The Lifecore LC-990 Elliptical Trainer – Not Recommended

New on the scene is the Lifecore LC-990 elliptical trainer which does some things right in terms of design, but overall, the unit isn’t particularly outstanding and doesn’t pose a threat to any of the best seller brands in its price range.

What You Get

The LCD console on the Lifecore LC-990 displays Distance, Calories, Speed, Time, Heart Rate, Watts, and RPMs. The rest of the specs include:

• 12 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
• 12 Workout Programs; 4 HR Programs
• Stores Data for up to 9 users
• Upper body handlebars
• 17" stride
• Rear flywheel
• Adjustable Foot Pedals
• Heart Rate Monitor
• Heart Rate Control
• 350 lb. User Weight Capacity
• Poly-V Flexonic Drive Belt Guaranteed Never to Stretch
• Transport Wheels
• Warranty – 5 yrs frame/parts; 1 yr labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: As of 2016 it appears that Lifecore Fitness is no longer making elliptical machines, choosing to focus on their exercise bikes and rowing machines instead.  

Check out our top picks in the $1000-$2000 category and $2000-$3000 category for comparable Best Buy machines.

Experts have mixed opinions on the Lifecore LC990 elliptical trainer.

The good: a heavy flywheel (17-lb) holds up an average size user just fine, and the petite footprint (51"L x 23"W x 63"H) is compact enough to fit in any apartment or small workout room.

The bad: the 17" stride length is uncomfortably short for taller users, the warranty is weak, and the company is relatively new as an elliptical manufacturer. Who knows if they’ll be around in a year, or three, when it comes time to order a replacement part?

Consumer elliptical reviews note that larger users may find this 137-lb machine to be a bit of a “rocker,” that is, it’s slightly wobbly when in use which is a problem with many rear-drive trainers anyway. And although Lifecore claims the LC-990 can handle users up to 350 lbs, users don’t recommend it for big dudes.

Our Thoughts

Priced at $1099, we would question why anyone would choose to buy the Lifecore LC-990 elliptical trainer over any of the Sole Fitness models (the E25, E35, or E55), or even the Smooth CE 3.2. There are many, many ellipticals in this price range that offer better adjustability, value, quality, and ergonomics.

Perhaps a small, new company like Lifecore will come up with a winner in a few years, but we recommend you pass on this model and stick with the proven winners.

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