Help me choose a home elliptical

February 2, 2007 7:41 AM

Help me choose between two similarly priced home elliptical machines (1, 2).

#1's advantages: Longer stride, heavier footprint.
#2's advantages: Rear flywheel, smaller footprint.

I really like #1, the Sole model, but my wife thinks that the wheels-on-rails mechanism is a Bad Idea in terms of longevity and maintenance cost. The big problem with #2 is that the stride is too short.

Anyone out there have experience with either of these models? Am I generally stupid for buying such a thing over the internet in the first place?

posted by Saucy Intruder to health (7 comments total)

I've never used either of those models, but my gym has similar ones. I guess because I'm short, the stride is fine for me.

Unless you're already in the habit of using the machine every day (or at least on a regular basis), I think it's too much money to pay for something. If you're not already exercising regularly, you're most likely to get it, use it for a while, then put it away and feel guilty (or just forget about it.) I'd go for a monthly gym membership first, and then think about getting a machine for home if you want it.

If you already did that part, then no, you're not stupid for buying it, if you're sure you'll use it enough to make the cost worthwhile.
posted by jesirose at 7:55 AM on February 2, 2007

If the machine is uncomfortable to use (because the stride is too short) then you'll never actually use it and your investment will be wasted. This makes #2 a poor choice in my book.

Apparently the Sole has a very good warranty, so perhaps that will assuage your wife's concerns about maintenance cost?
posted by fermion at 8:35 AM on February 2, 2007

For me a too-short stride would be a deal breaker. I bought an elliptical over the internet, I don't think it was a bad idea.

It's not unusual to see the wheels-on-rails mechanism in gyms, so I have to assume that they're robust; and I presume you won't be using it as much as a gym's machine gets used.
posted by o2b at 8:39 AM on February 2, 2007

I should have said ... "so I have to assume that they can be robust, and you shouldn't immediately the machine for that reason."
posted by o2b at 8:40 AM on February 2, 2007

Unless you have had the opportunity to use these machines in person, I think that buying over the Internet is a bad idea. The wheels-on-rails thing is a non issue, many very durable machines use this.

Also, once you get into the realm of $1500 machines, why not just pay a little more and get a really good elliptical? A few years ago after trying several mid-market machines (and not being totally satisfied with them, although several were decent), I bought a Precor (I think it's a 5.56 -not one of the current models as they change their model numbering all the time). I still use it 5 times a week and couldn't be more satisfied. Used and refurbished Precor (and other top-level) machines are definitely available in the $1500-$2000 range.
posted by dbolll at 10:21 AM on February 2, 2007

I just got a Sole E25 (which I believe is pretty much a E55 without the HR "autopilot" -- my product manual is for both the E25 and E55), and have absolutely no complaints. It's a very sturdy and quiet piece of equipment. I don't see the wheels on rails being a problem at all. My main reasons for choosing the Sole over the Smooth were the stride length and warranty.
posted by pardonyou? at 11:29 AM on February 2, 2007

I just bought this one (Spirit XE350) and I absolutely love it. It is as sturdy, smooth and quiet as any elliptical that I've used in gyms. After going to the gym for so long, it feels great to have the convenience of having it right downstairs.

Spirit was recently bought out by the same company that manufactures Sole trainers. If you look closely at the close-up photos of the two trainers, it is clear that, other than very minor design details, both use the same construction and have the same console features, even though the Spirit sells for $100 less. They are so identical, that the place where I bought it consider them interchangeable.
posted by umbú at 3:18 PM on February 2, 2007