Assembly: Elliptical Trainers usually require assembly. For this machine, assembly was more involved since quite a few threaded fasteners were included to attach a considerable number of unassembled parts. User manuals can help or hinder assembly. The diagrams that illustrated the steps were confusing or unclear. On the whole, we found that the written instructions and accompanying diagrams were adequate. Operation: The sounds this elliptical trainer made when pedaled were quiet, the frame was considered spongy, and the pedal-arm linkage felt well constructed and tight. Controls: The resistance level controls are often the most commonly accessed buttons and on this elliptical trainer are average in size which makes using them while exercising manageable. The controls are laid out as you would expect with the increment control on the top or right, or for a dial control, having a clockwise rotation. This machine has individual increment and decrement controls which were positioned appropriately; adjacent to one another. Access to the level controls was unobstructed by the stationary handgrips. Display: Seeing a numeric and graphic indication of the resistance-level setting is convenient. The resistance-level setting is displayed constantly as a numeric value and constantly as a graphical image. Glare can partially obscures the visibility of the display. Ergonomics: Elliptical Path: The pedaling action was supportive. The machine responded well to acceleration and deceleration and assisted the user's effort. The pedaling motion at the front and/or back of the elliptical cycle was smooth but lacked a feeling of continuous flow. To maintain good lower-body alignment, a minimal side-to-side pedal separation is best. The spacing on this machine was considered very good. Exercise: Stepping through the resistance levels resulted in uneven changes; where changes were slightly inconsistent from one level to the next. The difference between the lowest and highest resistance-level setting determines the range of exercise intensity; which for this machine was considered poor.

The Spirit XE395 is part of the Elliptical exercisers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Elliptical Exercisers models like the XE395 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics considers how well an elliptical accommodates people of various sizes and aspects of the pedaling motion.

Exercise range: Exercise range considers aspects of exercise intensity and measures incline and the effort to pedal the machine through the resistance level settings.

Ease of use: Ease of use considers ease of use aspects of controls, display and using the programs.