XTERRA Fitness’ FS5.9e ‘Free-Style’ elliptical trainer is presently the most sophisticated and inclusive elliptical trainer on the market.
It can be likened to the AFG Sport 5.9AE or the Schwinn 470 specifications.
It’s a front-drive elliptical. Even though it is neither promoted nor sold as a commercial-grade machine, it has the sturdiness and design of one, as well as a large weight capacity.
Construction
The XTERRA Fitness FS5.9e elliptical trainer has a very durable structure, as we discussed earlier.
The machine’s structure is composed of heavy-duty steel tubing, and it has a weight capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg), which is rather outstanding for a machine in this price category.
However, various hard plastic elements are included in the frame structure. Flywheel guards include motor guards, wheel covers, and various other coverings.
These have no bearing on the frame’s sturdiness because its purpose is purely aesthetic or protective.
The very sturdy pedals and other steel pieces sustain your weight.
The trainer’s base is divided into two sections: the front portion, which houses the flywheel and resistance system, and the back part, which houses the rails and inclination system.
In the center, these two pieces come together. Adjustable stabilizers are installed on the three major foundation bars.
These feature rubberized end caps for better stickiness and floor protection. However, because this elliptical trainer weighs over 200 pounds, stability should not be an issue; all of its weight, as well as your own, are essential components in its stability.
Consequently, even if you engage in the most strenuous workouts, you can be assured that the machine will not wobble or rock.
On the other hand, the unit is quite easy to transport after being built, despite its great weight.
Its back base features a lifting handle, and the front base has two built-in wheels to make it easier to move.
The XTERRA FS5.9e is a substantial piece of equipment.
The frame takes up around 82″ x 22″ (209 x 55 cm) of floor space when completely completed, and the handlebar reaches approximately 67″ at its tallest point (171 cm).
However, if storage and usage space are a concern, it may not be ideal for a cardio machine.
What’s more, for safe operation, XTERRA Fitness suggests allowing a space of at least two feet all around the machine.
The XTERRA FS5.9e has two articulated and adjustable pedals, unlike many other trainers in this price range.
They have a metallic bottom construction and are built of heavy-duty ABS plastic.
As previously stated, the machine’s weight capacity is 400 lbs (181 kg), and the pedals are designed to hold this weight with ease.
The pedals are tilted inward by 2 degrees to allow a more natural foot posture.
They’re also angle-adjustable, with a pin on the back of each pedal that allows for front-to-back angle adjustment.
Each pedal has three adjustment locations, allowing for angles of 0°, 5°, and 10°.
This is beneficial because some users may have foot numbness due to nerve compression, which may be alleviated by altering the pedal’s angle.
The pedals’ rails are steel, but an aluminum plate covers their tops smoothly.
Top-of-the-line wheels with sealed ball bearings and a thick rubber casing are included in the pedal bars.
On the other hand, the pedaling action is incredibly smooth, consistent, and silent.
Two sets of handlebars are included with the machine.
A multi-grip design is included on the movable handlebars, also known as mobile arms.
They let you use a top grip, a parallel grip, or a traditional horizontal grip.
They also contain inclination and resistance adjustments, not seen on many other machines in this price range.
The moveable arms could not be locked or moved independently from the pedals, if you were wondering.
They will keep moving as long as the pedals keep moving.
Console
The console mast of this elliptical is directly welded to the fixed handlebars.
They provide a grip that is somewhat inward. They have stainless steel pulse sensors built-in. For maximum comfort and adhesion, both styles of handlebars include high-density foam grips.
One final point to highlight is the unit’s paint finish.
All of the steel elements in this XTERRA Fitness elliptical machine’s structure are double-coated with a rust-resistant coating.
The color utilized is black, the pedals, covers, and other non-metallic pieces.
Incline, elliptical route, stride, and Q-Factor are all considered variables.
A motorized inclination mechanism is included with the XTERRA Fitness FS5.9e elliptical trainer.
The inclination motor is positioned in the unit’s back. It lifts the machine’s two rails when engaged. The slope can only be modified via the unit’s console or the controls fitted inside the machine’s left grip because it is automated.
There are 20 different inclination levels to choose from.
The angle of each level’s inclination isn’t defined. The highest inclination level, on the other hand, is probably between 17° and 20°.
The elliptical path on many front-drive elliptical trainers is slightly slanted backward.
The elliptical route of this XTERRA Fitness model is precisely level (at 0° inclination).
Consequently, the pedaling action feels natural, with no sense of moving uphill.
The machine has a very small Q-factor; the pedal spacing is 2″ (5 cm), and they’re also rather roomy.
Consequently, your feet are naturally positioned on the pedals, with no lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
The machine has a 20″ stride length in the middle of the spectrum (51 cm).
There is no way to change the stride length. Consequently, the unit can easily accommodate individuals measuring 5’3″ – 6’5″ (160 – 196 cm).
Last but not least, there’s the pedal elevation to consider.
Each pedal gives around 20″ of height at its best point (51 cm). Consequently, the machine should be used in a room with a ceiling at least 25″ (64 cm) higher than your height.
Resistance Mechanism
The elliptical machine XTERRA Fitness FS5.9e has a motorized magnetic (or eddy current) resistance mechanism.
This implies that it must be linked to a power source to offer resistance.
What’s more, the resistance can only be controlled via the console or the controls on the right mobile grip.
The item comes with an adaptor and a cord.
A magnetic brake and a tiny servo motor make up the resistance system.
The servo motor will modify the location of the brake pad about the flywheel when you pick a resistance level from the console, changing the pedal resistance.
In addition, if you utilize one of the preset training plans, the machine will automatically alter its resistance to match the current workout segment.
There are 20 levels of resistance on this elliptical trainer.
The first three levels provide modest exercises ideal for warming up, older users, or those who need recovery training.
The highest resistance settings, on the other hand, give a highly steady pedal tension, allowing you to get in good cardiac exercise.
The flywheel is the most crucial component of the unit’s internal drive system.
The XTERRA elliptical trainer has a rather hefty flywheel for a machine of its grade.
Its 25 lbs (11.3 kg) ensures that it maintains a constant velocity. It’s also perimeter-weighted, which means the pedaling action is incredibly steady and smooth without having the Stairmaster effect.
The flywheel rotates in both directions.
To put it another way, you can pedal backward without losing resistance. For a greater overall exercise, it’s suggested to alternate forward and reverse pedaling sessions.
This XTERRA magnetic elliptical trainer has a belt-drive, much like any other magnetic elliptical trainer.
It has a poly-v belt that is meant to last for many years. It doesn’t need to be lubricated because it’s a belt-drive, and the vibration caused while pedaling is nearly non-existent.
Console
The XTERRA FS5.9e elliptical trainer has a big, 7.5″ diagonal LCD with blue LED lighting.
RPM, speed, time, distance, laps, calories, heart rate, resistance level, and inclination level are displayed.
The program portions in use are also shown in the center area.
You may choose between English and metric units for speed and distance (mph/kmh, km/miles).
Race track laps are also used to represent distance, with each lap measuring 1/4 mile.
The machine uses sensors in the fixed handlebars to measure your heart rate, but it’s also telemetric.
The HR chest strap is supplied, and when worn, the machine can wirelessly read your heart rate.
The machine comes with 15 pre-programmed routines.
Some merely utilize the resistance, while others use both the inclination and the resistance.
When using one of these programs, the machine will automatically alter the resistance level (and, if applicable, the inclination).
The console unit also has two custom user programs, heart rate programs and preset training programs geared for various purposes.
You may define, store, and reuse your program using custom user programs. The heart rate programs are pre-set at 60% and 80% of your maximum heart rate, respectively.
There are a few non-fitness features on the console as well.
There’s a sound system, a cooling fan, accessory space, and a tablet rack among them.
Two speakers, one on each side of the machine, make up the sound system.
It works with the majority of MP3 players, cellphones, and tablets. It produces decent sound, far superior to that produced by a smartphone speaker.
The fan is mounted on the console’s top. It isn’t particularly strong, but it does give some cooling when required. The tablet shelf is situated beneath the console’s display. Consequently, the display will be obscured if a tablet is placed on it.
Finally, there is a little compartment beneath the console that may be used to store your MP3 player, phone, or other small items.
Assembly
Although this elliptical trainer is simple to put together, it may take two hours.
The driving parts and motors are already constructed and fastened to the frame.
So, to put it together, you’ll need to join the two main base sections, attach the console mast, the mobile arms, the pedal arms, the console, and connect the connections.
The directions are rather clear in the booklet, and the necessary tools are given.
It’s advised that you maintain the machine’s rails clean, check for loose bolts and parts regularly, and keep water away from the console for maintenance.
Lubrication may also be necessary if the moving joints make squeaky noises. The internal parts shouldn’t require any maintenance for a long period.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness FS5.9e is a good elliptical trainer with 20 levels of eddy current resistance, 20 degrees of automated inclination, various exercise programs, and other features, including a sound system and a cooling fan.
Although it is not a piece of commercial-grade workout equipment, it is built to last and support riders weighing up to 400 pounds.
Light to strenuous cardio exercises, rehab training, interval training, stamina training, and weight reduction are all possible with this machine.
The sole significant disadvantage of this machine is that it lacks online connectivity.
However, other than that, this is a fantastic, long-lasting trainer that provides outstanding value for the money.
