There are several reasons you want to consider buying the Yowza Captiva Elliptical…

• The rear drive design offers a very smooth and natural elliptical stride.  I personally prefer the rear drive design in comparison to a front drive design because it is more ergonomic.
• The Yowza Captiva is a extremely durable machine. That is why it comes with a lifetime drive, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.
• You get the patented Cardio Core feature.  This feature is unlike any upper body workout on any other elliptical brand.  It targets you abs, while you burn calories.
• You also get the innovative Variable Motion Control, which provides a variety of motions that allow you to target more lower body muscles and burn calories more efficiently. 

I’ve known the President of the Yowza Fitness for a number of years, and have met the owner of the manufacturing facility in Taiwan on a couple of ocassions.  These individuals have been building and marketing quality fitness equipment for a number of years.  The Yowza Captiva is a perfect example. You can learn more at my indepth Yowza Captiva Review.

“Pacemaster service has gone awol. They don’t answer the phone and don’t return email. The website says they have moved and will be up again “soon” but it’s been three months and neither me or my retailer can reach them for service. My treadmill is supposed to be under warranty, but that’s worthless if they don’t stand by it. I strongly recommend against buying Pacemaster. “

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.

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.

My Response:

Phil,

I wish I could advise you on this, but I have had very little feedback on the LiveStrong Pro1. When I was at their headquarters the Pro1 and Pro2 were not available. I did see them at a Dick’s Sporting Goods and they seem like decent machines. I know that Johnson Fitness has a reputation for excellence and the other LiveStrong models have proven to be very durable.

I will say that Treadmill Doctor gave it high ratings, which means they actually tested the machine. Also, I went online and the warranty was the same as Sole, and currenty LiveStrong has a 1-year warranty extension on their treadmills.

With that said, I would say either is a good choice. I will mention that the Sole is geared for runners and has a stiffer shock absorption than some other brands. The Sole F80 has been out for about 5-6 years and has an excellent service record. Once again, I would assume the LiveStrong LSPro1 will live up to the brand repuration

Not a definitive answer, but I hope it helps. And thanks for the compliment.

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

“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.

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.