Octane would like you to believe that this elliptical is a viable alternative to the opening units of Lifefitness and Precor and in one respect they are right. The quality of construction is very similar. The problem is that when you are buying a Precor or Lifefitness unit, you are buying the experience and/or status of the unit as well as the machine itself. Through their company's history Precor and Lifefitness have earned their distinction, and therefore you are paying a premium for the name. Octane wants you to pay the premium without earning the distinction first.