Precor EFX 835 Commercial Elliptical Trainer Review

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The Precor EFX 835 is a commercial elliptical trainer with a heavy-duty design. It’s still accessible and one of the most reliable ellipticals in this price range for business and household usage, even though it’s been around for more than ten years. It’s vital to note that this is the PHRCE8353060EN-101 Precor component number with the P30 console.

The Precor EFX 835 is supported by a heavy-duty steel tube frame. Its design incorporates rectangular, oval, and cylindrical tubes for increased sturdiness and beauty.

All steel tubes have a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish on both sides. The machine is silver-gray, but there is also a black variant.

Several pieces made of durable thermoplastic material are also included in the unit. The drive and resistance system covers, the pedal trays, the front unit cover, and various additional covers are the most prominent.

The trainer is huge and cumbersome when completely completed. It’s around 80′′ (203 cm) long and 30′′ (76 cm) broad, so it won’t fit in a tiny space very well.

Additionally, give at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for easy access and safe operation.

The Precor EFX 835, like most other commercial-duty elliptical trainers, is rather hefty. At least two people must transport the bundled unit due to its 340 lbs (154 kg).

However, because it is fitted with transport wheels, one person can move it once it has been built. All of this weight contributes significantly to the machine’s steadiness. Even if you do a more constant workout, you can be assured that it will not wobble or shift.

Two sets of handlebars are included with the machine. One is stationary, while the other is movable. Pulse sensors are included in the permanent handlebars, whereas the movable handlebars feature longer grips without sensors. The moving arms are connected to the machine’s front unit and the pedal system. They can’t stay still and will keep moving as long as you cycle.

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Inclination

A motorized incline mechanism is included with the Precor EFX 835 elliptical trainer. This implies that, depending on the program, the machine may automatically modify the inclination.

The inclination can also be altered manually using the console’s progressive adjustment keys or numeric keys.

The inclination system comprises a motor and a lift incorporated into the device’s front base part. The dual-track ramp on which the two pedals slide is attached to the lift.

As a result, the ramp changes angle when you modify the inclination or when the machine adjusts the incline automatically.

This Precor elliptical trainer has 20 inclination settings ranging from 15° to 35°. The length of its stride varies as well, depending on the degree of inclination. The stride is 21′′ (53 cm) when the elevation is set to minimum and 25′′ (60 cm) when the incline is set to maximum (63 cm).

So the computer should be able to handle users of different sizes. It’s worth noting that a short person (under 5’0′′) will do a more expansive action than a tall person.

Drive system

A pair of articulated pedals are included with the Precor EFX 835. The back portions of the pedal bar link to the main pulley of the machine, while their mid-sections mark the couplings to the moving arms’ base bars.

The front of the pedal bars has wheels that glide into the incline ramp’s tracks. The wheels are rubberized for a smooth and silent motion and internal ball bearings.

The pedal trays are composed of long-lasting thermoplastic. For enhanced foot stability, they include a textured bottom and side protectors. They’re very large (16′′L x 8′′W), so they’ll fit a variety of athletic shoes.

They’re also rated to support a maximum user weight of 350 pounds (159 kg). They don’t have any extra padding, yet the pedaling action is virtually impact-free because of the articulation.

When the inclination is maximum, the highest pedal position is about 18′′ (46 cm) from the floor. As a result, this machine should be used in a room with a ceiling at least 22′′ (56 cm) higher than the tallest user.

The Precor EFX 835 is an elliptical trainer with a rear-drive system. As a result, the primary pulley, flywheel, and drivetrain are merged into the machine’s rear unit.

The flywheel’s actual weight is unknown. However, it is perimeter-weighted for a smoother pedaling action. It can also be used in both directions.

A belt drive powers the machine. It makes use of traction-enhancing poly-v belts. As a result, there’s no need to be concerned about lubrication. In addition, because a belt causes less vibration than a chain, the pedaling motion is smoother.

Resistance

A motorized, self-powering, eddy current resistance system is included with the Precor EFX 835 elliptical trainer. As a result, you won’t need to plug it in because it has a built-in generator that harnesses the kinetic energy created by your cycling to power the console.

It may, however, be used with a power source, and a power chord is supplied with the machine.

The resistance system of the unit is made up of a magnetic brake and a motor that are both connected to the generator and the console.

As a result, whether you vary the resistance or the console does it for you, the motor changes the magnets’ pull, increasing or lowering the pedaling burden.

Magnetic resistance is superior to friction resistance because the magnets do not touch the flywheel.

This results in a smooth, silent pedaling action. You also won’t have to bother replacing brake pads or lubricating your brakes.

There are 20 resistance levels available on the machine, ranging from 18 to 720 watts. The lowest resistance setting provides a modest pedaling load, ideal for warm-ups and recuperation. The 20th tension level, on the other hand, gives significantly greater resistance while mimicking a hill climb.

Console

As previously stated, the Precor EFX 835 PHRCE8353060EN-101 is included with the P30 console. This console is identical to the one provided with the Precor UBK 835 upright bike.

It features eight LED display windows in total. The four at the top track total strides, strides/min, distance, calories, pulse, and time. A thin, lengthy display under the four metric windows reveals the application’s name in use, the language, and other program-related information.

The program segments are displayed on the bigger display in the center, and the current resistance and incline levels are displayed in the two bottom panes.

Speed and distance can be displayed in either US or metric units. The console is telemetric for the pulse reading function. This implies using a wireless heart rate chest strap to read your pulse.

This device, however, is not included, so if you don’t have one, you’ll have to rely on the sensors built into the machine’s fixed handlebars to allow the console to read your pulse.

Bluetooth and WiFi are not available on the Precor P30 console. It doesn’t work with any fitness apps, either. It does, however, contain 15 motivational programs separated into six categories with fast buttons on the console.

Manual, Interval (Interval, Total Body Interval), Variety (Cross Country, 1 Gluteal, 2 Gluteal, Custom), Performance (Hill Climb, Fit Test, 1 Cross Training, 2 Cross Training, 3 Cross Training, Navy Fit Test), Heart Rate (Basic HRC), and Weight Loss are the types of workouts available.

Additional countdown settings for time, distance, and calories expended on the console. This feature allows you to establish a target for any of these measures. The console will count down from the specified value until it reaches zero if a goal is selected.

Assembly

The machine’s main body is already constructed. Only the front wires must be routed, the console must be connected, and the handlebars must be assembled.

Although construction may take longer than one hour, the handbook gives straightforward directions. Also included are all of the required tools for the job.

Maintenance is minimal after the equipment is put together. All you have to do is maintain it clean, especially the pedal wheel tracks, to avoid any damage.

If the joints start to creak, they may need to be lubricated. It’s also a good idea to examine the machine regularly to make sure there are no loose bolts or parts.

Summary

The Precor EFX 835 is a commercial-grade elliptical trainer with a heavy-duty design. It has a self-powered eddy current resistance system, a 20-level power incline system, and a 15-workout program LED display console.

It has a 21′′ to 25′′ adjustable stride and can support riders up to 350 lbs. It’s a machine for low to high-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, stamina building, and weight loss for users of all levels.

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Is the Precor elliptical a good workout machine?

The Precor EFX elliptical is one of the greatest exercise machines for losing weight at home since it gives you a full-body workout. Exercisers can enjoy the following training elliptical benefits thanks to EFX’s newest technology.

What is an EFX machine?

Precor EFX® CrossRamp® Technology is a technology developed by Precor. The combination of elliptical motion and CrossRamp technology addresses two issues with indoor aerobic workouts: high-impact exercise that strains joints and equipment that targets only a few muscle groups.

How do you maintain a Precor elliptical?

Clean the display with a moist cloth after each use. Clean the wheels and ramp with water or a diluted all-purpose cleaner every couple of weeks. Perform a thorough cleaning under the front and back covers quarterly.

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