2008"Best Buy" Elliptical Trainers

---

$500 - $1,000

NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 and Schwinn 430 - The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 includes a power ramp. You can adjust the incline like a treadmill. It gives your workout a whole new dimension ($999). Also includes sound system. The Schwinn has a solid and smooth motion, and highly rated for a budget machine ($599). I would recommned these machines for moderate use, but overall they are a good value. (See NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 and Schwinn 430 Review.)

---

$1,000 - $1,500

Sole E35 and Smooth CE 3.2 - The Sole E35 is a front drive elliptical, while the Smooth CE 3.2 is rear drive. Both are durable elliptical trainers with excellent features, considering the mid-range price. Each is equipped with a heavy flywheel giving it a very smooth elliptical motion. Both are equipped with wireless HRC and an impressive console and programming selection. They can be purchased direct and online, which means you avoid the additional costs incurred from retail stores, middleman and third parties. Also, you are buying directly from the company that will service the machine. The Sole E35 also comes with a 20" wide stride and a 2-year service warranty. (See Sole E35 Review and Smooth CE 3.2 Review.)

---

$1,500 - $2,000

Sole E55 - Although Sole has only sold ellipticals for a few years, they have become a hot commodity. The company has an excellent reputation with their treadmills, which are used for for in-room fitness with the Hilton chain. In fact, their treadmills have won several "Best Buy" awards.

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. The E55 is comparable to higher end models costing considerably more. (See Sole E55 Review.)

---

$2,000 - $3,000

At the low end of this price range I like the Smooth CE 7.4, when it is selling for $1,999. It is built with a commercial grade electro magnetic system. It is a solid and durable machine with an excellent service record. One of the "Best Buys" at $2,000. My other choice is the Precor 5/17i, selling at around $2,800. Precor has a reputation for excellence when it comes to elliptical trainers. You will often find their machines in healthclubs. The 5.17i comes with their patented power incline features, which adds a whole new dimension to elliptical exercising. Note: There is no upper body workout. (See Smooth CE 7.4 Review and Precor EFX 5.17i Review.)

---

$3,000+

There are few who will argue with the next selection. Most industry professionals would agree that the Precor EFX 5.23 is the top elliptical trainer in the market. It is a favorite with health clubs. The CrossRamp technology is a premium feature, which distinguishes this elliptical from the rest. 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 5.23 Review and the Octane Q47 Review.)

---

Center Drive Elliptical

In the battle of elliptical trainer designs, the center drive model is starting to get notice. It offers several advantages inlcuding being very compact and stable. One of the better values for this type of design is the NordicTrack A.C.T. This particular models offers an 18"-22" adjustable stride. Ideal for multiple users at different height. Also the variable strides allows you to focus your workout on different muscle groups. It comes with 20 iFit personal trainer programs and a sound system. (See the NordicTrack A.C.T. Review.)

---

Most Innovative

There are a couple of manufacturers that are breaking the mold on elliptical exercising. First, is Smooth Fitness with their new Smooth Agile DMT. The "DMT" stands for Dynamic Motion Technology. Rather than having one elliptical motion, it has 12 different motions. In a nutshell, this machine allows you to exercise and tone more muscles in less time. The other elliptical worth noting is the True TSX, which comes with the Mix 3T Exercises. Like the Agile, the TSX lets you concentrate on different parts of your body to maximize your workout. Both machines are commercial grade. (See the Smooth Agile DMT Review and the True TSX Review.)

Our 2008 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.