Epic E 950 Elliptical Trainer Review

Our Epic E 950 elliptical trainer review takes a look at an elliptical in the tough $1,000-$1,500 market – can it cut it?

Epic is yet another Icon Health and Fitness brand and as with the E 760 it is very similar to one or two Nordic Track ellipticals, one of Icon’s better known brands.

Epic ellipticals are reasonable machines, but as with several of the Icon brands are let down by short warranties, some cheap components and a no better than average build quality.

When you’re paying over $1,000 for an elliptical trainer you should expect a good quality performer that will last.

So let’s take a look in a bit more detail…

Epic E 950 Elliptical Trainer Review – Features

I always find that the more expensive rear drive machines tend to look more stable due to the layout of the machine and the normally longer footprint. The Epic E 950 looks at first sight like a solid, well built elliptical trainer.

However, once you step on the machine and take a closer look there are a few question marks for me.

The rear drive system features silent magnetic resistance (SMR), which is nothing like as smooth as the eddy current brake (ECB) drive system I now kind of expect on $1,000 plus ellipticals – at least on the better machines.

The resistance is electronically controlled at the touch of a button and you do get a generous 10 levels of resistance.

There are also two ‘learn programs’ that enable you to preset your resistance so the machine remembers your preferred resistance levels, saving you time as you don’t have to recall what you did last workout.

The 18″ stride length is adequate for most people and really enables you to get the most out of the elliptical movement. The stride length is also adjustable so you can personalise your stride pattern.

There’s also a power incline that adds variety and intensity to your workout. By raising the incline you alter the elliptical motion of each stride and stress your muscles in a different way – generating more of a stair- climbing movement.

Having said that, if you want to climb stairs, buy a stairclimber!

The frame is quite stable and feels more solidly built than the E 760, although there’s still a lot of plastic about.

As for the electronics, there’s a 5″ x 8″ LED matrix display console with two display windows, 12 personal training programs and a heart rate monitor that works via the handlebar grips.

There’s no iFit.com compatibilty, which is a popular feature on other Icon brands and something I would expect on the E 950 given its price.

Furthermore, the heart rate monitor isn’t wireless, a feature now more common than not on other ellipticals just over the $1,000 mark.

One of the major drawbacks with this brand that our Epic E 950 elliptical trainer review found is the short warranty – not uncommon with Icon brands.

Hardly a testament to the build quality and durability of their machines – despite the 350lb max user weight on the E 950!

I’ve also read a few reports of machines being delivered with some of the wrong components and also that customer service when trying to replace faulty components hasn’t been great. Although I doubt this is a problem exclusive to Epic or other Icon brands!

As to the price, whilst this model sells for $1,199.99, our Epic E 950 elliptical trainer review found it reduced to $999 at Amazon.

Epic E 950 Elliptical Trainer Review – The Bottom Line…

There are certainly some good and some not so good aspects to this elliptical and our Epic E 950 elliptical trainer review would struggle to rate this machine at much better than average.

As with the E 760, with a few improvements in the drive system and build quality it would be an option worth consideration.

For the money though, there are much better choices around – such as the Sole E25 or E35, or the Schwinn 438.

If you really want an Epic E 950, check out Amazon for the current price.