| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA FS1.5 Check Discounted Price | L:50.8" W:24" H:63" | 250 lbs | No | Eddy current, 16 levels | 13 programs, Recovery |
The XTERRA FS1.5 is one of the elliptical trainers released by XTERRA Fitness in 2019. It’s a rear-drive elliptical with motorized resistance made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3890, but has fewer workout programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50.8L x 24W x 63H inches (129L x 61W x 160H cm)
- Assembled weight: 99.2 lbs (45 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Stride: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 13 programs, recovery
- Extras: Accessory tray
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year
Frame construction
The XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 elliptical machine features a steel frame, with the casing of the drive and 
resistance system made of durable thermoplastic material. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this machine.
The trainer is not extremely large. With all the parts assembled, its base is 50.8″ (129 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. However, just as for any other elliptical, there should be at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access.
The unit has pretty decent stability as well. It weighs over 99 lbs (45 kg) and has a very low center of gravity. Plus, its rear stabilizer integrates a set of adjustable levelers. These being said, it shouldn’t rock or wobble even if you engage in a more intense workout.
Although it’s pretty heavy, it is not too difficult to move once it is assembled. Its front stabilizer is equipped with a set of small wheels that facilitate its relocation.
Like many other ellipticals, the XTERRA FS1.5 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars attach to the top of the machine’s front mast. They have short grips and integrate pulse sensors. The moving handlebars attach to the mast and the pedals as well, therefore, they always move while you are pedaling; they cannot be locked to remain stationary. They have longer grips but do not integrate pulse sensors or resistance adjustment controls.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
First of all, the XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 elliptical trainer is equipped with a set of large pedals featuring a 
textured surface and inner/front side guards for improved foot stability. The pedal trays are made from durable thermoplastic material and are attached to steel bars. Therefore, both the pedals and the machine’s crankset should be able to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) with no problem.
It’s important to mention, though, that the pedal size or position are non-adjustable. Also, they have a fairly simple construction without articulations or extra cushioning.
The XTERRA FS1.5 elliptical does not have an incline system. Thus, the position of its elliptical path or the length of its stride are non-adjustable. Although it’s a rear-drive trainer, its elliptical path has a neutral angle. In other words, the riding feeling does not resemble a descent on a slanted surface as is the case with other machines. It provides a pretty natural, low-impact pedaling motion.
The machine’s stride is 14″ (35.5 cm) long. This being said, it should accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem. Taller users should also be able to use this machine but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion.
The pedal step-up height (lowest pedal position) is approx. 6″ (15.2 cm). However, at their highest point, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (40 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this elliptical cross trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the tallest user.
Resistance and drive
The XTERRA FS1.5 rower features a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that it requires an 
external power source. It also means that its console can automatically adjust the resistance. The unit comes with a DC9V / 1.0A adapter with cable.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor connected to the console. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance from the console, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
There are 16 tension levels available on this trainer. The first few deliver a light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or low-intensity cardio, and muscle toning. Conversely, the 16th tension level offers considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina.
The machine is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 17.6 lbs (~8 kg). It is perimeter-weighted in order to provide more inertia. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant (given by the selected level), and the console continues to count distance, calories, watts, etc.
Last but not least, the XTERRA FS1.5 elliptical machine is equipped with a belt drive system. This type of transmission comes with several advantages. First of all, it adds to the smoothness of the ride as it delivers less vibration than a chain. And second of all, it does not require lubrication, so you won’t have to take the covers off periodically to take care of this task.
Console
The XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 elliptical machine is equipped with a mid-range console. It features a multi-window
LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set either to English units (MPH and miles), or to Metric units (kmh and kilometers). The pulse reading function is grip contact only; in other words, the console cannot read your pulse from a wireless transmitter. So, if you need to monitor your heart rate or use one of the HR workout programs, you have to hold on to the integrated sensors.
The console unit does not have wireless connectivity, nor is compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has 13 workout programs to keep you motivated. The first program (P1) is the Manual Mode. This gives you the possibility to workout freely, making resistance adjustments as you like. It also allows you to set up goals for time, distance, and calories.
The P2-P7 programs are pre-set. They offer different segment layouts in order to target various types of workouts. For example, the P6 program has a hill ascension layout, while the P7 program has an interval layout.
A Body Fat Measurement programs and a Custom User program are also available. The Body Fat program requires you to input your data such as age, height, weight, and gender so it can calculate your Body Mass Index. The Custom User program offers the possibility to create your own program profiles with the desired resistance changes.
And finally, there are four Heart Rate control programs. The first one is custom so you can input your desired target HR. The next three are pre-set for 65% HR, 75% HR, and 85%. When an HR program is in use, the machine will automatically increase or decrease the resistance, in order to keep you within the target HR range.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s drive and resistance elements come pre-assembled, attached to the base frame, and concealed by the plastic covers. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. Thus, you will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the upright mast, the fixed handlebars, the console, the moving arms, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour but the task is far from being difficult. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the machine is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about its maintenance. The internal parts do not require lubrication. If the joints of the machine begin to squeak, they may require a few drops of lubricant. Other than this, you should only keep your elliptical clean, and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Heavy, perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with a textured surface and side/front guards for improved foot stability;
- 16 levels of eddy current, automatic resistance;
- Multi-window display console to show as many workout metrics as possible at once;
- 13 built-in workout programs;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- Heart rate intervals sticker on the console;
- Accessory tray integrated into the console;
- Extremely quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the console display.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It has a 16-level eddy current resistance system, a 17.6 lbs internal flywheel for improved inertia, and a console with 13 workout programs. It’s a machine for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable motorized elliptical trainers available at the moment.