Octane Fitness Q35x Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

Octane Q35 Elliptical Ratings

Features

Console

Durability

Value

Overall

Price - Under $$$

More Info

Review Summary

This model from Octane fitness is probably their best value elliptical trainer. Costing less than their Q37 and Q47 models but with most of the features and the reliable Octane motion - I don't see many reasons to spend more!

Where the Q35 stands out is in the variety of workout features and programs. If you are a regular elliptical user and bored with your routines - this model offers something new. In terms of quality it competes well with other machines in this price range.

One of the best in line of Octane's elliptical trainers is the Q35x Elliptical Cross Trainer, which features numerous updates, all with the purpose of creating an exercise machine which aims to provide you with the results you want. It is the newer version of their popular Q35c - and features some worthwhile improvements.

The Q35x has Octane’s very own Body-Mapping Ergonomics technology at its center, which places comfort and the fluid drive at the front. The drive system is there to provide you with the smoothest, most natural motion possible, eliminating the stress placed on your joints, as well as minimizing the risk of injury.

You can also alter between the forward and backward motion, which are both equally smooth. That makes it suitable even for those users with recurring joint injuries.

Advanced Training Modes

This model in our review also has some features which are designed to boost your usual workout routine. The boosters are named: GluteKicker, ArmBlaster and X-Mode. What they do is challenge you to put in more effort, for a more intensive workout which means faster results. They sound a bit like a marketing gimmick - but they are actually very good and make for a more entertaining workout.

The GluteKicker just like the name says, is designed to target your gluteal muscles, hips and thighs - muscles in your lower body in general, with intense intervals.

The ArmBlaster does the same on the opposite end, targeting your upper body muscles, such as pecs, biceps, triceps, back, among others.

The X-Mode - If you are not into this selective type of workout, and prefer to exercise your entire body instead, you should give the X-Mode a shot, which acts as a sort of virtual trainer, with 8 challenging routines guaranteed to give your entire body a proper workout.

The trainer is designed to keep your posture in check while you work out. Proper form is equally important as is the intensity of the workout, because it keeps you from getting injured.

The Q35 has a 20.5-inch stride length, which feels extremely natural and is equally comfortable for striding backward of forward. The minimal 1.8-inch foot pedal spacing, along with the long stride, closely emulates your actual stride while at the same time, reduces stress to your lower back. In addition to that, the machine has a low step-on height, making it ideal for the elderly, or people that are recovering from injuries.

Lots of Workout Options

Apart from the advanced workout options above, this model offers a wide range of settings you would expect from a trainer in this price range. It offers a versatile workout by letting you choose between 10 pre-programmed workout routines, 20 resistance levels, and 4 goal programs, which you can customize according to your needs.

It is quite advanced - for example, you can set up a certain goal, such as the number of calories burned or distance traveled, and the unit will calculate the rest of parameters. If you are not into setting up the machine before actually beginning the exercise, you can simply climb up and start your workout, by using the QuickStart feature, which requires no parameters to be set.

The Octane Q35 has stationary handlebars (as well as moving ones), which help you shift the focus of the workout to your core or lower body. Also - contact heart rate grips, a Dedicated Logic, which is used to design your own custom workout programs, and built-in transport wheels.

Online Reviews and Opinions

As always, we like to see what others think in online reviews. Based on the user feedback and the aggregated online user reviews, this model has excellent reviews, garnering praise for many reasons.

First and foremost, they loved the fact that the Q35 is very quiet and features smooth motion, no matter which direction you choose. The machine felt very comfortable and there were no signs of strain even after a prolonged workout.

Adding to the comfort of the cross trainer are the moving handlebars, which are positioned to minimize strain, and the foot pedals which are not pointed towards the floor. Low step-on height and elongated stride were also welcomed by most users. The unit also earned points for being very stable and sturdy, providing users with a sense of security and stability. As you would expect with a relatively expensive machine!

Users also liked the fact that the machine came with workout booster programs, the aforementioned GliteKicker, ArmBlaster and X-Mode, which added variety to the workout and kept it from getting stale. The LCD panel was also liked by the users, since it provided all the vital workout information, and was very similar to the LCDs you might on professional gym equipment.

The Octane Fitness Q35c Cross Trainer didn’t take up to much space, and because of its quiet and smooth operation, it made it ideal for apartment and smaller homes. There were no major flaws to this model, save for the price.

In this price bracket - this one is not cheap, but it does offer value. It does have some very interesting features making it stand out from some of the main competition. Others I have recommended in and around this range are : the Sole E95 - one of the best sellers and the Yowza Captiva - another quality trainer with some great features.

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