Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Review

If you are looking for an elliptical trainer that really lives up to the “Gym feel” you have found it with the Precor EFX 5.25. It is not the top of the range model from Precor (or the most expensive) but it is in my opinion their best value elliptical trainer. This model is my recommendation in the under $3,000 price range. If you have that sort of money to spend, buy this one and you will not be disappointed.

• Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Machine
• Rating: 4.5
• Price: Under $$$$$
• Reviewed by: Brad Beckwith
• Published on: March 28, 2014
• Last modified: June 6, 2016
• Latest Price

Review Summary:

Full Review

This exercise equipment is designed to provide you with low-impact workout, in a smooth and natural way. The EFX 5.25 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer will you give a total body workout thanks to its moving, ergonomic handlebars which are great for toning muscles in your upper body. It comes with 8 pre-programmed workout regimens and 16 resistance levels which allows for a lot of combinations!  At least some of these will surely fit your workout plan and intensity level requirements. In addition, the programs also have dedicated warm-up and cool-down periods, which is a very important part of a good workout program.

Smart Technology from Precor

This Elliptical Crosstrainer can provide you with vital exercise information as well, by employing touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring with Smart Rate technology which is there to make your workout more efficient. By entering your age and weight, the machine will calculate your ideal heart rate for staying in the fat burning zone. All the crucial data is displayed on the LCD panel mounted to the central console. It can show you the number of calories you burned during the workout, distance traveled, the number of strides per minute and the duration of the workout.

They have really gone to town on the quality of the display and the range of features supported. Technology features highly across the Precor range; they just seem to be a notch above the competition.

CrossRamp Technology

With the Precor EFX 5.25 getting a high-quality total body workout is very easy, thanks to the moving handlebars. They are there to work out your upped body, while helping you keep proper form and posture.

As for your lower body, the device’s very own patented, automatically adjustable CrossRamp feature lets you choose between one of three incline positions: high, medium and low. Their own unique system provides a smooth quality workout with varying resistance and intensity.

Some models have manual CrossRamp where you need to physically adjust the incline before you begin – with the Precor 5.25 it is fully automatic and will even adjust during your pre-programmed routine. By using this you can either target specific muscles in your lower body or all of them by adjusting the angle which varies from 15 to 25 degrees.

The ramp itself is very sturdy, constructed out of welded steel, and finished off with a black powder coating. Other makers have started using inclines but none do it as well and as smoothly as Precor.

The Precor EFX 5.25  Crosstrainer is also designed to provide you with a low-impact motion, and with a low rate of perceived exertion, which results in a more comfortable, less stressful workout, minimizing the risk of strain and injury.

The motion will keep your heels in contact with the foot pedals at all times, keeping your muscles and tendons healthy. Small luxuries, such as water bottle holders and holders for various accessories are located for your convenience.

Size and Quality

The trainer is 76 inches long and 29 inches wide, with the height of 62 inches – actually quite compact for a machine of this quality. As with every model Precor puts out, you are provided with an outstanding warranty. Most models in this sort of price range offer good cover but with Precor you get a lifetime warranty for the frame and welds, 5 years for parts and wear items, and an entire year for labor which should set your mind at ease.

This machine is made to last a long time – even for heavy use. Bear that in mind when buying any elliptical – will it stand up to heavy, regular use for years to come?

Features and Specifications of the Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical :

• Belongs to Precor’s Home Series elliptical machines
• Dimensions: 76x 29 x 62 inches
• Weight: 184lbs
• CrossRamp Technology with automatic 15-25 degrees incline
• Moving handlebars for upper body workout
• Touch and telemetry settings for heart rate monitoring (chest strap not included)
• Smart Rate that automatically analyzes the user’s heart rate
• LCD display that shows calories burned, distance traveled, strides per minute and workout times
• Adjustable CrossRamp feature with three positions (high, medium and low)
• 8 pre-set workout programs
• 2 User IDs
• 16 resistance levels
• Uses 120V plug in
• Drink and accessory holders
• Lifetime warranty for the frame and welds, 5 years for parts and wear items, and 1 year for labor

What Others Say

We analyzed online user reviews of the people who bought this trainer and found that the machine was met with very favorable reviews. Many buyers have been quick to point out that it is one of the quietest and smoothest elliptical trainers they have ever used.

Since most trainers in this price range usually emit some kind of annoying, clanking noise, this is a welcome surprise, and makes the EFX 5.25 Elliptical ideal for apartments and smaller houses.

Precor Console

Users have also praised this model for some of the advanced features which are usually found on the more expensive commercial trainers. Precor has really put in a lot of thought into composing their pre-set workout programs, which shows in the number of workout regimens available.

This machine allows you to control every aspect of the workout and to use the data it provides you with to come up with the most effective training possible, which is something that is usually associated with more expensive gym equipment. It really is commercial grade gym equipment at a fraction of the cost.

However, the EFX 5.25 Crosstrainer is not without at least some perceived flaws. Online reviews sometimes complain about having difficulty assembling the trainer by themselves. This, to be fair, is a common complaint especially with the more complicated high end ellipticals. They do however provide detailed assembly instructions and videos – so with a little care, most people can manage this.

Also, once you put together the trainer, it has to stay right there, since it is too large to fit through most doorframes once it’s complete. It is a sturdy and heavy machine – not exactly portable – so keep that in mind when planning where to keep it.

• Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Machine
• Rating: 4.5
• Price: Under $$$$$
• Reviewed by: Brad Beckwith
• Published on: March 28, 2014
• Last modified: June 6, 2016
• Latest Price

Pros:

• Excellent Build Quality
• Automatic CrossRamp incline technology
• You can set up two different user IDs
• Really quiet operation
• Allows fantastic control over every aspect of the workout

Cons:

• Too bulky to transport once it’s assembled
• Difficult to put together

The Summary:

This Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical review covers many of the details of the machine but can’t show you the most important part – it really shines when it comes to doing what it is supposed to be doing: giving you a great workout.

It is also very quiet, so it won’t become irritating over time. If you want to have a gym quality elliptical but not the associated price, this is the one. Is it worth the extra compared to the EFX 5.23? Definitely, for the automatic CrossRamp alone!

This machine is my Top Pick in the Under $3,000 price category. You would really need to jump up quite a bit in price to get a better trainer than this one. Have you seen my EFX 835 Review – now that really is top of the range, but well beyond most budgets.

Main Reviews here.