The Spirit XE 550 Elliptical Trainer - a Commercial Quality Machine

The higher end Spirit XE 550 elliptical trainer is not the most expensive machine you’ll find in Spirit’s line, but for its features, it offers an exceptional value. Spirit has been successful in the treadmill business for many years and now their new line of elliptical machines give you the look, feel, and versatility as if you were working out on a commercial quality machine.

What You Get

The Spirit XE 550 elliptical trainer offers the same kind of features you look for in a health club model, especially dual direction motion, pre-programmed courses, and non-slip foot pedals. More features include:

• 6 standard programs; 2 heart; 2 user defined
• 20 resistance levels
• Pulse grip monitoring
• Heart rate control
• 2 LCD display windows
• 20” stride
• 30 lb. flywheel
• Dual direction (forward, backward)
• Articulating footpads
• Adjustable footplates
• Telemetry belt included
• 400 lbs user weight capacity
• Cooling fans
• Warranty - Lifetime frame; 5 yrs. parts; 2 yrs. labor

UPDATE: This model was discontinued. Take a look at the new lineup here: Spirit Residential Ellipticals

Even more added features on the Spirit XE 550 include molded handgrips, cushioned foot pads, and an “autopilot” on the heart rate monitor - the elliptical trainer’s resistance varies automatically to keep you in your target heart-rate zone.

The Word on the Street

Testers rave about the design of the foot pedals: the makers of the Spirit XE550 elliptical trainer have incorporated a 2° inward slope to the foot pedals to reduce strain on the ankles and knees. You can walk with the pedals level, of course, but the adjustable option is another cool bonus.

As you can see from the list of specs, there are dozens of features consumers love about the Spirit XE 550, especially the trainer’s HR autopilot, the smooth elliptical glide action and moving handlebars that let you pump your arms to mimic a cross-country skiing motion.

Our Thoughts

While we would like to see an adjustable incline, that’s about the only thing to fault about this $1700 machine. The Spirit XE 550 is a strong performer with a nice, fluid, quiet motion, and it offers a higher user weight limit (400 lbs) than we’ve seen on many machines in this price range.

The elliptical trainer’s flywheel is heavy (30 lbs) and the 20 resistance levels will give even the more advanced athlete a challenging workout.

If you’re willing to spend $1700 on a machine and you can do without an incline ramp at this price range, then the Spirit XE550 elliptical trainer may be the right choice for you.

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