Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer Review

Horizon Fitness EX59-02 Elliptical Trainer Review

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

Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer 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

ReviewHorizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer ReviewHorizon Fitness EX-69 Elliptical Trainer ReviewHorizon Fitness EX-79 Elliptical Trainer Review
ImageHorizon EX-69 Elliptical Trainer ReviewHorizion Fitness EX-79-2 Elliptical Trainer
Target Price:$699$799$999
Star Rating
Frame TypeSixStar Certified™ Elliptical FrameSixStar Certified™ Elliptical FrameSixStar Certified™ Elliptical Frame
Incline TypeManual InclinePower Incline
Incline Range5 Positions20 Levels
Stride Length46 cm / 18"51 cm / 20"Extra-Long, 51 cm / 20"
Flywheel14.3lbs (6.5kg)6.5 kg / 14.3 lbs8 kg / 17.6 lbs
Pedal TypeOversized Foot PedalsOversized Foot PedalsOversized Foot Pedals, MaxTone™ Gel-Cushioned Arch Support
Step-On Height10" (254mm)25 cm / 10"25 cm / 10"
Pedal Spacing0 cm / 0"0 cm / 0"0 cm / 0"
Display Type1 LCD Window14.6 cm / 5.75" Green Backlit LCD14.6 cm / 5.75" Blue Backlit LCD
Workout FeedbackTime, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, WattsTime, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, WattsTime, Distance, Speed, Calories, Heart Rate, Program Level, Watts
Programs101012
Heart RateGripGripGrip
SpeakersMP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In JacksMP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In JacksMP3-Compatible Speakers, Audio-In Jacks
ExtrasWater Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories TrayFan, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories Tray Fan, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack, Accessories Tray
Resistance SystemECB Magnetic BrakeECB Magnetic BrakeECB Magnetic Brake
Resistance Levels10 Levels20 Levels20 Levels
Power Requirements110 - 120 Volt Circuit110 - 120 Volt Circuit110 - 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 Weight66 kg / 145 lbs84 kg / 185 lbs91 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 Weight77 kg / 169 lbs93 kg / 201 lbs102 kg / 224 lbs
User Weight Capacity125 kg / 275 lbs136 kg / 300 lbs147 kg / 325 lbs
Full Review:Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer ReviewHorizon Fitness EX-69 Elliptical Trainer ReviewHorizon Fitness EX-79 Elliptical Trainer Review

Video

Alternatives to the Horizon EX-59-2 Elliptical:

Product nameRating Price
Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
$594.99
Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer
$699.00

Pros and Cons of the EX-59-2

Pros:

Construction
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:

No power switch
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