The Vision Fitness X20 elliptical trainer immediately follows the entry-level X10, but it’s much more advanced. The base price of $1599 includes the Classic console, which has five workouts and can be used with the interactive Passport exercise system. Paying a bit more will get you the Elegant or Touch console instead. These have 13 and 17 preset programs, respectively, and can also be used with Passport.

Highlights of the base unit are a 20” stride and a 23-pound flywheel for smooth motion. All parts are protected for five years.

Click here for a Special Offer on the Vision X20 Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the Vision X20 Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – Vision Fitness is known for its excellent ergonomics. The X20 elliptical features 0” pedal spacing, a healthy 20” stride and a 23-pound flywheel. The smart biomechanics promote comfort and your success with elliptical training.
• Programming – Programming depends on your choice of console, so there’s something for everyone. The Classic console has five programs, the Elegant has 13, and the Touch has 17. Only the Touch console can be used with an iPod or iPhone.

Each Vision Fitness console can be used with the Passport system, which is sold separately. Passport simulates outdoor exercise with vibrant video. The speed of the video changes with your motion, and the resistance of the elliptical trainer automatically adjusts to mimic the landscape.

The consoles give different amounts of exercise feedback. For example, the Classic console shows Time, Speed, RPM, Distance, Calories, Pace, and Heart Rate. The Touch console shows Total Time, Time Remaining, Time Elapsed, Clock, Heart Rate, Max HR, % Max HR, Target Heart Rate, Distance, Calories, Calories Per Hour, Watts, Mets, Pace, Avg. Pace, Level, Speed, RPM, and Resistance.

Each console supports 20 resistance levels.

• Heart rate monitors – Contact and Polar wireless heart rate monitors are included to help you exercise at the best effort level. The Classic console version only includes the wireless receiver, so you’ll need to purchase the chest strap separately.
• Sturdy frame – All versions of the Vision X20 have a 188-pound frame and a 300-pound user weight capacity. The frame has a lifetime guarantee.
• Great warranty – Customers get lifetime protection on the frame and brake, five years of coverage on all parts and electronics, and a year of labor.

Elliptical Misses: What’s Not so Hot

The Elegant and Touch consoles are very appealing, but the Classic console’s programming is paltry for the price. Also, this isn’t the best option for heavier trainees despite the 300-pound weight rating. The X40 and X60 can hold more weight without wobbling.

Overall Rating for the Vision X20 Elliptical Trainer

It’s easy to get fit with a Vision elliptical. You might tire of the five programs on the Classic version, but the upgrades are very engaging — especially if you add Passport!

The Vision X20’s MSRP isn’t in “bargain” territory, but this model is definitely an excellent fitness machine. Shop around and see if it’s available at a discounted price.

Click here for a Special Offer on the Vision X40 Elliptical Trainer

The high quality Vision Fitness X40 elliptical is sold with two different warranties, one for home gyms and one for light commercial use (up to three hours per day). The base price of $1899 includes the Classic console, which has five workout modes and can be used with the interactive Passport exercise system. Adding the Elegant or Touch console instead will get you 13 or17 preset programs, respectively. These consoles can also be used with Passport (an interactive video system), plus the Touch console has options for iPods and iPhones.

Highlights of the base unit are a 20” stride, a 23-pound flywheel, a magazine rack, and a USB port to charge devices.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the Vision X40 Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – Vision Fitness is known for its excellent ergonomics. The X40 elliptical has a perfect Q factor of 0”, a healthy 20” stride and a 23-pound flywheel. The factors all promote comfort and your success with elliptical training.
• Programming – Programming varies with the console choice. We like the Elegant and Touch consoles, which have 13 and 17 programs. (The classic console only has five.) Each Vision Fitness console can be used with the Passport system, which simulates outdoor exercise by streaming video and adjusting the elliptical’s resistance as if you were running on varied terrain.

The consoles give different amounts of exercise feedback. The basic option includes Time, Speed, RPM, Distance, Calories, Pace, and Heart Rate. The Touch console shows Total Time, Time Remaining, Time Elapsed, Clock, Heart Rate, Max HR, % Max HR, Target Heart Rate, Distance, Calories, Calories Per Hour, Watts, Mets, Pace, Avg. Pace, Level, Speed, RPM, and Resistance.

Each Vision Fitness console supports 20 resistance levels for the X40.

• Heart rate monitors – Contact and Polar wireless heart rate monitors are provided to help you exert the best amount of effort. If you choose the Classic console, the wireless chest strap will need to be bought separately.
• Sturdy frame – All versions of the Vision X40 have a 192-pound frame and a 325-pound user weight capacity. The frame has a lifetime guarantee.
• Good warranties – Residential customers get lifetime protection on the frame and brake, five years of coverage on all parts and electronics, and a year of labor. Commercial customers get a year of coverage on the frame and parts plus a year of labor. The warranty is only for light commercial use (three hours per day maximum).

Elliptical Misses: What’s Not so Hot

We’re disappointed by the large price difference between the Classic and Touch consoles. Unless you find a great sale, the best console adds $1000 to the base price.

Overall Rating for the Vision X40 Elliptical Trainer

The Vision X40 is a great choice for light commercial fitness rooms. If you’re interested in this unit for in-home use, you might be better off with the X20. It’s very similar an

Click here for a Special Offer on the Vision XF40 Elliptical Trainer

Vision Fitness is headquartered in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. It’s known for making high quality elliptical trainers in a wide price range. The gorgeous XF40 elliptical is at the upper end of their product line. It breaks away from Vision’s X series. While the X10, X20 and X40 get great ratings too, they take up precious real estate. The Vision XF40 can be made compact when it’s not in use – yet it’s so sturdy and durable, you wouldn’t guess that it’s a folding elliptical trainer.

Like the X20 and X40, this elliptical trainer has a 20” stride and a 23-pound flywheel. It can be used with the popular Passport exercise system, which simulates outdoor training through video and automatic resistance adjustments.

Three versions of the Vision Fitness XF40 are available. The base MSRP of $2399 includes the “Classic” Vision Fitness console, which has five workout modes. Upgrades to the Vision XF40 include the “Elegant” console with 13 programs and the “Touch” console with 17 programs and iPhone/iPod compatibility.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the Vision XF40 Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision XF40 elliptical has excellent ergonomics. A smooth, healthy stride is created with 0” pedal spacing, a 20” path and a 23-pound flywheel.
• Programming – Customers have three console choices. We like the Elegant and Touch consoles, which have 13 and 17 programs. (The classic console has just five programs, and that includes manual mode. The others are Intervals, Weight loss, Constant Watts and Target HR.)

The Passport exercise system is fantastic! It’s similar to iFit’s integration with Google Maps in that it simulates outdoor exercise by adjusting the elliptical’s resistance as if you were exercising outdoors. Video streams to show beautiful natural settings such as the American Southwest and rolling prairies. However, the Passport system costs extra.

Each Vision Fitness console supports 20 resistance levels for the XF40.

• Heart rate monitors – Contact heart rate monitors and a Polar wireless heart rate monitor are included. Note: If you choose the Classic console, the wireless chest strap will need to be bought separately.
• Folding frame – The Vision XF40 has a 231-pound frame that can be folded for compact storage. The machine is very sturdy and can accommodate up to 325 pounds.
• Great warranty – Residential customers get lifetime protection on the frame and brake, five years of coverage on all parts and electronics, and two years of labor.

Elliptical Misses: What’s Not so Hot

We’re disappointed by the large price difference between the Classic and Touch consoles. Unless you find a great sale, the best console adds $1000 to the base price. Passport also costs extra but it’s a major part of Vision’ appeal.

Overall Rating for the Vision XF40 Elliptical Trainer

The Vision XF40 is an excellent choice if you seek luxury and inspiration. Just be prepared to pay! For the best experience with a Vision XF40 you’ll want the Touch console and the Passport system.

If you weigh about 200 pounds or less, you might choose a less expensive elliptical trainer by Vision. The X10 costs just $999. It’s the best cheap elliptical we’ve seen in a while.

This unit relies on user-generated energy and does not require AC power.

We would highly recommend this product at a lower price than its MSRP of $3999. The S60 has a great warranty, but it’s worth shopping around for a discount. You might also consider buying a reconditioned cross trainer.

Click here for a Special Offer on the Vision Fitness (Commercial) S60 Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the S60 Elliptical Trainer

• Green power – This elliptical machine is powered entirely by the user, so it won’t add to electricity bills.
• Ergonomic stride – The Vision Fitness S60 features a patented 21” stride with narrow 2” pedal spacing. Combined with oversized foot pedals, these features let users replicate a natural motion to get more comfortable workouts.
• Programming – Users get the following preset programs: SPRINT 8, Manual, Interval, Fat Burn, Random, Target HRT, HRT Weight Loss, HRT Interval, HRT Hill, Trail 10K, Trail 15K, Trail 20K, Constant Watts, Interval Watts, Hill Watts and Fitness Test. There’s space to save five custom programs too. There are 25 resistance levels.
• Heart rate monitors – Contact grips and a wireless receiver are included. Trainees will need to provide their own wireless chest straps.
• Durable frame – The S60 Suspension’s 345-pound frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel. It has a 400-pound weight capacity.
• Great warranties – As a commercial elliptical trainer, this unit is designed to be used for up to six hours per day. Commercial customers are entitled to lifetime protection on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years of labor. Residential customers get lifetime protection on the frame, seven years on all parts and electronics, and two years of labor.

Overall Rating for the Vision S60 Commercial Elliptical Trainer

The Vision S60 Suspension Elliptical is an incredibly smooth-feeling machine for commercial and residential settings. Since it doesn’t require plug-in power, it can be placed anywhere in your workout room and won’t contribute to monthly electricity bills. Vision Fitness’s commercial warranty is generous too; with five years of parts coverage and no labor costs for two years, the S60 provides great peace of mind.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the X70 Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision Fitness X70 features a patented PerfectStride™ motion that incorporates narrow pedal spacing, optimized foot positioning, and a healthy 19.75” stride.
• Programming – Users get the following workouts: SPRINT 8, Manual, Interval, Fat Burn, Watts, HRT Cardio, HRT Weight Loss, HRT Interval, HRT Hill, 3 Trail Programs, and 5 Custom Programs. There are 20 resistance levels.
• Heart rate monitors – Wireless and grip heart rate monitors are included and can be used to automatically adjust the intensity of workouts.
• Comfortable pedals – Pedals on Vision cross trainers are cushioned and rotate with natural body movement to promote comfort.
• Durable frame – The X70 Suspension’s 287-pound frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel. It has a 400-pound user weight capacity.
• Great warranty – As a commercial elliptical trainer, this unit is designed to be used for up to six hours per day. Customers are entitled to lifetime protection on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years of labor.
• Green power – This elliptical machine is powered entirely by the user, so it won’t add to electricity bills.

Overall Rating for Vision X70 Elliptical Trainers

The Vision X70 Suspension is a smooth-running, well-priced option for just about any home or commercial workout room. It’s sized to fit most adults and includes a wide variety of programming to help keep exercise interesting. Vision Fitness’s commercial warranty is especially generous; with five years of parts coverage and no labor costs for two years, the X70 is a good value.

The S70 is appealing for its long stride, adjustable incline, and varied programming. This unit has an MSRP of $4999 but has been found online for $4199.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the S70 Suspension Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision Fitness S70 features a patented PerfectStride™ motion that incorporates narrow pedal spacing, optimized foot positioning, and 21”-23” stride length adjustments.
• Incline – The ramp inclines 15%-37% for serious incline training. Incline training speeds up the metabolism and lets people emphasize different muscle groups during training.
• Comfortable pedals – Pedals on Vision cross trainers are cushioned and rotate with natural body movement to promote comfort.
• Durable frame – The S70 Suspension’s 352-pound frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel. It has a 400-pound user weight capacity.
• Heart rate monitors – Wireless and grip heart rate monitors are included and can be used to automatically adjust the intensity of workouts.
• Programming – Users get the following workout modes, four of which are designed for interactive use with a heart rate monitor: SPRINT 8, Manual, Interval, Fat Burn, Random, Target HRT, HRT Weight Loss, HRT Interval, HRT Hill, Trail 2K, Trail 5K, Trail 8K, Glute Burn, Summit Hike, Mountain Trek, Stair Climb, and Fitness Test. Additionally, there is space to save five user-designed programs. There are 20 program levels.
• Great warranty – As a commercial elliptical trainer, this unit is designed to be used for up to six hours per day. Customers are entitled to lifetime protection on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years of labor.

Overall Rating for Vision S70 Suspension Elliptical Trainers

The Vision S70 Suspension is a smooth-running cross trainer with an exceptional warranty. It offers a wide range of resistance options, varied programming, and an incline to challenge people at a variety of fitness levels. With its long stride, the S70 might feel too big for smaller adults — but overall, the S70 Suspension is a highly recommended cross trainer.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the Suspension 7200HRT Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision 7200HRT has a patented stride motion that incorporates narrow pedal spacing, optimized foot positioning, stride length adjustments, and incline options.

• Incline – The ramp inclines 13%-39% for serious incline training.

• Comfortable pedals – Pedals on Vision cross trainers are cushioned and rotate with natural body movement to promote comfort.

• Heavy flywheel – With a 24-pound flywheel, this machine can provide a smooth ride even at the higher resistance levels.

• Durable frame – The Suspension 7200HRT’s 295-pound frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel. It has a 350-pound user weight capacity.

• Programming – Users get sprint programs, interval training, fat burn, glute burn, a summit hike, seven goal programs, an easy start mode, and four user-defined programs. Additionally, four programs can be used interactively with the heart rate monitor. There are 24 program levels.

• Good warranty – This elliptical is sold with residential and commercial warranties. Residential customers get a lifetime guarantee on the frame and brake, five years on parts, and a year of labor.

Overall Rating for Vision Suspension 7200HRT Elliptical Trainers

The Vision Suspension 7200HRT is a smooth-running cross trainer with a good warranty. It offers enough resistance and an incline to suit people at different training levels, and its adjustable stride makes it just the right size for almost any adult. A slight drawback is its lack of entertainment, but that’s easily remedied by bringing an MP3 player along or parking this quiet machine in front of a TV or radio. Overall, the Suspension 7200HRT is a highly recommended cross trainer.

Elliptical Hits: Great Features of the Suspension 7100HRT Elliptical Trainer

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision 7100HRT has a patented PerfectStride motion that incorporates narrow 2” pedal spacing, optimized foot positioning, stride length adjustments, and incline options.

• Incline – The ramp inclines 18%-37% for serious incline training.

• Comfortable pedals – Pedals on Vision cross trainers are cushioned and rotate with natural body movement to promote comfort.

• Heavy flywheel – With a 23-pound flywheel, this machine can provide a smooth ride even at the higher resistance levels.

• Durable frame – The Suspension 7100HRT’s 240-pound frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel. It has a 325-pound user weight capacity.

• Programming – Users get a variety of programs that target specific muscle groups and overall fitness goals. With the Premier console, users get sprint exercises, classic elliptical programs, sculptors that target specific muscle groups, heart rate programs, and custom user-designed programs. The Deluxe console includes sprint programs, a manual mode, interval training, fat burn, random mode, watts, glute burn, and a summit hike. There are 20 resistance levels on each machine.

• Good warranty – Residential customers get a lifetime guarantee on the frame and brake, five years on parts, and a year of labor.

Overall Rating for Vision Suspension 7100HRT Elliptical Trainers

The Vision Suspension 7100HRT is very similar to the 7200HRT. The 7200 adds on a bit more weight capacity and resistance, but those features are only needed by the heaviest trainers. The 7100HRT is an exceptionally smooth-running cross trainer, and its 5-year parts warranty should instill customer confidence.

Like most Vision ellipticals, this model is available with Simple, Deluxe, and Premier console options. The consoles vary in their graphic displays and program count.

Elliptical Hits: Nice Features of Vision X6200 Folding Ellipticals

• Ergonomic stride – The Vision X6200 has a long 19.75” stride with a patented footpath that feels natural for most adults.

• Pivoting pedals – Pedals on Vision cross trainers rotate with natural body movement to promote comfort.

• Heavy flywheel – With a 24-pound flywheel, this machine can provide a smooth ride even at the higher resistance levels.

• Durable frame – While some brands use cheap plastic frames, the Vision X6200’s frame is made of heavy gauge welded steel.

• Programming – With three console options, users get 16 to18 programs to combine with 20 resistance levels. The Simple console is aptly named, but the Deluxe and Premier consoles have blue backlit LCD screens and provide more feedback about workouts. With the Premier Vision console, three workout programs can be used interactively with a wireless heart rate monitor.

Elliptical Misses: Where the X6200 Falls Short

• Shorter corporate warranty – This elliptical’s warranty options are for residential and light corporate use (3 hours/day). The home warranty includes 3 years of parts coverage, but the light corporate option is for only a year.

• Fixed stride – Many home ellipticals today have adjustable strides and inclines to help people target a variety of muscle groups. Vision offers these options on its Suspension series of ellipticals, which includes residential and commercial models.

Overall Rating for Vision Elliptical Trainers

The Vision X6200 is a quiet, smooth-running cross trainer that is sized just right for most adults. It’s a good competitor in its price class. The model’s three console options – simple, deluxe, and premier – help customers get just the right amount of machine and programming for their money. An upgrade is Vision’s Suspension series, which has inclines and adjustable strides.

Features of Vision Elliptical Trainers

• Ergonomic stride – Vision’s patented PerfectStride™ motion is behind many of this brand’s “best buy” awards. On the Suspension Elliptical™ trainer, for example, an adjustable stride is combined with optimally angled pedals and an ideal elliptical footpath.

• Long strides – Vision’s shortest stride is on the X1500, which is a compact elliptical – and at 18”, it competes well in the compact category. The brand’s folding ellipticals have 19.75” strides, and its full-sized ellipticals have strides of 20” or more.

• Comfortable pedals – Pedals on Vision trainers rotate with natural body movement and some are narrowly spaced (2”) to reduce stress on hips.

• Adjustable handlebars – Some models, like the Vision Suspension, have adjustable handlebars to accommodate users of different heights and help people target different muscle groups.

• Heavy flywheels – Vision ellipticals have up to 24-pound flywheels, so they have above-average drives that offer a smooth ride and great resistance.

• Durable frames – While some brands use cheap plastic frames, Vision features steel frames even on the X6200 and other folding ellipticals.

• Programming – With three console options, users get up to 18 programs to combine with 20 resistance levels. With the Premier version, three programs can be used interactively with a wireless heart rate monitor.

• OK warranties – A typical Vision Fitness elliptical warranty includes a lifetime guarantee on the frame and brake, one or two years on parts, and a year of labor.

Overall Rating for Vision Elliptical Trainers

Vision offers some of the best ergonomics around – and getting healthy, low-impact exercise is the point of buying an elliptical. Look to Vision for a quiet, well-running elliptical that lets you tone your body with less stress than other cross trainers. The brand’s three console options – simple, deluxe, and premier – help customers get just the right amount of machine and programming for their money.

These machines aren’t big on entertainment. For instance, they have convenient MP3 holders, but not MP3 speaker systems or TVs like some brands. But with Vision ellipticals, customers get superior ergonomics, high-quality components, and machines that won’t soon be squeaking for a replacement.