Johnson health Tech, a Chinese manufacturer for over 25 years, is the majority shareholder in several fitness companies including Vision Fitness, Matrix, Fitness, and AFG. Johnson fully owns Horizon Fitness. Horizon Fitness manufactures elliptical trainers in China in the same Johnson factory that manufactures Vision elliptical trainers. Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers compete directly with both Vision and Icon ellipticals which are priced much lower.
The Quality of Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainers
Horizon Fitness makes nine versions of elliptical trainers which have very similar designs. All Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers are rated near the bottom of the quality scale. Part of the low ratings come from the cheap particle-brake drive systems Horizon calls ”ECB” . There are frequent problems with the mechanical brake system that often requires replacement. Spares are cheaply built. Reliability and availability to the user is relatively low.
These issues makes the Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers a poor buy, yet they do come with nice amenities such as fans and iPod docking stations.
E1200 Model Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
The E1200 model is one of the better ellipticals Horizon makes. However, with a $2,600 price tag this trainer is price far above much better competition. It is not clear how a model with these flaws can command such a price, but there are good points for this elliptical.
This trainer has 16 different resistance levels, a variety of 16 fitness programs, two long amber LED windows, and no-slip foot pads. Horizon Fitness warranties the frame of this model for life.
E900 Model Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
This trainer has a multitude of problems with this braking system. Combined with slow resistance level adjustment, its $2,200 suggested retail price makes this trainer a very bad value.
CX-66 Model Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
Feel and movement in this model are very poor. It does not warrant its $1,400 price tag.
Ex-76 Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
Model EX-76 rates poorly with consumers because of its cheap construction. Priced at $1200, this trainer does boast more resistance levels and brighter lights.
SXE-77 Model Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
Model SXE-77 has an odd looking display and uses an older roller track elliptical design with all the attendant problems. It does possess very good non-slip, articulating foot pedals.
All in all the Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers are not a good purchase. Their poor quality design and cheap construction makes them problematic at best.
