The Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer is a High-End Elliptical

Overview: The Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer is designed to take indoor training to new heights. The most advanced machine in the lineup, it offers a combination of ergonomic design, hi-tech features, and impressive warranty.

Let’s look at some of the highlights of this elliptical…

Advanced Technology

The combination of Suspension Elliptical Technology and PerfectStride Technology ensures an exceptionally fluid, natural motion without friction, noise, surges, or dead spots. The Exact Force Induction Brake system ensures the transition between resistance levels is faster, smoother, and more precise.

Interactive Workouts

In addition to the built in workouts that all of the Matrix ellipticals have, the touch consoles also come with iFit, an immersive workout experience only found on Matrix, NordicTrack & ProForm ellipticals currently. You get tons of on-demand and live workouts, Google map locations worldwide, tracking, sharing and a whole lot more. There is a membership fee, but sometimes they offer a free 30 day membership so you can try it out and see if it’s something that appeals to you.

Multiple Console Choices

The Matrix A50 offers you four choices in terms of consoles – XR, XER, XIR & XUR. The common features in these consoles include Passport, ViaFit, Sprint 8, and built-in workout programs. The XER, XIR & XUR have additional features like touchscreen display, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone compatibility, and speakers.

Other Features

The A50 also comes with dual purpose handlebars, cushioned foot pedals, handgrip sensors, wireless heart rate receiver, accessory tray, and water bottle holder.

Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer Test Drive

The first thing you notice about the A50 is the build. The machine weighs well over 300 lbs and has a rock solid feel to it. It feels very stable and does not sway or rock back and forth during workouts like some machines do.

Being a suspension elliptical, the A50 does not have a wheel track. So, there is virtually no noise or friction. The PerfectStride technology eliminates dead spots and surges, which are common in other elliptical machines. It results in a smoother, more fluid motion, which allows you to increase your workout efficiency and burn more calories.

The machine features the Exact Force Induction Brake system, which is much more advanced than the Eddy Current Brake system in the A30 model. There are 30 resistance levels, which again is a step-up from the A30, which only has 20 levels of resistance. The shift from one level to another is unbelievably smooth and silent.

The Sprint 8 program, in our opinion, is one of the key differentiating factors that makes the A50 stand out from the rest of the machines in its class. It helps you lose weight, build lean muscle mass, and boost your cardiovascular endurance in eight weeks. The best part is that each 20-minute workout only has four minutes of high intensity training. So, it is perfectly doable, even if you are a beginner.

Asa we mentioned, there are four consoles: the XR, XER, XIR, and XUR. The XR is perfect for the budget-conscious buyer, but we feel that it makes little sense to buy a commercial quality machine and not make full use of the features it has. The XER, XIR and XUR cost a bit more than the basic console, but they offer a barrage of features that are not available in their lower-priced counterpart. So, they are definitely worth paying more money for in our opinion.

The machine has grip sensors in the handle bars for heart rate tracking. It also has a built-in wireless heart rate receiver, but the chest strap is included only with the XER and XIR consoles. At this price point, there is simply no excuse for not including the strap with the basic package. It is our only complaint with the A50, which is otherwise a perfectly built elliptical trainer.

What’s the bottom line?

The Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer is definitely among the best of what Johnson Fitness has to offer. It rivals commercial machines with its rock solid build, advanced technology, ergonomic design, and generous warranty package.

The price tag might raise a few eyebrows, especially with the XIR and XUR consoles, but the machine is definitely worth it and offers great value for your money. Also, it is exceptionally durable and is bound to last a lifetime if maintained well. So, all in all it is a great choice in the high-end category.

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