Precor EFX 5.21 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Precor EFX 5.21 Elliptical Crosstrainer
The Precor EFX 5.21 is Precor’s entry level elliptical trainer model that offers the ergonomics and bio-mechanics that Precor is famous for at a reasonable price.
The Precor EFX 5.21 is a great elliptical that offers CrossRamp technology which is the heart of Precor’s high end EFX elliptical branding. EFX stands for “elliptical fitness cross trainer” and the meaning of cross trainer in this case is cross training of the lower body muscles. If you also vary the intensity of your exercise, you will get fantastic results. On Precor 5.21 you’ll be hard pushed to get results for total lower body workout unlike any other brand on the market.
The Precor EFX 5.21 has 2 limitations compared to other Precor elliptical trainers – It comes without the upper body handlebars and therefore is not suitable for upper body workout. In addition to that, Precor 5.21 offers 3 fixed incline angles that need to be adjusted manually.
Having talked to various people at Precor, I was surprised to find that a portion of their clientele want only the lower body workout like the one offered by Precor EFX 5.21, and the fact is many people who exercise on an elliptical trainer tend to go through the motions with the upper body workout and get minimal benefits.
Precor Elliptical machines are built in such a way that they have a wonderful smooth action. The Precor 5.21 is in alignment with your body’s natural movements and there is more than one elliptical review that agrees with that.
The Precor EFX 5.21 and other Precor elliptical trainers are the best you can buy – quality, maintenance-free machines for serious workouts and demanding users. If you have the budget, go for it and you will not regret your choice.
Elliptical Motion Combined With CrossRamp® Technology
The Precor EFX 5.21 and other Precor elliptical trainers bring together elliptical movement and CrossRamp® technology to eliminate two issues with indoor cardiovascular workouts:
- High-impact training that stresses and strains joints and
- Elliptical cross trainer that works not enough groups of muscles
Precor is known for its CrossRamp technology, and their competition is can not copy it because of a strict patent. The main distinction between the Precor incline capability and those found on competitive elliptical crosstrainers is that the Precor models maintain a genuine elliptical motion while you raise the slope. Other manufacturers, in an effort to circumvent the patent, have incline designs that distort the elliptical stride. It results in a movement that accelerates and decelerates, creating a degree of pressure and force to your joints.
Precor 5.21 – Video Review by Precor
EFX 5.21 vs. Top 5 Performers in “Under $2,000” Category
| ELLIPTICAL TRAINER | Sole E98 | Sole E95 | Sole E35 | Sole E55 | Precor EFX 5.21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RATING | Winner | 1st Runner Up | Top 5 Performer | Top 5 Performer | COMPARED |
| IMAGE |  |  |  |  |  |
| USD PRICE | $1,979 | $1,699 | $1299 | $1499 | $1799 |
| PRICE-PERFORMANCE |  |  |  | | |
| EXPERT REVIEW | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review |
| VISIT SITE | VISIT SITE | VISIT SITE | VISIT SITE | VISIT SITE | |
| GRADE | Light Commercial | Home | Home | Home | Home |
| UPPER BODY WORK | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| FLYWHEEL | 34 lbs | 34 lbs | 25 lbs | 27 lbs | |
| RESISTANCE LEVELS | 20 | 20 | 16 | 20 | 16 |
| RESISTANCE TYPE | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| INCLINE | YES, motorized 0° - 30° Power Incline | YES, motorized 0° - 30° Power Incline | YES, motorized 0° - 30° Power Incline | YES, motorized 0° - 40° Power Incline | YES Fixed 15°, 20° and 25 |
| STRIDE LENGTH | 20" | 20" - 22" | 20" - 22" | 20" | 18" |
| PROGRAMS | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| COOLING FAN | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| FOLDING | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| MAX. USER WEIGHT | 400 lbs. | 400 lbs | 375 lbs | 375 lbs | 300 lbs |
| HEART RATE CONTROL | YES Contact HR sensor + incl. heart rate chest strap | YES Contact HR sensor + incl. heart rate chest strap | YES Contact HR sensor + wireless | YES Contact HR sensor + wireless | YES Contact HR sensor + Polar compatible |
| DISPLAY TYPE AND FUNCTIONS | Adjustable console with 9" commercial grade blue LCD display tracks time, distance, calories, resistance and other parameters to control the progress | Commercial-grade extra wide 9-inch blue LCD display tracks time, distance, calories, resistance and other parameters to control the progress | LCD console with vibrant 7.5-inch blue LCD display that tracks time, distance, calories, and resistance, and all the other parameters for comfortably control your workout | Vibrant 7.5-inch blue LCD display tracks time, distance, calories, resistance, incline, pulse, and pace | 4" x 3" Single color LCD screen showing calories, distance, HR, program profile, resistance level, SmartRate®, strides per minute, time |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS | Heavy-duty, 38-millimeter steel frame can handle the wear and tear of multiple users, Power incline for additional resistance and variable positions. iPod and MP3 ready + speakers. Custom-designed foot pedals. Cushioned, adjustable pedals | Power incline for additional resistance and variable positions. iPod and MP3 ready + speakers. Custom-designed foot pedals. Cushioned, adjustable pedals | Power incline, iPod and MP3 ready, built-in speakers, Adjustable oversize foot pedals designed with a 2 degree inward, 2 User Profiles, Chest strap for heart rate monitoring, Water bottle holder | Power incline for additional resistance and variable positions iPod and MP3 ready + speakers Custom-designed foot pedals 2 User Defined Programs | Preset Programs: Fat Burner, HR, Weight Loss and more An adjustable CrossRamp lets you target specific muscles or all major lower-body muscle groups Accessories Holder |
| DIMENTIONS | 82 x 32 x 67 inches (L x W x H) | 83 x 32 x 58 inches (L x W x H) | 68 x 34 x 23 inches (W x H x D) | 66 x 33 x 23 inches (W x H x D) | 76 x 29 x 62 inches (L x W x H) |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 249 lbs. | 230 lbs | 200 lbs | 232 lbs | 162 lbs |
| WARRANTY | Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 years | Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 years | Lifetime: frame and brake 5 years on parts 2 years on labor | Frame and brake: Lifetime Parts: 5 Years Labor: 2 Years | Lifetime frame and welds 5 years parts and wear 1 year labor |
| ELLIPTICAL TRAINER | Sole Fitness E98 | Sole Fitness E95 | Sole Fitness E35 | Sole E55 | Precor EFX 5.21 |
COMPARE 5 Best Elliptical Trainers Under $3000 in 2022
| | Octane Fitness Q35c | Sole E98 | HCI Fitness PhysioStep RXT-1000 | Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef | Sole E95 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 5 Performer | Top 5 Performer | Top 5 Performer | Top 5 Performer | Top 5 Performer | |
 | |  |  | |
|
| | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review | Expert Review |
About Precor
There are several very good elliptical crosstrainers out there, but Precor offers the Very Best elliptical crosstrainers in the upper price range. No-one manufactures home training equipment to greater standards in comparison with Precor. By using any one of their elliptical exercise machines you will be getting quality, sturdiness and durability, however the Precor 5.21 is in addition an entry level model they manufacture at a cost that is justifiable for an elliptical fitness machine you are getting.
Precor 5.21 Elliptical Trainer – PROS
- Great Brand – Precor is a Top Elliptical Brand
- Solid construction
- Smooth, quiet and comfortable
- Excellent durability and reliability
- One of the better warranties on the market
Precor 5.21 Elliptical Trainer – CONS
- No arm levers – No upper body workout on this elliptical
- Incline ramp adjusts manually
- In the upper price range
Our Conclusion for Precor EFX 5.21 Elliptical Crosstrainer
There are several excellent elliptical trainers out there, but Precor EFX 5.21 is one of the best elliptical machines in an entry level price. Nobody manufactures home exercise equipment to higher standards than Precor. With any one of their machines you’re getting quality, durability and reliability, but the Precor EFX 5.21 is an entry level elliptical trainer model that offers the ergonomics and bio-mechanics that Precor is famous for and at a reasonable price.
The Precor 5.21 incorporates the patented CrossRamp technology, but adjustments are done manually, so in order to adjust the level of the incline, you have to get off the machine.
All Precor ellipticals are top quality, so you can expect the same level of quietness, smoothness and performance even 10 years after you bought Precor EFX 5.21.
To our opinion Precor EFX 5.23, Precor EFX 5.25 and Precor EFX 5.37 are better performing models of Precor, especially if you want to include upper body workout, but they come with a higher price tag. Overall, Precor 5.21 is Precor’s entry model, though it is by far more advanced and reliable than ellipticals from many other brands. It is reasonably priced for what it offers, so if you’re looking for an elliptical trainer that will perform well and last for years, you can’t go wrong with Precor EFX 5.21.
Recently, the Precor EFX 5.21 was replaced by a newer and more advanced model: Precor EFX 221 Energy Series Elliptical Crosstrainer
EFX 5.21 was replaced by a New Model
Precor EFX 221 Energy Series Elliptical Crosstrainer
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