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The Precor EFX 222 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer is one of the most popular Elliptical machines in the Precor range. It’s top position is because of its relatively low entrance price, its the second cheapest model in the Precor range. This is the direct replacement model for the 5.23 elliptical, and our review has been updated to reflect the changes.
Precor are not in the business of making low quality products, and even their entry level lines will give top tier products from other manufacturers a run of their money. After all Precor invented the elliptical.
When you buy a Precor machine you are buying a machine that has been designed to be suitable to last up to the rigours of a club setting. When you step on one you feel the quality from high end components, think buying a BMW. You might get more features from a lower end brand, but not that sense of quality.
- Our Analysis
- Specifications
- Compare the Precor Range
- Video
Elliptical Motion
The designers of this elliptical wanted just one feature to stand out, and that is a comfortable smooth ride. That is why the EFX 222 (and all other Precor Ellipticals) are rear drive. This means that the flywheel is behind the rider. The advantage of this is to allow a more natural path to be followed by the pedals.
Also because the mechanical parts are behind you, any noise they emit (and that is not much) is less likely to be heard. This makes the Precor elliptical machines extremely quiet. Ideal for the home or in a multi user setting.
CrossRamp
The elliptical path is just the start of the motion. With the Precor CrossRamp Technology it is possible to change the incline of the trainer. This will allow you to train more muscle groups, eg calfs or thighs.
Precor have taken this to a new level, with CrossRamp they have managed to achieve this without changing the elliptical path. Most manufactures change the orbit of the elliptical so you end up with a longer stride as you go up the hill. This can get uncomfortable if you are shorter.
With this entry level model you will have to manually adjust this height. Higher end models support built in motors to change the incline. If you are the kind who feels the need to change the incline during the workout you may want to consider the next model up, the 225
Training Levels
With each program featuring a good warm up and cool down period you can be sure to minimise any risk of injury.
The Precor EFX 222 comes equipped with 8 preset programs, including weight loss, manual, interval, hill climb, heart rate, gluteals, fat burner and cross trainer
In addition there are 16 resistance levels to ensure that you are always working to your maximum.
Console
Simple and elegant. The console is designed to be simple and easy to use. The number of buttons is minimal, and its clear what function each has.
The display is where where we see the biggest changes to the EFX 222 over the old model. Gone is the dated looking back lit LED. Now a new vivid display shows all the information clearly and concisely including workout time, strides per minute, distance traveled, calories burned, resistance level and program profile.
You can also track heart rate through the Smart Rate heart rate system. When you start up the exercise simply enter your age and weight and it will workout your target heart rate to ensure that you remain within your training zone.
However you will see that Precor have really kept the bells and whistles to a minimum. There is no fan, or speaker system built in. My view is that generally these systems don’t work as advertised. If you need a fan, get a stand up and put it next to the machine.
What it does have is a bottle holder, big enough to hold a medium sized bottle or an iPhone. There is also a ledge where you could rest a book. Of course now it can also safely hold an iPad or tablet.
One issue that has been resolved vs the old console was its lack of user memory. You can now store two users to save having to enter your age and height every time you go on the machine.
Warranty
The Precor EFX 222 comes with a lifetime frame and welds, 5-year parts and 1 year labor warranty. This is a great warranty length and testament to the high quality products that Precor are producing.
Dimensions :
| Length | 75 inches / 191 cm |
| Width | 29 inches / 74 cm |
| Height | 65 inches / 165 cm |
| Equipment Weight | 193 lbs / 72 kg |
User Reviews of the Precor EFX 222 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
What makes this elliptical so good is high quality, this is shown in the user reviews. Receiving 4.1 out of 5 stars it is well liked by its owners. Maybe it is not the most feature packed elliptical on the market, but it does what it sets out to really well.
“This is one Classy Workout Machine”
“The construction quality is to be seen to be believed, makes my old Schwinn look anemic”
“The Precor EFX series is the gold standard when it comes to ellipticals”
Click here to read more pros and cons >>> Precor EFX 222 Reviews
Any Negatives?
Just a couple, the lack of memory in the console, and the manual adjustment of the incline.
These are really small things, and designed to keep the cost reasonable. I like that the manufacturer is up front about this, it means that they are not cutting corners where it counts like on the mechanical settings.
If these features are important to you then there is the big brother model the Precor EFX 225
- Elliptical trainer with moving handlebars; offers smooth, natural, low-impact, full-body workouts
- Eight preset programs; 16 resistance levels; built-in warm-up and cool-down periods
- Touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring; CrossRamp adjusts to target specific muscles
- Measures 76 inches by 62 inches by 29 inches; weighs 183 pounds
- Lifetime warranty on frame and welds; five-year warranty on parts; one-year warranty on labor
- Assembly Time: 90 Minutes. Two people are recommended. All the tools are included.
Summary
We really like this model. The biggest advantage of buying a Precor is under the hood, its designed to be both comfortable and reliable. To keep the prices down you get all the features that you need to do an effective workout, without having to spend to much on features that rarely get used.
For us this is the pick of the Precor range
Precor EFX 222 Energy Series Elliptical Cross Trainer Review Summary:
- Precor introduced the very first elliptical in1995 and has been the global leader in elliptical manufacturing for over 20 years
- Health club quality workout at home
- Patented design provides a smooth, natural feel and keeps your body in a comfortable, posture-perfect position for the duration of your workouts
- A true cross-trainer with multiple ways to change the exercise to maximize muscle recruitment while building cardio endurance
- See chart below for Precor full line of Precor Ellipticals