Since Precor patented the rear drive elliptical, it has been the gold standard for elliptical trainers. However, less expensive brands have adopted the design.
Technology always seems to get better and easy to access over time. Some decades ago, the rear drive elliptical was among the machines that did not come cheap. It was exclusive to the cream of society.
You can now get affordable rear-drive elliptical anywhere. In the following paragraphs, we discuss some of the best rear-drive ellipticals on the market. And as always, you deserve nothing but the best.
| Model | Product weight | Flywheel | Weight capacity | Resistance levels |
| NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainers | 218 lbs | 18 lbs | 325 lbs | 24 |
| ProForm Hybrid Trainer | 116.84 lbs | 13 lbs | 350 lbs | 16 |
| Precor EFX 576i Premium Commercial Series Elliptical | 318 lbs | 350 lbs | 20 | |
| Exerpeutic Gold 2000XLST Bluetooth Smart Technology Elliptical Trainer | 81.6 lbs | 275 lbs | 16 |
1. NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainers
NordicTrack rear drive elliptical is undoubtedly one of the most popular elliptical trainers on the market. The word out there is that rear driver ellipticals require a significant amount of floor space. However, this particular elliptical trainer from one of our favorite brands is compact and space-saving.
And if you are one of those people who find total body workouts the most appropriate and fun, then this product is the most ideal for you. There are up to 24 resistance levels that you can choose from as you train. Therefore, you are going to have as much challenge as you want to fulfill your workout goals.
The elliptical trainer also has up to a 10-degree incline that you can change according to preference and needs. Other features include built-in heart rate sensors to help you monitor your heart rate and achieve your workout goals effortlessly.
This machine also comes with an 18 pounds elliptical wheel for efficient movement and smooth workout. Ideally, the flywheel should be substantial to ensure a steady flow without any inhibitions.
The rear flywheel elliptical comes with a 7-inchsmart touchscreen that provides clear information on your workout progress.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving
- It is best for beginners as well as professional trainers
- Up to 24 resistance levels to choose from
- It is easy to use, and you can select the ideal level for you at the touch of a button
- The machine comes with 118 pound flywheel for effective movement
Cons
- There are several complaints regarding the software
- The machine may be noisy
2. ProForm Hybrid Trainer
This is a versatile machine that converts between a recumbent bike and an elliptical trainer. That means you have an all-around hybrid trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals. It has up to 16 fitness programs that you can choose from and lose weight if that is your goal.
Proform rear drive elliptical comes with up to 16 workout programs to have a fulfilling workout. It also comes with up to 16 resistance levels to ensure you grow stronger as you train.
And to make your workouts even more interesting, you can plug in the mp3 player or iPod and let the music serve as motivation. Contemporary exercise devices come with entertainment features so that the trainers can enjoy some music as they work out.
The short 15-inch strides are not too bad for beginners and intermediate users. The pros may also use it, but they may need more intensive variable stride ellipticals.
Considering the dual functionality, the hybrid trainer is quite cost-effective. To ensure portability, the hybrid trainer features some small front wheels that you can use to move it around.
And if you want to use the recumbent bike, the trainer has a comfortable seat with a breathable back. It allows an efficient airflow at the back to keep you dry and comfortable.
Pros
- A versatile hybrid trainer that converts between a recumbent exercise bike and an elliptical trainer
- Up to 16 fitness programs and 16 resistance levels
- The machine is easy to plug in an iPod or MP3 to keep the music playing and serve as motivation
- A comfortable and breathable seat and back support respectively
Cons
- The machine is a bit heavy
- Over time, the device may start making some noise
3. Precor EFX 576i Premium Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Precor is a well-known brand in the world of elliptical trainers on the market. Therefore, you can expect this training machine to be as capable as possible when it comes to working out.
This rear flywheel elliptical comes with moveable arms designed to offer an efficient workout according to the rigors of the gym. You will get the same effective exercise that you get at the gym.
The elliptical trainer features an intuitive console that is very user-friendly. You get all the information that you need to train effectively. Furthermore, the intuitive console also helps you determine the far you are with the workouts.
With a stride length of up to 24.7 inches, the elliptical trainer is the perfect companion to help you lose weight and achieve a host of fitness goals. And unlike some of the elliptical trainers in this review that have an incline of up to 10 degrees, this machine’s ramp incline can reach 40 degrees.
The elliptical trainer has up to 20 levels of resistance and 14 preset programs to provide the best workout within the confines of your home. Furthermore, it has three cross-training and handheld heart monitors.
The heart monitor provides real-time information regarding your heart rate to help determine the progress of the workouts.
Pros
- A quality elliptical trainer from a well-known brand
- Has an intuitive console to help you achieve your workout goals
- Sufficient stride length of up to 24.7 inches for an intense workout
- A ramp incline of up to 40 degrees
- With fourteen pre-set programs and up to 20 levels of resistance, this machine will provide the ideal workout
Cons
- It is a cumbersome machine
- The design of the cup holder is poor
4. Exerpeutic Gold 2000XLST Bluetooth Smart Technology Elliptical Trainer
A heavy flywheel is ideal when it comes to elliptical trainers. The rear flywheel elliptical comes with up to 21 preset workout programs that you can conveniently choose from. Additionally, it has up to 3 workout goal settings that you can conveniently select.
The 16 magnetic tension levels are just what you need for an intense workout. You get a challenging workout that you need to fulfill your goals. For example, you can effectively burn calories daily and achieve the weight and fitness that you desire.
The elliptical flywheel weight partly measures the effectiveness of rear drive ellipticals. However, the length of the stride also determines whether the particular elliptical trainer is going to help you achieve your workout goals. Mainly, the strides should never be too short.
In that context, the Exerpeutic Gold 2000XLST comes with a 13-inch stride which to some people may be too small. However, it is appropriate for a smooth workout. Another feature that you are going to love is the Bluetooth connectivity.
Typically, you can flawlessly connect your devices with this machine for a fun workout. Even better, the elliptical trainer connects to the MyFitQuest4 app to help you track your progress. The smartphone or tablet holder is another great feature that most people in contemporary society will find useful.
Of course, most of us have a smartphone or a tablet that is almost a part of us. We cannot live without these, and the tablet holder on the machine makes it convenient for us.
Pros
- Up to 16 magnetic tension levels that give you all the challenges that you want
- A large and heavy flywheel for efficiency when working out
- Bluetooth connectivity and MyFitQuest4 app to track your progress
- A tablet or smartphone holder that most people find useful
- The elliptical trainer is easy to use
- It has a clear console to provide progress status
- The machine has quiet operation
Cons
- The 13-inch stride may be too small for some people
- It may not be easy to use
How to Choose the Best Elliptical Trainer: A Buyer’s Guide
Some skeptics may not see the importance of an elliptical trainer in comparison to other gym equipment such as a treadmill. However, the elliptical trainer is one of the most crucial gym equipment. It provides low impact cardio by simulating running but with reduced impact on the knees.
It is primarily the best training machine if you are recovering from a joint injury. It is gentle on the knees as well as the joints. Therefore, if you are looking for a machine that is gentler than running and a treadmill, then an elliptical trainer is the most appropriate.
But apart from being a gentle machine to use, the elliptical trainer is fun to use. Some of them have features that include entertainment and connectivity to keep in touch with friends.
Unfortunately, it is not one brand that is in the market. There are numerous. But how do you choose the best deal elliptical among the many?
There are various factors that you need to look out for to get your ideal elliptical trainer. The following are some of them.
Type of elliptical trainer
The majority of exercise enthusiasts will not use any other type of elliptical trainer apart from the rear drive elliptical trainer. However, that does not mean the other classes are not any good. You can still find a decent center or front elliptical trainer.
But before you can buy any particular type of elliptical trainer, it is essential to assess your needs against the benefits of each trainer. In the front drive ellipticals. rear drive debate, which is the best machine for you?
The front drive elliptical produces a feeling of climbing stairs. It does not have the more natural feel of the rear drive elliptical. However, what matters most is preference.
One person may feel more comfortable on the front drive elliptical as opposed to the rear wheel elliptical. On the other hand, the cross trainer may feel a bit more uncomfortable for some people who think that it compels them to lean forward.
The side to side elliptical trainer may be the best model for those people that need to stand upright when training.
Budget
The price of the elliptical trainer is one of the most critical factors that determine who the winner in the front vs. rear drive elliptical is, during the decision-making process. In other words, your budget will determine the kind of machine that is most appropriate for you.
In my opinion, you should pick a center drive or a side drive elliptical if you are looking for the low cost elliptical. The other types of elliptical stand to be cheaper than the rear drive elliptical.
Your local discount store may have cheap elliptical trainers that you can buy. However, the cheap trainers may not last as you would want them to. There’s one adage that talks about cheap being expensive.
And true to that statement, some of the cheapest models do not last. On the other hand, those that last may require extensive maintenance and repairs. The total cost of maintaining such a device may be significant.
If you cannot afford a quality elliptical machine, then it is essential to hold your horses and save for some time. Making the Precures. The sole elliptical decision is mostly by the size of the budget. Both of them are quality products, but they cost a little bit more than others.
Body Type
You cannot effectively use a big elliptical trainer if you have a small body type. It is what some people can refer to as overkill.
If that is the case, a compact and, sometimes foldable design rear wheel elliptical may be the most appropriate. On the other hand, you should not pick a smaller elliptical trainer if you have a small body.
A big guy on a small elliptical trainer is never the best combination. You may be too big than what the rear wheel elliptical can handle, and you may need to go back to the stores for another one sooner rather than later. Therefore, buy a machine that is most appropriate for your body size.
Available Floor Space
The available floor space determines which elliptical trainer is the most appropriate for you. One of the undeniable facts is that townhouses are smaller and the available space may be insufficient for some of the training machines. Think about the floor space that is available for the elliptical trainer.
In most cases, the rear drive ellipticals may require more floor space compared to the other types of elliptical trainers. But don’t solve the front wheel vs. rear wheel elliptical dilemma by basing your decision solely on the floor space that you have. Contemporary machines are getting smaller and more compact depending on the model and brand.
That means it is possible to find a rear drive elliptical that is as compact as a front drive elliptical.
Final Note
The best rear-drive elliptical is a machine that every exercise enthusiast should own. The rear drive elliptical provides low impact cardio and is gentler on the knees as well as the joints compared to running or jogging every morning.
Other benefits include convenience, and you may get entertainment features on some of the expensive models. More importantly, elliptical trainers help you keep in shape and improve the quality of your life.