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Precor

#1 Precor Elliptical Review

Chris L.
January 19, 2021

Precor ellipticals are luxury trainers designed to give you full-body workouts. While the exact features vary from one model to the next, you can expect motorized inclines, touchscreens, and numerous resistance levels. While expensive, this is the kind of brand you generally see in commercial gyms.

Is the Precor Elliptical best for you?

Precor ellipticals are commonly found at gyms and spas, but you can own one for your own personal home gym. While features vary depending on model, some come standard with each Precor machine. For instance, you get CrossRamp technology in every elliptical, which allows you to adjust the ramp according to which muscle group you want to work out.

That's only the beginning as these machines also come with magnetic resistance and wireless heart rate monitoring capabilities. Ultimately, you have 3 different series to choose from: Energy, Precision, and Experience. There's something out there for everyone with this brand.

Consider Precor Elliptical if...

  • You need durable frames. The last thing you want when you purchase such an expensive machine is for it to wear out quickly. Fortunately, Precor ellipticals are designed with resilient, commercial-grade frames to stand the test of time.
  • You want wide-ranging ramps. For most Precor models, you receive inclines of anywhere between 13 and 60 degrees. That's a substantial mark-up from other models that usually only go up to 30 degrees.
  • You like customizable plans. While you often get at least 20 built-in programs, you also get a fair amount of personalized programs you can build yourself in many models.

Avoid Precor Elliptical if...

  • You need something quieter. A lot of reviews seem to indicate this brand's models tend to get noisy. If you need something that doesn't disturb your housemates as much, you may need to opt for something that's more silent.
  • You want a stronger warranty. Warranties tend to vary wildly between specific Precor models. However, there are quite a few where the parts and labor warranty isn't all that great.
  • You're on a budget. Precor ellipticals tend to cost upwards of $2,000. That may not be ideal for trainees who are trying to save money.

Precor Elliptical pros & cons

Pros

  • Rear-drive systems
  • CrossRamp
  • Moveable handlebars
  • Over 20 resistance levels

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Short warranty

Construction and design

  • Flywheel: Precor's flywheels aren't the heaviest around, but due to the machines' rear-drive design, its models still pack plenty of power.
  • Pedals: Precor ellipticals come with a patented motion design to keep your heels on the pedals at all time to limit stress.
  • Handlebars: Moveable handlebars allow you to work out your arms just as much as your legs.
  • Console: All of Precor's machines are compatible with iPods. Many also include dome-style buttons so that you can effortlessly make incline adjustments.
  • Resistance: Precor ellipticals offer magnetic resistance for smooth, clean motions.
  • Built-in Programs/Features: The exact number of programs you receive depends on the model. But you can typically expect anywhere between 6 and 25.

Key Precor Elliptical Specs

Pedals
Cushioned
Stride Length
Up to 36"
Heart/Pulse Sensor?
Handgrip
Resistance
Magnetic
Built-in Programs?
Up to 25
Max Weight Capacity
Up to 350 pounds
Size (Dimensions)
80" x 32" x 68"
Foldable?
No
Warranty
Lifetime on frame, 3 years on console, 1 year on labor

Reasons to buy Precor Elliptical?

  1. You want a commercial-grade elliptical. This brand's machines may cost a lot, but you get quality. Often, you can find Precor ellipticals in gyms. If you want that same level of durability and quality for your own home gym, Precor is a great option.
  2. You want a full-body workout. With moveable handlebars, you can exercise muscles in your arms as much as the ones in your legs. You can even isolate a single muscle group if there's one spot you want to focus on.
  3. You want to feel like you're running. With the rear-drive design, these ellipticals feel as though you're running. It stimulates smooth, natural movements that goes easy on your joints.

Reasons to avoid Precor Elliptical?

  1. You want more features. Considering the high cost, potential buyers may not like how these machines don't come with built-in fans or foldable features. If you look at Bowflex models, you can get a lot more at a substantially-reduced price.

What real Precor Elliptical reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Precor ellipticals receive high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Precor ellipticals scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  1. "From start to finish, this seller was a breeze to work with and very accommodating."
  2. "The used Precor is an excellent addition to my home gym. Excellent product, customer service and staff!"
  3. "Great for low impact workouts."
  4. "I love it for a variety of reasons detailed below. The first is that it is comfortable and very adjustable."
  5. "I also like the readout on the Precor."

What reviewers dislike

  1. "The model has been discontinued."
  2. "The only [thing] I miss is the ones at my gym had the bars for your arms/hands."
  3. "My only issue was that several of the straps used to secure the crosstrainer to the shipping crate were driven in with severely warped screws, making their removal very difficult."
  4. "Weighs a lot (400 lbs)."
  5. "The elliptical's resistance was not working but IFitness sent a technician who fixed it."

Our verdict

Precor is a solid brand with a great reputation. They make machines that are built to last, which is why you generally find Precor ellipticals at gyms. If you want that same kind of quality at home, you can now get it from Amazon.

However, if you're on a tight budget or looking for something a little simpler, Precor isn't the right choice for you. In which case, you may want to look into a Sole elliptical. But, if you're ready to invest in a commercial gym-quality machine for your own home, you can't go wrong with a Precor elliptical.

Where to buy Precor Elliptical

You can find numerous Precor ellipticals for sale on Amazon. Not only do you get a great price, you get to enjoy Amazon's fast, free shipping!