Precor 5.17 Elliptical Trainer Review

Precor is known for it's cutting edge components and materials as well as their impeccable state of the art construction process.

This means a hassle free elliptical exercise equipment with years of maintenance and worry free workouts.

Precor is designed for people who take their workouts seriously.

Of Course, the better the quality...

The more you are going to be paying. My general impression of the Precor 5.17 is that it is made for serious workouts. The 5.17 is really the no frills variety of the Precor models. You get top of the line parts and construction and you don’t have to worry about maintenance. This is what separates the Precor models from all other elliptical trainers.

Generally, a solid elliptical trainer that’s built to last.

Size
Length: 6.2' (75 In)
Width: 2.5' (30 In)
Height: 63' (63 In)
Weight: 197 pounds

Considering the size of other Precor models, this one is pretty compact. The Precor 5.17i is designed to take up minimal floor space. Generally, it’s a pretty large elliptical trainer but it does come with castor wheels located at the rear wheel base. It can fit through most standard doors.

Quiet operation
Ultra quiet

Precor is known for ultra quiet elliptical trainers. The 5.17i is no exception. Since the 5.17i has no motor, it is virtually silent allowing you to work out in a noise free environment.

The Precor 5.17 uses a pretty heavy drive system. This in effect produces a solid, fluid elliptical stroke that’s smooth and solid.

Adjustable resistance/peddles
Electromagnetic variable resistance
No adjustable peddles

The Precor 5.17i uses electromagnetic variable resistance which offers a smooth, quiet and reliable ride. There are 1 - 20 resistance levels with 1 being the easiest and 20 being the hardest. There are more than enough resistance levels for the beginner and advanced trainer.

Elliptical stride

Elliptical stride is 18". An expansive stride that will provide a good workout.

Display/control panel
Calories burned
Cross ramp incline
Heart rate
Resistance levels
Strides
Strides per minute
Time

One of the great things about the Precor 5.17i is the display console. The display console is very easy to read and very understandable. Intuitive key strokes sequencing, large LED, and accompanying graphics allows you to easily monitor and alter your workouts. You also have room to put your reading material, water bottle or whatever else you may have on the front console.

You get electronics readouts that tell you calories burned, heart rate, resistance levels, strides, strides per minute, time and cross ramp incline.

Programmes
1 manual programe
1 Gluteal workout
1 Weight loss workout

There are a variety of programs with the 5.17i. You can program the elliptical for gluteal workouts or weight loss workouts.

Frame
Weight capacity: 370 pounds
Height restrictions: none

The frame is made of solid steel. This is what seperates the Precor 5.17i form other elliptical trainers. It's very tough and durable. You'll get years of maintenance free workouts with the the Precor 5.17i. This is one solid and durable elliptical trainer. It can support up to 370 pounds.

Because the frame is large, there are no height requirements. The Precor 5.17i is suitable for all exercisers of all heights.

Heart rate monitor
No

A separate chest monitor will have to be purchased.

Dual action handle bars
No

Lower body workout only.

Having dual action handle bars comes down to preference. For those of you who want to really build and tone those legs and butt, you might want to stick to an elliptical trainer like the Precor 5.17i. Why? More emphasis is placed on those muscle as opposed to other upper body muscles. By concentrating on the lower body muscles, you tend to build those muscles more effectively.

However, if you are looking for a total body workout, dual action handle bars are the way to go. It’s a matter of preference.

Warranty and service
lifetime frame
3 year parts
one year labor warranty

The warranty is what you'd expect from Precor.

Price/cost effectiveness
$2,499.00

The Precor 5.17i is a no frills type of elliptical trainer made for years of intense workouts. If you want an elliptical trainer that’s tough and sturdy with years of maintenance free workouts, than the Precor 5.17i model is for you.

What you lose in features is made up for in quality. Hey, it’s a Precor...

Special features

The Precor 5.17i uses a cross ramp which allows you to work different muscle groups. Basically, the cross ramp allows you to adjust the incline of the ramp. The ramp can be adjusted from a 12 degree angle to a 25 degree angle.

At it’s lowest point, you will feel like your cross country skiing. At it’s highest incline, you’ll feel like your on a stair climber. Everywhere in between will feel like a combination of the two.

The ramp settings are located on the display console and can be automatically adjusted in order to allow you to work a variety of muscle groups. At every incline, the 5.17i will show you what muscles are being worked.

Concerns

I have no concerns with the Precor 5.17i. This is the kind of elliptical trainer that makes you feel like your working out on a gym quality machine.

A truly wonderful elliptical trainer. You get a commercial grade elliptical trainer with years of maintenance free workouts.

Rating

Overall the Precor EFX 5.17i Elliptical Trainer is a solid elliptical trainer. When you buy a Precor, you know what you’re getting. Your paying for quality.

All the best,

Blake