The AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer with Variable Stride Length

The AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer offers a total body workout with moving handlebars, plus a large incline. You can perform a regular elliptical workout or go all out for a steep, thigh-burning, stadium climb.

What You Get

The console of the AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer has separate LED windows displaying time, distance, date, and clock, and a center LED window with workout profiles. It has a wireless heart rate chest strap, and 10 programs including manual, hill climb, cardio burn, and endurance challenges.

The specs for the AFG 18.0 AXT include:

• 19"- 21" Variable Stride
• 23-lb Flywheel
• 16 levels Magnetic Resistance
• 10 Programs
• Wireless HR monitoring w/chest strap
• Dual action upper body handlebars
• CD/MP3 plug-in + speakers
• 325-lb. User Capacity
• Front Transport Wheels
• Dimensions — 71" x 37" x 55"
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & brake, 3 years parts, 2 years elevation motor, 1 year labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: AFG is no longer selling products and has been rebranded as Horizon Fitness. Check out our Horizon elliptical reviews here.

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The AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer has a number of good components including a 23-pound flywheel, sealed bearings that don’t require lubrication, a large frame, and a decent warranty.

The variable stride length and moving workout arms will engage your muscle groups for an all-body workout. For entertainment, you get an integrated mp3/iPod/CD docking station and large speakers so you can listen to your favorite tunes while working out

There aren’t many elliptical reviews to read on this relatively new model so it is difficult to judge how well the AFG 18.0 AXT performs in a multi-user household on a daily basis.

What we do know is that the Ascent Trainer does deliver a smooth workout since this is a suspension elliptical — that is, there are no wheels on it as you find with most front-drive ellipticals. Without the roller friction and those extra parts, the AFG 18.0 AXT will maintain a smooth glide without guide tracks and wheels getting dirty.

Also, the electronic incline provides a superior, heart-pumping “ascent” when doing climbing exercises – great for the glutes and quads!

Our Thoughts

As AFG is a re-branded line based on Horizon machines (both companies are owned by Johnson Health Tech), the AFG units use many similar technologies and design components.

In fact, the frame on the AFG 18.0 AXT looks a lot like the Horizon AT1501 Ascent trainer, but with a different console and beefier parts.

That being said, AFG is the new kid on the block and hasn’t received much attention from consumers and equipment pros, so we can’t judge its durability and reliability. At $2,199, the AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer seems overpriced and we would recommend you go with a more proven elliptical model.

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