Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment E006 Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:24." H:62" | 220 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Distance, Total distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN | 3 years |
The Efitment E006 is also an elliptical trainer which falls in the budget category, just as the Efitment E005. Despite the fact that it’s an entry-level machine without too many features and with a rather short stride, it seems to be one of the best models in this price range for 2018. So far, it has an almost clean sheet of 5-star reviews from users all over the US.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50L x 24W x 62H inches (127L x 61W x 167H cm)
- Assembled weight: 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Stride: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Incline: No
- Footplates: Standard, ribbed
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Extras: Tablet holder
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction & parts
As we’ve mentioned above, the Efitment E006 shares many similarities with the 005 model when it comes resistance system, console, and others. However, it’s a slightly larger elliptical. It’s 50″ (127 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide, while its highest point (given by the mobile arms) reaches approx. 62″ (167 cm) above floor level. It’s also a bit heavier than the E005 model, weighing approx. 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg).
This elliptical trainer doesn’t have a folding frame. Its front base is equipped with transport wheels, though, so relocating it once you have finished your workout, shouldn’t be a problem. The rear base features polygonal rotating caps, which serve as stabilizers.
The machine’s frame is quite solid for a light-duty elliptical. It’s made of steel tubing and coated with a corrosion-resistant finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this unit.
The pedals are made of heavy-duty ABS material. Evidently, since it’s a budget elliptical, they don’t integrate any adjustment systems or cushioning. They’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes, they feature a ribbed surface for extra adherence and front guards to prevent your feet from sliding forward. They’re attached to steel bars and steel crank arms, which are fairly solid, the machine being rated for users up to 220 lbs (100 kg).
When it comes to handlebars, this Efitment elliptical trainer has two sets, a mobile one, and a fixed one. They’re both equipped with long handles which offer multiple grips. Their handles are rubber-coated to provide a better grip. The stationary handlebars integrated stainless steel pulse sensors so that the console can read your pulse.
The joints between the moving arms and the console mast, and the between the moving arms, pedal bars and crank arms integrate heavy-duty ball bearings. This leads to a smooth motion and a long lifespan of these parts.
Elliptical path, stride, step-up height & Q-Factor
The Efitment E006 is a rear-drive machine; therefore, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. This means that the pedaling feel resembles going down a soft ramp. Due to this fact workouts put a bit more focus on your quads.
Like most other elliptical trainers with a similar construction, the Efitment E006 features a rather short stride. Its length is 13″ (33 cm); due to this fact, users who are taller than 5’5″ (165 cm) may not benefit from a satisfying stride during their workout.
The pedal step-up height for this trainer is approx. 6″ (15 cm), while the highest point reaches a height of approx. 12″ (31 cm) above floor level. This being said, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling height at least 15″ higher than your own height. One last aspect to cover here regards the unit’s Q-Factor (the spacing between the pedals). For this machine, the Q-Factor is 12″ (30.5 mm). It isn’t extremely wide, so your feet are positioned on the pedals naturally. This way the pedaling motion doesn’t generate lateral stress on the joints.
Drive & resistance
The main drive elements of an elliptical trainer are the flywheel, the transmission, and the crankset. The flywheel of the Efitment E006 isn’t a large or heavy one. Its weight is not specified, but considering the total weight of the machine, it probably weighs between 8-12 lbs. It’s a balanced part, designed to deliver a smooth motion. It’s also bi-directional; thus, you can also pedal in reverse if you want, to diversify your workouts.
Since it’s a trainer with a magnetic resistance system it uses a poly-v belt for transmission. Therefore, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent, you don’t have to lubricate the belt (a chain drive requires periodic lubrication), and during pedaling the belt generates almost no vibration.
The unit’s crankset features two durable steel crank arms. It’s designed to support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg).
The Efitment E006 uses a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the dial on the console mast via a steel wire. When you turn the dial, the brake position in relation to the flywheel changes, reducing or increasing resistance.
The resistance dial features 8 levels. The first 1-3 resistance levels deliver light workouts, while the 8th resistance setting, although it doesn’t provide an extreme pedal tension, it does allow you to execute a more intense workout.
Since it’s a manual resistance system you can only adjust it from the tension dial. The console plays no part in resistance adjustment. Also, the machine doesn’t require being connected to a power source.
Fitness meter
The meter unit provided with this elliptical trainer is basically the same as the one on the Efitment E005. It offers a bit more than your average basic unit. To begin with, it has a large and easy-to-read LCD display. It doesn’t have a backlight, though. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
The unit is not telemetric; it can only track your pulse via the pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars. It doesn’t work with Polar or other types of HR chest straps.
By default, the unit’s SCAN function is on. This function rotates all the values mentioned above, showing each one for 4 seconds. You can toggle it off by pressing the MODE button. Also, by pressing the MODE button repeatedly, you can select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display all the time.
The console unit does not have any preset programs. However, it does have countdown functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse. You can use the SET button to set up a target value for any of these, and the unit will countdown from that value until you reach zero. Evidently, the RESET button covers the unit’s reset function; by pressing and holding this key you can clear all the values to zero.
The unit is battery-powered; it uses AAA-type batteries, which are included. It also has a sleep function to which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the elliptical, to save battery life.
One last aspect to mention here regards the unit’s integrated tablet holder. This consists of a fairly large tray, placed under the display. It can accommodate just about any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s base with its resistance and drive elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, all you need to do is attach the base bars, the pedals, the console mast, the moving and fixed arms, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. Basic tools for the assembly are included, while the manual provides excellent instructions for it.
For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check the integrity of the machine, look for loose or broken parts in order to re-tighten or replace them before using it. Also, the joints may require lubrication after a while.
The Pros
- Solid construction for a light elliptical – can support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg);
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- EKG pulse sensors built-in the fixed handlebars.
- Balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Extra-large, durable pedals;
- Easy-to-use console unit;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness meter included;
- Countdown functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy assembly;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No LED backlight on the console;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display block access to the controls;
- Not a machine for tall users – its stride is only 13″ (33 cm).
Bottom Line
The Efitment E006 is an entry-level elliptical trainer, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system, belt drive, and console that can track pulse, time, distance, speed, and calories. It’s a fitness machine for light to medium intensity cardio workouts, excellent for muscle toning, stamina gain, and weight loss. It doesn’t have a long stride (only 13″) but this can be a plus for users who require recovery training due to a joint injury, for example. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable trainers at the moment, offering an excellent price/value ratio.