Best Rear Drive Elliptical 2023
Rear drive ellipticals were first manufactured by Precor, the first brand to patent ellipticals. Now, the design is adopted and modified by multiple brands. Today, we will talk about some of the best rear drive ellipticals that are the best combination of reasonable price, useful features, and performance. Let’s start with NordicTrack SE9i.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Rear Drive Elliptical in 2023
| NordicTrack | • Weight capacity: 325 lbs • Stride: Adjustable • Resistance: 24 levels | Check Price |
| Precor Commercial | • Weight capacity: 350 lbs • Stride: Variable • Resistance: 24 levels | Check Price |
| Life Fitness | • Weight capacity: 400 lbs • Stride: 20 inch • Resistance: 20 levels | Check Price |
| ProForm Elliptical | • Weight capacity: 250 lbs • Stride: 14 inches • Resistance: 12 levels | Check Price |
| ProForm 450 LE | • Weight capacity: 253 pounds • Stride: 18 inches • Resistance: 16 levels | Check Price |
| Sunny Health & Fitness | • Weight capacity: 330 lbs • Stride: 14 inch • Resistance: 16 magnetic | Check Price |
| Goelliptical | • Weight capacity: 300 lbs • Stride: 18 inches • Resistance: 24 levels | Check Price |
| Precor EFX 546i | • Weight capacity: 350 lbs • Stride: 21.2" to 24.7" • Resistance: 20 levels | Check Price |
Here are the Top 8 Best Rear Drive Elliptical Machine Reviews in 2023
1. NordicTrack SE9i Elliptical Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance: 24 levels – digital
- Stride: Adjustable
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds
NordicTrack manufactures some of the best rear wheel ellipticals that you can find in the US market. SE9i belongs to the same lot and has compact dimensions that are suitable for small flats and apartments. If you are one of those fitness enthusiasts who enjoy regular training, then it’s a suitable investment for your home gym.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainer comes with 24 resistance levels that are helpful when you want more challenges to grow your strength. Working out at high intensities also helps you to achieve the required fitness goals. It also has an incline up to 10 degrees that you can adjust according to your requirements. Another impressive feature is its heart rate monitor that allows you to maintain your cardiovascular system.
NordicTrack rear drive ellipticalis built around an 18-pound flywheel for smooth movement and efficient workout. Its 7 inch HD touchscreen keeps you informed about all your workout related data. Moreover, the fitness machine has a vertical space-saving design that folds and makes the storage easy as well as convenient.
Reasons to buy
- One-touch resistance level adjustment
- Wireless chest strap included
- Comes pre-installed with 30 workout apps
- 10 years’ warranty on the frame
2. Precor EFX 835 Commercial Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance: 24 levels
- Stride: Variable
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Precor EFX 835 is a commercial-grade elliptical fitness cross trainer that’s mostly used in health clubs, fitness centers, and gyms. There are multiple reasons why it’s preferred by most of the professionals. First, it’s cross ramp can be inclined up to 40 degrees. Then, there are 20 resistance levels, 15 preset programs, and moving handlebars that offer upper body workout as well.
The Precor rear wheel drive elliptical comes with CrossRamp technology, which allows you to adjust the elliptical path’s height. It also helps you to target different muscles of the body so that you can train them according to the mood. The machine has a low-impact EFX motion that offers a smooth, natural, and near-silent workout.
EFX 835 comes with a QuickStart button. You need to push it, enter your age, weight and the machine will set the desired program level accordingly. The resistance levels and its cross ramp can be changed whenever you need it.
Reasons to buy
- Cross-ramp Technology that allows you to target multiple muscles of your body
- Low-impact EFX motion for smooth movement
- Ergonomic handles to take care of your upper body parts
- Transport wheels
3. Life Fitness Club Series Elliptical Cross-Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Stride: 20 inch
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
Life Fitness Club Series elliptical cross-trainer is built to fit any of the users up to 400 pounds. This home version of cross trainer comes with a 20-inch stride and ten workout programs. Its arms are also movable that is helpful to train your upper body parts.
The elliptical cross trainer has a commercial-grade built, which is long-lasting and remains at your service for a long. Its incredible biomechanics makes sure that you can enjoy a smooth and noiseless workout session every time you want to lose some calories. An inbuilt 7-inch display logs and shares your workout data.
This fitness machine has a unique feature of memorizing the workout-related data of the last 10 sessions. So, that you can review them and plan accordingly. Bluetooth interface is another impressive addition that allows you to add some entertainment to the training schedule.
Reasons to buy
- Offers total body workout for overall fitness
- Keeps you in natural positions
- ErgoGrip static handlebar for added stability
- Movable handlebars to facilitate upper body workout
- QuickStart button to initiate the workout
4. ProForm 295 Rear Drive Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance: 12 levels of digital
- Stride: 14 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
ProForm 295 CSE is one of the top-selling rear-drive ellipticals, especially among home users. Its iFit enable, so you can enjoy personalized training sessions at the comfort of your residence. This elliptical utilizes an Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel to offer smooth work out sessions without making much noise.
The CSE elliptical comes with a stride length of 14 inches. Its static handlebar has an integrated pulse rate monitor that provides accurate results and helps you to maintain your cardiovascular system. What makes this fitness machine special is its ability to offer low and high-intensity workouts as per your requirements.
Its 12 digital resistance levels are frictionless and hence, silent. The elliptical is impact-free and never makes much strain on your joints or muscles. If you want to see the healthy and fit version of your body without investing a huge amount of cash, then the ProForm rear drive elliptical might a solid choice.
Reasons to buy
- StepThru Frame for convenient mount
- SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance for noiseless operation
- Offers overall workout for your body
- Inbuilt pulse rate monitor
- Transport wheels on the front for easy storage
5. ProForm 450 Rear Flywheel Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance: 16 levels
- Stride: 18 inches
- Weight capacity: 253 pounds
ProForm 450 LE Elliptical is a cross-trainer that offers both upper and lower body workout. It engages all your body muscles and makes them work harder so that you can target and achieve any of the fitness goals. If open space is a trouble in your house, then try this space-saving and foldable elliptical rear drive that never occupies much storage space.
The 450 LE elliptical has a near-silent flywheel that offers smooth operation. Its 16 levels of resistance are also noiseless and allow you to choose a suitable workout intensity. The fitness machine has 18 inbuilt workout programs and 8 weight loss programs that keep you motivated to train more.
The fitness machine has an easy to read LCD screen worth 6 inches. It also has a Bluetooth interface. What’s more? The rear flywheel elliptical also comes iFit enabled.
Reasons to buy
- Tablet holder, which becomes a great motivation for music lovers
- Water bottle holder to keep your hydration level maintained
- Multiple workout programs
- Spacing saving design
- Bluetooth interface and iFit enabled
- Compatible with all the Bluetooth enabled chest strap
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Rear Wheel Elliptical Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance: 16 magnetic resistance
- Stride: 14 inch
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 is an entry-level rear drive elliptical trainer available at a budget-friendly price tag. Its super silent 16 magnetic resistance levels and movable handlebars provide you work out for upper as well as lower body parts. The trainer machine has 24 workout programs that fulfill all your cardio needs and improves your confidence.
SF-E3912 has a low price tag, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a cheaply constructed elliptical machine. It has a sturdy, long-lasting, and stable built that remains at your service for a long. You don’t need a piece of commercial machinery anyway. And this option from Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the best ellipticals available under $500.
This fitness machine comes with a stride length of 15.5 inches, which is not suitable for users above 6 feet. However, the comparatively short stride should not be the deal breaker if you are a walker or senior citizen.
Reasons to buy
- Pulse rate monitor integrated on the handlebars
- Targets all the muscles of your body
- Convenient water bottle to keep you fresh
- Inbuilt tablet holder
7. Goelliptical Rear Drive Elliptical Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance: 24 levels – magnetic
- Stride: 18 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
GoElliptical V-450X is designed for home users and its compact dimensions are proof of that. It comes with 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance that you can change using a Special Rotary Switch. When compared with other models available at similar price tags, the V-450X S excels because of its long-lasting built, pedal as well as arm adjustment mechanisms.
The elliptical exercise cross trainer has a steel construction, but some of its parts are made of ABS. It has a stride length of 18 inches, which can accommodate all the users up to a height of 6 feet and 2 inches. However, the maximum weight capacity of the machine is 300 pounds.
GoElliptical V-450X comes with a 7-inch LCD that’s divided into multiple windows for easy readability. You can check all the workout-related data on this screen. 24 pre-installed workout programs keep you engaged for a long time.
Reasons to buy
- Include a music system and inbuilt USB port
- Manually adjustable strides
- Cushioned handlebars for comfortable grips
- Offers upper and lower body workout
Also Read: Best Mini Ellipticals for Home & Office
8. Precor EFX 546i Rear Wheel Drive Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Stride: 21.2 to 24.7-Inches
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Precor is a reputable US-based manufacturer of high-quality fitness machines. EFX 546i is also a well-designed cross trainer that’s suitable for all the users irrespective of their body size. It’s easy to use and provides you with a natural range of motions.
Precor EFX 546i utilizes CrossRamp technology that allows you to choose incline angles between 15 to 40 degrees. So, you can easily isolate and train multiple lower body muscles including glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Its stride length also varies between 21.2 to 24.7 inches and offers comfortable workout sessions.
Ten workout programs and a heart rate monitor adds to its value. While the accessory holder and transportation wheels make the usage convenient. Moreover, its QuickStart button allows you to begin the training session with a push of a button.
The elliptical fitness cross trainer is suitable for home gyms, office work out areas, health clubs, health clubs, and similar establishments. Its assembly is straightforward because of an easy to follow the instructions manual. An expert can configure the machine within 45 minutes. If you are a beginner, then it’s recommended to take professional assistance.
Reasons to buy
- Long-lasting 6-phase generator mechanism
- Adjustable stride length for comfortable training
- Numeric keypad for manual data entry
Rear Drive vs front drive elliptical
Elliptical machines are available in three versions depending upon the location of their flywheel; front-drive, rear-drive, and lesser-known Center Drive. These categories share most of the characteristics among them, but there are some differences. We will discuss rear drive vs front drive elliptical in this section.
Front-drive ellipticals
We should thank Precor for building the first-ever rear-drive elliptical, which means these machines predate the front-drive version. In a Front Drive Elliptical the flywheel is placed on its front. The flywheel is the component that spins and creates the required level of resistance while you work out.
Due to such a design, these machines feels like you are climbing over a slope or walking uphill. Some of the models have similar experience of climbing stairs and walking uphill. These machines are available with a higher number of incline levels, which is useful if you are looking for some strength training.
Pros
- Generally, less expensive than the rear-drive versions
- Comparatively compact and space-saving built
- A higher number of incline levels
Cons
- Operates at higher noise levels
- Seeks more maintenance
Rear-drive ellipticals
As you can understand from the name, rear-drive ellipticals have flywheel in their back. These machines give you a feel that you are walking or jogging on flat grounds. Rear drive ellipticals are also available with incline levels, but the numbers are generally lower than front-drive models.
Pros
- Offers a feeling of flat motions
- Keeps you in natural workout positions
- Works at low sound levels
- Seeks minimal maintenance due to less moving parts
Cons
- Consume more floor space
- Comparatively expensive
- Incline levels are lower and are not much effective
Frequently Asked Question of Rear Drive Elliptical
What is the rear drive elliptical?
A rear drive elliptical has a flywheel built in its back. Means, if you are using such a machine, its flywheel will be behind your body.
What is a better rear or front drive elliptical?
The only part wherein front drive is better than rear drive ellipticals is the available slope or incline levels. Front-drive ellipticals offer more slope levels, which is helpful in strength training.
What brand of elliptical is the best?
There are multiple trustworthy brands that manufacturers long-lasting ellipticals with useful features. Some of them are NordicTrack, Precor, Life Fitness, ProForm, and Sunny Health & Fitness.
Buying Guide of Best Rear Drive Elliptical
You need to check some of the factors before investing in a rear-drive elliptical. We are mentioning all of them here.
Available open space: You should choose an elliptical that can be easily accommodated inside the house. If you own a small flat, then look for a compact fitness machine that does not take much storage space. Most of the time, rear-drive models consume more space than front-drive models.
Body type: You cannot use a small elliptical if you have a large body. Similarly, you should not opt for a larger fitness machine, if you have a small or average-sized body. Invest in a model that suits your height. Choose a model with a stride length that can accommodate your movements.
Incline levels: An option to change the incline levels is beneficial on a rear-drive elliptical. It’s better if the model has one-touch control to adjust the slope. So, check the number of incline levels available in an elliptical, because it’s one of the primary factors to enjoy intense workouts.
Resistance levels: High number of resistance levels means you can challenge the movement as per your expertise levels. So, it’s beneficial to choose the maximum number of resistance levels. So that you can make the workout sessions intense and strengthen the muscles.
Stride length: Elliptical trainers are available with a variable stride length that depends upon the make and model. A 15-inch stride length might be sufficient for average-sized users. If you are a tall user, then try a machine with a 20-inch stride.
Display: It’s beneficial to choose an elliptical that comes with an easy to read LCD screen. Choosing a touch display and HD display might be even more enjoyable for you. Make sure that the model can display all the required data related to your workouts, including speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
Pre-installed workouts: Most of the rear drive elliptical machines come with some pre-loaded workouts. These training programs are meant to provide you clear goals towards weight loss or strength building.
Budget: Another important factor to consider is the price range of an elliptical. Look for a machine that has all the required features and is available within your preferred budget. Do not try to choose a very cheap rear-drive elliptical because it might not last for long.
Summary
An elliptical trainer is one of the best workout machines that every fitness enthusiast should own. Choose a rear-drive elliptical based on its price tag, built quality, stability, resistance levels, and available incline adjustments. Such machines are impact-free and remain gentle on your joints. Thank you for reading the reviews and we hope you can find the best option among them.
You May Also Be Interested In:
- Best Compact Ellipticals
- Best Portable Elliptical Machine Reviews
- Best Elliptical Incline
- Best Ellipticals Machine Under 500
- Best Elliptical Under 1000