XTERRA FS 3.0 Elliptical Trainer

List price for this trainer is $499.99. But you can get it for $360; which makes it in our list of “top 10 budget elliptical”. Most appealing things about this machine are long stride (16 inch), big easy to read LCD display, 20 resistance level, heavy fly wheel (22 lbs).

It is very uncommon for a budget elliptical to have a 22 lbs flywheel. If this trainer was slightly less noisy, we would declare it the number one budget elliptical for 2014!

Build Quality

Xterra is not popular for making budget ellipticals. But this is a solid machine. We have tested this trainer for hours and all we got is some noise in high resistance levels. If your machine wobbles, you can easily adjust the alignment of this trainer with the alignment dialler in the bottom of this trainer (see picture). It has is one of the best Build Quality for a budget elliptical

Display

This trainer has a big 5.5” blue LCD display. It’s very easy to read in both bright and dark environment. Display shows: Time you spent on the trainer, your pulse, current speed, calories burned, distance traveled, watt used by the trainer and current program you are on.

 Programs

There are 14 built in programs in this trainer. Below are 5 of the basic programs that you can easily select from the display panel. All of them are exciting and will keep you motivated.

Please check the User Manual, for detail list of programs:

Noise

There is no denying that this machine makes some noise. But if you compare it with others in the same price range, we think it’s within acceptable range. Most of the elliptical under $800 makes noise and to get 100% noiseless exercise you will have to significantly increase your budget. After a prolonged use, we found the FS3.0 makes quite loud noise in high resistance level. If you have different experience please make a comment below with your experience.

Heart Rate Monitor

This trainer comes with a contact heart rate grips. Which means, your heart rate will only be monitored when you put your thumbs on the contact grip on the specific point of stationary handle. This is something we hate about the budget ellipticals. Because, most of the times this provide wrong heart rates.

Assembly

Assembling this unit is fairly easy. It can be done within 2 hours. Fully assembled trainer is 104 lbs, means you can easily move it around your house without help from any one. Just follow the instruction manual that comes with your box, and you are good to go.

Warranty

Xterra provides 5 years warranty for this unit. This is a good deal, because none of the budget elliptical comes with 5 years warranty.

Comparison of Related Elliptical Machines

Features	ProForm Hybrid Trainer	Schwinn A40	Body Champ BRM3671	Xterra FS 3.0
Price	$377	$399	$240	$320
Type	Rear Drive	Front Drive	Rear Drive	Rear Drive
Sit	Available	N/A	Available	N/A
Upper Body Workout	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Resistance Level	14	8	Auto	8
Resistance Type	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic
Console
Incline	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Stride Lenght	15″	17″	14″
Programs	14	7	10+	14
Cooling Fan	N/A	YES	N/A	N/A
Folding	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
User Capasity	350 lbs	275 lbs	275 lbs	275 lbs
Heart Rate Monitors	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor
Display Type and Features	Large, LCD window to monitor your workout. The console is adjustable, so whether you’re sitting or standing, you can easily view and adjust all workout parameters.	LCD console. Display readout: Speed, rpm, time, distance, calories, pulse, resistance level, and course profile	LCD console features preset workout programs, heart-rate-driven and user-customizable programs	LED console provides time, distance, calories, and pulse + body fat percentage, BMI and BMR
Additional Features	An exercise bike and an elliptical trainer, with a comfortable, chair-like seat this hybrid trainer offers total-body elliptical training. Adjustable pedals to accommodate an elliptical or bike position.	High inertia flywheel provide a smooth and natural feel Compact footprint Reading rack Water bottle holder	Both an elliptical trainer and a stationary bike Oversized steel construction 2-way adjustable seat	Transport wheels Synchronized arms for upper/lower body workout
Dimensions	44 x 24 x 18 inches (W x H x D)	59 x 23 x 64 inches (L x W x H)	39 x 24 x 12.5 inches (W x H x D)	45 x 26 x 66 inches (L x W x H)
Unit Weight	149 lbs	100 lbs	90 lbs	106 lbs
Warranty	5 years on frame 90 days on parts & labor	Lifetime on frame 1-year parts and labor	1- year for the frame 90 days on all parts	5 years frame 1 year parts and electronics 3 months wear and labor

Final Thoughts

In the end of the day, it all depends on what you want with your elliptical. We always suggest to avoid all budget elliptical. Because sooner or later these will break down and warranty will not cover that. The only trainer we can suggest over this one is Schwinn A40 (2013). Schwinn is a better brand and stride length for that is longer (17.5 inch compared to 16 inch for this one). But the A40 comes with less resistance levels, less programs and lighter flywheel. If you are over 5 feet 8 inch and weight under 250 lbs we would suggest you go for the A40.

XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical Machine Trainer, SPIRIT FITNESS -- DROPSHIP

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