Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer

Product Details

Another handy feature is the 1100 HR/A's focus bar, which features built-in hand pulse sensors for immediate heart rate readings. This gives you a convenient way to keep track of your heart rate, helping you stay within the target zone and maximize your calorie burn. Other details include large, slip-resistant foot pedals designed for stability and ample foot room, a 15-inch stride length, a water bottle holder and reading rack, and a set of bottom wheels for easy transport. The trainer, which holds up to 275 pounds, measures 22.5 by 64 by 41 inches (W x H x D), weighs 90 pounds, and carries a one-year warranty.

About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.

Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.

Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.

Product Reviews

(5 stars) - Does the job
After doing some research, I picked the Eclipse 1110 because it was rated on other websites as best budget-friendly elliptical. I wanted to spend less than a thousand but wanted a machine that was sturdy and reliable.

It took my husband less than a hour to put it together. I have been using it 3 times a week for 30 minutes a day for the past couple of weeks. It's smooth and sturdy. I like the different programs and levels. After I am finished, I roll it into the corner so it is out of the way.

My only real complaint is that it does not have a ledge to rest a book or a pocket for a remote. But for $400, I'll manage.

(2 stars) - Good machine (when it works)
I purchased this unit from a local Sports Authority store. It has been used very sparingly by my son and I. We probably used it a total of 33 times for short (less than 15 minute) sessions. It goes through "C" batteries rather quickly, so make sure that you buy a large package of them (Costco?). It does have a 6 volt adapter plugin port. But, like most USA companies, the adapter is not included and you must shell out another $20 or so by buying one at Radio Shack or somewhere similar. One day we tried to start the unit and "no-way José"--it wouldn't start. As I said, we use it very infrequently. Obviously, when it didn't start up, the unit was already out of the one year warranty period. Like most of the stuff made in China, the plastic parts (console housing and soft-touch panel where you push start all the functions) are very flimsy and apparently the membrane below the touchpad has bit the dust and is not transfering the start command to the next cricuit. The "start/stop" button no longer starts the system. So, the programming is not accessible. Now all I have is an eliptical without any programming. It just "free-wheels." I have contacted the manufacturer in an attempt to order a new console unit. However, like most factory replacement parts, it will probably cost half (if not more) of what a whole new unit will cost. Due to the short life of this Eclipse 1100 HR/A, I will not buy another Fitness Quest product. I would not recommend this unit to anyone based upon is short life span with below average use.

Added 11/13/2009: I heard from the manufacturer Power Quest on the cost of a new computer circuit board. They want $109.00 plus tax and shipping) for a new computer that will make this unit operable--maybe. Of course, there could be something else wrong with it too. Through our local CraigsList, you can purchase a used elliptical for around the same price. Guess which alternative I will take? You got it. I am going for another used elliptical, but definitely not a Power Quest Eclipse product. I would avoid this unit like the plague!!! ---ralincv

(4 stars) - Good home machine
Good machine for the money. Be prepared to tighten the screws again after the first couple of workouts on it. And, I bet it would work better on a hard surface and not my carpeted floor. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase.

(1 stars) - Cannot be repaired
This is the first product review I've written. I buy and use a lot of stuff but I'm typically too lazy to write any reviews. However I'm unusually fired up right now after tearing up my shins hauling this piece of scrap out to the trash.

The bottom line is this: the most important aspect in the design of any mechanical system is the provision for its repair. Any mechanical system - a system with moving parts - no matter how well made _will_ break down eventually. This is a simple and unavoidable fact. That said, repair or replacement is the inevitable consequence. The 1100HR/A failed for me in the same way I've seen others note: the foot platform bearing wheel assembly comes loose. But the real problem is that this cannot be repaired! The whole unit is now unusable because of this small component failure. What a poor design. Clearly this company has skimped on the design to get their price point low enough to attract value-conscious buyers.

Honestly, do not buy this. Spend the extra for a design that can be maintained. While I may mourn the loss of the $400 I dropped on this thing, I consider it the price for the following lesson: when considering the purchase of any mechanical device (lawn mower, snow blower, etc.) first find out how easy it is to repair!

(4 stars) - Well worth the cost
I bought this for my wife's birthday after she "killed" the last two treadmills she had. She burned out the motors going top speed on the highest incline setting. Customer support said they really weren't built to withstand that because they didn't think many people could do that anyway...their words, not mine. Anyway, I mention that only to illustrate that my wife is an exercise freak. I was skeptical about this machine because of the price but didn't want to spend $1000+ on something if she was just going to crush it.
We've had it for a month now (I've actually been using it too...putting about 18 to 20 miles a week on it)and the wife has been beating on it relentlessly...putting better than 20 couple miles on it every day! I feel comfortable saying that there can't be many people out there that will use this thing harder than she has and I'm quite impressed with how well it has been holding up. No loose screws, no squeaks or squeals or noise of any kind. If it dies tomorrow I think I already got my $ out of it. By the way, Amazon is the only way to go...every other store I checked wanted $100 more for same thing.
I've lost 8 pounds in the past month using it twice a week for 40 minutes each time...haven't changed my diet at all. Great product, great price.

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