I'm looking to get a high end elliptical and have looked at several brands and models so far. These would include models by Precor, Life Fitness, Octane, and SportsArt.

For some background, I've used Precor commerical models quite extensively several years ago. I liked them quite a bit because of the ramp technology and the lack of moving arms. The 5.23 has been my preferred model to purchase until recently. However, the exclusive local Canadian retailer for me, Fitness Depot, has demonstrated that they really don't want my business after a sales associate lied to my face and when I contacted their local head office about it, I've been met with indifference. I really would prefer not to deal with them.

I've also used a Life Fitness on occasion and I didn't like it nearly as much as the Precors I've used. I found I was worried about my knees hitting the bar that attachs vertically across the arms. I just didn't like the Life Fitness models for some reason.

While the Octane seemed nice when I tested it, I'm concerned about the need to frequently maintain it and online reports of it breaking down frequently. As well, the only local retailer that carries it is Fitness Depot but there are other Canadian retailers for it.

The last model I looked at is the SportsArt E8300 that was carried at a local retailer. From a brief test of it I came away very impressed but when I was testing it out I had never heard of the brand or model before. Unfortunately, the only SportsArt model they had to test was the top of the line commerical and I've got some concerns about it. Mainly, it doesn't offer the residential warranty that the other SportsArt models carry and that it is self-powered. From what I have been able to find out online, the E82 is very similiar to the E8300 except that it isn't self-powered, has a residential warranty, has user profiles and has a couple of extra programs. I don't know if my local retailer can get in the E82 since they aren't listed on the SportsArt website as an authorized retailer. But they seem to be a far more customer oriented retailer then Fitness Depot and I've done business with them in the past.

Now the SportsArt E8300 is available as a floor model for not much more then the Precor 5.23 and I'm not sure how much it would cost me for the SportsArt E82. Does anyone have any experience with the different models of the SportsArt? And if so, how would you rate them in quality to the other high end elliptical brands?

Thanks.

You are looking at great ellipticals, as far as quality is concerned. It's nice to finally see some one looking at a real investment in their exercise equipment. (but i haven't been on the this site very long)

My suggestions:

First, get the elliptical you like the best, if your going to invest some money... get something that can adjust your stride... The human body changes over time.. as you lose weight, gain weight, and age... what feels comftorable to will change, having an elliptical that will change with you can never be a bad thing.

2nd, If you like two ellipticals the same... purchase from a retailer that you trust. It sounds like you've had a bad experience at one local retailer. If if something goes wrong make sure that you have support from the retailer and they are willing to make you happy.

3rd. Make sure they have a return policy that is reasonable. if you purchase an elliptical that your not use to, make sure that when you get it home your not stuck with it.

As far as brands and warrranty's go... Precor, SportsArt, Lifefitness, are all at the top as far as build quality. Precor and Sportsart, in my opinion are better investments, do to the variable strides.

In the US... Sportsart commercial equipment carries the same residential warranty that ther Professial series does ( the E82 ) Ask your retailer... or call sportsArt.. there is a form you have to filll out. to transfer the warrranty.

As far as some concerns with the self generating system on the 8300.. that system is designed to be ran all day long in high duty clubs. So the battery may not last as long if you are just using it 30-45 minutes every couple of days.... (just like your car battery... if it sits to long it loses it's juice)

I have used all of the ellipticals you mentioned. I own the Life fitness and think it is great, however if I had my choice, I would either get the top of the line Precor 576i (very expensive) or the SA 8300 or the Octane Q45e. Though I love my life fitness, it is very unimaginative and quite costly for what you get. Their warranty is also not quite as good as Precor's or SA's. The only Precor that I like is the 576i. The other Precor models feel like steppers not ellipticals. I think the Octane is the most technilogically advanced and has a wonderful feel to it. The SA has a better warranty than the Octane. Check epinion's reviews on the equipment. They have quite a few. If you are not concerned about the warranty, I would go with the Octane Q45e. If the warranty is very important to you, than maybe the SA 8300 is the way to go. Both are great ellipticals and I'm sure you would be happy with either one.

I have had a precor for years and it is indestructible. You can't go wrong with one.

my gym (Gold's) has all Precor ellipticals...several models as they've increased the total number of ellipticals over the past few years.