| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spirit Fitness XE195 Check Discounted Price | L:70" W:22" H:66" | 350 lbs | 24 lbs | Eddy current, 20 levels | 6 programs |
The Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical machine can be compared to the E25 model from Sole Fitness. However, it lacks the incline system. Although it’s a machine made for home use, it has a construction and overall sturdiness similar to at least a light-commercial model. It’s not exactly an affordable machine, but it’s definitely made to last.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 70L x 22W x 66H inches (178L x 56W x 168H cm)
- Assembled weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 24 lbs (10.8 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Resistance: Eddy current, 20 levels
- Console: 6 programs
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder, sound system, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake Lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction and parts
The Spirit Fitness XE195 features a heavy-duty frame similar to light-commercial elliptical machines. It 
combines cylindrical, ovalized, and rectangular bars in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish; the color used is gray, this being the only color available for this model.
Of course, the machine also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the pedal trays, the drive mechanism covers, and several other small covers are all made of ABS material. But nonetheless, these don’t affect the unit’s overall sturdiness. In fact, this machine is rated for an impressive 350 lbs (159 kg) weight capacity, similar to commercial models.
The fully assembled cross trainer is fairly large. It is approx. 70″ (178 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side of the machine, at the front, and at the rear for ease of access.
The XE195 elliptical trainer is quite heavy as well. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 170 lbs (77 kg). This means the boxed unit should be carried by to persons. But on the other hand, all this weight provides excellent stability for it; you can be sure it won’t rock when you exercise. Also, once it is fully assembled, it can be easily moved as its front base bar features two small wheels.
The machine’s three base bars are all equipped with adjustable levelers. They have rubberized caps to provide a better grip on the floor.
The pedal bars are equipped with large concave wheels for extra stability. The wheels integrate heavy-duty sealed ball bearings and have an outer rubber layer to minimize noise and deliver a very smooth motion for each pedal. Both pedal rail bars feature aluminum covers.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s pedal trays are made of durable ABS material. They don’t have any extra cushioning like the pedals of the more expensive models. But nonetheless, the machine is designed to considerably minimize the impact on your joints.
The Spirit Fitness XE195 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. Just like for any other front-drive elliptical, the moving arms are connected to the front mast and to the pedal bars. They cannot be locked, so they continue to move for as long as you are pedaling. They are equipped with standard, short, and rubberized grips.
The fixed handlebars are welded to the front mast of the machine. Therefore, they cannot be removed or adjusted. They integrate pulse sensors, so if you hold on to them, the machine’s console can monitor your heart rate.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
Many elliptical trainers with a front-drive system have an elliptical path slightly inclined backward. It is
not the case for the Spirit Fitness XE195. This machine features a neutral elliptical path, providing a natural motion. The pedals have a 2-degree inward tilt to provide a more comfortable foot positioning and minimize lateral stress on the ankles.
It’s important to mention that the machine’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is only 2″ (5 cm). This means you don’t have to ride with your feet too far apart which also reduces the lateral stress on the knees and ankles. Plus, the pedal trays are large enough to accommodate footwear of all sizes and provide enough room for comfortable positioning.
The Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical trainer doesn’t have an incline system. Therefore, the position and length of its stride are non-adjustable. It has a 20-inch (51 cm) stride, so it is designed to provide a comfortable range of motion for users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm). Also, as we’ve mentioned above, its pedals are rated or a maximum user weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg). Therefore, the machine is great for anyone who wants to start their weight loss journey.
The lowest pedal position is approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest position, the pedals are at approx. 16″ (41 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical machine is equipped with an eddy current (ECB) resistance system. This 
means it requires an external power source so that you can adjust the resistance; a power cord is included with the trainer. This also means that the machine’s console can adjust the resistance automatically if one of the preset workout programs is in use.
The machine’s resistance system involved a servo motor and a magnetic brake. When you adjust the resistance from the console, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the servo motor changes the magnets’ pull on the flywheel which increases the workout load.
This Spirit Fitness elliptical trainer makes available 20 tension levels. The first few levels deliver little pedal tension, great for low-intensity cardio workouts or rehab training. The top 18-20 levels, on the other hand, provide considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants a consistent workout and extra fat burning possibilities.
The machine is equipped with a 24-lb steel flywheel. It has a balanced structure with more weight in its perimeter in order to provide a steady pedaling motion and extra inertia. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want. Of course, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains the same (depending on the selected level), while the console continues to monitor your calories burned, distance traveled, etc. Coasting, or free-wheeling is not possible on the machine, though. In other words, the flywheel will stop when you stop pedaling.
Like most other elliptical trainers with an eddy current resistance system, the XE195 features a belt drive system. It is equipped with a poly-v belt highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. The main advantage of a belt drive over a chain drive is that you don’t have to lubricate it. Also, the pedaling motion is very quiet and vibration-free.
Console
The Spirit Fitness XE195 elliptical trainer is equipped with the same type of console as the XBR25 recumbent bike. 
It’s a multi-function console featuring a large (7.5″) LCD display with LED backlight for superior readability. It is divided into several sub-sections and shows up to 9 workout metrics simultaneously. The top sections show time, distance, calories, pace, and pulse. The larger window in the center shows the profiles of the current workout program as well as a 1/4-mile track for the distance which also counts the laps that you have completed. The bottom section is a “message center” for the current program and indicates the Watts workload, the laps completed, segment time, and resistance level.
The console is telemetric. It can read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included but the machine’s fixed handlebars have integrated sensors, so if you hold on to them, the console can still read your heart rate and run the HR program.
The console unit does not have Bluetooth and does not connect to the Spirit Fit App like the more expensive models. However, it has 6 workout programs to keep you motivated. These programs are Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Interval, and Heart Rate. Each one of them has a quick access key on the console. Each program covers a specific type of workout. For example, the Hill program gradually increases the resistance, and after reaching the peak level, it will gradually decrease it. The Cardio program offers resistance fluctuations that allow your heart rate to repeatedly elevate and recover, while the Heart Rate program is set at a default of 60% projected heart rate.
Among other notable console features, we can count the sound system, the cooling fan, and the tablet holder. The sound system consists of two speakers and AUX port to which you can connect your smartphone, tablet, or MP3 player. It gives you the possibility to play your music through the console for a slightly better sound. The workout fan is not extremely large, but does provide a bit of cooling during a more intense workout if needed; it is placed between the two speakers. And finally, the tablet holder consists of a small shelf placed between the console controls and its display.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front base section of the machine, with all the drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled and encased by the ABS side panels. However, the rest of the machine requires user assembly. You will have to connect the rear base section with the rail bars to the front section, place the pedal wheels on their rails, connect the console mast, the console, the moving arms, and several other small parts. The task may take more than two hours, but it’s not too complicated. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, the machine should be kept clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to the pedal wheels. If the joints become squeaky, some lubricant may be required. Other than this, you only have to periodically check the integrity of the machine.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg);
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on all three base bars;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Heavy (24 lbs) flywheel for a steady and a more consistent pedaling motion;
- Large, non-slip pedals;
- Eddy current, automatic resistance (20 levels);
- Multi-function console featuring a multi-window, 7.5″ LCD display with LED backlight;
- Pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
- Telemetric receiver built-in the console for wireless HR chest straps;
- 6 workout programs available;
- Quick access keys for each workout program;
- Accessory holder included;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No incline;
- No online connectivity;
- A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the console display;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Spirit Fitness XE195 is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer made for home use. It’s equipped with a 20-level eddy current resistance system, a 24-lb internal flywheel, and a console with 6 workout programs. It excels in ergonomics and also has an impressive 350 lbs weight capacity. In all, it’s a great machine for light to intense cardio training, recovery training, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.