Best Elliptical Trainer at $1,500

Readers question on best elliptical for around $1,500.

Hi Fred,

Do you have a specific elliptical machine recommendation for me? I’m 6’5″, 255 lbs. I’m looking to spend around $1,500 or less. Thanks!

Response:

Hi Scott,

The Smooth CE 7.4 is an option. It is a rear drive elliptical that comes with a 21″ elliptical stride. There are those that prefer the rear drive design because of how it positions the body and it has fewer moving parts. It is backed with a lifetime braking system, 7 years parts and 2 year labor warranty, and overall the CE 7.4 has an excellent service record. It is also the company’s best seller.   See the Smooth CE 7.4 elliptical trainer review. .

The other consideration is the Sole E55. This elliptical also has a very good service record and has the incline feature. This is a front drive model. See the Sole E55 elliptical trainer review.

Both these ellipticals have been around for over 4 years and are proven model. Although through the years there has been numerous upgrades.

Sole F80 vs Livestrong LSPro1 folding treadmill

Reader Inquiry:

First of all, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your wonderful website. I am a professional researcher, and can honestly say that I have found your site to be the best for reviews of fitness equipment. I have been researching treadmills for weeks now and would not have been able to successfully narrow my search to the extent that I have without the information you provide.

 My question is this: I am trying to decide between the Sole F80 and the Livestrong LSPro1 folding treadmills. Although you have not yet reviewed the LSPro1 on your site, were you able to take a look at it at all when you visited the manufacturer? I tried them both at Dick’s Sporting Goods and was impressed with both of them. They were both extremely quiet, responsive, sturdy, and seemed easy to use. For the same price of $1,499, the Livestrong has more programs and bells & whistles, is more streamlined, and a bit less bulky which I actually like. However, the proven excellent reputation of Sole regarding quality, warranty, and service is causing me to lean towards the Sole. And, because of an old foot injury, I also really like the reviews on their Cushion Flex deck. Livestrong’s best cushioning system seems to be reserved for their top of the line LSPro2 which is not a folding treadmill although the warranty of the LSPro1 is comparable—although not equal—to Sole.

 Any feedback would be appreciated. Read more …

NordicTrack Treadmill and Elliptical 5% Off Sale

NordicTrack is running a sale as of 1/17/12.  All of their treadmills and most of their ellipticals are marked down 5%.  Hard to tell if this sale is one day or longer.  Typically they run these sales one day.

This is an excellent opportunity to get some great deals.  See my NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews and my NordicTrack Elliptical Trainer Reviews.

2012 Best Buy Elliptical Trainer Video

I just released by 2012 Best Buy Elliptical Trainer Video on YouTube.  My picks include the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro, Smooth CE 3.6, NordicTrack E15.0, Yowza Captiva and the Precor 5.33.  These models represent a continuing trend in the elliptical trainer industry.  You tend to get more for your money, including better quality and more innovative features.   See which crosstrainer is ideal for your body and your budget.

Yowza Captiva Vs. Bowflex Treadclimber TC20

I recently had the following question from a viewer:

“How does the Yowza Captiva elliptical trainer compare to the Bowflex Treadclimber TC20? (for a reasonably fit 50+ year old female)”

My response:

I feel the Yowza Captiva elliptical trainer is a better built machine, which is evident in the warranty. Also, the Core Cardio Training offers the ability to trim and tone the upper body, which the TC20 does not. In addition, the variable motion targets more lower body muscles. Although the most important reason to buy the Captiva over the Treadclimber TC20 is the price difference.  When you factor the various discounts you can get the Captiva for about $800 less.  That is a significant savings.

It is unfortunate you cannot try out either machine to see which feels right for you.  Both our sold strictly online.

ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 Treadmill $200 Savings

As of 1/2/12 Proform has marked down their ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 treadmill to $1,299 with shipping.  That is a $200 savings.  For the price you get some impressive features including a 3.8 continuous duty motor, 60″ long running surface, iFit Live technology and a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.  Although the most impressive feature at this price is the 10″ full color Google Android Browser.  You can access the Internet as you burn off those unwanted calories.  You can also get the full visual experience of iFit Live.  Don’t pass up this bargain.

$100 of the 2011 NordicTrack C 900 Treadmill

Asd of 1/2/12 NordicTrack was selling out their inventory of the 2011 NordicTrack C 900 Treadmill.  You can get it for $899 with shipping, making it an excellent deal.  There are only a few minor differences between the 2011 and the 2012 NordicTrack C 900 treadmill.  The main difference being handles with easy access to change the decline and the speed.  The C 900 treadmill comes with a 3.0 continuous duty motor and 60″ running surface.  You also get a lifetime motor, 3-year parts and 1-year labor warranty.

Smooth Treadmill Coupons and Discounts

As of 1/3/12 Smooth Fitness was offering a $100 discount on all their treadmills, including the Smooth 5.65. Smooth 6.75, Smooth 7.35, Smooth 9.35, Smooth 9.65LC and the Smooth 9.65TV. 

This is not one of those bogus discounts that are constantly offered.  This is a special promotion during the holidays.  If you are considering buying a Smooth treadmill, today is a excellent opportunity. See the Smooth Treadmill Reviews.

LiveStrong Treadmill Discounts and Coupons

As of 12/28/11 LiveStrong had discounted two of their popular treadmills.  The LiveStrong LS10.0T  treadmill typically sells for $999 and is priced now for $899.  The LiveStrong LS13.0T Treadmill typically sells for $1,299 and is currently priced at $1,199.  Both come with free inside delivery.  Most online treadmill sales have only curbside delivery.  Considering that these models probably weigh over 200 lbs., you really want the inside delivery service. 

LiveStrong treadmills offer a number of ergonomic features that make them excellent running machines.  They also comes with respectable warranties.

2012 Best Buy Treadmill Video Release

I just released by YouTube video of my 2012 “Best Buy” treadmills. Models include the ProForm Performance 600, Smooth 5.65, NordicTrack 1750 and the Precor 9.35.  You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQE9stWPIY.