| Fred Waters is the former V.P. of marketing for | | | | immediately stands out on the Smooth CE 3.2 is the |
| Smooth Fitness, and author of the Elliptical Review site. | | | | lifetime warranty. That generally is a clue about the |
| Each year he provides his recommendations for "Best | | | | quality of the machine. If the components cannot |
| Buy" elliptical trainers. | | | | withstand rigorous use the company would go out of |
| The "Best Buy" awards are based on a number of | | | | business replacing parts. The CE 3.2 is equipped with a |
| factors. We physically test the machines to determine | | | | heavy flywheel giving it a very smooth elliptical motion. |
| overall quality and product performance. In addition, we | | | | Other features include an impressive console, a wide |
| consider customer feedback, third party reviews, | | | | selection of challenging programs and wireless heart |
| company reputation and product warranty. In particular, | | | | rate control. Smooth sells only direct and online, which |
| it is important to look at the company reputation and | | | | results in a degree of savings to the consumer. |
| the product warranty. | | | | $1,500 - $2,000 |
| When you purchase an elliptical trainer, you are not just | | | | Sole Fitness E55 - Sole's marketing strategy is to build |
| buying a machine, but also the company that stands | | | | quality machines with quality components at |
| behind it. Whether you have a question about the | | | | reasonable prices, and the Sole E55 proves they are |
| elliptical operation, or you need service, you want to | | | | very successful with this value proposition. Besides the |
| purchase from a company that stands behind their | | | | smooth and quiet elliptical motion, I really appreciated |
| equipment. | | | | the 20" stride. The motion does not feel as confined as |
| When selecting an elliptical trainer, you also want to | | | | so many other treadmills under $1,500. It comes with a |
| consider the extent of the warranty. An elliptical trainer | | | | 2-year service warranty. There is only one other |
| warranty can be very revealing. Obviously, limited | | | | manufacturer I am familiar with that offers similar |
| warranties suggest a machine that is not built to last, | | | | coverage and their ellipticals start at over $3,000. This |
| while extensive warranties imply a quality built machine | | | | machine is comparable to higher end models. |
| designed for vigorous use. | | | | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| 2007 "Best Buy" Recommendations: | | | | Life Fitness X3/X3i & Precor 5.17i - There are a |
| Under $1,000 - Spirit ZE110 | | | | number of excellent choices in this category, but the 2 |
| Spirit Fitness ZE110 - I usually am reluctant to | | | | companies that stand out are, Life Fitness and Precor. |
| recommend any elliptical trainer under $1,000. At this | | | | Since they both offer excellent products, we decided |
| price range, you are buying a budget machine, built with | | | | the "Best Buy" winner is a tie between the Life Fitness |
| budget components. There are certain aspects of the | | | | X3/X3i and the Precor EFX 5.17i. Both are quality |
| ZE110 I can criticize, but for the price, it is a reasonable | | | | machines that are very durable and extremely quiet. |
| value. If you are looking for an inexpensive elliptical | | | | You can really tell the difference in their solid and |
| trainer for moderate usage, this model is worth | | | | stable performance. They are commercial quality at a |
| considering. | | | | residential price. It should be noted, the Precor EFX 5.17i |
| $1,000 - $1,500 | | | | offers only a lower body workout. |
| Smooth Fitness CE 3.2 - The one feature that | | | | |