Diamondback 300ef Elliptical Trainer Review

Size

Length: 4' (49 In)
Width: 1.8' (22 In)
Height: 3.4' (41 In)
Weight: 150 Pounds

The diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer is a very compact elliptical. Although the weight of the 300 ef is 150, it is not a lightweight elliptical trainer. Given the dimensions and the weight of the diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer, I would say that it is solid enough to handle steady use.

That is, of course, if the materials and construction process is up to par. From what I know of diamondback elliptical trainers, they are built pretty solid.

Adjustable resistance/peddles

Eddy current resistance system
8 resistance levels
Multiple adjustments

Eddy current resistance systems are a preferable breaking system for elliptical trainers. It is both, very quiet and quite reliable.

However, I would think that there would be more than 8 resistance levels for $699. 10 resistance levels would be preferable.

What I don’t like about the diamondback 300 ef is the fact that it only has a manual resistance adjustment via oversized tension knob. Personally, I really don’t like to stop my workout to increase or decrease the resistance. At $699, this feature should be present.

Now, because this is a relatively small elliptical trainer with a small frame, it may pose a few problems for those of you who are taller than 6'. Even with multiple adjustments, the elliptical stride is only 15" at the maximum so it limits the overall range of motion for taller individuals.

Elliptical stride

15" Diameter stride

I don’t like the fact that for $699, you can only get a 15" elliptical stride. I think an 18" stride with adjustable peddles would have made for a better range of motion for individuals over 6' tall as well as being comfortable for individuals under 5'5".

Display/control panel

6 window LCD readout;

• Time
• Speed
• Distance
• Calories
• Pulse
• Resistance bar
• Water bottle holder
• Reading rack
• Front-mounted water bottle holder and reading rack

All the basic readouts are available for the diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer. The console has 6 screens that show time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, and resistance bars. Pretty standard at this price range. However, an interesting console.

Programs

• 3 workout programs;
• Manual
• Calorie
• Time countdown
• AA batteries

A fairly straight forward and basic package. Not a whole lot of programs to choose from. I think for $699, you should be able to get a few more programs. However, for the diamondback 300 ef, your getting a half decent elliptical machine. Your not really paying for the bells and whistles for the diamondback 300 ef, your paying for a quality “budget” elliptical trainer.

Frame

Solid steel construction
Maximum user weight: 275 pounds

The diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer is a middle weight elliptical trainer that is both, sturdy and reliable. Diamondback elliptical trainers are solidly built and will stand up to everyday use. Again, the materials and construction process are pretty reliable with the 300 ef elliptical trainer.

Heart rate monitor

Pulse grip

The diamondback 300 ef comes with pulse grips located on the front hand rails. Simply grab the hand rails and you get your pulse reading on the front console.

Dual action handle bars

Yes

Lifetime brakes
2 years parts and electronics
2 year brake generator
1 year labor

A pretty good warranty package considering the price of the diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer. At this price range, compared to other elliptical trainers such as the proform warranty, the diamond back 300 ef elliptical trainer looks pretty good.

Price/cost effectiveness
$699.00

Again, the price is for quality. However, there are two things that I don’t like about the diamondback 300 ef elliptical trainer. The first, it only has a 15 inch elliptical stride. The second, it has a manual resistance system. For $699, I would expect to have an automatic resistance adjustment on the console.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I think the diamondback elliptical trainers are well made elliptical machines. Basically, you’re paying for a well made machine with basically no high end features - Plain and simple.

Special features

None

Elliptical Rating

Overall, I think the diamondback 300 ef is a well made elliptical trainer. However, there aren’t a whole lot of features. You are basically given a choice with the 300 ef elliptical. You can have well made, no frills elliptical machine or you can have an elliptical such as the proform 1280s that has all the top end features but not that well made.

Again, it depends on you. I would personally go with the well made elliptical machine that will last.

All the best,

Blake