| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Precor EFX 835 Check Discounted Price | L:80" W:30" H:67" | 350 lbs | Self-powered, Eddy current, 20 levels | Motorized, 10° - 35° | 15 programs, Goal function |
The Precor EFX 835 is a heavy-duty commercial elliptical trainer. Although it has been around for more than 10 years, it’s still available, and still remains one of the most reliable ellipticals in this price range for both commercial and home use. It’s important to mention here that this is the Precor part number PHRCE8353060EN-101, the one that comes with the P30 console.
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: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 7 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Precor EFX 835 is constructed on a heavy-duty frame made of steel tubing. It combines rectangular, oval, 
and cylindrical tubes 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 silver-gray, but there is also a black version for this machine.
The unit also integrates several parts made from durable thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive and resistance system, the pedal trays, the cover of the front unit, and several other covers.
The fully assembled trainer is pretty large and bulky. It is approx. 80″ (203 cm) long, and 30″ (76 cm) wide, so it will not fit too well into a small room. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the machine, for ease of access and safe usage.
Like most other commercial-duty elliptical trainers, the Precor EFX 835 is very heavy. Its net weight is 340 lbs (154 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit requires at least two persons. However, once it is assembled, it can be relocated by only one person as it is equipped with transport wheels. Needless to say, all this weight plays an important role in the machine’s stability. You can be sure that it won’t wobble or move even if you engage in a more consistent workout.
The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is fixed, the other one is mobile. The fixed handlebars integrate pulse sensors, while the mobile handlebars have longer grips without sensors. The moving arms attach to the front unit of the machine and to the pedal system. They cannot remain stationary and will move for as long as you pedal.
Incline system
The Precor EFX 835 elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means that the machine
can adjust the incline automatically, depending on the program in use. The incline can also be adjusted manually from the gradual adjustment keys or the numeric keys on the console.
The unit’s incline system consists of a motor and a lift integrated into the front base section. The lift is connected to the dual-track ramp on which the two pedals slide. Therefore, when you adjust the incline, or when the machine adjusts the incline automatically, the ramp changes its angle.
This Precor elliptical trainer offers 20 levels of incline, in a range of 15° to 35°. The length of its stride also varies, depending on the incline level. For example, with the incline set to minimum, the stride is 21″ (53 cm), while with the incline set to maximum, its stride is 25″ (63 cm). This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate users of all sizes. However, it’s important to mention that a short person (under 5’0″) will execute a more ample motion than a tall person.
Drive system
The Precor EFX 835 is equipped with a set of articulated pedals. The rear sections of the pedal bars attach to
the main pulley of the machine, while their mid-sections mark the joints to the moving arms base bars. The pedal bars have wheels at the front which slide through tracks of the incline ramp. The wheels are rubberized and have internal ball bearings for a smooth and quiet motion.
The pedal trays are made from durable thermoplastic material. They have a textured bottom and side guards for improved foot stability. They are pretty large (16″L x 8″W) so they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They’re also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg). They do not have extra cushioning, but due to the pedal articulation, the pedaling motion is pretty much impact-free.
With the incline set to maximum, the highest pedal point is approx. 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 the tallest user.
The Precor EFX 835 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. This being said, the main pulley, the flywheel, and the drivetrain are integrated into the rear unit of the machine. The exact weight of the flywheel is not specified but it is perimeter-weighted for a smoother pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional.
The machine features a belt drive system. It uses poly-v belts designed for superior traction. This being said, you don’t need to worry about lubrication. Also, the pedaling motion is smoother as a belt generates less vibration than a chain.
Resistance system
The Precor EFX 835 elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized, self-powering eddy current resistance system. 
This being said, you don’t need to connect it to a power source as it integrates a generator that uses the kinetic energy generated by your pedaling to power up the console. However, it can also function with a power connection and a power cord is included with the machine.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a motor connected to the generator and to the console. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor changes the magnets’ pull increasing or decreasing the pedaling load.
The magnetic resistance is considerably superior to friction resistance because the magnets don’t touch the flywheel. This leads to a seamless, whisper-quiet pedaling motion. Also, you don’t need to worry about brake pads replacement or lubrication.
The machine makes available 20 resistance levels ranging from 18 watts to 720 watts. The lowest resistance level delivers a light pedaling load, great for warm-ups or recovery training. Conversely, the 20th tension level provides considerably more resistance simulating a hill climb.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, this is the Precor EFX 835 PHRCE8353060EN-101 comes with the P30 console. 
This is pretty much the same console like the one included with the Precor UBK 835 upright bike. It has a total of 8 LED displays windows. The four at the top track total strides, strides/min, distance, calories, pulse, and time. The thin, long display under the four metric windows indicates the name of the program in use, language, and also provides all kinds of program-related information. The larger display in the middle shows the program segments, and finally, the two lower windows indicate the current resistance level and the current incline level.
Speed and distance can be set either to U.S. units, or metric units. For the pulse reading function, the console is telemetric. This means it can read your pulse from a wireless heart rate chest strap. However, this accessory is not included, so if you don’t have one, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars of the machine so that the console can read your pulse.
The Precor P30 console does not have Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. It also isn’t compatible with any fitness apps. However, it has 15 programs to keep you motivated divided into 6 categories which have quick keys on the console. 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.
The console also has countdown modes for time, distance, and calories burned. This feature offers the possibility to set a goal for any of these metrics. If a goal is selected, the console will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine comes pre-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.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep it clean especially the tracks of the pedal wheels to prevent any damage to them. The joints may also need lubrication if they begin to squeak. 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 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 online connectivity;
- Heart rate chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Precor EFX 835 is a heavy-duty commercial-grade elliptical trainer. It is equipped with a self-powered eddy current resistance system, a 20 level power incline system, and a LED display console with 15 workout programs. It offers an adjustable stride from 21″ to 25″ and can support users up to 350 lbs. It’s a machine for users of all levels, for light to high-intensity cardio training, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.