The ECT 2100 is a very low-cost elliptical from MultiSports. Selling for under $800 at EliteFitness.com and other websites, it has an attractive price but lacks basic features such as a healthy stride and varied programming. This machine’s top features are its movable handlebars and a single built-in workout program.
Elliptical Misses: How the ECT 2100 Needs to Improve
- Short stride – This machine’s short 15” stride could only provide children and unusually short grown-ups with true elliptical workouts. Most other budget ellipticals have at least an 18” stride to support a better range of motion.
- Preset workouts –This machine has only one preset workout to complement its manual mode.
- Wide-set pedals – MultiSports ellipticals have 4” to 6” of space between their pedals. While the company advertises this as close spacing, personal trainers recommend machines with much smaller pedal gaps to promote more natural hip movement.
- Poor warranty – The standard MultiSports elliptical warranty includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and a year of protection on parts. For an additional fee, customers can get longer coverage on parts plus labor. Be sure to build that extra coverage into the purchase price when comparing the ECT 2100 with other cross trainers.
Overall Rating for the MultiSports ECT 2100 Elliptical Trainer
The ECT 2100 is not recommended. Its short stride and wide pedal spacing can put stress on the body, and with just one program it’s not even entertaining. The MultiSports 6600L has a healthier 21” stride, but other brands such as NordicTrack and Schwinn offer much better ergonomics, longer standard warranties, and additional features for just a few hundred dollars more.
