The Precor EFX 835 Elliptical is a commercial-grade cross trainer available for home use and used in gymnasiums worldwide. It is also known as the Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer.
This user-friendly model offers a top-notch, comfortable, low-impact workout experience that makes getting fit fun.
Being self-powered, it does not require a power outlet, so you can use it anywhere you have room for it.
Its noteworthy features include CrossRamp angles ranging from 13 to 40 degrees, 20 resistance levels, and 15 preset programs.
It offers a choice of touch or telemetry heart rate monitoring. And it has dual handlebars – one stationary and one movable – for total body workouts.
The monitor displays a broad range of workout metrics – it even shows you which muscle groups you are working.
There’s the facility to enter details such as your weight and age, so metrics such as calories burned. The built-in computer will use this information to customize the preset programs, enabling you to get the best results. Additionally, your metrics, such as calories burned, will be more accurate.
Add to this an incredibly generous weight load limit and a stride suiting individuals of almost any height, and it’s easy to see why this model is so highly rated.
Keep reading this Precor EFX 835 review to learn everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
Who Does it Suit?
People of most weights and heights and any fitness level looking for a top-quality machine with all bells and whistles can benefit from regular use of this cross-trainer.
Workouts are low-impact, so the machine is a great choice for anyone who suffers from arthritic joint pain.
If your budget is tight, it won’t be for you.
NB: Anyone with joint pain should check with their doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.
Precor EFX 835 Elliptical Specs
Dimensions – The Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer measures 80″ (L) x 28″ (W) x 67″ (H)
Clearance – For safe, unrestricted workouts, allow at least 2′ of free space on both ends and sides
Ceiling height – The machine should be located in a room with a ceiling at least 22″ higher than the intended tallest user
Step-Up – The step-up height is 8″ with the pedals at the lowest point and 21 1/2″ at their highest point
Foot pedal dimensions – The foot pedals measure 14 1/2″ (L) x 6 1/2″ (W)
Space between pedals – The minimum gap between the pedals is 2.4″
Stride – The stride adjusts between 21.2″ and 24.7″, depending on the incline level you select
Step-up height – The distance from the footplate to the floor is 8″ at the lowest and 21 1/2″ at the highest point
Weight – It weighs 330 lbs
User weight – The maximum user weight limit is 412 pounds
User height – People from under 5′ to well over 6′ can use the cross trainer
Color – It is available in Storm Gray and Black Pearl
Precor EFX 835 Elliptical Overview
Drive –
The Precor EFX 835 Elliptical has a rear-drive and a bi-directional, perimeter-weighted flywheel.
This is a user-powered model which doesn’t require an external power source.
However, be aware that an electrical power supply is available for those intending to use the machine for short workouts or infrequently. This is because the internal generator needs reasonably frequent use for the console’s battery to remain charged.
If you opt to have the power supply installed, contact the manufacturer, as this must be done by a Precor authorized service technician.
Construction and Finish –
The heavy-duty steel tubing frame of the Precor EFX 835 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer comprises oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubes double-coated in paint that resists corrosion, scratches, and chips.
Some components, including the front, drive, and resistance system covers, are resilient thermoplastic. The pedals are polypropylene.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level –
The trainer’s construction and heft make workouts very steady, even when working at top speed with high resistance. Adjustable base stabilizers further increase its stability and enable use on slightly uneven floors.
A perimeter-weighted flywheel and magnetic resistance system ensure a smooth, whisper-quiet pedaling motion and fluid transitions.
According to the manufacturer, the motion provides the lowest Rate of Perceived Exertion available, making even your most intense sessions feel organic and comfortable.
Resistance –
20 levels of Eddy Current magnetic resistance enable ranging from 18 to 720 watts caters to users of most fitness levels.
The lightest levels are suitable for Warm-Ups, Cool-Downs, and individuals beginning their fitness journey. The highest level should be sufficiently challenging for all but elite athletes.
The resistance automatically changes when using the presets but can be overridden by pressing the relevant buttons on the console.
Pressing the button for longer will implement a faster resistance level change.
Incline –
The Precor EFX 835 offers 20 levels of motorized incline with manual and automatic implementation options.
This feature enables the user to increase or decrease the challenge of their sessions and target different muscle groups.
Adjustments are automatic when using the presets, depending on the program, but can be overridden by pressing the up or down arrow key on the console for a gradual adjustment.
Select your incline level of choice on the numeric keypad for an immediate adjustment.
Precor’s patented adjustable CrossRamp technology, known as Variable Stride Geometry™, gives you control over your foot’s path. This enables you to target specific muscles.
The ramp features a converging stride path that allows the user’s footpath to converge naturally with a feeling identical to walking, jogging, or running.
Programs –
The trainer has 15 preset programs focusing on various fitness aspects.
Included are Manual, Cross Country, Custom, Hill Climb, Fitness Test, Navy Fitness Test, Basic HRC, and Weight Loss.
There are also 2 Interval, 2 Gluteal, and 3 Cross Training programs.
The Manual program gives you total control over your resistance, speed, and incline from the start of your workout to the finish.
To start a workout, push the QuickStart button for your desired program.
Next, enter your age and weight, grip the stationary handlebars momentarily, and the ramp and resistance will automatically adjust.
Swap to the movable handlebars, and get underway.
You can manually adjust your speed, resistance level, and the ramp’s angle at any time during workouts.
Heart rate monitor –
Contact HR sensors in the fixed handlebars enable you to monitor your heart rate during workouts.
The console is telemetry-enabled, so you can use a Chest Strap HR monitor if preferred, but one is not included with your purchase.
Console –
While the console of the Precor EFX 835 offers many features, it is very user-friendly. 
The console’s 8-section touch screen LED displays windows. A broad range of useful metrics enables you to monitor your progress and plan new fitness goals.
Stats displayed include Time (Zone, Elapsed, Remaining, and Segment Time Remaining), Speed, Distance, Strides (per Minute and Total), Calories burned (Current, Mins, and per Hour), and Heart rate (Current, Target, and Average).
Muscle Monitor displays the muscles targeted during your session.
Also shown are your Resistance level, CrossRamp angle, Watts, Mets, % Complete, Workout Profile, and a Workouts summary after completing your session.
The display offers 7 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian, and Spanish.
You can view your speed and distance metrics in Imperial or metric units.
Countdown modes for Time, Distance, and Calories enable you to set goals for these metrics and be alerted when you achieve them.
The display will power down after 30-seconds of inactivity is detected if you haven’t chosen to have the power supply installed.
Pedals –
Oversized, polypropylene foot pedals can accommodate feet of any size, with backward pedaling possible.
Their patented design enables your heels to stay in contact with the pedals throughout your session, reducing muscle and tendon stress.
Handlebars –
The Precor EFX 835 has two sets of handlebars, one static set in a lower position the other movable, which are located higher.
The fixed pair housing the HR sensors is useful for assisting you in accessing and exiting the machine.
You can also hold them if you only want your workout session to target your lower body.
The higher, movable pair provide a total-body workout.
Transport wheels –
Broad transport wheels in the front base facilitate moving the machine if you need to.
Accessories –
This model comes with an easy-to-access ledge you can use to hold a water bottle holder, smartphone, tablet, etc.
It is C-SAFE enabled and has a device charger.
Optional accessories –
There’s the option of buying a 15″ PVS and a TV audio receiver.
Assembly –
The Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer comes partially assembled.
Completing the job takes most people upwards of an hour. The process isn’t complicated, but the machine is heavy and rather bulky, so having someone help you will make it easier.
You will need to install two upright and one center support bar and attach their covers. You will also need to attach the handlebars and accessory holders, install the console, and thread through the cables.
Straightforward instructions for this come with the trainer, along with the required tools.
Warranty –
The warranty for home users covers a lifetime for the frame and welds, 10 years for all parts, 10 years for wear, and 1-year for labor.
Next, in this Precor EFX 835 review, we will examine its pros and cons.
How to use the Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Pros
- The Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness CrossTrainer offers high quality, durability, and reliability
- It offers low-impact total-body cardio fitness training
- Workouts are smooth, quiet, stable, and comfortable
- It has a very generous user weight limit and accommodates people of most heights
- A broad range of programs allows you to vary your workouts and tailor them to suit your fitness goals
- The console shows a more comprehensive range of workout metrics than many other similar machines
- Its resistance options accommodate users of every fitness level
- The trainer’s automatic incline range is greater than that offered by many other brands and models
- With the trainer’s resistance system being magnetic, you won’t need to add lubrication or replace the brake pads
- Transport wheels facilitate moving the unit if need be
- The assembly process is straightforward
- The warranty for this model is excellent
Cons
- The Precor EFX 835 Elliptical Fitness CrossTrainer doesn’t fold to store
- It doesn’t have a cooling fan
- An HR chest strap transmitter isn’t included
- It’s pricey
Final Thoughts on the Precor EFX 835 Elliptical
If you’re in the market for a user-friendly home-use commercial-grade elliptical trainer, you’d be hard-pressed to find better than the Precor EFX 835.
It is robust, durable, and offers smooth, quiet, stable, ergonomic low-impact total body workouts.
Its incline and resistance level options make it suitable for people of any fitness level.
An HR tracking function enables you to train in your target zone, and the console is telemetric, so you can use a compatible HR monitor if preferred.
The monitor displays a very comprehensive range of workout metrics, making it easy to track your progress and set new fitness goals.
After thoroughly researching the Precor EFX 835, the only significant drawback I can find is its price.
It certainly doesn’t come cheap; however, considering its superior quality and outstanding features, it is excellent value and, in my opinion, worth every cent of the asking price.
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