Horizon Elliptical Trainer Review

horizon elliptical trainer review Horizon elliptical trainers are second only to Icon products (ProForm, Weslo, Image, Reebok) in sales. Horizon ellipticals are very competitve at the budget and moderate price range. They have a number of units for under $1,000.

Horizon usually packages their ellipticals with numerous features and sells them at very competitive prices.

You'll find Horizon ellipticals sold online, and are also available at large sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting and Sports Authority.

They offer several different series, each with a wide range of models. The machines are very similar between the two series. The purpose is to be able to offer different product names to different retailers, thereby giving the illusion that they are not competing against each other. For example, the "EX" series found on Amazon.com has many of the same features as the "E" series found in the big sporting goods stores. So when you are shopping for an Horizon elliptical trainer compare prices and features between the series.

The Horizon EX Series

The Horizon EX ellipticals are built with a front-drive design. It generally is personal taste, but some people prefer the rear drive and feel it has a more natural elliptical motion. I would suggest you take the time to go to one the large sporting goods stores like Dick's, Gatelys or Sports Authority and try out the two different designs, and determine which best suites your comfort zone (Call first to find out exactly which models they have in stock).

Several of the EX ellipticals come with a power incline. This is similar to the incline found on a treadmill. If you have ever worked out on a Precor elliptical, you will appreciate how the incline can workout different lower body muscles.

The warranty is to be expected at this price range. You get one year parts and labor. That is better than the 90 warranty you get with many of the Icon ellipticals. Although considering these are moderate price machines you may want to increase the length of the coverage.

The Fitness Source Review - Horizon Elliptical Trainers

We consider the Horizon elliptical trainers to be in the budget to moderate price category. If you are going to buy a model below $999, realize you are getting into the budget category. These are not heavy duty machines, and they should only be bought for moderate use.

You will find that their low-end models can have short strides that are very bouncy. Although the $1,000+ models generally have 18"-19" strides.

Other brands to consider...

In the sub $1,000 category - Schwinn
In the plus $1,000 category - Sole

Update 1/26/08: I found the Horizon E1200 intriguing. It comes with power incline, IPod docking station and spearkers, and a function that journals your workouts. See Review. The only problem is it appears to be only available at Dick's. The Horizon EX-76 is similar and can be found at Amazon.com. It does not have the journal.

Customer Reviews:

Horizon E500 - I would like to comment on the excellent customer service offered by Horizon. I bought an elliptical machine from this company approx. one year prio that began making funy noises after about eight months. I called customer service and within 10 minutes they diagnosed my problem and agreed to send replacement parts and contact information for a company that could fix the machine for me. I had no proof of purchase, they simply took my word taht i was within the year warranty. Parts arrived in about three days, service tech two days later. When I commented to the tech how fast this was all happening the service tech commented that of all the 42 different fitness companies that subcontract his company to complete maintenance Horizon was the best. One week later I am back on the elliptical perfectly silent. It was a pleasure to deal with a company that does what it says it will do. Thank you Horizon for your speedy service and commitment to your warranty. I will buy your products in the future.

Sincerely, Mark

Horizon E51 - Hey, my son bought an Advanced Horizon elliptical machine, model E51 for us 3 years ago. I love it, it's easy to use and convinience. It takes less space, i can actually put it behind the couch and I can exercise while I watch TV.

Horizon EX66- My whole family eagerly awaited the delivery of our new elliptical. We were not disappointed. My husband was able to assemble it with relative ease. We have been using it consistently since assembly. It is very sturdy and well-built.

We do have a little clunking sound from the front flywheel area, but it doesn't affect the use. We've tried several settings and found them challenging, but do-able. We enjoy the variety it affords.

We read many reviews on other Horizon ellipticals and they were consistent with what we have experienced with ours.

Horizon EX33 - The only problem I have with this unit is that the arms are positioned too far and high up to grasp, so I don't get the upper body workout. I am 5'4".

Overall, I give it raves for being efficient, durable, and quiet. It's a good workout and the leg position feels better than the health club models (which were causing my ankles and feet to go numb).

Horizon EX75 -Product is ok. Got on sale at $700, which was good because I don't believe it is worth the full retail price. Basic frame of the product is good and sturdy. Outside casing is cheap plastic which came cracked and broken in a few insignificant places. Operation of the unit is good. I like the control panel and the options for that. The built in speakers for cd/mp3 player is also a nice touch, although the quality of sound is nothing to brag about.

Horizon EX33 - Built solid, enjoyable to use and not at all difficult or time consuming to assemble. I am very happy with this equipment and the $800 sale price is a very good deal for this model. Only criticism is the box it was packed in wasn't sturdy enough for the weight and was falling apart when I got it.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer Reviews

Horizon EX76

Horizon EX66

Horizon Fitness CSE 3.5

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