Precor EFX 222 Elliptical Trainer Review

 

Precor EFX 222 Elliptical Review – Highlights:

 

The Precor EFX 222 Elliptical is a more affordable home version of the Precor gym-quality elliptical. It uses the same technology adapted from their commercial-grade models to give you a very smooth-feeling, ergonomically correct running stride.

 

 

The EFX 222 elliptical has a rear-drive design which many people like since it gives you a more flat running path.

It also includes the famous Precor CrossRamp technology. This is basically a 3-position manual ramp where you can alter the height of the elliptical path your foot travels.

Precor also says that you have 3 different stride lengths on this trainer.

However, in reality it’s just that altering the ramp will change the stride length – and work different lower body muscles. (It’s not a true “adjustable stride” as some people think of it where they press a button to change their stride).

 

 

 

 

Precor EFX 222 Elliptical Review – Console

 

The console is backlit and easy to read, giving you 12 different feedback metrics including Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Calories, Calories/Min, Heart Rate, Target Heart Rate, Distance, Resistance and more.

The tap style dome keys are sleek and professional and there’s room for 2 different user ids.

User IDs allow you to quickly retrieve your most recent workout. They also let you select the default workout duration and provides the most accurate calories and target heart rate calculations.

This is handy because you don’t have to re-enter all of your workout info every time you go to exercise.

There’s also a shelf above the console to store your phone or tablet. So you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies as you run.

 

 

 

 

Moving Arm Bars

The Precor EFX 222 also comes with moving arm bars so you can train your upper body.

It may seems strange to point this out as a benefit (since almost every elliptical comes with moving arm bars these days). But for some reason Precor doesn’t put moving arm bars on some of their home ellipticals.

I’m not sure why this is. (Although I once had Precor executive rather arrogantly tell me that people don’t NEED moving arm bars to get a good workout). But in any case, it’s nice to see that you do get moving arm bars on this model.

 

 

Smooth, Comfortable Feel

Precor designed and introduced the very first elliptical to the market back in 1995. And they’re still riding on that glory. They actually patented the original elliptical path and claim that it mimics a more natural running stride.

While there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about how this running stride is in fact “better” than other ellipticals, you can’t argue that these trainers feel extremely smooth and comfortable when you run on them.

You also get 10 built-in workouts on this trainer to help you stay challenged.

Workouts include Interval, Weight Loss, Aerobic, Hill Climb, Cross Country, Gluteal, Manual and more.

 

 

 

 

Track Your Heart Rate 2 Different Ways:

There are 2 different ways to track your heart rate. You can grasp the EKG hand sensors on the sides of the console.

The trainer also works with wireless chest strap heart rate monitors – however you have to provide the wireless chest strap yourself, it’s not included with the trainer.

 

Precor EFX 222 Review – Any Downsides?

 

While you can’t fault the construction or design of this elliptical there are a few downsides to consider.

First of all, the ramp is manual on this trainer. You have to get off the trainer to change it – you can’t change it from the console during your workout.

At this price point (and considering that you can easily get automatic ramp on ellipticals around $1500), you would expect more.

Also, while the console is bright and easy to read, it’s dated and really doesn’t give you a lot for this price point.

Compare this with the Nordictrack Commercial 14.9 trainer console which has a large full-color, HD touch screen and streaming world trails to run (plus a cooling fan and iPod dock).

 

 

Or compare it to the Bowflex BXT216 elliptical which has a multi-colored console with 4 user ids, online tracking and charging port.

When you consider that these trainers are hundreds of dollars less, you’ll see how the EFX222 console falls downs.

Also, there are none of the other extras that you’d expect for an elliptical at this price point. There are no adjustable pedals, multi-position arm bars, cooling fans or resistance controls on the moving arm bars. All of these are extras that you would really hope to find on a $2000+ trainer.

That doesn’t mean it’s a poor quality elliptical – the design quality is excellent. It’s just expensive for what you’re getting.

 

 

Is it A Good Buy for You?

If you like the Precor name and want an affordable home model with moving arm bars, you’ll probably be very happy with the Precor EFX 222 crosstrainer.

It’s quiet, sturdy and smooth – all the things that Precor is known for.

It is lacking in some key areas however such as console, entertainment options and incline.

Are you paying a premium for the famous Precor name? Probably.

But if you like the name and don’t want to spend for a commercial Precor model, the EFX 222 model is a good option.

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

The Precor EFX 222 is part of the newer Energy Series and can be hard to find in stores. However, you can buy it online and get Free Shipping here. You can also read the latest user reviews to see how others like it.

 

Click Here To Save on the Precor EFX 222 Trainer