Spirit Fitness XE700 Elliptical Trainer Review

Each of the Spirit Fitness X series elliptical trainers is a fine quality machine.  The Spirit XE700 model is the top-of-the-line X series elliptical trainer.  This is the type of elliptical trainer you might find in a health club.

Even on sale, the Spirit Fitness XE700 elliptical trainer costs over $2,000.  Its platform has a footprint as large as a standard institutional machine.  It weighs a hefty 215 pounds.  Basically, the Spirit XE700 is a lot of elliptical trainer!

No outside power source is required to operate the Spirit XE700.  This one is self-generating with a self-generating induction brake.  The advantage of this is that you don’t have to set up the elliptical trainer near an outlet or use an extension cord.  That makes it ideal for use in a commercial setting where there are several machines lined up in the same room.

How does the Spirit XE700 elliptical trainer compare to other Spirit models?

As do other Spirit Fitness XE elliptical trainers, the XE700 model has a frame constructed of commercial grade steel and a front flywheel that is made of steel.  At an assembled weight of 215 pounds, this machine is quite durable and sturdy. 
In fact, it is recommended for light commercial use, in addition to residential use.

Several of the features found on the Spirit XE700 are also found on other Spirit XE elliptical trainers.  Included among those features are:

• Cooling fan in console—All Spirit Fitness XE elliptical trainers come with a cooling fan to make workouts cooler and more comfortable.
• 6 preset programs and 2 user programs—Even the low-end XE100 model comes with the same workout programs.
• Heart rate control—All XE models come with heart rate monitoring systems that work with a Polar telemetry belt, although the belt is NOT included with the XE700 elliptical trainer.  (It is included with the other XE models.)
• 20” stride length—This is standard on all Spirit Fitness XE ellipticals.  You get a very smooth and comfortable stride.

What is different about the Spirit Fitness XE700 elliptical trainer?

The Spirit XE700 lacks some of the features that the less expensive models have.  The focus on this particular model is quality, durability and stability.  It is meant to withstand years of constant use by a number of people.

Pedals are oversized and have a 2-degree inversion capability, which is standard on all Spirit XE elliptical machines.  However, unlike the other Spirit XE models, the XE700 does not have pedal angle adjustments.

The Spirit Fitness XE700 elliptical trainer has no incline ramp and, thus, no incline ramp motor.  It does, however, have a nice enhanced LED display in the console.  It also has high-quality, silicone rubber active buttons to easily input workout information.

As previously mentioned, the Spirit XE700 elliptical machine requires no electrical power, and it has a self-generating induction brake as opposed to a magnetic resistance brake.

Our Review—Spirit Fitness XE700 Elliptical Trainer

The Spirit XE700 elliptical trainer might be impractical for most people.  After all, it is rather expensive, it’s heavy, and it takes up quite a bit of space.  However, it IS a well-built machine! 

It lacks some of the extra features that the less expensive Spirit ellipticals have, but it makes up for the missing features in its fine construction and parts.  It is, after all, suitable for light commercial use!  Maintenance of this machine should be minimal (if any) in a residential setting.

When used in a residence, the Spirit Fitness XE700 elliptical trainer is backed by a 10-year parts warranty (3 years in a light commercial setting).  The resistance brake is backed by a lifetime warranty for residential use and a 5-year warranty for light commercial use.  The frame has a lifetime warranty in either setting.

If you have plenty of space (you won’t want to be moving this heavy equipment around), if money is no object, and if you want a simple, but high-quality elliptical trainer, the Spirit Fitness XE700 is one to consider.

Another option to consider is the Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer.  It is built by the same company and is similar in design.  In fact, if you look at the two consoles they are exactly the same except for the color.  The Sole E95 has a couple of advantages.  First, the power incline feature.  Second, it cost about $400 less. 

Also see the Spirit XE500 Elliptical Trainer Review.