Nautilus Elliptical Series

A nice elliptical machine, outstanding at this price. It was easy to assemble (i.e., it takes times, but it was not complicated). I found the visual instructions easy to follow—but you do need to follow them closely, to ensure you don’t miss any steps. No fancy touch screen, but that was not something we were looking for. We previously owned an Octane Q37 Elliptical Trainer (i.e., a more expensive, commercial quality machine), which we chose not to move across the country. In looking for a replacement, we wanted an elliptical that ideally offered an adjustable stride or at least the same stride (the Octane offered a 20.5" stride), offered similar stability (i.e., a heavy fly wheel and otherwise had enough weight to operate similarly to our Octane), but ideally at a lower price point. We first choose a Sole E95S – but Sole’s delivery process was a nightmare, with us cancelling the order after a month and no delivery. Given the numerous delivery issues with the Sole E95S and our favorable Amazon delivery experience, I decided to look for elliptical machines that Amazon sold and delivered. That is how I located the Nautilus e618 – something that we had not previously considered. I really liked the idea of the 22” stride on this elliptical (my husband is 6’3”, I am 5’7”), the 30lb flywheel for stability and quietness, but was a little hesitant with the price at roughly 50% of the price of the Sole E95S and 25% of the price of an Octane —but given favorable reviews on and off Amazon, that Amazon oversaw the delivery of this elliptical, and it could be returned if we did not like it —we made the purchase. Very glad we did! Added note: Amazon’s threshold deliver worked very well—the delivery people placed the large heavy box in our entry hallway, and I unboxed the parts and moved them to the desired room for assembly.

I am one to research my purchases thoroughly before I spend the dollars. I bought an Xterra 4500 treadmill last November, and although I researched it thoroughly, it was a mistake. So this time when I started researching Elliptical machines, I kept that in mind. But honestly, who doesn't know the name 'Nautilus' when it comes to work out equipment? So with all the comparisons, reviews and my price range, I settled on this one. It was between the E616, the Sole e25 and the Schwinn 470. Because of the price and features, I went with the E616. If I had extra dollars, I certainly would have gone for the Sole, but I did not feel that it or the Schwinn were worth the extra dollars. I have also read people here complaining that it is very difficult to put together. I will admit, I am very mechanically inclined, but, all you have to do is follow the pictures...if really isn't that difficult. I'm almost 59, and it was a piece of cake. I will advise to have two people only for the assistance of holding the neck and computer unit in place while you connect the wiring plugs. This was very important. Other then that, very easy. Make sure you have towels around LOTS of grease on the axle's and such. But that is a good thing. I completed my first 40+ minute workout this morning. Keep in mind that I normally run on my treadmill daily for 50 to 60 minutes. So when I did 40 on this one, OMG I think my leg muscles were going to explode! That is good however. I only used resistance settings 1-3 and up to a 20% incline. Amazing workout! Hope I can walk in a few hours. :) I also read some people are complaining about the fan. What? The fan is awesome. It works exactly as it should. As for the apps...IDK about that yet. I use my Samsung watch along with Samsung health on my phone....it works fine. I will dig into this further as well. As for the blue tooth connection not connecting for music play...well, whatever. I bought the machine because it is durable. Yes, they should update it as well, but if you really want that, then get a Bluetooth adapter such as I use and it works great! That's it for now. I will update it as time goes on. I truly do hope that this machine is trouble free and lasts a long time (unlike my Xterra 4500). So at this point I can and do recommend it. Time will tell though.... Update: Now that I have used it numerous times, I am still thrilled by it! It is stable, strong and just a complete joy to use. The speakers even sound good! I have a SONRU Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver that I move between this and the treadmill. Works flawlessly. I still can't believe people are complaining about the fan. No, it will not blow your hair backwards, but it does supply an ample amount of air to help cool you off. I also started using the programs on it, and again, they are great! I especially enjoy the incline portion of it when used during selected programs. As for the measurements....I use my watch and phone, Google and Samsung Health, so I can't really comment about the accuracy of the distance and calories...I don't really care tbh. I also like the fact that you can create user profiles as well. I have one for each of my family members, and it works great. Someone wrote 'toe cruncher'. I will admit that my feet do slide a bit...but I have some 3M Safety-Walk Slip Resistant Tape coming today for that. So that should stop my shoes from moving at all. Honestly though, to myself, it isn't that big of a deal. Again, I think this thing is amazing! I will continue to post as time goes on. Still recommend. 4 month Update: Unit is still going strong with no issues. I use it around 3 times a week, give or take. There is a bit of a small 'popping' sounds that comes from the right foot pedal, and it is only at times, not constant. I think that has to do more with my weight and the foot pad more than anything else, as it doesn't do this with my wife or teenage daughter. I absolutely love the programming on it, very easy and quick to use. It is smooth, and I have had ZERO problems out of it. The fan works great, and helps to keep me cool. I also like the auto 'sleep' mode on it if left unused for a bit. Putting 3M non slip tape on the foot placements did stop my feet from sliding. Easy and inexpensive fix. Honestly, as long as you keep the tracks clean and oiled, I don't see how anyone could complain about this unit. Quite the workout from it. I still HIGHLY recommend it! 6 month update: This unit gets used about 2-3 times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. It is a very rewarding but intense workout. I absolutely enjoy the programing portion of it...super easy to use. However, I have noticed that when I speed up, the right lower rollers come off of the track a bit. This is a bit scary at times. So I was cleaning it last night, and noticed that the inside roller on the right side does not touch the track at all when at rest. It is displaying wear on it quite a bit. So, today I will be contacting the company for warranty work, and lets see if they will send me a new roller or not. I will post the results with a follow up to this review. Still, over all I love this machine and it rewards you quite well if you stick with it. I tried twice last week to call the company. Never got hold of any one. 'Your wait time is 15 minutes...then again 15 minutes....then 45 minutes.' Never spoke with anyone else. I will try one more time this week. Not looking very good for customer service/warranty work.

I was surprised when this 240lbs package was delivered in a huge box and dropped off at my garage. Opening it I expected it to be mostly assembled-wrong! It takes about 1 hour just to unpack the machine and about 2.5 to 3 hrs to assemble it. I am very handy so I was up for the task but the parts are very heavy so be aware of this before ordering. The machine is nice and operates very well. It’s quiet and offers a fluid operation. One downside is that it does not really have Bluetooth except to connect to the nautilus app.