Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review

How long will the Horizon EX-59 last?

Saying a cheaper elliptical like the EX-59 is going to last long is like saying those thick Chinet paper plates you pull out for Turkey Day are going to last longer than those ruffled paper ones. At the end of the day, you are still left with just a paper plate. With that said, the EX-59 is one of the better cheap ellipticals and should prove to have a stronger build than most in this price category. We would recommend this elliptical for a lighter user who only works out for short bursts a few times a week and will take really good care of their machine.Even still we do see a few not so great with the EX-59. Lacks an adjustable stride. Appears to be an exclusive trainer for users 5'7" tall or shorter. This drawback is already expected considering the price of EX-59. Johnson had to cut some corners to hit their price point and has limited the stride of the EX-59 at an average 18 inches length. If you are very sensitive about the length of your stride, you can find many trainers out there that offer up to 20" adjustable stride around the same price. With the same basic design as the LiveStrong front-drive ellipticals, the EX-59 has done its homework and has managed to offer consumers a bargain with some quality compromises. The only drawbacks are the lack of an adjustable stride or adjustable ramp and the louder drive system, which are not so significant considering the price.

Brief Overview

We do not often recommend cheaper machines because they do not offer much quality in the long run. But we understand budgets are budgets and maybe you do not need a super-strong machine. If so, then the Horizon EX-59 might be a decent choice for you. We like that Horizon has included so much quality despite the price tag. Accordingly, we have placed the Horizon EX-59 elliptical in our Third Place 2021 Best Buy spot for the $400 to $699 range.

Overall Quality

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is one of those machines that fit its price point. You get a great build with a solid quality machine, but it lacks an adjustable stride and offers only 10 levels of resistance. This machine is a step-up of the former Horizon Fitness EX57 trainer. The EX57 is an acceptable machine with a solid build and design and has impressed a lot of consumers during its release a few months before the EX-59. If you're a fan of the EX57, we encourage you to add a bit more to your budget and get the EX-59. Rock-solid quality and dependable construction. The manufacturer of this trainer is none other than Johnson, which is widely known to sell as many quality items as they can after hitting the low-price points. Sitting at $599, the EX-59 clearly reflects the rock-solid quality of design and construction produced by Johnson at a bargain price. Horizon has also improved the EX-59’s warranty over the years while decreasing the price tag which is a welcome change.

History

In the past, we have complemented the Horizon EX-59 for offering lots of quality for the money. We even made it one of our Top 10 ellipticals in 2017 and our Best Buy 2014 Second Runner Up in the $699 and under category. We have said that the EX-59 is notable with a pretty average machine with acceptable quality at a very reasonable price.

Conclusion

Overall, Horizon has done a good job offering a lot of value for a small price tag. The EX-59 does not offer everything, but it does offer a lot of quality when you consider the price tag. Thus, we have put the Horizon EX-59 elliptical in our Third Place 2021 Best Buy position for the $400 to $699 range.