Precor

Elliptical inventor still considered the best

Precor does ellipticals best, but that’s not all the company produces. Treadmills, exercise bikes, strength systems and stretch trainers are just a few of their other forays. Like the elliptical machines, they are all on the high side for both quality and price.

Precor’s EFX elliptical line comes in a range of about 10 different models.

Product spotlight

• Precor EFX5.17i - This is Precor’s entry level elliptical trainer. At over $2,500 it’s too pricey for many purchasers, but as any gym rat can tell you a Precor elliptical is worth the price. Precor’s entry level model is well above other entry-level machines, with an adjustable 12 to 25 degree incline and 19-inch stride length. This machine has 20 resistance levels and doesn’t discriminate against any users because it has no weight limit. On the downside for some is the absence of moving handles and only three preset programs - four if you buy the optional heart rate monitor.
• EFX 5.33 - Precor’s club quality home elliptical machine has moving handlebars, a fixed 20 degree incline and a price tag of almost $4,000. There are 14 programs on this machine, which has been called a maintenance-free choice by reviewers.
  

Not everyone is a Precor fan though, some reviewers have expressed disappointment with the ride quality of Precor machines. For the price, they say it’s just not worth it. It goes to show that a name isn’t everything, no matter how respected it is. If you plan to purchase a Precor, it would be wise to take one for a test drive rather than just relying on the brand’s excellent reputation.