| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nautilus E616 Check Discounted Price | L:71.5" W:26.7" H:63.2" | 300 lbs | 20" | 29 programs, Bluetooth | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Electronics: 3 years, Labor: 1 year |
The first version of the Nautilus E616 was released in 2014. However, in the second part of 2017, Nautilus has released another version of this elliptical trainer, the 100671. In this post, we’re going to address the newer version. However, the older 100392 version is still available; you may find it HERE for a nice discount. In case you’re wondering about the differences between the two units, the newer version has a new type of console which is compatible with the Nautilus Trainer 2 app and features a black paint finish.
The Nautilus E616 100671, also referred to as MY17, is an elliptical trainer with a construction pretty close to a light commercial model. It has motorized resistance and incline, an offers an impressive array of features. In this review, we’re going to cover them all.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 71.5L x 26.7W x 63.2H inches (181.7L x 67.7W x 160.5H cm)
- Product weight: 173.3 lbs (78.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: Motorized, 0-10°
- Footplates: Articulating, with cushioning
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 25 levels
- Console: 29 workout programs, Bluetooth
- Amenities: Accessory shelf, tablet holder, sound system, fan
- Warranty: Frame 10 years, Parts 3 years, Electronics 3 years, Labor 1 year
Frame
Even though the Nautilus E616 features a motorized incline system, its frame construction is pretty similar to the lighter E614 model. Most parts are made of steel tubing, including the main 
frame piece, rail assembly, legs, arms, cranks, console mast, and bases. The flywheel and pulley enclosure, as well as several of the other cosmetic parts, are made of heavy-duty plastic. All metallic parts are double coated with scratch-resistant and rust-resistant paint. As opposed to the older version, the 2017 version features a black paint finish.
The frame features three bases. All of them feature decorative plastic shrouds at their ends. The middle and rear bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizing feet. The front base rests on two rubber pads and does not feature stabilizers. However, the front base is equipped with caster wheels, which ease the transportation of the assembled device.
The whole machine is rather heavy though. At approx. 174 lbs (79 kg), relocating it once it was assembled is problematic. To do this, the elliptical should be lifted by its rear base onto its front wheels and pushed to the desired position.
Like most elliptical trainers, this Nautilus elliptical model does feature a rather large footprint, taking 71.5″L x 26.7″W (approx. 182 x 68 cm) of floor space. To this, you should add at least two feet on each side, at the rear and at the front of the machine. These being said, the elliptical is not exactly space-saving, and its frame does not feature a folding design. However, it’s still quite a bit smaller length-wise than other models, such as the SOLE E95 for example.
One last aspect to mention regarding the frame is the accessory shelf, situated on the console mast, right under the console. This particular piece offers a spacious compartment to hold your phone, MP3 player, water bottle etc. It also acts as a shroud for the joint of the mobile arms of the machine.
Incline and stride
The Nautilus E616 is equipped with a motorized, automatic incline system. The incline arm is connected to the machine’s rail assembly, lifting it up as the incline is increased. Evidently, since the incline is motorized, it’s exclusively controlled from the unit’s console. It can be 
adjusted directly by the user, or it will self-adjust if you’re using one of the onboard workouts which involve incline.
The maximum incline level isn’t extreme. At maximum setting, the elliptical offers approx. 10° of incline.
There are two important aspects regarding the incline of this fitness machine that you should know.
One, its maximum level gives you quite an elevation, adding approx. 27″ to 29″ (68.6 – 73.6 cm) to your own height, depending on how you position your feet on the footrests. Therefore add this dimension to your own height to determine whether or not your home has the appropriate ceiling height in order to fit you while using the machine.
Two, the feel generated by the incline differs quite a bit from the incline given by a treadmill. If on a treadmill the incline simulates climbing, adding incline to this elliptical feels more like going downhill. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because it does intensify your workout, but focuses more on your glutes and hamstrings.
This elliptical trainer features a non-adjustable, medium range stride. At 20″ (51 cm), it makes the unit perfectly viable for users between 5’3″ – 6’0″ (160 – 183 cm). Now, for taller users, this stride range shouldn’t be a problem. A user up to 6’5″ (195.5 cm) should feel quite comfortable on it. However, shorter users than 5’3″ (160 cm), depending on their inseam, may feel the stride as a bit too much.
Drive and resistance
The drive of this particular fitness machine can be characterized as very smooth and quiet, as the transmission between the pulley and the flywheel is done via a belt, not a chain. The flywheel is perimeter weighted, balanced, adding smoothness to the pedaling motion. The 
pulley is actually bigger in diameter than the flywheel, integrating two extremely solid crank arms, able to hold users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The machine’s footrests are large enough to accommodate feet of all sizes. They integrate the Precision Path™ foot motion technology, supplying a really comfortable contact and pedaling motion. In other words, the footrests feature a padded, ribbed deck, with articulation.
One last aspect to cover here refers to the machine’s arms and grips. Like most commercial ellipticals, this model features both fixed and mobile grips. The fixed grips incorporate pulse sensors, enabling the console to track your heart rate. The grips on the mobile arms are long enough to offer a comfortable hand positioning for users of all heights, and of course, to promote a wider array of workout postures. Both fixed and mobile grips are padded with rubber foam, for a more comfortable hold.
An eddy current brake is the key element of the resistance system. This brake involves a magnetic pad, situated behind the flywheel. A servo motor adjusts the pull of the magnet, as resistance is adjusted from the console of the unit. You can adjust resistance freely, as you workout, with the Manual mode, or you can choose one of the onboard workout apps, which automatically adjust resistance.
The Nautilus E616 offers 25 levels of resistance. The lowest levels provide a really light workout, great for users who must undergo a rehab training regimen. Conversely, the highest resistance levels, backed up by the incline, offer quite an intense cardio training.
Since it uses an eddy current brake, evidently this machine requires being connected to a power circuit. It comes with an adapter, UL listed, rated 120VAC, 60 Hz input, 2A. The adapter should be used in a grounded outlet and features the American system plug. The machine’s connector for the adapter is situated near the front base.
Console
The console is pretty similar to the one on the Nautilus U616 upright bike. It features two LCD displays, backlit with blue light, offering easy readability. The top, wider display covers the
current program data, the workout intensity and resistance level, heart rate zone, user profile and keeps track of your goals. The lower, smaller display tracks speed, time, distance, calories, RPM, but also indicates the current level of resistance and heart rate.
This console allows the setup and tracking of goals for time, distance and calories. It also has 29 built-in workout programs, including 12 profile, 9 for heart rate monitoring, 2 fitness test, 4 custom, 1 recovery and 1 quick start. The 12 profile programs cover 4 Fun Rides, 4 Mountains courses, and 4 Challenges. Via the custom programs, you can create your own workouts, or save certain settings to use at different times. Also, this function is great to have if multiple persons use the elliptical. The remaining programs speak for themselves. The heart rate programs focus on cardio training and different HR intervals; the fitness tests aim to establish your current fitness level, the recovery program is one intended for an active resting, and the quick start is the free workout program.
The console features USB connectivity. You can use a USB unit to save your workout data and/or export it online. However, the Nautilus E616 also features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling it to sync automatically with your other Bluetooth devices which have the Nautilus® Trainer 2 app. Your data can be exported and managed by NautilusConnect or MyFitness Pal.
The USB port also acts as a charging port for compatible devices.
In terms of amenities, the console unit of this elliptical machine offers quite a few, including sound system, a 3-speed fan, and tablet tray. The sound system consists of two acoustic chambered speakers, situated at the bottom of the console. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. The sound is controlled from your device though. Also, the sound rendered features a surprisingly clear quality for such a small unit. An important aspect regarding the sound system that must be mentioned here, is that it cannot function via Bluetooth. The console uses Bluetooth technology only for the transfer of your workout data. To use the sound system, you need to connect your music device to the console via cable.
The fan is also located at the bottom of the console, flanked by the speakers. It’s not an extremely powerful fan, but it does offer some cooling. The tablet shelf is located under the larger monitor of the console, in a position meant to host a tablet in landscape position.
Last but not least, the console unit is telemetry enabled. This means it can communicate with a wireless chest strap transmitter, for the reading of your pulse. The strap is not included though.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although the assembly of this elliptical trainer is not particularly complicated, it’s rather demanding, due to two reasons: one, the machine is heavy and requires two people to assemble, and two, there are many parts and pieces to attach. Thus it can take up to two hours to assemble. The good news is, the drive and resistance mechanisms are already assembled and enclosed by the shrouds. You basically have to add the rear part with the rail, the legs and arms, the bases of the frame, the console mast, connect the incline arm to the rail assembly, and of course, connect the console. A hard copy of the user’s manual and the tools for assembly are included.
Maintenance requires the periodical cleaning of the gliding rails. Joints call for re-tightening from time to time. Also, in case certain parts begin to squeak, lubrication may be needed.
Since the machine is pretty heavy, it’s best to place it on a mat. This not only will prevent any damage to your floor or carpet, it also maximizes the stability of the device.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame and overall construction;
- Elegant design lines;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels
- Precision Path, ergonomic footplates;
- Automatic incline, with up to 10° slope;
- Resistance for all levels of fitness, 25 levels;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Both fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Pulse sensors incorporated within the fixed handlebars;
- 29 built-in workout programs;
- Goal tracking functions;
- Multiple amenities including sound system, tablet tray, accessory shelf, and 3-speed fan;
- USB port for data transfer and charging your device;
- Bluetooth connectivity for workout data transfer;
- Compatibility with NautilusConnect and MyFitnessPal;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty package;
The Cons
- Not an elliptical for short users, due to its 20″ fixed stride;
- Q factor a bit wide, a shorter person may have to keep feet pretty close to the inner edge of the footrests;
- A tablet situated on the media tray will cover the top display of the console.
Summary
The Nautilus E616 elliptical trainer offers an impressive array of features, quite similar to many commercial grade ellipticals. The only aspects that actually keep it out of this category are its medium user capacity, reduced incline, and fixed stride. But overall, it’s an exceptional machine for home use, an elliptical with an outstanding construction, which can offer a full-body training setting for users of all levels. It’s a machine excellent for muscle toning, cardio training, stamina building and weight loss, with a minimal impact on the joints. It’s not exactly the most affordable model out there, but for the consistent amount of features and functions that it offers, it’s safe to say that it comes for an excellent price/quality ratio.