Octane Fitness Q35 Elliptical Cross Trainer

Pros: awesome feel, sturdy, great body/feet positioning, decent electronics.
Cons: pricey, we got a lemon our first model.

NOTE: this review is for the Q35e version (enhanced electronics and remote heart monitor). The Q35 is exactly the same mechanically. After spending the past 10 years going to the local gym 3-4 a week after work with my wife, we decided we'd rather ...

Pros: liquid-smooth motion, very natural stride and arm movement, very quiet, very durable, great overall workout
Cons: a bit expensive, the monitor is very basic, heart-rate monitor is chest strap only

I have been using my Octane Q35e for about 10 months now, and it is fabulous. I have been working out at home for several years, and have used 3 other ellipticals at home (all the lower-priced ones broke after 9-12 months of use). This machine is ...

Pros: This machine is the sturdiest elliptical trainer for the money that I found.
Cons: So far there is nothing about this machine that I could complain about.

I shopped extensively for a machine. I didn't want to spend over $2000 and yet wanted a machine that didn't wobble, that had a comfortable fit and that I felt would last a long time. This is the machine. It weighs around 250 pounds so when...

Pros: If feels natural, and is maintenance FREE. Best Elliptcal. PERIOD
Cons: It is very heavy, so make sure they deliver if for you. Heavy is good.

I have had my Octane 45E for over a year. My wife and I use almost daily and we have not had one problem with. We use to have a Pre-Cor, hands down the Octane has a more natural feeling to it. It has an auto stride adjust which makes it more like running. Also the width at which it puts your feet is more natural too. I was at first concerned before we bought it that we would have to do a lot of lubricating do to the fact of some reviews I read. Apparently those that wrote the review worked for Octane's competitor. I have had it for over a year and have done NO maintenance on it and it feels like the day they delivered it. I would pay 50% more for this elliptical. It is absolutely worth the money. It keeps me coming back to my workouts. It is fun and I lose myself in the workout. Before you buy an elliptical make sure you try the Octane. If not you are selling yourself short. Also my wife loves the Glute Blaster workout. I'm glad she does. It looks really nice.

Pros: Repair man prompt and courteous - all ten times
Cons: Machine does not hold up if you are a heavy user.

Purchased in December 2005 and have seen a repairman no less than 10 times. Machine started whisper quiet and smooth. 6 Months later it has loud movement sounds with rotation (could be heard on first floor - I work out in basement) and the one foot petal developed a wobble (side to side). Never were able to fix or diagnose - after all the repair work I gave up on having the machine restored to original performance. Big disappointment for a $2,100 unit. Expect this kind of performance out of department store brands. Used two out of every three days for 50 minutes each day (8-9 miles). Use a Stairmaster 4600 on alternate training days (every third). Q35 has does not stand up to a stout workout regimen.

Pros: Super work out and cardio
Cons: Poor quality of some components

Purchased Q35 model machine Nov 2004 and and appreciate the great work out offered by this machine. I have had to troubleshoot and replace the right wheel assemblies, then the right pedal lever and am now awaiting the chrome rail assembly. The problem is that it emits a loud grind/squeak noise from the right pedal rail area and the only part left to change is the rail assembly. Octane Q35 parts personnel have been supportive in quickly sending parts but you better be able to change them yourself, for the store Fitness Source in Pickering, Ontario is approx 100 miles away and they have no qualified techs to repair it. Hopefully the rail assembly will solve the problem and I will continue to enjoy its superior workout.

Pros: Personalized settings, heart rate strap, variety of workout modes
Cons: NONE!

We have had our Q35 for about six months now. It has been flawless. We decided to give up our costly gym membership and purchase this instead. I LOVE having a machine right here at home. We exercise on OUR schedule. I am finding I exercise just about every day because it is so easy! The machine itself has been completely reliable. In a few more months, it will be paid off and then we will be WAY ahead since we no longer have a gym membership to pay. Plus, when we bought it, the store had a special deal going where you got a free Bow Flex with the purchase of the Q35 so between the two machines, we get a great workout!

Pros: compact size, works upper and lower body
Cons: poor quality

I purchased this elliptical trainer due to its relative compact size and sturdy feel at the showroom. Within the first two weeks of purchasing it, it became inoperable and was replaced by another unit. The second unit now makes a big clunking noise after 6 months of light use (by the way, I only weigh 175 lbs). I would expect this poor quality from a machine costing less.

Pros: Quiet, stable, ease of use is great. Good for bad knees. Heart monitor A+++
Cons: I have not found anything negative about this machine.

I purchased this machine from 2nd Wind in Fargo,ND. after trying out several machines both higher and lower in price. This machine is very solid and quiet. It provides a good workout and is easy to use and quite comfortable. I have a very bad knee and the low impact of this machine doesn't bother my knee at all. I highly recommend this machine as a good quality elliptical machine.

Pros: Easy to get on. More natural stride. Stable. Good heal support.
Cons: Kind of pricey. Electronic display leaves a bit to be desired.

I just got one of these elliptical machines and I love it. It has the foot pads a little closer together than some other ellipticals which makes for a more natural stride. The stride is a little longer. The heal comes up on the back stroke making for a more stable ride. It is easy to get onto which is important for my 5'1" wife, but it also handles my 5'11" stride with ease. The sales person told me that a couple of former Life Fitness employees started this company. All they make is elliptical machines. I think they have a fine product.

Pros: Great features, small footprint, super-easy to use--very "home gym" friendly.
Cons: Really poor quality, despite the ISO certification

Got my Octane Jan 2004. Great features, small footprint, super-easy to use--we love it.

BUT...

We have already had two service calls, both of which essentially prevented us from using the machine.

The first problem prevented us from being able to adjust the resistance up/down. It took about 2 weeks to get the replacement part.

The second problem appears to be a mislocated belt, and as a result we are completely unable to move the pedals.

Updated 8/04

The QuickStart feature which allows you to save weight, intensity, and program settings for two different users is not working properly. The setting for the first user always overrides the settings for the second user. Sigh.

Pros: The footprint and stride.
Cons: falls apart quickly and cannot handle consistent usage.

Purchased this machine in 2005 and it clearly is not make for heavy usage.  I do 4 days a week and the electronics no longer work, it rattles, squeaks and wobbles.  For a machine that cost over $2,000 it is a real piece.

Pros: Comfortable. Natural positioning.
Cons: Squeaky, Rattles, Shakes, Clunks. Very poor quality product for the price.

Baught this machine thinking it was good quality. Tryed it out in the show room and it was amazing. Now I have it in my home and its junk. About a week after buying it i cleaned it and greased the rails with white lithium grease as per instructions. After only a couple of minutes the wheels squeal when using the machine. I thoroughly cleaned the rails to get rid of the thin layer of grease and the grease was the problem. So you cant grease the machine with what you are supposed to use. This machin was recommended by the guy at the store and I wish I had never purchased this machine.