Smooth Fitness has introduced several new ellipticals that are upgrades to the well rated Smooth CE Elliptical. Two of those upgraded models are the Smooth CE 2.1 and the Smooth CE 3.2, both of which offer excellent features. Smooth Elliptical consistantly rank as best buy ellipticals and are top ranked ellipticals by online and offline experts.

Let’s review some of the Smooth Elliptical Features:

• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Smooth Ellipticals have a user weight capacity ranging between 300 - 325 pounds which is great for this price range. Smooth models are also built with heavy duty and precision balanced flywheels. This makes them similar to commercial ellipticals in the respect of providing a smooth and stable ride.
• They have stride lengths ranging from 18 inches up to 21 inches. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles. The Smooth CE 7.4 offers the maximum stride length of 21 inches.
• The foot pedals on the Smooth elliptical machines are ergonomic. The pedals mimic your natural motions. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• Upper body arm bars are available on all Smooth elliptical models. The use of upper body arm bars maximizes your workout by increasing your overall calorie burning
• Smooth ellipticals have a electromagnetic eddy-current brake system. This brake system does not have a motor and has less parts. This can potentially save you money on service costs in the future.
• Smooth ellipticals have “whisper quiet mechanics”. They are known for providing an extremely quiet workout.
• Smooth ellipticals have not only received high customer satisfaction ratings, but also expert best buy ratings. Users at epinions have given them 5 out of 5 stars. Consumer Guide has given a recommendation for the Smooth CE 3.2
• Smooth ellipticals come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and electromagnetic brake, 2-3 years on the parts and electronics and 1 year on service. This warranty provides better coverage than many commercial elliptical trainers.

Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended

Smooth Ellipticals keep getting better with their improved features. They are commercial grade trainers that offer high quality for the right price. Smooth Ellipticals are German designed and exceptionally stable. They won’t take up too much room or break your budget! If you are looking for best buy ellipticals then Smooth is a top ranked elliptical choice.

Where to Buy Smooth Ellipticals at a Discount:

Smooth Fitness sells its highly rated ellipticals direct online, offering consumers the chance to purchase their ellipticals at discounted, wholesale rates. Click here to find out more directly from Smooth Fitness or to purchase a Smooth Elliptical at a Discount Price.

Individual Smooth Elliptical ReviewsSmooth CE3.2 Elliptical

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Some of the highest rated elliptical trainers on the market are Smooth Ellipticals which are made by Smooth Fitness. Their fitness equipment has recieved praise from Men’s Health Magazine, L.A. Times, Runner’s World, Comsumer Guide and Prevention Magazine.

 Let’s review some of the Smooth CE 3.2 Elliptical features:

• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Smooth CE 3.2 has a user weight capacity ranging of 300 pounds which is great for this price range. Smooth models are also built with heavy duty and precision balanced flywheels. This makes them similar to commercial ellipticals in the respect of providing a smooth and stable ride.
• The stride length is 18 inches. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles. The Smooth CE 3.2 offers the maximum stride length of 21 inches.
• The foot pedal is an ergonomic pivoting foot pedal. This is a  feature that is unique to Smooth ellipticals. The pedals on the Smooth 3.2 mimic your natural motions. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• The body arms on the Smooth CE 3.2 use a unique 3:1 ratio of lower body resitance to upper body resistance. This is a very impressive feature. These properly coordinated upper body arms create a more balanced and productive workout.
• If you have multiple elliptical users in your house, then you will love this feature. The Smooth CE 3.2 has 9 user profiles. You can store each user’s personal stats which is a very rare feature for an elliptical at this price.
• Smooth CE 3.2 elliptical has a electromagnetic brake system. This brake system does not have a motor but instead uses magnetic current to create resistance on the flywheel. You will get an impact free workout.
• Smooth CE 3.2 has “whisper quiet mechanics”. They are known for providing an extremely quiet workout.
• Handgrip pulse sensors and wireless heart rate monitor
• 9 built-in workout programs, 16 resistance levels, magnetic resistance
• Smooth ellipticals have not only received high customer satisfaction ratings, but also expert best buy ratings. The Consumer Guide called it “The Best Buy in the $1,000-$1,500 range”
• The Smooth CE 3.2 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and electromagnetic brakes, 3 years on the parts and electronics and 1 year on labor. This warranty provides better coverage than many commercial elliptical trainers. 

Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended

We found nothing but high quality with the Smooth CE 3.2. It provides a smooth ride, great stability, heavy duty flywhell and an advanced LED console. This model will stand up to frequent use and offers quality that is usually only found in pricier machines.

Where to find the Smooth CE3.2 at a Wholesale Discount

If you’re looking for the best buy rated Smooth CE3.2 Elliptical, then the only place to get a rock bottom discount price is by going factory direct with Smooth Fitness itself.  Avoid the middle man and pay wholesale discount price for this highly rated and top ranked elliptical at Smooth.Com.  Get free shipping and pay no tax if you act now!

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Sole Fitness has been making treadmills for hotels for over 20 years. They produce some of the best ellipticals on the market today. Recently, Sole Fitness has put their quality into creating a number of high end home elliptical trainers. What they have achieved is very high quality ellipticals at a very affordable price.

Let’s review some of the Sole E95 Elliptical features:

• It has a price tag of $1699.00 (Sale)
• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Sole Elliptical Trainers have a user weight capacity ranging between (300 - 400 pounds). The Sole E95 elliptical has a user weight capacity of 400 lbs. and a heavy 30 lb. flywheel, which is incredible!
• There are 4 rear wheels that ride on heavy duty rails which are encased in a plastic shroud. This gives you extra stability and makes this machine capable of withstanding aggressive use.
• It has a 20 inch stride length. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles
• The footpads on the Sole elliptical machines are angled slightly inward. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• The cushioned foot pedals gives you a more comfortable workout. The angled foot pedals are adjustable to the way you walk. This can help you avoid a sore Achilles tendon or a numb toe which can happen on other elliptical models
• Upper body arm bars are available on all Sole elliptical models. The use of upper body arm bars maximizes your workout by increasing your overall calorie burning
• You can monitor your heart rate by using the handle bars which has built-in pulse sensor or by using the heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring
• It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on service. This warranty is one of the best elliptical warranties and reflects the quality of the machine
• The resistance offers 20 levels to challenge you and help your interval training
  The Sole E95 has 10 built in workout programs
• It comes with a water bottle holder for hydration during your workout
• Complete with ECB Magnetic resistance

Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended

The Sole E95 delivers smoothness and stability for serious exercisers. The features mentioned above offer more value for your money than other ellipticals that cost twice as much. It has all of the great qualities of a commercial gym elliptical but at a much cheaper price. This brand is becoming very popular due to all of the quality features they offer.

Where to Buy the Sole E95 at a Discount:

You can save money on store markup by purchasing direct from Amazon.com — protect your warranty, avoid bait-and-switch salesmen and get the lowest price online by going to the largest online retailer of fitness equipment in the world.

Compare a wide range of elliptical models and save money on store mark-up, Get FREE SHIPPINGand pay NO Sales Tax

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Sole Fitness has been making treadmills for hotels for over 20 years. They also produce some of the best ellipticals on the market today. Recently, Sole Fitness has put their quality into creating several high end home elliptical trainers. What they have achieved are best buy ellipticals at a very affordable price.

Let’s review some of the Sole E35 Elliptical features:

• It has a price tag of $1284.99 (Sale)
• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Sole Elliptical Trainers have a user weight capacity ranging between (300 - 400 pounds). The Sole E35 elliptical has a user weight capacity of 300 lbs. which is the higher weight capacities for this price.
• It has a 20 inch stride length. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles
• The footpads on the Sole elliptical machines are angled slightly inward. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• The cushioned foot pedals gives you a more comfortable workout. The angled foot pedals are adjustable to the way you walk. This can help you avoid a sore Achilles tendon or a numb toe which can happen on other elliptical models
• Upper body arm bars are available on all Sole elliptical models. The use of upper body arm bars maximizes your workout by increasing your overall calorie burning
• You can monitor your heart rate by using the handle bars which has built-in pulse sensor or by using the heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring
• It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on service(in-home labor). This warranty is one of the best elliptical warranties and reflects the quality of the machine
• The resistance offers 16 levels to challenge you and help your interval training
• The Sole E35 has 8 built in workout programs
• It comes with a water bottle holder for hydration during your workout
• Complete with ECB Magnetic resistance

Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended

We found nothing but high quality with the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer. The features mentioned above exceed most what most other ellipticals have to offer. It has all of the great qualities of a commercial gym elliptical but at a much cheaper price. They are becoming very popular due to all they have to offer.

Where to buy the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer at a Discount:

You can save money on store markup by purchasing direct from Amazon.com - protect your warranty, avoid bait-and-switch salesmen, get FREE SHIPPING and pay NO TAX with the largest supplier of fitness equipment in the world.

Compare a wide range of elliptical models and save money on store mark-up, get FREE SHIPPING and pay NO SALES TAX.

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Let’s review some of the Sole Elliptical Trainers’ features:

• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Sole Elliptical Trainers have a user weight capacity ranging between (300 - 400 pounds). The Sole E95 elliptical has a user weight capacity of 400 pounds which is the highest user weight available that we have seen.
• They have a 20″ stride length. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles
• The footpads on the Sole elliptical machines are angled slightly inward. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• Upper body arm bars are available on all Sole elliptical models. The use of upper body arm bars maximizes your workout by increasing your overall calorie burning
• Sole ellipticals offer a variety of ways to monitor your heart rate during your workout. Depending on the model, you can use the handle bars which has built-in pulse sensor or use the heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring
• It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on service. This warranty is one of the best elliptical warranties and reflects the quality of the machine

Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended

We found nothing but high quality with the Sole Elliptical Trainers. Their features mentioned above exceed most what most other ellipticals have to offer. They are impressive machines and a better alternative than commercial machines. Sole Elliptical Trainers offers high quality at a much cheaper price.

Where to Buy Sole Ellipticals at a Discount

You can save money on store markup by purchasing direct from Amazon.Com - the largest online fitness dealer in the world.

Compare a large range of Sole ellipticals and treadmills. Protect your warranty, get the absolute lowest price online, get FREE SHIPPING and pay NO TAX at Sole’s largest authorized dealer online.

Individual Sole Elliptical Reviews:

Sole E35 Elliptical
Sole E55 Elliptical
Sole E95 Elliptical

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The Sole E55 Elliptical model by Sole Fitness is one of the best elliptical trainers on the market today. If you would like the quality of a commercial gym elliptical without the hefty price tag, then you should consider a Sole E55.

Let’s review some of the Sole E55 Elliptical features:

• It has an economical price of $ $1437.00 (Sale)
• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. The Sole Elliptical Trainers have a user weight capacity ranging between (300 - 400 pounds). The Sole E55 elliptical has a user weight capacity of 350 which is one of the highest user weight capacities at this price.
• It has a 20 inch stride length. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models (which only offer 14 or 16 inches), you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles
• The footpads on the Sole elliptical machines are angled slightly inward. This helps to put your body in proper alignment which protects your back, knees, ankles and hips during your workouts.
• The cushioned foot pedals gives you a more comfortable workout. The angled foot pedals are adjustable to the way you walk. This can help you avoid a sore Achilles tendon or a numb toe which can happen on other elliptical models
• Upper body arm bars are available on all Sole elliptical models. The use of upper body arm bars maximizes your workout by increasing your overall calorie burning
• You can monitor your heart rate by using the handle bars which has built-in pulse sensor or by using the heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring
• It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on service. This warranty is one of the best elliptical warranties and reflects the quality of the machine
• The resistance offers 16 levels to challenge you and help your interval training
• The Sole E55 has 10 built in workout programs
• It comes with a water bottle holder for hydration during your workout
• Complete with ECB Magnetic resistance

Our Two Cents: Recommended

We found nothing but high quality with the Sole E55. The features mentioned above exceed most what most other ellipticals have to offer. It has all of the great qualities of a commercial gym elliptical but at a much cheaper price. They are becoming very popular and due to all they have to offer.

Where to Buy the Sole E55 Elliptical at a Discount

You can save money on store markup by purchasing direct from Amazon.com - the largest authorized fitness retailer in the world.

Compare a wide range of elliptical models and save money on store mark-up, guarantee your warranty, get FREE SHIPPING and pay NO TAX with the largest authorized online dealer of Sole ellipticals.

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Spirit fitness produces several models of elliptical trainers. The Spirit XE350 Elliptical is one of their highest rated models. The price of $1399 makes it affordable and offers a lot in the way of value.

Let’s review some of the Spirit XE350’s features:

• It has an economical price of $1399 (MSRP: $1699).
• The model has a 20′ stride length with ECB Magnetic resistance. With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models, you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles
• The resistance offers 20 levels to challenge you and help your interval training
• The Spirit XE350 has 10 built in workout programs along with upper body arms
• There is a Pulse Grip heart rate monitor for your use during your workout
• It comes with a water bottle holder for hydration during your workout
• The Spirit XE350 has a user weight capacity of 350 pounds
• It comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and brake and a 5 year warranty for parts and electronics. The warranty also provides for 2 years in home labor
• The weight capacity of an elliptical trainer determines how stable the machine will be. This model has a 350 pound weight capacity which is one of the highest in this price range. Higher weight capacities will result in a more stable machine. You can count on the quality of the machine considering it comes with one of the best elliptical warranties in the business.

The only downside to the Spirit XE 350 Elliptical is that it might be harder to find than some other brands. Be aware that if you do find it in a store, you will probably pay a much higher price due to store mark-ups.

SPIRIT XE350 FEATURES AND SPECS

Price: Under $1400
Transport Wheels: Yes
Stride Length: 20″
Rails: 4 chrome
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Control: Electronic
Resistance Levels: 20
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes; pulse grip and wireless telemetry
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 6
Display: Single window blue backlit LCD
Readouts: Time, distance, calories, weight, speed, RPM, level, laps, heart rate, and age
Features: Articulating foot pad, cooling fans, water bottle/ accessory holders
Grade: Residential
Product Size: 82″L x 27″W x 67″H
Product Weight: 196 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5 years parts and 2 years labor

Spirit XE350 Elliptical At A Discount:

Unfortunately, the Spirit XE350 Elliptical has been discontinued by the manufacturer. We wish we could recommend other Spirit or Esprit brand ellipticals, but due to a high level of consumer complaints this year, both Spirit and its new Esprit brand are both NOT RECOMMENDED.

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Spirit fitness produces a line of elliptical trainers. The Spirit XE 150 Elliptical is one of their most popular models. It has an affordable price of only $1199 and offers a lot in the way of value.

Let’s review some of the Spirit XE150’s features:

• It has an economical price of $1199 (MSRP: $1399).
• The model has a 20′ stride length with ECB Magnetic resistance
• The resistance offers 16 levels to challenge you and help your interval training
• The Spirit XE150 has 15 built in workout programs along with upper body arms
• There is a Pulse Grip heart rate monitor for your use during your workout
• It comes with a water bottle holder for hydration during your workout
• The Spirit XE150 has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds
• It comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and brake and a 5 year warranty for parts and electronics. The warranty also provides for 2 years in home labor
• With a longer stride length than most of the cheaper models, you will be able to burn the maximum amount of calories by working out the full range of leg muscles. You can count on the quality of the machine considering it comes with one of the best elliptical warranties in the business.

The only downside to the Spirit XE 150 Elliptical is that it might be harder to find than some other brands. It does not have a fancy display however at this price, you can’t complain. The next step up in ellipticals would be the Spirit XE350 elliptical. This model has an even higher weight user capacity and more program options.

Spirit XE150 Elliptical Specifications

Transport Wheels: Yes
Dual Action: Yes
Stride Length: 20″
Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Resistance Type: ECB
Resistance Control: Electronic
Resistance Levels: 16
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes; pulse grip
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 15; 13 standard, 1 user defined, 1 heart rate
Display Type: Single window blue backlit LCD
Special Features: Cooling fans, water bottle/accessory holders
Grade: Residential

Spirit XE150 Elliptical At A Discount:

Unfortunately, the Spirit XE150 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and replaced by less sturdy, lower quality and poor performing replacements in both the Spirit and Esprit elliptical lines.  It is sad to see a company with great potential cranking out some truly unimpressive equipment this year around.

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Dyaco bought Spirit fitness and has been working hard to build a strong reputation. With the increased awareness of their brand in 2007, Spirit has increased its prices across the board without increasing quality..

It is sad to say, but where Spirit was once a highly recommended product, it is now considered a pass by most.  Where it once dominated best buy award lists, Spirit is now absent across the board.  Spirit ellipticals, in particular, have come under fire in 2008 for their lack of stability and value.

Strong Points:

• Upper Body Workouts: Every Spirit Elliptical model have upper body arm bars. Using upper body arms during your workout increases the amount of calories burned. This provides for a more complete total body workout.
• Long Warranties: Spirit machines offer rather good warranties. The pricier units offer better warranties but even the economical units offer a better warranty than Weslo or Proform.

Weak Points:

• Hard to Find: Due to the fact that Spirit ellipticals are not as widely distributed as other brands, it could be harder to find parts or service for the machine.
• Service Issues: An elliptical that is similar in design is Sole ellipticals . This is an example of a more widely distributed machine that easier to service if needed.
• Short Stride Length: Some of the lower cost models of the Spirit ellipticals would not suit a tall person very well. The ZE 20 starts at 13′ which is a rather small stride length.
• Short Frame Size:  This year Spirit has reduced the size of its frames to a more compact model based on the recalled Spirit XE125 of years past.  Why Spirit decided to base a new design on an old failure is a question we’d all love the answer to.

Our Two Cents: Not Recommended

Overall, we cannot recommend the Spirit Ellipticals.  As poor performers, both the Spirit and Esprit brand ellipticals are average at best and poor performing, money sinks at worst.  We suggest ellipticals from Sole or Smooth if you are looking for the best bang for you buck.

Individual Treadmill Reviews:

Spirit XE150 Elliptical
Spirit XE350 Elliptical

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Rated the “Best Buy Under $1500″ by both the Treadmill Doctor and Treadmill Sensei

The F80 Treadmill by Sole Fitness is one of the best treadmill buys around and easily the best buy treadmill under $1500. Experts worldwide have rated it as “one of the best values in its price range,” and it was given Best Buy Awards by both the TreadmillDoctor.Com and TreadmillSensei.com for a treadmill under $1500.

Sole Fitness has been best known as the treadmill choice for major hotel chains, including the Hilton and Omni Hotells. Sole is now making their high quality, award-winning treadmills available for purchase on the home treadmill market.

If you are on the market for a mid-priced treadmill that performs and feels just like a higher-priced commercial unit, then the Sole F80 is a fantastic choice. Let’s take a look at the stats on the Sole F80 Treadmill to see why it has been so highly rated by consumer and expert alike:

Sole F80 Stat Quick Peek:

Price: $1479 (Regularly $1999)
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0.5-11 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 55″
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes, with wireless chest strap included

Sole F80 Treadmill Features:

• 3.0 horsepower motor: Newly upgraded this year, the Sole F80 now features a powerful 3hp motor that runs cool at low RPMs and is built to withstand the strain of even the heaviest duty of workouts.
• Cushion Flex System: Developed back in 1992 and recognized in the industry as the best on the market, Sole’s CFS shock absorption system has been shown to price a 365% lower impact than walking or running on concrete or asphalt.
• Whisper Deck: Sole’s patented silent drive system offers the lowest decibal rating currently available. This gives you a quieter workout. And, better yet, the deck now comes with a lifetime warranty.
• Outstanding Warranty: With a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor, the Sole F80 has one of the best warranty packages available for a treadmill at this price. When you factor in the extra long 5 year parts and 2 year labor warranties, the Sole F80 hits a homerun for the home buyer.

Overall Conclusion: Highly Recommended

With the recent upgrade to an incredible 3 horsepower motor, the Sole F80 has become one of the best treadmills available under $1500. With a solid frame, large motor and Sole’s Fantastic Warranties, the Sole F80 makes a fine addition to any home workout room.

Where To Buy:

We have found the best price on the Sole F80 Treadmill to be found at Sole’s largest authorized wholesale dealer, Amazon.com. Amazon.com has a sale on the Sole F80 for $1499, with Free Shipping and No Tax, which is lower than anywhere online or off.

Click here for more on the Sole F80 treadmill

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