Horizon Elliptical Reviews – The Latest Models on Sale
It’s come time again for our Horizon elliptical reviews as there have been so many new models introduced and older ones no longer manufactured by the company. So we thought why not take a brand new look at Horizon and see how their elliptical trainers have changed since our initial review several years ago.
The Horizon brand is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the world’s leading exercise equipment manufacturers. The company started in the mid-70’s, and has built a great reputation for making well-built, durable machines.
Other brands found under the Johnson Health umbrella are Matrix and Vision, both well-regarded companies.
The Horizon Fitness badge can be found on treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines in addition to their wide selection of elliptical trainers. They have become a great choice for those looking for quality without the hefty price tag.
Check out the entire new lineup on sale up to 40% off at the official company store
Horizon Ellipticals – Current Lineup
The company currently offers four different traditional ellipticals, including three GO Series models and one Advanced Series model.
Go Series
It starts with the popular EX-59, which is their entry level machine with basic yet attractive features that are ideal for the beginner.
The EX-59 has an 18″ stride, 10 different resistance levels, 10 built in workout programs, a 14 lb. flywheel and a 4.5″ LCD display console.
You then have the Evolve models, including the Evolve 3 and Evolve 5, which are a step up in terms of price and features and have a rear-folding frame.
The Evolve 3 features an 20″ stride, 20 different resistance levels, 32 built in workout programs, an 18 lb. flywheel, a 5.5″ LCD display console and workout tracking capability through ViaFit.
The Evolve 5 improves upon the Evolve 3 with 39 built in workouts, a heavier 23 lb. flywheel and a larger 6.25″ display.
Advanced Series
Moving up you have the 7.0 AE, which bridges the gap between the EX-59 and the recently discontinued Evolve Series.
The Horizon 7.0 AE increases the flywheel to 23 lbs, the stride length to 20″ and adds 20% incline capability, something missing on the base EX-59 model.
So that’s the current Horizon elliptical lineup. There was a more advanced series called the Elite Series, but that line was recently discontinued. You may still come across some of these models for sale, so here’s a little information for you…
The Elite series, with the Elite 7 and Elite 9, are more feature-rich, including some additional programs, incline capability and entertainment options. The Elite E7 features an 20″ stride, 20 resistance levels, 42 built in workouts, a 23 lb. flywheel, an 8.5″ LCD display and incline up to 10 degrees. The Elite E9 is the top of the line elliptical in the series, improving upon the Elite E7 with 43 workouts, a 30-lb flywheel and a 7″ touch screen display with onboard Passport HD destination videos.
Horizon ellipticals are often featured along with their sister ellipticals under the Vision and Matrix Fitness names. Vision and Matrix are the more club quality machines…Horizon is more residential. The priciest current model in the Horizon line is the 7.0 AE at around $999 on sale. The priciest model in the Matrix series is the A50 Ascent Trainer, at $3,499 or so on sale.
All of the ellipticals are very well made, so it’s really a matter of figuring out how much you are looking to spend and what features you want/need to have included. As with all ellipticals, the lower priced ones tend to have shorter stride lengths, so if you are taller you’re definitely going to need one of the more expensive models.
If you already have a model in mind, you can read more specific Horizon elliptical reviews on the model pages. But here is an overview of what you will find on all of the machines:
1. The SixStar Frame (TM) – Horizon developed six features to ensure a natural, comfortable workout. To that end, all machines have overlapping pedal placement to reduce hip/back stress, straight body posture, easy to access pedals, optimal spacing for handles, a flatter elliptical motion to naturally mimic your run/walk, and smooth motion with a large drive to pulley ration.
2. Oversized foot pedals
3. At least 10 workout programs
4. MP3-compatible speakers and audio-in jacks
5. Water bottle holder, reading rack and accessories tray
Those 5 features will be found on all of the Horizon elliptical models, and as you move up in the lineup you can expect to find even more capabilities, programs and workouts.
Below you will find full reviews of all of the current models.