The Octane xR6 Elliptical Trainer – A Seated Elliptical/Bike

The Octane xR6 elliptical trainer line-up is a truly unique product. These exceptional machines are the only seated elliptical trainers on the market, making them ideal for users who may have back pain issues. You get the same upper and lower body workout without any strain on your lower back or hips.

Octane Fitness has also added some great features to the Octane xR6 that allows you to get a really great full body workout. The price tag, however, is steep...but with this company you definitely get what you pay for.

What You Get

The Octane XRide xR6 elliptical trainer is a hefty machine, coming in at over 244 lbs, but it takes up a surprisingly small amount of floor space, so it will work well in most homes. The sturdy construction and exceptional design means you’ll have this machine for years.

The standard two rails for the elliptical footpads are replaced with four rails, which give you greater stability and an exceptionally smooth glide. The Octane xR6 also offers a unique cross training program you won’t find with other cross trainers, including a muscle resistance program and upper and lower body workouts that you can do independently to focus on trouble spots.

Features you’ll get with an Octane xR6 include:

• 20 Levels of Resistance
• Fixed 17.5” Stroke Length
• Seat height and tilt adjustment for customizable comfort
• 5 Pre-set Programs
• Reading rack
• Water bottle holder
• Contact heart rate grips
• Cushioned, pivoting footplates
• Front flywheel
• 300 lb. user capacity
• Muscle endurance program
• Chest and leg press routines
• MOM mode restricts movement and locks pedals for safety when not in use
• Warranties: lifetime frame, 3 years parts, 1 year labor

The Word on the Street

The XR6 is quite popular as it is one of the few seated elliptical trainers on the market today. You might have seen a whole row of these machines at your local health club. At our gym they are always being used.

The current residential models are the XRide xR6C and the XRide XR6xi, a more advanced model with Bluetooth, wireless heart rate monitoring and additional workouts, among other enhancements.

Octane is more well known for their traditional standing ellipticals, including the Q47, but those with back issues and those who just prefer to sit and work out opt for the recumbent versions

The reviews are mostly positive on this elliptical trainer. While plenty of health and fitness pros really love the Octane xR6 because of its versatility, others feel that it's a bit on the expensive side for what it is.

Home users generally love the Octane xR6 elliptical trainer if they’ve purchased it because it’s a seated elliptical machine. While some people love the chance to add muscle endurance and upper and lower body strength training to their workouts, others say they don’t use these features.

For many people with back problems the reality is that they don’t need or can’t use these added features, so they seem extraneous.

Final Thoughts on the XR6

If you’re looking for a seated elliptical trainer, Octane is your answer. We love the quality and range of movement provided with the Octane xR6 elliptical and the upper and lower body workouts, which can be done independently. These are terrific if you’re in decent shape and want to get in great shape.

Build is top notch, there's a variety of workouts and boosters for extra targeting and the warranty is solid. If you can swing the price tag by all means go for it. Also take a look at their traditional lineup: X35, X37 and X47 ellipticals.