Brand Review: Spirit Fitness Ellipticals
Spirit fitness is a formerly reputable exercise equipment company that has been in business for over 25 years. They produce the Spirit Elliptical Trainers which gained a bit of popularity last year, but have fallen in to disfavor by both industry experts and consumers alike. This year’s equipment is plagued with lower quality parts and poor performance. What was once a company specializing in mid ranged equipment now only specializes in mediocre, over-priced equipment.
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