2010 "Best Buy" Elliptical Trainers

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$500 - $1,000

NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro and Schwinn 420 — The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 includes a power ramp. You can adjust the incline like a treadmill. It gives your workout a whole new dimension. Also includes sound system and iFit Live. The Schwinn 420 has a solid and smooth motion for the price. For $600 it can't be beat. I would recommend both these machines for moderate use, but overall they are a good value. (See the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro Review and the Schwinn 420 Review .)

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$1,000 - $1,500

Sole Fitness E35 and Smooth CE 7.4 — The Sole E35 is a front drive elliptical with a solid and stable feel. Furthermore, it is one of the most durable ellipticals in this price range. It is equipped with a heavy flywheel giving it a very smooth elliptical motion. It comes with wireless HRC and an impressive console and programming selection. The Sole E35 also comes with a 20" wide stride, power incline feature and a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.

For those who prefer a rear drive elliptcial, the Smooth CE 7.4. is one of the best buys in this price range. Smooth has sold this model for a number of years and it has an impressive service record. It is equipped with a 21" stride, pivotal footpedals, LED console, wireless heart rate control and heart rate sensors and resistant controls in the moving handlebars. You also get a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. (See the Sole E35 Review and the Smooth CE 7.4 Review)

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$1,500 - $2,000

Sole Fitness E55 — Sole makes some impressive elliptical trainers, that is why they rate another "Best Buy" for this category.

Sole's marketing strategy is to build quality machines with quality components at reasonable prices, and the Sole E55 proves they are very successful with this value proposition. Besides the smooth and quiet elliptical motion, I really appreciated the 20" stride. You don't feel confined as with so many other treadmills under $1,500. It comes with an industry leading 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty, and a power incline feature. The E55 is comparable to higher end models costing considerably more. (See the Sole E55 Review.)

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$2,000 - $3,000

At the low end of this price range I like the Smooth Agile DMT X2, when it is selling for $1,999. It offers the innovative Dynamic Motion Technology. Rather than having a single fixed elliptical motion, you get a range of twelve different strides. The Dynamic Motion Technology offers the benefit of a more intense cardio workout while exercising more lower body muscles. Agile X2 comes with a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. The Smooth Agile DMT X2 represents a new generation of crosstrainers. (See the Smooth Agile DMT X2 Review.)

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$3,000+

The Precor EFX 5.25 takes the best features found on the Precor 5.17i including the power incline and adds the upper body workout. Of course with every Precor you get the exceptional elliptical motion and their renowned quality. Another serious contender is the Octane Q47. Octane only builds ellipticals, and their single-minded focus comes thru in the Q47. Both ellipticals are commercial grade quality for the home. ( See the Precor EFX 5.25 Review and the Octane Q47 Review.)

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Best New Elliptical for 2010

The Yowza Fitness Captiva has two features that make this elliptical a stand-out. First, there is the Variable Motion, which varies the motion and stride from 18"-32".  In comparison to a fixed elliptical stride, the Variable Motion exercises more lower body muscles while getting an intense cardio workout. Second, you have the patented Cardio Core Training.  In general, the dual handlebars on an elliptical trainer provide minimal results. In contrast, the Captiva has a T-bar that swings left to right, forcing your body to twist. You target your core muscles like abs and obliques. These two technologies make the Captiva one of the most effective cross-trainers on the market. This is a serious cardio burning, body toning machine. (See the Yowza Fitness Captiva Review.)

 

Our 2010 Best Buy Elliptical Trainer recommendations are based on our own personal testing, and third party reviews and ratings. Features and prices can change without notice. We can not be held responsible for equipment malfunction or service failures on the part of the manufacturer. If you are considering a treadmill check out the latest treadmill reviews on brands like Smooth, Sole, NordicTrack and ProForm.