon E900 with power incline for $999 (orig. $2199) and it comes with an iPod Nano. You also get a $20 card with the purchase of $100 or more. They have another Horizon for $499.

Sports Authority has some ProForms for $349 and $499...plus a Nordic 938 for $399 and a Horizon for $579.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]
[font face="comic sans ms"]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee296/runninteach/th_sunshine.gif
 
i have a vision fitness ellipical that i bought about 6 years ago. i love it. it cost about 2400 but it was worth every penny. it doesn't incline but you can increase the resistance and it folds up so it doesn't take up too much room.
 
I have a Horizon ( I am too lazy to go down right now to check which model it is but I'll BBL when I go look) and I have to say it is the smoothest, quietest elliptical you can imagine. I paid around 700.00 for mine. By comparison, someone gave me an almost brand new Proform and it stinks!! It is creaky, wobbly, noisy and not enough leg/arm room. The Horizon is so comfortable and I use it with my clients ( I am a Personal Trainer) and they love it! Okay, I'll check that model for you in a bit. Oh, and I got mine at Dick's. Maybe they will have an online sale on black Friday?? It might be worth checking out!
 
>When you get it together, let me know your thoughts! I'll be
>curious to see what you think.
>
>Thanks!

Robin,

I used my elliptical (Nordic Autostrider 800) for the first time last night, and I love it!!
http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee296/runninteach/love/th_biglove.gif

Other than its smooth operation, my favorite feature is that I can plug my iPod into the console and play my tunes through the speakers.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]
[font face="comic sans ms"]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee296/runninteach/th_sunshine.gif
 
I have the Nordic Spacesaver and love it. I also think you might not be happy spending $200-300. But trying them out 1st is a good idea too. Good luck to you...:)
 
Thanks for the kind words Belinda about the kidos! You have no idea how long it took us to get a picture where one of them was not crying! LOL :)

Well, we did look at some cheaper models today (less than $300) and they were terrible! Very un-natural motion to them and just felt 'cheap'. We are still researching, but I think you definately get what you pay for when it comes to exercise equipment.

Thank you for all your reccomendations! I will let you know what we finally decide on.
 
Hi sweetness! I think I owe you a few e-mails! Just wanted to pop on and tell you I LOVE your new avatar! You and the girls look adorable! Oh - and I have an elliptical - it's a Precor - and yes it was pricey - but worth every penny! I also tried the cheaper ones and researched quite a few. It's hard - good luck with your choice. Hugs to you my dear!

Lorrie

www.picturetrail.com/lsass
 
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