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If you are looking for an entry level elliptical, with enough features to make your workout interesting and comfortable, then the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 should be on any shortlist. This replaces the older model the Ex-59
With a price under $1000 you get a well made and reliable machine that will give years of use. At this price it won’t be as solid and stable as some of the high end machines. However it is very affordable and rugged enough to use every day.
At this price bracket there is competition from Schwinn with their 470 elliptical we will look at both options in the comparison table below.
In the meantime lets look at the EX-59-2 Review in full!
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Introduction to The Horizon EX- X9 Range:
Horizon are just in the process of updating their full range of ellipticals. The EX-59 in the entry level model in the EX-X9 range so you can expect to find many similarities between it and the EX-79 and EX-69. There is another Elliptical from Horizon the EX-57 which is a very different product
Key differences are that the EX-59 has a fixed stride length, does not incline and has a slightly smaller flywheel. This helps keep the price down to under $700, while still offering the build quality of the higher machines.
Full Review of the EC-59-02 Elliptical >>>
Stride Length
Starting with the stride length. The Horizon EX-59-02 has an good 18″ stride. This will be great for most users, taller people (over 5’11” may want to consider a slightly longer stride of 20″, which will require a slightly higher budget.
At this price an 18″ stride is common, and is a good compromise keeping the overall cost down while delivering a comfortable ride motion.
To keep the motions as smooth as possible the EX-59 comes with a good flywheel weight of 14.3lbs. This ensures that the motion remains smooth through the peaks and troughs of the ride. Given that much of the motion of the ride is from the geometry of the frame its not essential to spend more on a bigger flywheel. At 14lbs its enough to make the ride comfortable, I would be hard pressed to tell the difference of a heavier wheel.
As is common with ellipticals there is no motor, you will be driving the flywheel. This means that the machine is very quiet and whispers away during the workout.
Programs and Console
At this price its great to see such a high number of workout programs. Horizon have built in 10 programs including: Manual, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Plus, Intervals, Intervals Plus, Constant Watts, Rolling, Reverse Train, Random, Calorie Goal.
All of these programs can be adjusted mid workout, so if you start out and the going is tough you can turn down the resistance or speed and still complete the time.
The console is simple and very easy to use. Push a button to select the resistance, and another for the program and off you go!
Other features
This model does come with builtin speaker and a water bottle holder, which does look a little low for comfort! There is also the option to measure your heart rate using the inbuilt sensors.
Comparison of the Horizon Elliptical Range
| Review | Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Review | Horizon Fitness EX-69 Elliptical Trainer Review | Horizon Fitness EX-79 Elliptical Trainer Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |
| Target Price: | $699 | $799 | $999 |
| Star Rating |  | | |
| Frame Type | SixStar Certified™ Elliptical Frame | SixStar Certified™ Elliptical Frame | SixStar Certified™ Elliptical Frame |
| Incline Type | Manual Incline | Power Incline | |
| Incline Range | 5 Positions | 20 Levels | |
| Stride Length | 46 cm / 18" | 51 cm / 20" | Extra-Long, 51 cm / 20" |
| Flywheel | 14.3lbs (6.5kg) | 6.5 kg / 14.3 lbs | 8 kg / 17.6 lbs |
| Pedal Type | Oversized Foot Pedals | Oversized Foot Pedals | Oversized Foot Pedals, MaxTone™ Gel-Cushioned Arch Support |
| Step-On Height | 10" (254mm) | 25 cm / 10" | 25 cm / 10" |
| Pedal Spacing | 0 cm / 0" | 0 cm / 0" | 0 cm / 0" |
| Display Type | 1 LCD Window | 14.6 cm / 5.75" Green Backlit LCD | 14.6 cm / 5.75" Blue Backlit LCD |
| Workout Feedback | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, Watts | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, Watts | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, Watts |
| Programs | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Heart Rate | Grip | Grip | Grip |
| Speakers | MP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In Jacks | MP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In Jacks | MP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In Jacks |
| Extras | Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories Tray | Fan, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories Tray | Fan, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories Tray |
| Resistance System | ECB Magnetic Brake | ECB Magnetic Brake | ECB Magnetic Brake |
| Resistance Levels | 10 Levels | 20 Levels | 20 Levels |
| Power Requirements | 110 - 120 Volt Circuit | 110 - 120 Volt Circuit | 110 - 120 Volt Circuit |
| Assembled Dimensions (L x W x H) | 173 x 56 x 162 cm / 68 x 25 x 64" | 185 x 56 x 165 cm / 73 x 22 x 65" | 190 x 56 x 165 cm / 75 x 22 x 65" |
| Assembled Weight | 66 kg / 145 lbs | 84 kg / 185 lbs | 91 kg / 200 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H) | 110 x 78 x 45 cm / 44 x 31 x 18" | 132 x 76 x 48 cm / 52 x 30 x 19" | 132 x 76 x 48 cm / 52 x 30 x 19" |
| Shipping Weight | 77 kg / 169 lbs | 93 kg / 201 lbs | 102 kg / 224 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 125 kg / 275 lbs | 136 kg / 300 lbs | 147 kg / 325 lbs |
| Full Review: | Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Review | Horizon Fitness EX-69 Elliptical Trainer Review | Horizon Fitness EX-79 Elliptical Trainer Review |
Video
Alternatives to the Horizon EX-59-2 Elliptical:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer | $594.99 | ||
 | Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer | $699.00 |
Pros and Cons of the EX-59-2
Pros:
Simplicity
Natural “flat ellipse” motion
Smoothness – as smooth as those $5000 commercial ellipticals at the gym
15 minutes on the elliptical can equal 45 minutes of walking
Cons:
Loud console beeps
Features:
| Power Requirements | 110 – 120 Volt Circuit |
| Assembled Dimensions (L x W x H) | 173 x 56 x 162 cm / 68 x 25 x 64″ |
| Assembled Weight | 66 kg / 145 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H) | 110 x 78 x 45 cm / 44 x 31 x 18″ |
| Shipping Weight | 77 kg / 169 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 125 kg / 275 lbs |
What are other users saying about the EX-59-2
This new Elliptical from horizon has been very well received. Scoring over 4.5 stars out of 5 from users. The previous version was one of the top selling ellipticals there is, and had similar high reviews.
Liked for its smooth motion, and being exceptionally quite. The build quality is much higher than the low price point would suggest.
There is some home assembly required, and this will take a couple of hours with two people working away (the boxes are quite heavy).
Where to buy the Horizon EX59-02?
You already know that we love the EX-59, but if you’re still on the hunt for more reviews on the product before making your purchase, definitely head over to Amazon, where you can find more than 100 customer reviews that will help you make a decision.
Our Review Verdict: The Horizon EX-59-2 Elliptical Best for the Price!
If you have a budget of about $700 then this will make a great choice. It looks and feels like a higher end version, costing twice the amount. The Horizon EX-59-2 has to be one of the best options for a mid level machine, that will be sure to give years of reliable service.
Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer Review Summary:
- Assembled Dimensions: 68" x 25" x 64"; 10 resistance levels with an ECB resistance brake system; A heavy-duty 14.3-pound flywheel provides a smooth ride; low step-on height
- 5" LCD display; MP3 compatible with built-in Sonic Surround speakers
- ZERO gap overlapping pedal motion replicates a natural stride; stride length 18"
- Display includes: Time, distance, speed, calories, heart rate, program level, watts; 10 programs: Manual, Weight Loss, Intervals, Constant Watts, Rolling, Reverse Train, Random, Calorie Goal & more
- User Weight Capacity: 275lbs.; Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 2 yr parts, 1-yr labor
