The Horizon Elite E9 is the Top Level Elliptical in the Series

The Horizon Elite E9 elliptical trainer is the company's top model, offering a number of great features but still keeping the price very reasonable.  With power incline 44 built in workouts, the E9 offers something for everyone.

What You Get

The Elite E9 is the only model with a touchscreen.  This one is 7" and shows you workout metrics including time, distance, calories, speed, heart rate, resistance and incline level.  It's a solidly built machine with the heaviest weight capacity in the series, at 350 lbs.

Let's take a look at the specs...

• 20" Stride
• 30-lb Flywheel
• Diverse Workout Programs
• 20 Levels Resistance
• 10 Degrees Power Incline
• Non-Folding
• Contact Grip/Polar Wireless Heart Rate
• Built-in Speakers
• SixStar Certified™ Frame
• 350-lb. User Capacity
• Unit Weight/Dimensions — 216 lbs; 75"L x 24"W x 66"H
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5 year parts and two year labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: The Elite E9 and the rest of the series has been discontinued. Check out the latest Horizon elliptical reviews here to find a comparable model.

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The Horizon Elite E9 is one of the favorites according to expert reviews, as it packs a lot in for only about $1599 or so on sale.

One of the key features on all of the Horizon ellipticals, even the base EX 59 model is their trademarked SixStar frame, focusing on 6 key elements they deem crucial to an effective workout.  These include ideal pedal placement, body posture, handlebar spacing, foot path, smooth momentum and low step on height.

The Elite series is a nice step up from the Evolve 3 and 5, giving you incline capability that the other machines do not have, as well as larger displays, more built-in workout programs, higher max weight capacities and better warranties.

The Elite E9 model comes with a free Polar Chest Strap for accurate heart rate monitoring which is a nice touch that you sometimes have to pay for separately.

With ViaFit technology, found on all but the base EX 59 model, you can track all of your results and sync then with popular fitness apps.  The E9 is also Passport-ready, meaning you can sync it with your HDTV to watch interactive maps of two destinations right in front of you.  The footage is automatically matched to your speed and intensity, similar to how iFit works on ICON Fitness machines.

You can also view those maps right on the machine itself with Virtual Active Integrated, a feature unique to the Horizon Elite E9 elliptical.

Some other special features on the E9 include a heavy flywheel for quiet motion, a workout tracking calendar, built-in speakers, a tablet rack, fan and bottle holder.

Our Thoughts on the Horizon Elite E9

The Elite E9 has received many Best Buy awards, as it bridges the gap between Horizon and the company's higher-end Vision line.  You get the value of one and the features of the other, which is a nice blend.

We like the fact that you get a nice touchscreen here, a large number of built in workouts as well as incline that is lacking on the base and Evolve models.

Add to this ViaFit tracking, Passport and Virtual Active Integrated and you have the ability to get a lot more out of your workouts.  Plus the free chest strap for monitoring your heart rate is a nice touch.

Bottom line...the Horizon Elite E9 is a very good elliptical trainer especially in this price range.  It competes with NordicTrack which also offers feature-packed machines, so have a look at both to find the one that appeals most to you.