The Horizon Evolve 3 is identical to the XTERRA FS380 elliptical trainer. However, it does not have a foldable frame or internet connectivity, but it is far less expensive. It’s also a machine that doesn’t have an inclination mechanism. Even though it is not a gym-grade trainer, it has a strong build comparable to light-commercial versions.
The XTERRA FS380 is a substantial exercise machine. The frame is approximately 63″ (160 cm) long and 22″ (56 cm) broad when fully built. Furthermore, it necessitates a minimum of two feet of clearance on each side and at the back. The top of the moveable handlebars, approximately 62″ (157 cm) above floor level, also serves as its highest point.
The completed device is also somewhat hefty. It weighs more than 120 pounds (54.8 kilograms). Thus it should be transported and installed by two people. However, because the front base has a set of huge rubber wheels, it is quite easy to handle and move after it is built.
The machine’s total weight improves its stability. You may rest certain that it will not wobble or rock during a more strenuous workout. Furthermore, its base points include adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads, allowing you to level the item exactly on any flooring.
The XTERRA FS380 is built with a heavy-duty steel tubing frame. It has a 300-pound (136-kg) weight capacity comparable to light-commercial versions.
Of course, the unit has various plastic components, including the covers for the motor and flywheel and several additional coverings at the machine’s joints and the console. On the other hand, these pieces do not detract from the unit’s overall strength; their purpose is purely protective and ornamental.
The unit’s steel parts are covered with a corrosion-resistant layer of paint; the color chosen is light silver, the only color available for this elliptical trainer so far.
The machine comes with a set of huge pedals with a rubberized, non-slip core. They don’t have any articulation or other shock-absorption features, but this is elliptical, so any activity done on it has a very low joint and back impact. In addition, the pedals are slightly slanted inward (by about 2°) to enable a more natural foot placement.
The tracks on which the pedals slide are constructed of aluminum, unlike the bars in the machine’s frame structure. As a result, the pedaling motion is extremely smooth.
The pedal bar rollers are sealed ball bearings, and the other joints of the mobile arms and pedal bars are likewise supplied with high-quality bearings, ensuring that the device runs smoothly.
The XTERRA Fitness FS380 elliptical machine, last but not least, has two sets of handlebars. For a solid and pleasant grip, both feature rubberized handles. The console device can also measure your pulse if you hang on to the fixed handlebars fitted with stainless steel EKG sensors.
Q-factor, Stride
The Q-Factor of the XTERRA FS380 is rather low. The pedal spacing is merely 2″ (5.1 cm), ensuring that your feet are in a natural position on the pedals without being too far apart. In this manner, the joints will not be subjected to any additional lateral tension.
There is no inclination system on this elliptical trainer. Even though it is a front-drive machine, its elliptical path is 1-2 degrees slanted forward. On the other hand, the pedaling action seems like strolling on a horizontal route.
The stride length of the unit is 18″. (46 cm). This implies it can easily accommodate users up to 6’1″ – 6’2″ (185-188 cm) with a full leg extension and a satisfying striding motion.
Taller users will utilize this elliptical without difficulty, but they will have to take shorter steps. The stride appears to be non-adjustable. If you prefer an elliptical with an adjustable stride, the Octane Q47x or the ProForm 1110E are good options.
One final point to highlight is the pedal elevation of the device. When each pedal is fully extended, its surface is approximately 18″ (46 cm) above the floor level. As a result, the machine should be placed in a room with a ceiling at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your height.
Resistance
The flywheel is one of the most important components of an elliptical trainer’s propulsion system. The XTERRA Fitness FS380 elliptical machine has a mid-range flywheel that weighs 13 lbs (6 kg).
It’s a perimeter-weighted flywheel, which means it’s hefty enough to maintain a reasonably constant motion and avoid the Stairmaster effect. It’s also bi-directional, which means you can cycle backward on this machine.
The driving mechanism of the machine includes a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant v-belt. As a result, the pedaling motion produces the very little sound or vibration. Furthermore, this belt drive does not require oil, unlike a chain drive.
The automated resistance mechanism on this XTERRA Fitness elliptical trainer is powered by eddy current. This implies connecting it to a power source to alter the resistance; the resistance can only be modified from the console unit.
The resistance system comprises a servo motor that accepts directions from the console and adjusts the magnetic components’ pull to increase the drag on the flywheel.
The pedaling motion is incredibly smooth and silent due to the frictionless resistance. In addition, the resistant parts show almost no wear and tear.
There are 24 different resistance settings on this trainer. The first five levels provide gentle exercises, making them ideal for individuals who need recovery training or limitations.
On the other hand, the maximum tension levels will undoubtedly aid you in achieving a severe burn.
Console
The elliptical XTERRA FS380 has a mid-range console with a 5.5″ LCD with a blue LED illumination for increased reading. Time, speed, distance, watts, resistance level, RPM, calories burnt, and heart rate are all displayed on display.
The speed and distance parameters are available in both metric and imperial units. A racing track mode also displays the distance traveled as a 1/4 mile (400 m) track and keeps track of the laps.
The console isn’t telemetric in any way. It won’t function with Polar or other HR chest straps because of this. You must thus hold on to the sensors in the machine’s fixed handlebars to benefit from a pulse reading.
When creating your user profile, you will be asked to provide personal information such as your gender, age, height, and weight. As a result, the console will be able to provide you with extremely precise information on your energy production and calories burnt.
The console unit of the machine does not include Bluetooth technology or any internet connectivity. To put it another way, you won’t connect it with any online fitness applications.
It does, however, include 16 fitness plans. There are 9 preset programs, 1 unique user program that allows you to construct your own routine, and 6 heart rate-based exercises available in these workout apps. Some of these workouts alter the resistance of the machine automatically.
There’s also a Fitness Test and a Recovery option on the device. The Fitness Test software evaluates your abilities based on your age (it will prompt you to input your age).
It assesses your fitness across a three-mile route and provides you with an estimate of your total fitness level.
The Recover feature is a fitness test, but it is based on your pulse rate at the end of your workout. Depending on your heart rate, After you’ve completed the workout, you’ll be given a score ranging from 1 to 10. (6-Very Bad).
The console also comes with two bonuses in addition to these fitness-related capabilities. The integrated sound system is one of them, and the tablet holder is the other. Most MP3 players and cellphones are compatible with the sound system.
Two speakers are located on the top of the unit, while the jack input for your audio device is located on the bottom. The tablet holder is located above the keyboard at the bottom of the unit display.
It’s big enough to fit any tablet or smartphone in it. A tablet or smartphone placed on top of it, on the other hand, will partially or entirely obscure the display.
Assembly
The drive and resistance systems for the machine have already been constructed and fastened to the front half of the frame. However, there is still a significant amount of assembly involved.
The pedal tracks, pedals, front base, console mast, movable arms, and the console must all be connected to the front half of the frame. It might take up to two hours to complete this task.
On the other hand, the supplied manual has very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, as well as all of the necessary equipment.
To avoid damage to the pedal tracks or the wheels, it is advised that they be kept clean for maintenance. From time to time, the machine’s joints may require lubricating. It’s also a good idea to check the device for loose nuts and parts regularly.
The XTERRA Fitness FS380 is a mid-range elliptical trainer with a robust design, 24 motorized magnetic resistance levels, a console with 16 exercise programs, a sound system, and a tablet holder.
It can support individuals weighing up to 300 pounds and has a low Q-Factor, significantly decreasing joint stress.
It’s a great elliptical for various activities, including low to hard cardio, interval training, weight reduction, stamina building, recovery training, and more.
Despite the lack of an inclination mechanism, it is still a good machine, as it costs at least a few hundred dollars less than comparable versions with an incline. Overall, this trainer has a great price/quality/value ratio.
