It was curiosity at first sight. And love at first workout.
That’s the response I had after first seeing – and then trying out – the Cybex Arc Trainer at a client’s fitness center last year.
I was so impressed with the Cybex Arc Trainer that I decided to purchase one for my home gym.
After a false start with the home version of the machine (the 350A Home model, which I didn’t like – more about that after the jump), I upgraded to the top of the line Cybex Arc Trainer 630A (now the 750AT) – the same commercial grade equipment at the gym.
The Cybex Arc Trainer 630A is far and away my favorite cardio fitness equipment. Here’s my assessment of the Cybex Arc Trainer – and why I think it is the best elliptical trainer / cross trainer on the market.
What I Like:
- A great workout and not hard on the joints: The unique “reverse arc” motion moves your legs in a biomechanically correct pathway – reducing stress at your knee. The arc never places your toe behind your knee (when your toe moves behind your knee there is significantly more stress applied to your knee joint).
- Adjustable stride height: This is where the Cybex Arc Trainer really shines. With other elliptical trainers, your stride height remains fixed in the same position. With the Cybex Arc Trainer, the stride height – how high your knees come up as you stride – is adjustable. As Cybex describes: “At the lower incline levels, the ‘glide’ is a cross country skier. In the mid-range levels, the motion is a ‘stride’ (like an elliptical except with proper positioning). At the high levels, the ‘climb’ of a stepper or climber.” I like the variety this provides in my workouts, both physical and mental. Especially during the “Hill Profile” programmed workout.
- Natural movement of legs and arms: With the Arc Trainer, as your right leg moves forward, your right arm moves forward at the same time. This allows you to always maintain optimal posture during exercise, which virtually eliminates stress on your back. And it tracks similarly to the way your legs and arms move same side when running (which I prefer). With other cross trainers, your arms and legs move in opposite directions.
- Display: The digital display is easy to use and easy to read. The upper display shows distance, calories, calories/hour, METs, watts, strides per minute and heart rate; lower display shows time, incline and resistance level.
- Solid feel: everything about the fit and finish of the Cybex Arc Trainer is solid and well put together.
- Smooth ride: The Cybex Arc Trainer is the BMW of elliptical trainers.
- Self powered: does not require a power cord (one less tangle of power cord = simplicity).
- Wide cup holder: Accommodates even my relatively wide CamelBak bottle.
- Cybex employees: The employees I spoke with on the phone were helpful, friendly and professional. Particularly Bill Domineau, Vice President of Customer Service, who enabled me to do a paid upgrade from the 350A Home which I hated, to the 630A which I love. Dear Cybex, you have a winner with Bill!
What Could Be Better:
- Tray: the “magazine rack” lacks a good place to put your iPod, the shelf is too narrow. In an otherwise well designed high-end machine, this is an oversight, given that most of users have MP3 players.
- No cool down function: The Cybex Arc Trainer doesn’t have a cool down function. You can get around this by starting another 10 minute workout in Manual program, with low level and low incline. But on a high-end machine, I’d expect the work out programs would have the option for a cool down.
- Safety of children and pets: the way the hinged parts move, you MUST be 100% sure that children and pets are kept out of the room while you workout. This is not optional, this is otherwise potentially extremely dangerous. A child or pet investigating the machine while you exercise could be seriously injured or worse by the force of the moving parts near the base of the machine. While there is a warning sticker on the machine, I’d like to see Cybex engineers design a machine that has more safety space between the base and the moving parts.
After the jump:
- My mini-review of the Cybex Arc Trainer 350A Home
So what do YOU think? What’s your favorite exercise equipment? What do you like best about it?
My Mini-Review of the Cybex Arc Trainer 350A Home:
The 350A Home (now 360A Home) version of the Arc Trainer machine is not the same as the commercial version. Not even close. It’s sort of like the difference between a Chevy and a BMW. Both are cars and will get from point A to point B. But the BMW has the far superior ride.
While they look similar, there are many key differences between the home and commercial versions. At the time I purchased, Cybex marketing materials did not adequately explain the differences. So I’ll detail the differences here:
What I Didn’t Like:
- The control panel buttons look and feel cheap, like they are from a science fair kit.
- Resistance levels go from 1-20, but at maximum setting of 20, the resistance is merely 50% of the 630A model.
- Incline level of 1-10 on the 350A Home does not equate to incline level of 1-10 on the 630A (approximately 70% less stride height – this is a BIG difference, and IMO makes the 350A a non-starter.)
- The arms of the machine feel too far forward, causing you to lean in to reach them and taking you outside of the ideal position Cybex describes with the 630A.
- Not as smooth as the 630A.
- While doing a programmed workout that includes changes to incline, the display doesn’t show the incline number changing as the inclines changes (unlike the 630A model).
- Cupholder is too small.
- The unit I received came with backlevel firmware, and the wireless heartrate monitor did not work correctly.
- The unit I received had a backlevel manual.
- Set up issues: the arm bolt wouldn’t fit as intended, and as a result a service call by a technician was required; there was a loud vibration inside the motor housing, that required yet another service call by a technician.
What I liked:
- The tray is well-suited to place an iPod on it.
- Functional
- Less expensive than the 630A.
- Design looks good.
- Despite the things I didn’t like, it is still better than a standard elliptical trainer.
- While I’d prefer to never have to meet a service technician, the independent service technicians I met with outstanding. A+
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 65 comments }
Thanks for the review. I think, asfter reading your review that I owuld not purchase the home version or 350A as I had considered.
Not sure if the 650 price range is worth it though…:(
@Deb, thanks for stopping by and reading my blog.
I’d encourage you to find a local store that sells the 350A and try it out for yourself. Everyone is different, and perhaps it just wasn’t what I like, but could be what you and others like. It’s a good machine, just not the same as the 650, and you just have to know what the differences are going into the purchase.
And I’ve got to tell you: the 650 is more than worth the extra price! I am very happy with it.
At cap maison we have a few gim equipment and my cybex arc trainer model;425a is not working .serial number co4-17425a9044n2497 . There is no power on the display but power goes to the unit.
Any assistance will be greatley appreciated
Thank You
Popo
@popo – you’d have to contact Cybex about that! (But if you want to fly me to St. Lucia, I’d be glad to provide business consulting or coaching!)
Very helpful review. I would have got the 360a before I read your review. But on the 610a at my gym, I only get a good workout at 7+ incline. If you had to compare the 360a to the commercial models, what percentage of incline do you think you can achieve?
Also, do you know the difference between the 610a and the 630a? I think right now I’m leaning toward getting a used 610a – that is, assuming the 610a is as high quailty as the 630a. Maybe the 630 is the same as 610 but newer? Or the legs-only version? help?
Bryan
Comparing the incline for the 350A Home with the incline for the 630a commercial, here is what I found: Incline level of 1-10 on the 350A Home does not equate to incline level of 1-10 on the 630A (approximately 70% less stride height – this is a BIG difference, and IMO makes the 350A a non-starter.)
As far as comparisons between 610a and 630a. I think your best bet is to call Cybex and ask them, they should be a better source of info on that.
David i also am upgrading to the 750at the 350 was riddled with problems from day one .Bill is currently looking for a refurbished model for me,wondering what you had to pay to upgrade.
I purchased a 350A about 12 months ago but the retail store replaced it for free with a 360A 3 months into the purchase when a piece within the main mechanical unit broke. I’ve had the 360A for about 9 months now and I like it a lot. I have a treadmill and switch between the two. I’m a big guy and the 360A still works well with my extra weight. Its mostly steel (very little plastic) which is good and a bit unusual in a home unit. But the two foot pads have both recently cracked. They still work but I will now seek to replace them. Not sure why these foot pedals are plastic if the majority of the devise which takes the weight & stress is metal. But all-in-all, I recommend the 360A.
I’m looking into a used 610A. Any recommendations at to height clearance for this machine? That is to say with an 8 ft. ceiling height, is it enough room to use? Thanks for response.
Ok so don’t go w the 360A? I have a commercial treadmill the Nordictrack 9600 incline but I like the arc trainer to, I have no way to try out a home version we don’t have any stores anywhere remotely close to me! I love LOVE the arc trainer at the gym so smooth and the incline is awsome! I’m going to use this machine all the time lime my treadmill and don’t want it to feel flaky! I would
like to know if I like real quailty no crap what do u think?! Is the 360a just really cheesy?! Thank ya
Hey Amy, thanks for stopping by and reading my review. I really don’t have anything to add to my review, other than to answer your question by saying that if you love the arc trainer at the gym for being so smooth and the awesome incline, you might not like the 360a home version as much. It isn’t really cheesy, but it is clearly not in the same galaxy as the professional level arc trainer. I have used them both, and I wasn’t happy with the 360a home version. That doesn’t mean it is a bad product. And it doesn’t mean that everyone would be unhappy with it. “Your mileage may vary”, as they say. But it wasn’t or me. I LOVE the professional version of the Arc Trainer, and am delighted to own one! :)
Ok thanks! Im deff going to go w the the 630a! What’s the differnce between the 600 mods? Like the 610a total bod the 620a & the 630a?! Sorry I want to be sure to get a good one! I’m into the figure comps and that’s all I do is workout so I want to do it with the machine I use at the gym! It works me out perfect and if the home one isn’t exactly like that one I don’t really think I will like it either;) thanks
While I haven’t tried the 750AT, my gym has older models, one style with fixed straight handles (600?) and the other with curved handles that move (610?). I use the latter on virtually every visit, and it’s my favorite machine. It’s the only elliptical machine at the gym that I can use without any risk of bumping my knees, and the only one with adjustable incline.
I always do a 40-minute hill program, watch strides per minute, and keep track of total calories burned, aiming for more than 800. I check calories burned every 5 minutes to see how I’m progressing. An improvement I would like to see in the software would allow users to vary the incline and intensity in the hill program.
My second and third favorite cardio machines are the First Degree Fitness fluid rower and the upright Expresso bike. I hope you will try them out and write reviews. The First Degree rower has a more natural feel than the Concept 2 rower the gym used to have. The Expresso bike is the most natural stationary bike I have used, but unfortunately, the software needs work. The video display of the trail program is inconsistent with the resistances programmed. You may be pedaling uphill while the video is showing a downhill grade. They must have released it without any beta testing. I see from their website that the latest model, the S3, has different, more complex displays, so perhaps they have fixed the clunky video on the prior generation.
David, great review. Like the others, was considering the home version, but now want the commercial version, but ah, where to dig up the extra 3 grand. anyway, my quick question is – with no power cord, how does the digital display work? Where does that power come from? And if even that display is powered by people energy, does that mean if you stop moving, the display goes away?
Thanks. Mickey
Mickey, thanks for stopping by. Correct, no power cord. Your pedaling is what provides the power for the display. I never paid much attention to this, but I think it doesn’t just turn off the moment you stop pedaling, if I recall correctly, it continues to display for a bit. But again, I never paid much attention to this, so I might be wrong. If it is important to you, then you might want to check it out at a gym, or call Cybex, to confirm!
Excellent review and exactly the info i was looking for!
I WANT BUY A 350A HOME ARC TRAINER &750ARC PLEASE SUPPLY FOR RATE CONFORM
URGENTLY
Thanks a lot for the review! The reason I came here is because I tried the commercial grade one at the gym & wanted to purchase it thats before I knew the cost though.
What I liked about it is that it works you out yet it’s easy on your body.
What I mean by that is to lose 2 pounds a week, I aim for 500 cardio calories & I tried the treadmill & other machines but they were too”difficult & after 80 calories I was done & tired & unmotivated.
With this machine though, I can stay on there for an hour & burn my 500 calories in an hour.
David, since I can’t afford the professional one, what do you recommend for home usage? I feel like trying an ordinary elliptical is too much of a downgrade.
Would you recommend a gym grade elliptical or the home version of the cyber??
Thanks please REPLY: what home machine do u recommend?
It’s me again. One other question: What is the name of this machine. I can’t afford this brand the Cybex brand but am willing to look at other brands but its not exactly an elliptical or a strider, what is it called?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbtjCznrNXI&feature=related
Is that a good cheaper alternative or not? I really want this machine but can’t afford it! LOL!
Anyone tried that?
Great review. I was looking at the home version having used the 630 in the gym. If the 350A is nothing like that i’d prefer the 630. I’ve noticed some websites sell refurbished 630’s for around the same price as a new 350. Does anyone have any idea whether these are any good and worth the money?
Hi Dave!
Can you give me a COMPARISON of the Vision Fitness s7200hrt suspension elliptical vs the cybex 750A total body Arc Trainer?
Would this be comparable? But of course more affortable? Similar motion with arms that move like you are running on the Vision, vs arms that move with the same leg?
Thank you for a quick response!
Hi Joy! Thanks for stopping by and reading and commenting. I’m not familiar with the Vision Fitness s7200hrt so I really can’t compare them. If you learn more about it, please do post here and let us know!
David,
Great review! I was able to use an Arc 750AT at a gym while on a business trip and was really impressed. It provided a fantastic workout without any stress on my back and kness. After reading your review of thew 350 series, I will most likely not purchase one. Do you know anything about the 425 series “light commercial “model?
Thanks.
As a technician for Cybex I can answer a few questions posed here on the Arc Trainer. first, a few people asked the difference between 610 and 630 Arc models. these are visually identical, and the difference is that the 610 is a corded unit (it needs to be plugged into a wall outlet to work) and the 630 models are self-powered, which brings me to the second question, how does the self powered unit power up and stay on during the workout? the 630 and 750 models are equipped with a generator as part of the resistance brake, that generates power during periods whan the unit is in motion. for the times that the motion is not enough to maintain the console power, or at the review after the workout is complete, there is a battery incorporated into the unit that handles the power needs during these times. i hope this answers soe of your questions.
I want a commercial grade arc trainer and hoped you could tell me if used or remanufactured is a good way to go. Also, is the 630 a good way to go vs. the 750, to save money? Thank you so much for any comments you could offer.
Hello Leslie. I really don’t know the answers to those questions. Suggest calling Cybex and asking them!
David do you know the difference between the 630a and 750at (features)? I am looking to buy one but don’t know the difference between the two. I know that the 630 is the older version which has been replaced by the 750. I can get the 630 for much less money but would pay for the 750 if it is a superior machine. What do you recommend?
@Maryam, thanks for your comment and for stopping by my blog. I don’t know the difference between the 630a and 750at. Perhaps Ed from Cybex who posted in the comment above can answer that? Or – if you’re thinking about dropping this amount of $$$ on equipment – it might be worth a call directly to Cybex to ask them!
Hi,
I’m trying to decide between purchasing a 750at and a 750a; does anyone out there have any suggestions?
The 750A is a lower body Cross Trainer – 750AT is a total body cross trainer. Would definately recommend the 750AT Total Body.
I went through the same choice Maryam but for about the same price I ended up going with the 750at. My wife doesnt use the arms but I do. She can use it without the arms fine and I use it with them. If we had gotten the on without I would not have a choice. The unit is very quiet and also self powered. It also now has a built in two speed fan in the console which is a very nice addition. Also we purchased ours from a local store that had great sales going in several thousand off. Hope this helps we are loveing ours.
Hi,
I have looking for cybex arc trainers but none of the local stores in New York city sell them. I have only seen online sales. Is the 610a arc trainer better than purchasing the good quality ellipticals.
Thanks for confirming for me to stay away from the 350. Curious about the jump to the 750 and others mentioning the 610 and 630… what about the 425a? Anyone?
Dave, Wonder if you have seen or compared the Precor AMT 100i. I am trying to decide between the two. I realize there is a significant price difference but can’t really tell if they behave the same. Precor has AMT and Cybex Arc has the AST. thanks
Hi Barb, I haven’t compared the Cybex Arc Trainer with the Precor AMT 100i. The Precor has some good reviews on Amazon (
http://www.amazon.com/Precor-AMT100i-Experience-Adaptive-Trainer/dp/B0029KL2MO). But at $8,000, the Precor is more than I’d want to spend for my home gym. If you can do a head to head test at a gym, please let us know what you think of the two!
Dave
Was wondering what you thought of the Cybex 425A. We are tring to decide between the 425A and the 360A. The 750AT is a little out of our price range.
Hi,
Is it a good idea to buy Cybex 425A arc trainer directly from the Cybex company?, The only thing that concerned me, they are giving only 90days parts warranty and nothing else. I checked with the Gym Source, the authorized dealer of Cybex equipment and they said they don’t know much about the refurbished usint and they only sell the new ones.
There is roughtly 50% difference in the price between the new one at Gym Source and the refurbished unit offered by Cybex.
Can anybody suugest anything?, whether to go for it or not etc?
Thanks
Sri, thanks for stopping by and for commenting. I don’t know enough about refurb units sold by the manufacturer to answer your question. I tend to shy away from refurb equipment that has lots of moving parts and electronics that can fail. That doesn’t mean you should do same. Depends on your personal preferences for risk and spending.
I used an arc trainer at a gym for 3 years and loved it. Just wondering if anyone has bought one from a company that refurbishes previous gym owned machines. Half the money but all Cybex. Anyone have opinions or experiences to share?
I became familiar with Cybex 750A from my local YMCA. The 750A unit is now what I presently purchased for home use. I preferred the lower body model simply becuase I have a lot of physical limitations. This model has more options for the user then the total body model.
Before I tried cybex I could never effectively get a cardiovascular workout. All other cardio equipment that I’ve tried would result in less motivation to loose weight and ultimately failure to loose weight.
I can’t explain enough how the 750A model has helped me stay in shape.
This model has handle bars that are uniquely placed so that the user can support themselves in not just one but four different positions. Different positions based on what your physical limitations are and certainly preference. The user also burns more calories then any other cardio equipment I have tried. Because of this, it kept me motivated to continue trying to loose weight every day I use it.
I would definitely go with the commercial model if you are contemplating buying one for home use. This model can better handle every day use and has more programmable options. You won’t regret purchasing one, cause I know I couldn’t live without mine.
I purchased mine through an authorized dealer, which proved to be less cost then what the company sells it for on their website. I had no issues or concerns during the period that I purchased this model. I would definitely encourage others to use this wonderful piece of equipment.
Tawnya, thanks for stopping by and for your very informative comment. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your 750A unit. I like my Cybex Arc Trainer, too!!
Hi David,
Thank you for your reviews and information. I am in the process of trying to purchase a 750AT and really just want some validation that I am on the right track! We live in a rural area and it is hard for me to get to a gym, but I have used the Cybex Arc Trainer in hotel gyms and on trips and fell in love with what it can do. I am assuming the model I have used would be what you have in your home–the 630. I have checked on several refurbished units, but am shy about going this route, as well as one demo, which is a little more appealing and cheaper with less warranty and no set-up. The 750AT has now been replaced with the 770, so I am considering a new 750AT because it is less costly. Would you think that the 425A would compare more closely to the 360? It has a smaller footprint which appeals to me space-wise, but I don’t like the looks of it as I think it would not have the commercial “feel” of the 750AT. I also read from Tawnya that the 750A has more programming options, but I was planning to go with the AT because it is what I have used and I am thinking it would overall offer more versatility? I can fit either in my space, so I guess I am just wanting some assurance before I make this purchase that you still love your unit and have been satisfied with your purchase from Cybex. I am talking to Cybex and they tell me that they will deliver and set up and make sure it is working properly, plus although it is a bit more expensive I will be getting a new unit with 3 extra years of parts warranty (over the demo unit from another seller) and that will give me piece of mind. Thanks for any thoughts. I am planning to try to seal the deal on Monday!
Hey Kristi, thanks for stopping by. Happy to hear that you will be getting an Arc Trainer. I have the Cybex Arc Trainer 630A. To answer your questions, I still love it and have been satisfied with my purchase from Cybex. I am not familiar with the other models, so I really can’t provide advice about them. But I do love my 630A! If you fell in love with the commercial grade equipment at hotel gyms, then I have to think you can’t go too wrong with equivalent or better commercial grade equipment for your home gym (if you have the money and the space for it). My best advice: get what you know you love. And then use it! And enjoy it! Do stop by after you get it and let me know how you like it. Post some photos, too! – David
Thank you, David, I will try to post pics and let you know how it goes. Also, I just read over my previous post and I am hoping it will give me “peace” of mind to purchase directly from Cybex! Haha. I am truly excited about having such a versatile piece of equipment in my home. Thanks again. Kristi
You’re welcome! I bought mine direct from Cybex and have been favorably impressed with how they stand behind their product and take care of their customers. Good luck with it! Let us know how it all goes! Most important: use it regularly. And enjoy it!
I am ready to purchase a 770AT. I have some questions.
1. No Manual workout is listed on the Cybex website spec sheet. There is a manual workout listed on the 750AT spec sheet.
2. I was disappointed that the 750AT did not permanently display either the
incline or the resistance level. Does the 770AT have the same shortcoming?
Is there any Cybex display for the 770AT that permanently displays the incline and resistance?
3. What is the MSRP for the 770AT with the various displays?
4. Can the 770AT with the various displays be purchased through Amazon?
They seem to have very good prices. I am ready to place an order.
Paul, thanks for reading and for your comment. I don’t know the answers to your questions. Can I suggest calling Cybex customer service and asking them?
David, thank you so much for posting your review of the arc trainer.
I am >this< close to ordering the home edition but I just have to ask you this question… let's pretend you didn't have the money to buy the commercial model, would you keep the home version?
The reason I'm asking is, I fell in love with the arc trainer at my gym but (for me) it really doesn't make any sense to pay for the full membership ($1,200 a year) when all I do is use that machine (maybe a treadmill on occassions). I cannot justify spending more than $4K for a machine, even if it pays for itself in 5 years or so, I just don't have that kind of cash right now and I refuse to use my credit card, I just paid off my car and I don't want to pay interest again in my life. Ever.
So, do you think the 360A home model is a good investment at $3,500 delivered? Again, let's pretend the commercial model is not even an option. I wish I could go try it personally but that machine is not avaible anywhere near me.
I appreciate your time and input. Lucy.
Hello Lucy, thanks for stopping by to read and for your comment. Like you, I fell in love with the commercial arc trainer at the gym. And thinking that I’d save some money and get something almost as good, I got the home version. As you can tell from my review, I didn’t like the home version. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t like something, I’m not going to use it consistently. So for me, the home version wouldn’t be a good purchase.
I’d suggest only getting the home version if either:
a) you have tried it somewhere first, so you know exactly what you are getting;
-or-
b) you have a 100% money back guarantee in case you don’t like it and what to return it (be aware of shipping charges, which could be expensive if you need to pay for shipping to return it).
What do you think about that?
David, you make excellent points. I bought a couple of cheap excercise machines and yes, I never liked them enough to use them constantly so why spend any money on something I am not sure I am going to like let alone LOVE like the cybex at my gym. I’ll have to do more research and see if I can find a home version I can go try.
Thanks for replying so fast, for some reason I thought I was going to get an email confirming the comment and I forgot to check back until today.
Lucy.
Typo on previous submission correction:
I have an Octane Pro4700 and a Cybex 770AT next to each other in my home gym. I purchased both. They are different.
The Octane very realistically and comfortably duplicates a walking or running stride. There is no physical shock to your joints with either machine. Both are perfectly smooth. The inertia of the Octane is such that it does not ever stop in the middle of a stroke. The Cybex does.
Lengthening The Octane variable stride is an excellent duplication of running at various speeds. Increasing the length of the Cybex stride is a different experience. Try it to see if you like it.
CYBEX PROBLEMS
The Cybex display locks up. The motherboard was replaced. Still locked up. The 10 minute pause indicated in the manual is only 2 minutes. The hand held sensors for the heart rate work intermittently. Mostly not at all. The TV connectors do not connect to the Direct TV receiver connections. There is a display choice to lock the screen. If you inadvertently do it the machine is no longer operational.
The physical mechanism of the machine is near perfect. If I were to pick one machine I prefer the stride on the Octane.
Stacey Shephard in the Cybex sales department is the best. She is very patient, kind, and attentive to your needs. I cannot say the same for Bill Domineau their VP in charge of customer service. Mike their serviceman is excellent.
Although I enjoy both the Cybex 770AT and the Octane Pro4700, I have requested Cybex retrieve their machine and refund my purchase price.
The unreliability of the heart rate display, the lack of a realistic pause, and the display locking up are serious problems for me. The TV should be designed to work with Direct TV HD without the necessity of a signal degrading adaptor.
An extended pause would permit the user to answer their cell phone, rest or take a pit stop without losing the workout information. All machines should have an extended pause.
The 770AT is brand new and hopefully my criticisms will be addressed in the future.
The machine otherwise would receive an excellent rating equal to the Octane Pro4700. the Octane is considerably less expensive.
I will let you know if I receive a refund.
REPLY
David, Great blog! it’s been very informative. I have been using the 610a at the gym and love it. I have been a treadmill user for years and in the last couple have been having some knee issues so I knew it was time to try something with lower impact. This thing rocks!! I usually average about 5 miles a day and after 20 min on this thing I was dieing! What an awesome workout! I am considering buying a refurbished one. My question to you is have you had any issues with the unit being cordless. I know that it is self powered but I’ve heard that if you don’t use it regularly then the battery will drain and loose its power having to then be replaced. I know they make a corded option (to keep the battery charged) I myself workout several times a week but am wondering about when gone on vacations etc. Have you had any issue with this? I like the idea that I can place this machine anywhere. Thanks for any thoughts on this.
I LOVE the Cybex Arc Trainer. I used to use it at my old home gym, and boy did it give me a fantastic workout. Unfortunately none of the gyms in the Northern community I am in now have them :( People tell me to use the elliptical, but they just don’t understand that it’s nowhere near the same feel or workout intensity! I loved reading your review, but sadly the only way I could afford one was if I won the lottery lol.
David (and Lucy) I have been using these arc trainers at gyms for about 8 years and am now looking at purchasing one for my home. I have tried different models and have found that, as a short person (5′ 2″) the 750 models are not as comfortable, I feel as if I am stretching forward when using the arm movements and the stride is awkward. After trying the 350A at a local business, I realized that is the same model I have used in the past, and am most comfortable with. Because of the comments I have read here, I think I will purchase locally, as I will be better able to get repair service if needed. Internet purchases may be save money up front, but can be too difficult when there is a problem, as your blog comments have demonstrated. Thanks, this helped me to decide where to purchase from.
Victrola, glad to hear that this article and the reader comments were a useful resource for you. Good luck and enjoy your workouts! – de
Hi david
Thanks for the review, interesting read. I am looking to purchase an elliptical machine also. I have used the arc trainer in the gym & really liked it, however have been reading lots of great things about the octane4700. In your opinion what is the better machine for home use? My main requirements are calorie burn & protecting my knee joints as I suffer mild arthritis.
Thanks
AM
Hello, what about weight loss? I haven’t seen anyone comment on if they actually lose weight with this machine?
After purchasing the 350a I was getting it repaired from the start every 3 months. After 8 visits from several different repair companies I was left with a
non functioning piece of equipment. I feel the lemon law should have applied here. The company phone people were burned out rude people that really wanted to talk to a qualified repair person not the owner. I still believe in the machine and will probably purchase thecommercial model when I get the money.
This is a very helpful review. I have used the Precor 100i extensively at my local health club. It is a fantastic machine. Judging from the feedback on this site, I believe it is a very similar workout to the Arc Trainer. Like you all who want an Arc Trainer for home, I too want to get a Precor 100i for my home gym. Problem is they no longer make it. They have an “upgraded” model that costs $9’000 (!) shipped and installed. It also comes fully assembled which means its too wide to down my staircase. The 100i is more compact and would not have been a problem.
The retail equipment store I am working with will be getting the Cybex 6xx (not sure which model but I know it will be the 600 series). I will let you know how I like it compared to the Precor 100i. I can tell you though I love the Precor so the Arc Trainer has a tough act to follow. I will keep you posted.
Just tested the Cybex 610A Arc Trainer. It’s a very good workout but unfortunately it places stress on the knee joint. At high resistance levels the Cybex has a noticeably awkward feel. You cannot adjust your stride while working out – its set for you like it or not. I had knee surgery 35 years ago and it’s sensitive to the stress of running and even biking. I much prefer the Precor AMT to the Cybex Arc Trainer. The motion of the Precor is a more natural (IMHO) motion and easier on the joints. You can also adjust you stride, which you cannot do on the Cybex. I never have knee pain after using the Precor. The Precor gets my vote.
I was looking for a cheaper option than the Cybex 770AT but still wanted commercial quality. I ended up buying the new 525AT, which was about 3k cheaper than the 770AT. I am very satisfied with my purchase and would not hesitate to recommend it to anybody.
Compared the the 770AT, it has fewer programs (8) and it has straight handles instead of curved ones. Also , the unit needs to be plugged in the wall.
I just purchased a 630a Arc Trainer through a fitness equipment website. I am familar with these types of machines in the gym but is there anything special you are required to do if puttng the 630 in your home? If the 630a is self powered does it still require an outlet? If so will a standard outlet work? Thanks for any advice and thanks for the blog!
@CGran, thanks for your comment. If your Arc Trainer is self-powered, it does not require an outlet. At least that is the case with mine (no outlet needed, nothing to plug in since it is self-powered). Hope that helps! -de
i just bought a new cybex 350a from a charity for a ridiculous price of $300.00. i was stunned that they accepted my bid
i looked up reviews and found yours, and i think youre being a lil too hard on the machine. i mean comparing it o more expensive models? unfair
i know its not as good as the arc trainer i used at the gym i belong, but for the home i think its excellent
Comments on this entry are closed.