Product Reviews
Precor EFX 5.19 Elliptical Trainer
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Summary: The Precor EFX 5.19 performs well but is grossly overpriced compared to other elliptical trainers in the home user market.
Suggested list price at time of testing: $2799
Rating: 6 (out of 10)
Reviewed by: Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS
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Precor has been manufacturing elliptical trainers for over a decade, both in the consumer and commercial markets. The EFX 5.19 is the least expensive in their line of ellipticals aimed at the home user.
Like all Precor fitness equipment, the EFX 5.19 is sturdily built. At a maximum weight of 300 pounds, it rates at the top of the home fitness market in this category.
The EFX 5.19 is a rear drive system with moving arm handles to work the upper body. Oversized foot pedals are outfitted with a non-skid surface, providing a secure feel during use. One negative of the design is that upper body and lower body actions are synchronized (i.e. they don't work independently). This lessens the resistance on one or the other (depending on whether you use more of your arms or legs in the workout), diminishing some of the benefits of dual extremity action.
The console is laid out in a simple, user-friendly manner, with designated sections for a water bottle, CD/MP3 player and reading material. The LED display is brightly lit, showing time, speed, number of strides, calories burned, and resistance level. Workouts are graphically displayed on the center of the screen. If you're looking for a variety of programs, however, this unit will leave you unfulfilled. With only three presets (hills, weight loss and manual), it falls far short of what you would expect from a machine in this price range.
Performance-wise, the Precor EFX 5.19 delivers a smooth, noise-free ride in both forward and reverse modes, with a pedal arc that nicely mimics the natural human gait. The 19 inch stride length is at the upper end of the spectrum for home units, allowing people of almost any height to work through a full range of motion. Some might complain that there isn't enough variation in the incline, however, which is fixed at 20 degrees.
The Precor EFX 5.19 comes with a warranty that is among the best in the business. This includes lifetime coverage on the frame, 10 years on parts and wear, and one year on labor. You can feel secure that the company stands behind its product.
In sum, the Precor EFX 5.19 is a well-made, high-performance unit. It is smooth, quiet, and has a long stride length that provides a nice feel throughout the range of motion. Unfortunately, the unit doesn't provide good value for the money. With only three preset programs and no built-in heart rate monitor, it is barebones as far as features go. And at a list price approaching $3000, it is grossly overpriced compared to the competition. Similar quality can be purchased in units costing half as much.
Bottom line: If money isn't object, you might consider the Precor EFX 5.19. Otherwise, better value can be found elsewhere.
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