| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm 920 E Check Discounted Price | L:68" W:37" H:71" | 325 lbs | Digital, 0°-20° | Eddy current, 24 lvls | Touchscreen display, Integrated browser, 32 programs, iFit capable |
So far ProForm has released two versions of the Endurance 920 E elliptical trainer, one in 2015, and the other at the end of 2016. They’re both still available, and they basically offer the same range of features with small differences. The one that we’re going to cover here is the part number PFEL51016, the one from 2016.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 68L x 37W x 71H inches (173 x 94 x 180 cm)
- Assembled weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Stride: 19″ (48 cm)
- Pedals: Cushioned, adjustable (3 levels)
- Incline: Digital adjustment, 0°-20°
- Resistance: Eddy current, digital adjustment, 24 levels
- Console: 7″ touchscreen, 32 built-in programs, iFit Coach ready
- Amenities: Bottle holder, tablet holder, sound system, CoolAire fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame & parts
The ProForm Endurance 920 E is a front-drive elliptical trainer featuring a frame construction similar to the lighter model
520 E. It’s a heavier machine, though, and has a greater weight capacity. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs more than 200 lbs, a weight that provides a lot of stability. Also, speaking of its weight capacity, the machine is designed to support users up to 325 lbs (147 kg), a great unit for anyone at the beginning of their weight loss journey.
Needless to say, the machine’s frame is made of steel tubing. All the steel frame in its frame construction have a durable paint finish, resistant to abrasion and corrosion. The colors used are black for the base of the frame and the moving parts, and white for the front mast.
Despite its weight, the machine isn’t too difficult to move once it is fully assembled. The rear base bar integrates a lifting handle, while the front base is equipped with two wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels, you won’t have to handle more than 25% of its total weight.
The unit is pretty large as well. It’s approx. 68″ (173 cm) long, and 37″ (94 cm) wide, its widest point being given by the outer mobile grips. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for safe operation. Therefore, it’s not exactly a trainer for a small room or apartment.
The machine’s pedals are made of heavy-duty ABS material with a metallic base. They feature an all-around front border to provide extra stability and optimal positioning for the feet. They’re set at an inward angle of approx. 2° to provide a natural posture and eliminate any extra lateral stress on your joints. 
The pedals have thick cushions on their surface which not only that reduce the impact to zero, they also provide extra foot adherence. And maybe one of the best aspects with regards to the unit’s pedals is their adjustability. Each pedal has three angle settings and a small pin at its rear which allows you to quickly make the adjustment you like.
The ProForm Endurance 920 E is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebars connect directly to the front mast, right at the base of the console. They integrate pulse sensors. The moving arms feature large, loop grips to provide multiple hand positions and allow you to vary your posture during exercising.
The joints between the pedal bars and moving arms are equipped with high-grade ball bearings to supply a smooth motion. The rollers of the pedal bars feature large wheels which also integrate sealed ball bearings.
Incline & Stride
The ProForm Endurance 920 E elliptical trainer features a motorized incline system. It consists of a small lift placed at the
front of the rail assembly and connected to an internal motor. This being said, the incline has digital adjustment and can only be adjusted from the console. Some of the programs control the machine’s incline as well; so, when using one of these programs, the unit will auto-adjust the incline.
The machine makes available 20 levels of incline, between 0° and 20°. The adjustment increments are approx 1°, but the console unit offers quick incline adjustments for the 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° positions. As opposed to the Endurance 1110 E model that we’ve previously reviewed here, this unit does not have incline controls integrated into the handlebars.
This ProForm elliptical trainer offers a stride of approx. 19″ (48 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’3″ (190 cm), providing a satisfying range of motion. Evidently, taller users should still be able to use the machine, but they may have to take smaller steps during their workout.
The machine delivers an approximate elevation of 30″ (76 cm) above floor level, with the incline set at maximum. This being said, the ceiling height in the room where you will be using this elliptical trainer should be at least 35″ (89 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive & Resistance
The ProForm Endurance 920 E is equipped with a 25 lbs (11.3 kg) flywheel, which is quite a heavy one for an elliptical. It has
a perimeter-weighted structure which leads to a very smooth motion and a consistent pedaling feel. It’s also bi-directional; this means you can pedal in reverse, so you can put a lot of diversity into your workouts.
The transmission between the internal pulley and the flywheel is made possible by a heavy-duty poly-v belt. This being said, the pedaling motion is extremely quiet. The belt doesn’t require lubrication and generates considerably less vibration (almost none) than a chain drive.
The trainer’s resistance system is motorized magnetic. This means the resistance is automatic while the machine requires to be connected to a power source. The internal magnetic brake does not create any friction, so the ride is smooth, quiet, and there’s virtually no wear and tear between the resistance elements and the flywheel.
There are 24 resistance levels available. The first few settings offer a low level of difficulty, which is great for users with certain disabilities or elderly users. The 22-24 settings provide a considerably higher difficulty, which can also be improved by adding incline.
Just as for the incline, the console features gradual and quick selection resistance controls. The quick selection controls cover the 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 tension settings.
Console
The ProForm Endurance 920 E is equipped with a pretty impressive console. It basically incorporates a 7″ LCD display
tablet which responds to touchscreen commands just like any other regular tablet. It has a lock-screen function for child safety, a demo mode to get you started, and a tonne of other features. However, zoom in and out commands are not available.
The console has its own incorporated browser and wireless connectivity. It connects to your wireless network and gives you the possibility to browse the web, or directly connect to iFit in order to use iFit custom workouts, complete challenges, compete with other users, or use a virtual trail created via GoogleMaps. Of course, this requires an iFit membership which is not included with the machine.
Nonetheless, if you don’t want to subscribe to iFit, the console has its own incorporated 32 workout programs. They’re divided into four categories, plus the Manual mode. Each program category has its own button on the console, so you can quickly access the program you want. As a general idea, the programs are categorized by weight loss, peak workouts, performance, and intervals.
The console tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance traveled, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. You can set up goals for time, distance, and calories. There are both metric and English settings for speed and distance. Also, the unit is telemetric; it can communicate with almost any Bluetooth HR transmitter. However, this accessory is not included, so if you do not opt for one, you can use the integrated pulse sensors.
In terms of amenities, the console has several. First of all, it integrates a sound system which consists of two speakers placed at the bottom of the unit. This sound system it compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, or tablets. There is an audio jack on the front of the unit, as well as volume controls.
A CoolAire fan is included as well. It’s placed above the sound system. It has several intensity settings, and offers a pretty decent cooling. Finally, a tablet holder is also included. It attaches to the top of the console and can accommodate any tablet.
Assembly & Maintenance
The main body of the machine comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the base bars, the console mast, the pedal bars, the mobile handlebars, the console, and connect several cables. This may take more than an hour, but the included manual provides very clear assembly instructions. A basic toolkit for the assembly is included, but you will also need your own Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to keep the rails of the machine clean to prevent any damage to them. It’s also recommended to periodically check for loose or broken parts, remove the dust and the sweat that may fall onto the frame or console. The internal parts of the machine don’t require any lubrication or maintenance, at least not for a very long period of time.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – 325 lbs capacity;
- Professional-looking design;
- Adjustable levelers;
- Transport wheels;
- Cushioned, angle-adjustable pedals;
- Perimeter weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum and smooth pedaling;
- Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;
- 24 levels of eddy current resistance;
- 20 levels of automatic incline (0° – 20°);
- 7-inch LCD console with touchscreen operation;
- Integrated browser;
- Wireless connectivity;
- iFit compatible;
- 32 workout programs;
- Goal tracking functions for time, distance and calories;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
- Cooling fan included;
- Sound system included;
- iFit enabled console;
- Media tray and tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- HR chest strap is not included;
- iFit membership is not included.
Summary
The ProForm Endurance 920 E is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer equipped with motorized incline and resistance. It excels in comfort factors, featuring cushioned, adjustable pedals. It offers 24 resistance settings, 20° of incline, 32 onboard workout programs, and wireless connectivity. Its console has touchscreen technology, its own incorporated browser, and it’s iFit compatible. In all, it’s a pretty complete elliptical machine, great for users of all levels.