Precor Elliptical Trainer Review

What can you say about Precor Elliptical Trainers? They invented the concept, built the first ellipticals, and the competition has been playing catch-up ever since. If the Precor elliptical was a car it would be a combination of a Humvee and Rolls - built like a tank, but with finesse.

First, I want to thank Fred at Superior Fitness Systems for allowing me to test his machines, and for answering all of my questions. If you need a quality elliptical or treadmill in the Cary, NC area, check them out.

With the Precor elliptical trainer you get one of the most durable machines on the market. The Precor elliptical have been time-tested in exercise facilities. When it comes to the home models you can expect long-lasting performance. Not only do they have exceptional stability, but you will find the elliptical motion to be extremely smooth and very quiet. And they have a reputation for low-maintenance, which is a major benefit.

They are also backed with a 10 year parts and one year labor warranty. Sound too good to be true? Well there is a catch, you pay for it. These machines are expensive, but if you have the money their worth it. (Note: Read the fine print on the warranty, it has some catches.)

Precor sells ellipticals with and without the upper body function. What is fascinating about the Precor elliptical trainers is that their most popular models are ones without the upper body workout function. One of the major hypes of the elliptical trainer is getting upper and lower body workout simultaneously.

Precor CrossRamp Technology

The advantage of the lower body only machines is they have the patented CrossRamp technology. You can actually adjust the ramp angle of the elliptical. For example, on the EFX 5.23 you can adjust from 13 to 35 degrees.

This allows the user to workout different muscle groups at different angles, including your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. In fact, the CrossRamp technology yields a significantly better workout for glutes and quads in comparison to a treadmill, exercise bike or stairclimber. And it involves considerably less impact. When I was excising on a commercial model, when the CrossRamp cranked up it reminded me of hiking Mt. Whitney, except I could breathe.

It should be noted that Precor licensed the technology to ProForm for one of their models, but ProForm is basically a cheap, poorly built machine.

Precor Elliptical Trainer Reviews

Fitness Source Review

When it comes to the Precor ellipticals, there are none better. Other manufacturers are constantly being sued by Precor for patent infringement, because Precor has defined the design and innovation of elliptical exercising. And they back all of their products with superior customer service. If you can afford it, this is the elliptical trainer you want.

As I was testing one of the ellipticals in the store a customer walked out and said to me, "I owned one, and absolutely love it." What better testimonial.

It is unfortunate that Precor only offers the CrossRamp technology on machines without the upper handlebars, to the consumer market. They do have a commercial model with both.

Note that Precor is only available through fitness equipment specialty stores, and with that you will pay a future premium. But the advantage of buying through boutique fitness equipment store is that they will deliver and set-up the machine. Sometimes it is included in the price, if not try negotiating.

Consumer Reports Review

In the last elliptical trainer review CR rated the Precor EFX 5.19 the number one elliptical out of ten other models. They gave it an "Excellent" for quality and exercise range. They mentioned the high-quality construction that feels like a gym machine.

Epinions Customer Review

Here is an example of the quality and customer satisfaction of Precor ellipticals. Out of 7 reviews for the EFX 5.21i, six gave it 5 stars and one gave it four stars. Here are a few comments.

An awesome machine

Pros: smooth, comfortable, reliable
Cons: a bit pricey

"Precor EFX 5.21i has performed flawlessly, and i would highly recommend it."

The Only Way to Go When Purchasing an Elliptical Machine

Pros: Smooth, quiet, inclines and resistance options, technology, great brand
Cons: No arm levers, expensive

"A wonderful elliptical machine that would be truly exceptional if it had arm levers."

Also See:

Precor EFX 5.23 Elliptical Trainer Review

Precor EFX 5.19 Elliptical Trainer Review

Precor EFX 5.17i Elliptical Trainer Review