Epic is just yet another brand name created by Icon Health & Fitness which also includes Nordictrack, ProForm, Weider, and Healthrider to name a few.Essentially the Epic EL 1200 is the top-of-the line ProForm.They gave it a new brand because they realize the ProForm brand represents the lower end of the elliptical trainer market.Having previously had a 7-yo top of the line Nordictrack Elliptical, I can vouch (so far) that this machine is indeed pseudo-commercial quality and I would say is on par with the construction quality of ellipticals costing nearly twice as much.The question is, will it last, which is yet to be seen.It's really beefy and HUGE.This is in part because it has a motorized adjustable ramp to adjust the incline to turn from an elliptical trainer into almost a stair climber.Note that the motorized ramp is patented technology licensed from none other than Precor.Precor is widely acknowledged as the king of the commercial/health club quality elliptical machines and the Precor cost upwards of $3K or more!
We did have a problem with the machine initialy in that during assembly at the factory a hole that was drilled hit some wiring causing the resitance function to not work.Being a brand new model from a huge company like Icon that builds all their stuff in China, this is not entirely surprising to me given that I got the very first production run, Version A, model from Costco (last one,floor model - Costco no longer carries it - got a STEAL of a deal).I'm ICON has worked out any assembly glitches since then.
The machine is extremely smooth and as I said, BEEFY.WAY better engineered than our old Nordictrack.Huge bolts, lots of bearings, etc. It does truly feel like a commercial quality machine.Because of the adjustable ramp, the flywheel has to go in back which makes this machine have a very long footprint, much longer than machines with the flywheel in front (like Sole) so if you have space issues, this probably wouldn't be a good choice.The length is 7-1/2 feet long!
It has all the basic functions on the control panel and they all work well.You can even program your own custom workouts.The only feature missing you see on some higher end models is the ability for the machine to alter the resistance automatically based on your heart rate.However from what I understand the Healthrider Accurate wireless health monitor is compatible with this machine so you can at least get wireless heart rate readings.
As with all these machines, it is the long term performance that is important.It only comes with a 90-day warranty which makes no sense considering they created the Epic brand just for the machine apparently to reflect its higher quality but they give it the same warranty as their lower end machines?This may refelect their uncertainty how this brand new machine will perform over the long-term.The 4-year extended warranty though was only like $130 if I recall, so it baffled me why this higher end, 'commercial quality' machine doesn't come with at least a one year warranty.The 90-day is going to scare a lot of people off looking for a high-quality machine I think.
In using it a while and looking it over, it definitely is the most commercial-like quality machine I've seen come from Icon (ProForm, Nordictrack) so far, but it isn't a Precor.There's alot of cheap flimsy plastic parts covering the components.They look fine though and are common on most machines. It does have a decent 18" stride length and oversized foot rests with this grippy gelmaterial.
I researched these machines a lot.Bottom line, if you want an adjustable incline and don't have $3K to spend for a Precor, this is the ticket.If you don't need the adjustable incline, go with the Sole E25 or E35 for $200-$500 more and get an even higher quality machine with a smaller footprint.I think Sole is the best overall value consider their quality, but this is a close second and a first for value if you want adjustable incline.Be sure to get the 4-year warranty extention if you do by one, then you can rest assured you are covered.
Product Description
ProForm Epic 1200 Pro EllipticalStop trouble spots with Quick Target Toning. With the touch of a button select the trouble spot, buns, thighs, back of legs, hips etc, and let the elliptical do the rest. The Power Incline Ramp automatically configures to the right position and the sophisticated resistance mech controls your resistance throughout your entire workout to focus on your selected trouble spot.
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