Xterra FS3.5

Assembly: Elliptical Trainers usually require assembly. For this machine, assembly was considered average since an average number of threaded fasteners were included in order to attach components. 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 flexible, 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 somewhat small in size which makes it somewhat hard to use them while exercising. 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 poorly; separated from 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: A tall user's arms frequently contacted the frame or moving parts of the machine causing interference. Elliptical Path: The pedaling action was a little on the light side and did not ideally support the user's effort to maintain pedaling momentum. 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 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 Xterra FS3.5 is part of the Elliptical exercisers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Elliptical Exercisers models like the FS3.5 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.