Diamondback 500Er Elliptical Trainer Review
Diamondback's award-winning 500Er is a compact and comfortable elliptical exercise machine that offers a good full body workout, without taking up a ton of space in your home. Diamondback is known for the quality of their elliptical machines, with precision attention to build quality and durability. The motion of the elliptical is smooth and easy, and you can challenge yourself to work as hard (or not) as you want to.
Diamondback 500Er Features
This rear-drive elliptical has been a best-seller for Diamondback, and it's not hard to see why. Unlike many other elliptical trainers, the frame is exposed, not covered in plastic, and connected with cast alloy. It's a solidly built machine that is made for performance, so you can get a gym-quality workout in the comfort of your own home.
At just 72" long, it takes up less space than other models in this price range. And at a mere 160 lbs, it's easy to move around where you want it with the transport wheel. Despite the light weight, however, it can handle up to 300 lbs, though you may want to test this out beforehand to make sure. It is very sturdy, but a more appropriate top weight may be closer to 280 lbs for regular use.
The foot pedals are very comfortable, with foam to help absorb any impact. They are wide as well, so you can adjust your foot positioning to the most comfortable level for you.
The console is decent, and you can adjust the viewing angle... a feature not often found on ellipticals in this price range. You get all of the feedback you'd expect, such as calories burned, intensity level, time, distance and such. If you like to challenge yourself with different programs, you can do this easily. The Diamondback 500Ef has unlimited user programs, plus hill climbs, target heart rate programs, fat burning intervals and a custom trainer program. The heart rate monitoring is done via grips on the handlebars.
Value for Money
This elliptical is Diamondback's lowest price point, usually retailing for around $1,200. The warranty is decent as well. You get limited lifetime coverage on the frame and the brake, and three years on the electronics and parts. Because the warranty on labor is only one year and the wear items is only ninety days, extended coverage is recommended.
Bottom Line
If you want a durable exercise machine that you'll be using for several years, the Diamondback 500Er elliptical trainer is a good choice. If you want a few more bells and whistles, then you may want to look at their 900Er or the most recent 1260Ef models. But for a really good, basic elliptical machine, this model is a solid performer.
Find out more about the full range of Diamondback elliptical trainers
