| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spirit Fitness XE195 Check Discounted Price | L:70" W:22" H:64" | 400 lbs | 30 lbs | Eddy current, 20 levels | 10 programs, Bluetooth |
The XE295 is one of the elliptical trainers released by Spirit Fitness in 2019. Despite the fact that it has a heavy-duty construction and an impressive 400 lbs (181 kg) weight capacity, it’s a machine for residential use only. In terms of resistance and stride, it’s similar to the Spirit Fitness XE195 model that we’ve already reviewed here but has quite a few extra features, such as adjustable pedals, a dual-track system, several extra console programs, and more.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 70L x 22W x 64H inches (178L x 56W x 162H cm)
- Assembled weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: N/A
- Resistance: Eddy current, 20 levels
- Console: 10 programs, Bluetooth
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder, sound system, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
As we’ve mentioned above, the Spirit Fitness XE295 elliptical trainer features a heavy-duty construction 
comparable to commercial-grade machines. Its frame is actually made of commercial-grade steel tubing coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this elliptical trainer.
Of course, the machine also incorporates several non-steel parts in its construction. For example, the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the pedal trays, and several other small covers are made of durable thermoplastic material. Also, the covers of the rails are made of aluminum alloy.
Similar to most other gym-grade ellipticals, the Spirit Fitness XE295 is very heavy. Its net weight is 187 lbs (85 kg). This pretty much means that it requires to be transported by at least two people. But on the other hand, all this weight provides superior stability. Once the machine is fully assembled, it is fairly easy to move by only one person. Its front base integrates a set of wheels which facilitate its relocation. Also, all the base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers.
This Spirit Fitness elliptical cross trainer is fairly large as well. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 70″ (178 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe usage. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room.
Like most other elliptical trainers in this price range, the XE295 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars have short, simple grips with integrated pulse sensors. They are welded directly to the front mast of the machine so they are non-adjustable.
The mobile handlebars offer multiple grip possibilities. They do not have pulse sensors but the right grip does integrate resistance adjustment controls. Evidently, the mobile handlebars are attached to the pedal bars and they cannot be locked to remain stationary. They cannot move independently from the pedals and they continue to move for as long as you pedal.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
First of all, the Spirit Fitness XE295 elliptical does not have an incline system. Therefore, the stride length
and position of the elliptical path cannot be adjusted. It offers a fixed stride length of 20″ (51 cm) which is pretty much similar to most commercial machines. This means that the trainer should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’5″ (196 cm).
The machine has a pretty neutral, almost completely horizontal elliptical path. The pedals have a 2-degree inward tilt to provide a more comfortable foot positioning and minimize lateral stress on the ankles. They have rubber cushion inserts with a textured surface for an improved grip and extra shock absorption. They are also adjustable, similar to the pedals of the Sole Fitness E35 machine. Each pedal has a locking knob at the rear and can be set to an angle of 0°, 5°, and 10°.
The pedal trays are attached to durable steel bars. They are designed to support users up to 400 lbs (181 kg), similar to commercial machines. They slide on dual tracks for improved stability. Also, the pedal wheels integrate industrial grade ball bearings and have an outer layer made from polyurethane material meant to minimize noise.
This Spirit Fitness elliptical has a narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) of only 2″ (5 cm). This is quite a plus as you don’t have to ride with your feet too far apart which also reduces the lateral stress on the knees and ankles. Also, the lowest pedal position is approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level, while at their highest position, the pedals are at approx. 16″ (41 cm) above floor level. This being said, it is recommended to place and 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 Spirit Fitness XE295 is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel for an elliptical trainer. Its internal flywheel
weighs approx. 30 lbs (13.6 kg), similar to the flywheel of a mid-range spin bike. It is also perimeter-weighted for improved inertia and allows pedaling in reverse. Coasting, however, is not possible on this machine. The pedals continue to move for as long as the internal flywheel is spinning.
The machine’s drivetrain uses a durable poly-v belt. This type of transmission delivers a very smooth pedaling motion as it generates less vibration than a chain. It also doesn’t require periodic lubrication like a chain drive system.
The Spirit Fitness XE295 elliptical trainer features an eddy current resistance system. This means you have to connect it to a power source in order to power up its console and benefit from resistance adjustments. It also means that the console can adjust the resistance automatically.
The trainer’s resistance system consists of an internal servo motor and a magnetic brake integrated into the flywheel system. As you adjust the resistance from the console, or as the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The machine makes available 20 levels of resistance. Due to the heavy flywheel, even the first levels offer a pretty decent pedaling inertia. Conversely, the top 18-20 levels provide quite a high pedaling difficulty simulating a steep climb and offering the possibility to improve strength.
Console
The Spirit Fitness XE295 elliptical trainer is equipped with the same type of console as the XBU55 upright bike.
It features a 7.5-inch LCD display with LED backlight, divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible. It tracks time, segment time, speed, distance, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse. Distance is also shown as a 1/4-mile race track with a lap count function. Also, the console is telemetric. It can track your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.
The machine’s console offers 10 workout programs. The list includes 1 manual program, 5 pre-set programs, 2 user-defined programs, and 2 heart rate programs. Each program has its own quick-access key on the console. The Manual program offers the possibility to workout freely adjusting the resistance as you like from the console or from the controls on the right grip. The pre-set programs are Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval. Each one has a standard segment layout consistent with its name. For example, the Interval program alternates low resistance with high resistance, while the Hill workout progressively increases resistance up to the middle of the selected duration, and then decreases it.
The two user-defined programs give you the possibility to create your own custom programs, save them, and re-use them every time you want. And finally, the two heart rate programs are pre-set for HR values of 60% and respectively 80%.
The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the Spirit Fit App. This app not only that allows you to track your workout progress and save your history online, it can also sync your workout data with various fitness cloud sites like MapMyFitness, iHealth, FitBit, and more.
Several other notable console features are the sound system, the cooling fan, and the device holder. The sound system consists of two speakers and an AUX port on the bottom-right corner of the unit. Thus, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the console and play your music through the integrated speakers. The cooling fan is not a large one; it is integrated into the middle of the unit. The tablet holder consists of a small shelf placed above the speakers and fan system. It is large enough to support any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s section that holds 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 rail section to the front section of the machine, add the console mast, the moving arms, the console, and several small covers. This may take more than one hour of your time, but the task is pretty straightforward. Also, all the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically lubricate the rails of the machine. A bottle of lubricant is included. The joints may also need lubrication after a while, but it is recommended to grease them during assembly. The internal parts shouldn’t require any maintenance for a very long period of time. So, other than this, you should only keep your elliptical clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty commercial construction – can support users up to 400 lbs (181 kg);
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on all three base bars;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Extra-heavy (30 lbs) flywheel for improved inertia;
- Large, cushioned pedals with three angle-adjustment levels;
- Narrow Q-factor for zero lateral stress on the joints;
- Dual rail tracks for improved stability;
- Eddy current, automatic resistance (20 levels);
- Multi-function console featuring a multi-window, 7.5″ LCD display with LED backlight;
- Pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
- Telemetric receiver built-in the console for wireless HR chest straps;
- 10 workout programs available;
- Quick access keys for each workout program;
- Bluetooth connectivity – compatible with the Spirit Fit App;
- Accessory holder included;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- HR chest strap is not included;
- No incline feature.
Summary
The Spirit Fitness XE295 is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a 20-level eddy current resistance system, a heavy 30-lb flywheel, and a Bluetooth console with 10 workout programs. It has dual tracks for improved pedal stability, and adjustable, cushioned pedals. It also has an impressive 400 lbs weight capacity. And finally, even though it’s not exactly an affordable elliptical machine, it definitely offers excellent quality for the price.