Horizon Elliptical Machine
Horizon Elliptical Machines are the manufacturers of the best fitness trainers in the world. They have a wide range of elliptical machines, with prices starting from $599. One has to select the best suitable machine with the best functions and features that would suit his or her needs. Some of the state-of-the-art equipments of Horizon Elliptical Machines can monitor the user's heart rate, allowing him or her to stay within the target heart zone in order to exert the heart adequately without incurring additional risks. It also has superior magnetic braking, by means of which one can stop the machine immediately at any moment. The prices of these products are very affordable, as they do not have the fancy specifications like the products from many other manufacturers do. People with limited budget can now exercise while staying at home.
For more than 25 years, Horizon Fitness has been owned by a Chinese manufacturer called Johnson Health Tech. Horizon products are manufactured in China in Johnson's factory. As a result, they are engaged in fierce battle with other low-priced exercise equipment manufacturers like Icon Elliptical Trainers and Vision Fitness.
Though the design remains the same in all nine different front drives made by Horizon, their specifications remain different. They use low-cost practical brake drive systems (known as ECB) in their products.
One can find horizon's products in various sports and discount stores including Sears, Dick's and Sports Authority. Usually they use low-cost materials to construct the wheels which are used to move them. The main flaws of these products are that they can catch dust inside and become dysfunctional and bumpy over a short period of time. However, regular cleaning of these products can keep them working for extended periods of time.
Horizon's products are equipped with self-leveling pedals which add extra comfort to the trainer. They have built-in fan mechanisms to cool down the system, and recent models are outfitted with iPod docking stations as well.
The mechanical brake system can collapse at any time, as it is made of very cheap materials. Regular maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly. Due to their competition with other products, they are using cheaper materials to manufacture their components. Let us discuss in depth about some of the products available on the market.
Horizon E1200 Elliptical Trainer
This machine has a price tag of $2,599. Despite its high price, it is one of the best elliptical trainers in the world. It has a crystal-clear display with two amber LED windows. It can support users weighing as much as 300 lb. However, the stability and quality of construction of the machine is somewhat below average. The average rating of this product is 5.2. Its articulating foot pedals make exercising easier, and its built-in dock lets its users listen to music from their iPod while working out.
Horizon EX-66 Elliptical Trainer
This is one of the cheapest products manufactured by Horizon. Its price is only $999. This product has been around in the market for almost half a decade. Its motion is not very smooth, and is somewhat unstable and jerky, being made from very cheap components. The maximum user weight it can carry is 275 lb. It is also quite noisy. It can monitor the pulse of the user using its handgrip. Its average rating is only 4.58. This product is great for those who want a small-stride no-slip footpad and pivoting footplate.
Overview: Horizon was once a very popular brand due to the efficient performance of the equipment manufactured by them. However, as their prices keep dropping, their quality also keeps decreasing. It is better to spend a few extra bucks and go for better products instead if you are planning to get exercise equipment that would last for years on end.
