| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GoElliptical V-950X Check Discounted Price | L:63" W:28" H:69" | 300 lbs | Eddy current, 24 levels | 24 programs, Recovery | Frame: Lifetime Parts: 1 years |
The GoElliptical V-950X is one of the Vena series machines released in 2020. Although it’s a pretty solid trainer, it’s not meant for commercial use, only for home use. In terms of construction, it is similar to the V-450X model. However, it is slightly larger and comes with a LED display console.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 63L x 28W x 69H inches (160L x 71W x 175H cm)
- Shipping weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 19 inches (48 cm)
- Incline: No
- Pedals: Adjustable
- Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 24 programs, recovery function
- Extras: Sound system, USB charging port, bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year
Frame construction
The GoElliptical V-950X elliptical machine features a heavy-duty construction similar at least to a light-commercial
model. Its frame is made of steel tubing, but most of its base and resistance system are covered by large thermoplastic shields. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, gray in color. The only exceptions are the upper sections of the moving arms which have a chrome finish.
One of the important features to mention here is the adjustability of the moving arms. Many trainers in this price and feature range do not have adjustable moving arms. Their upper sections have three adjustment positions and slide into the lower sections. You can secure them at the desired height with the turn-knobs.
The machine also has a set of fixed handlebars. These integrate pulse sensors and resistance controls.
The fully assembled trainer is fairly large. Its base is approx. 63″L x 28″W (160 x 71 cm) but it is recommended to also leave at least two feet of space all around the machine for ease of access and safe usage. The unit’s highest point is given by the moving arms; they reach approx. 69″ (175 cm) above floor level.
The machine is also very heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 170 lbs (77 kg). It comes packaged in two boxes, and at least the largest one requires either a box carrier or two persons to move. However, once the trainer is fully assembled, it can easily be relocated by only one person as its front base stabilizer integrates a set of small wheels.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
The first aspect to mention here is that the GoElliptical V-950X cross trainer does not have an incline system.
Therefore, the angle of the elliptical motion and the length of its stride cannot be adjusted. It offers a fairly long stride of approx. 19″ (48 cm) which means that it can accommodate comfortably users between 5’1″ and 6’3″ (155 – 190 cm). The pedals are also rated for a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The unit’s pedals do not have extra cushions or articulations, but they come with a size adjustor each. The adjustors can be attached in eight positions to the large ribs of the pedals, four at the rear, four at the front. They act as supports or stoppers for your feet on the pedals allowing a more stable footing closer to the front or to the rear of the pedal.
Although it’s a rear-drive trainer, its elliptical path offers a neutral angle. Due to the large pulley, it generates an ample motion engaging multiple muscle groups. Even though the pedals do not have extra cushioning elements, the machine still provides a very comfortable, low-impact ride, great for users of all levels of fitness.
The unit’s pedals are at approx. 6″ (15 cm) above floor level when at their lowest position. Conversely, their highest point is at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. This being said, the pedal step-up height is somewhere in between, at approx. 10″ (25 cm). Therefore, it’s best to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The GoElliptical V-950X elliptical machine is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 
approx. 17.6 lbs (8 kg) and has a perimeter-weighted design for a consistent pedaling motion with a speed ratio of 1:12.7. It is also bi-directional. In other words, the machine allows you to pedal in reverse, in order to focus different muscle groups. Evidently, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected level. Coasting on the machine is not possible; the flywheel stops when you stop pedaling. Also, the long arms of the machine continue to move for as long as you pedal; they cannot remain stationary.
The machine integrates a J6 poly-v belt as its main transmission element. This being said, the unit’s drivetrain does not require periodic lubrication. It also delivers a very quiet, vibration-free motion.
The GoElliptical V-950X cross trainer is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you need to connect it to a power source in order to adjust the resistance. It also means that the machine can adjust the resistance automatically. A power adapter is included.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. The motor is connected both to the console and the brake. Therefore, as you adjust the resistance from the console or the controls integrated into the fixed handlebars, the motor changes the pull of the brake’s magnets which increases or decreases the resistance.
The machine makes available 24 resistance levels. The first levels are not super light due to the fairly heavy flywheel. But nonetheless, they are great for muscle toning or recovery training. The tension levels above 20 offer considerably more pedal tension. They are great for anyone who wants to undergo a consistent, full-body cardio workout, improve stamina, strength, and burn more calories.
Console
The GoElliptical V-950X is equipped with a multi-function console featuring an LED display with 5 windows.
The top larger window shows the segments of the programs, while the smaller windows under it indicate (from left to right) time/calories, resistance level/distance, RPM/Pulse, and watts/speed. For speed and distance, you can select either metric or imperial units. The pulse reading function works through grip contact if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars of the machine, or through a wireless heart rate chest strap which is not included.
The console doesn’t have online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. However, it has quite an impressive range of built-in programs to choose from. To begin with, it has the Manual mode which allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during your workout. Next, there are 24 pre-set programs that have different segment layouts and will adjust the resistance automatically. There is an HRC program that adjusts the resistance depending on the selected heart rate percentage. There is also a personal program and a random program. Plus, the console offers the possibility to input your data, such as height, weight, age, and gender for a better calorie reading.
A pulse recovery function is also available. This has its own quick key on the console. Evidently, it requires you to either hold on to the integrated pulse sensors or wear an HR chest strap. It counts your pulse at the end of the workout and base on how fast your heart gets back to a normal BPM, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 – excellent, and F6 – poor.
Among other notable console functions, we can mention the sound system, the USB port, and the tablet holder. The sound system consists of two small speakers integrated into the console. An AUX cable is also included so you can connect your smartphone of MP3 player to the console and play your favorite music through the integrated speakers. The USB port is only for recharging your device; you cannot save, import, and export workout data on a flash drive. And finally, the device holder consists of a small shelf integrated at the bottom of the console which can serve as support for your smartphone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two base stabilizers, the front mast, the console, the fixed handlebars, the moving arms, the pedal bars, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour but the task is not too complicated. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance does not require much. You only have to wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout, lubricate the joints if they develop squeaking noises, and periodically check for loose bolts and pars. The internal mechanism is pre-lubricated from the factory and does not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid construction, great stability;
- Can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Grip HR sensors built-in the fixed handlebars.
- Resistance controls on the fixed handlebars;
- 3 levels of adjustment for the moving arms;
- Balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion;
- Extra-large, adjustable pedals;
- 24 levels of eddy current resistance;
- LED display console with LED backlight;
- 24 workout programs;
- Recovery function;
- HRC program;
- Custom program;
- Random program;
- Device holder integrated into the console;
- Bottle holder included;
- Sound system included;
- USB charging port included;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No incline;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The GoElliptical V-950X is a heavy-duty rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a 24-level motorized resistance system, a 17.6 lbs internal flywheel, a set of large adjustable pedals, and a console with multiple workout programs. It’s a great trainer for users of all levels, for light to high-intensity full-body cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.