| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Precor EFX 833 Check Discounted Price | L:80" W:30" H:67" | 350 lbs | Self-powered, Eddy current, 20 levels | Motorized, 10° - 35° | 15 programs, Goal function |
Although the Precor EFX 833 has been around for more than 10 years, it’s still available at the moment. It’s pretty similar to the Precor EFX 835 that we’ve already covered here. It comes with the same (P30) console and has the same type of drive, resistance, and incline. However, it does not have the moving arms; it only has a set of large fixed handlebars, which makes it a better choice for recovery training.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80L x 30W x 67H inches (203L x 76W x 170H cm)
- Assembled weight: 340 lbs (154 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Stride: 21 – 25 inches (53 – 63 cm)
- Incline: Automatic, 10° – 35°
- Resistance system: Self-powered, eddy current, 20 levels
- Console: 15 programs, goal settings
- Extras: Sound system, workout fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 7 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Precor EFX 833 is a commercial-grade elliptical trainer. Therefore, it features a heavy-duty steel frame combining 
oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubing in its construction, for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. Of course, it also integrates several parts made from a tough ABS polymer. For example, the pedal trays, the drive system casing, the incline system casing, and several other small parts are ABS-made.
All the steel frame tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, but this particular trainer is also available in black. The ABS covers and parts are also in different shades of gray, in order to match the rest of the machine.
The fully assembled trainer is fairly large. It is 80″ (203 cm) long and 30″ (76 cm) wide, while the top of the console reaches approx. 67″ (170 cm) above the floor. These being said, the unit will not fit too well in a small room or apartment. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access and correct usage.
The unit is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is approx. 340 lbs (154 kg). Therefore, the transport of the packaged unit will require at least two people. However, once it is assembled, it can be moved by only one person as it has a set of transport wheels.
As we’ve mentioned above, the EFX 833 does not have the moving arms like the EFX 835. It only has a set of fixed handlebars. They attach to the front unit of the trainer and have long grips covered by PVC foam sleeves for improved contact. They also integrate pulse sensors.
Incline system
The Precor EFX 833 elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized incline system. This being said, you can adjust the
incline without pausing your workout. It also means that the machine can adjust the incline automatically, depending on the program that is in use.
The machine’s incline system consists of a motor (different from the drive motor), a lift, and a ramp on which the pedal bars slide. As you adjust the incline from the console, or as the console adjusts the incline automatically, the lift elevates or lowers the front section of the ramp. This changes the angle of the machine’s elliptical path and also the length of the stride.
The machine makes available 20 levels of incline, with a starting point of 15° and up to 35°. With the incline set to minimum, the stride is 21″ (53 cm) while the maximum stride length is 25″ (63 cm). This being said, the elliptical can accommodate users of all sizes.
Drive system
First of all, the Precor EFX 833 is equipped with a set of heavy-duty pedals. They’re rated 
for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg) like most other commercial-grade elliptical trainers. However, since the machine doesn’t have moving arms, the pedals are not articulated. The rear sections of the pedal bars attach to the internal pulley of the trainer while their front sections slide on the incline ramp.
As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal trays are made from a durable ABS polymer. They’re pretty large, approx. 16″L x 8″W (40 x 20 cm) so they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have side guards for improved foot stability. However, they do not have extra cushioning or angle-adjustment features.
The spacing between the pedals is 1.5″ (~4 cm). Also, the highest point of each pedal is 18″ (46 cm) above the floor. Therefore, it is recommended to use this machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 22″ (56 cm) higher than your own height.
The Precor EFX 833 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. In other words, the flywheel, the main pulley, and the drivetrain of the machine are integrated in its rear unit. The exact weight of the machine’s flywheel is not specified, but as a general idea, it is perimeter-weighted in order to provide a more consistent pedaling motion. The flywheel is also bi-directional, so you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with backward pedaling sessions.
The machine has a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt highly resistant to torsion and abrasion. Since it’s a belt and not a chain, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. It also delivers a slightly smoother pedaling motion than a chain as it generates less vibration.
Resistance system
The Precor EFX 833 elliptical machine is equipped with a self-powered eddy current resistance system. It integrates
a generator that turns the kinetic energy that you generate when pedaling into power. The console and the internal motor can run exclusively on the energy that you generate through pedaling. However, the machine can also run with a power connection; a power cord is included as well.
The machine’s resistance system combines a servo motor and a magnetic brake. The motor mediates the console, the generator, and the magnetic brake. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance from the console, or when the console automatically adjusts the resistance, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The magnetic resistance comes with several advantages over a standard friction resistance system. First of all, since the resistance elements do not touch, there is no friction so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. And second of all, you don’t have to worry about brake lubrication or brake pad replacements.
This Precor elliptical trainer offers 20 levels of resistance. The resistance ranges from 18 watts to 720 watts. On the lowest resistance setting, the machine delivers a pretty light difficulty, great for a workout warm-up, or recovery training. Conversely, the highest setting should offer quite a challenge even for the most seasoned user.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, this particular Precor EFX 833 elliptical model comes with the P30 console. It features
8 LED-type displays which indicate total strides, strides per minute, distance, calories burned, pulse, and time. The larger display in the middle shows the segments of the program in use and various other messages. The thin display between the top windows and the larger window usually indicates the name of the program in use. And finally, the two windows at the bottom of the console show the selected incline level and the resistance level.
The console is telemetric. This means that it can track your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap (not included). The distance and speed are by default set to imperial units, but there is also the option of changing them to metric units.
The console does not have wireless connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It has 15 built-in programs, though, which basically cover most types of workouts that you can perform on this machine. The programs are divided into 6 categories. These are: Manual, Interval (Interval, Total Body Interval), Variety (Cross Country, 1 Gluteal, 2 Gluteal, Custom), Performance (Hill Climb, Fit Test, 1 Cross Training, 2 Cross Training, 3 Cross Training, Navy Fit Test), Heart Rate (Basic HRC), and Weight Loss.
Along with the pre-set workout programs, the console also offers countdown modes for time, calories, and distance. Therefore, you can set workout goals for any of these metrics. Once a goal is set, the console counts down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This can be quite a plus as it can help you keep track of your progress.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the elliptical comes already assembled. You only have to route the front wires, connect the console, and assemble the handlebars. This may take more than an hour but the manual provides clear assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, all you have to do is keep the elliptical clean, especially the tracks of the pedal wheels to prevent any damage to them. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that there are no loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Extremely sturdy construction – can hold users up to 350 lbs;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable stabilizers on bases;
- Fixed handlebars with long grips and pulse sensors;
- Silent drive system;
- Motorized incline, 20 levels (10° – 35°);
- Self-powered eddy current resistance system with up to 20 levels;
- LED display on the console that shows multiple readings simultaneously;
- 15 pre-set workout programs;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No mobile handlebars;
- No online connectivity;
- No app compatibility;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Precor EFX 833 is a commercial-grade elliptical machine. It features a self-powered eddy current resistance system with 20 levels, a 20-level incline system, and a variable stride (21 – 25 inches). It comes with the P30 console which offers 15 workout programs and goal settings for time, distance, and calories. It’s also a pretty sturdy machine rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs. In all, it’s an elliptical trainer for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, and weight loss.