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For most homes the NordicTrack AirGlide 16 is the cross trainer to buy: a 48.3 cm stride, 26 levels, an incline ramp and a 10-year frame warranty. Taller users and anyone who wants a longer, adjustable stride should look at the NordicTrack X16. Users over 136 kg should look at the Life Fitness E1 Go, rated for 181 kg.
Our picks
- 1Best overall
NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical
48.3 cm auto-adjustable stride, 26 levels, a -5 to 15 degree incline and a 16-inch tilting touchscreen. Sold by NordicTrack in the UK, Australia and the US.
- 2Best for a long stride
NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
An auto-adjustable stride up to 81.3 cm, a -10% to 10% ramp and a 170 kg user limit, the highest of the NordicTrack picks.
- 3Best for heavier users
Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Go Console
Rated for 181 kg with a fixed 51 cm stride and 20 levels. A simple Go console with no subscription. Sold in Australia and the US.
| Model | NordicTrackNordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical | NordicTrackNordicTrack X16 Elliptical | Life FitnessLife Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Go Console |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stride | 48.3 cm | 81.3 cm | 51 cm |
| Levels | 26 | 26 | 20 |
| Max user | 136 kg | 170 kg | 181 kg |
| Length | 178.3 cm | 148.6 cm | 209 cm |
| Height | 171.2 cm | 188 cm | 150 cm |
How to choose a cross trainer
- Stride length. This is how far the pedals travel front to back. The picks run from 48.3 cm (NordicTrack AirGlide 16) to 81.3 cm (NordicTrack X16, adjustable). A short stride can feel choppy for tall users, so if you are tall, favour 45 cm and up.
- Resistance levels. More levels means finer steps, not a harder top end. The picks offer 20 to 26.
- Flywheel weight. A heavier flywheel usually feels smoother, but NordicTrack and Life Fitness do not publish one for these models.
- User limit. A safety rating. It runs from 136 kg (NordicTrack AirGlide 16) to 181 kg (Life Fitness E1).
- Footprint and height. Cross trainers are tall. The X16 stands 188 cm and the AirGlide 16 171.2 cm before you step on, so check the ceiling against your own height plus the highest pedal position.
- Screens. The NordicTrack models run iFIT classes; a paid plan unlocks trainer-controlled resistance. The Life Fitness E1 Go has a basic console and no wireless connection.
NordicTrack AirGlide 16: best overall
The AirGlide 16 has a 48.3 cm auto-adjustable stride, 26 digital levels and a ramp that moves from -5 to 15 degrees. It has a 16-inch tilting touchscreen for iFIT, holds users up to 136 kg and measures 178.3 cm long, 62.5 cm wide and 171.2 cm tall. NordicTrack gives it a 10-year frame and 2-year parts warranty.
Pros
- Auto-adjustable 48.3 cm stride
- Incline and decline ramp for variety
- 10-year frame warranty
- Sold by NordicTrack in the UK, Australia and the US
Cons
- 136 kg user limit
- Trainer-controlled resistance needs paid iFIT
- NordicTrack does not publish the flywheel weight
NordicTrack X16: best for a long stride
The X16 is for users who want a longer stride or more incline. NordicTrack lists an auto-adjustable stride up to 81.3 cm, 26 levels and a -10% to 10% ramp, with a 170 kg user limit. It is shorter than the AirGlide at 148.6 cm long but taller at 188 cm, which matters in rooms with low ceilings. It has a higher list price than the AirGlide 16 in every market where both are sold.
Pros
- Longest stride of the picks
- 170 kg user limit
- Shortest footprint of the NordicTrack picks at 148.6 cm
Cons
- 188 cm tall, so check your ceiling
- Highest list price of the picks
- 131 kg boxed, so plan the delivery
Life Fitness E1 Go: best for heavier users
Life Fitness makes commercial gym equipment, and the E1 is its home cross trainer. The Go console version has 20 resistance levels, a fixed 51 cm stride, contact heart-rate sensors and no wireless link. It holds users up to 181 kg, weighs 96 kg and measures 209 x 77 x 150 cm. Life Fitness Australia gives it a 3-year warranty and charges freight separately.
Pros
- 181 kg user limit, the highest here
- No subscription or app needed
- Lower standing height (150 cm) than the NordicTrack picks
Cons
- Fixed stride, no incline
- 209 cm long, the longest pick
- Freight is extra in Australia
What is the difference between a cross trainer and an elliptical?
Nothing. Cross trainer is the usual name in Australia and the UK; elliptical is the usual name in the US.
What stride length do I need?
Makers rarely publish a height-to-stride chart, so use the numbers as a guide: the Australian picks run from 48.3 cm to 81.3 cm. Taller users usually prefer 45 cm or more. An auto-adjustable stride, as on the NordicTrack models, changes with your movement.
What is the best cross trainer for a small space?
The NordicTrack X16 is the shortest of the Australian picks at 148.6 cm long, but it is 74.9 cm wide and 188 cm tall, so check your ceiling. The AirGlide 16 is longer at 178.3 cm but lower at 171.2 cm.
Do I need an iFIT subscription?
Not to use the machine. You can set the resistance by hand. A paid iFIT plan adds trainer-led classes on the NordicTrack models that change the resistance and incline for you. The Life Fitness E1 Go has no app at all.
Why are there no cheaper cross trainers for Australia?
We only list models where we could check the maker's own specs and Australian price. The Australian picks here are all premium-priced. We will add more Australian models once their maker pages can be verified.
How we chose
We have not tested these machines. We compared the makers' published stride lengths, resistance levels, user limits, dimensions, warranties and list prices in each country, and kept only models the maker sells new in that market. Where a maker does not publish a figure, such as flywheel weight, we leave it blank.
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