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Can a Cheap Cross Trainer Machine Give You the Service You Seek?

The elliptical machine industry is comprised of two primary consumer markets, the high-end and the middle level segments. The middle level market specializes in selling cheap cross trainer brands, while the high-end level sells machines that are priced between $1000 to $3000. Elliptical machines sold in the middle level market are priced between $299 to $999. Although the word cheap is relative, the difference between $299 and $1000 is still considerable.

So what would a buyer get from a cheap cross trainer? Basically, the necessary features can still be found in ellipticals priced below the one-thousand-dollar mark. Brands like Proform, Horizon and Fitness Quest all have products offered in the mid-level market. These brands, though, are still packed with features necessary in an elliptical machine. Despite the price, a buyer can still get a full body, low impact workout from these ellipticals. Like other brands offered in the market, almost all of these lower priced equipment have the usual heart rate monitoring tools, the reverse motion capability, handlebars for upper body exercise, speed and distance monitors and other features that a person will look for in an elliptical machine.

So why the lower price? The main factor that decides the difference between the prices of elliptical machines is the quality of the parts of these equipment. In lower priced ellipticals, most components are made of simple materials; while the more expensive ones are often made of hard, double-framed steel. Related to the quality of the components is durability. Since a cheaper machine is mostly made from ordinary components, its durability will likely be less reliable than more expensive machines. Less expensive ellipticals also have less additional features, although a user can often do without these additionals (such as water bottle handler, cool air system, etc.). Also, speed and heart rate monitor consoles in middle market models are sometimes difficult to read, unlike the expensive models which are often equipped with LCD consoles.

Although price is often directly related to quality, some cheap cross trainer brands have received high ratings from product reviewers and positive feedback from buyers. On the other hand, some high end machines have been considered not worth their tags. If you are serious about buying an elliptical machine, the best thing to do is to test the product first and consider the warranties offered by various manufacturers.