I did a research over dozen of distinct models and brands, and due to the solid design and the discounted price, I decided to buy Diamondback 500ER. It was a quite adventure since there was 0 feedback at the time not only from Amazon but also from other sites and also an email sent to Diamonback had never yield a reply.The first unit came from Amazon and the packaging was pretty beaten up. It took about 2.5hr by myself for the assembly. The unit looked awesome although it did not have powered(nor manual) inclination. Right on the first try out, a scratching noise came from inside the flywheel. There was nothing I could do since the noise came from the inside which was a factory preassembled. Called Amazon and asked for a replacement.
The second unit came,the box was much better. It took about 1.5hr for assembly. Zero noise and everything seemed perfect until I realized there was something wrong with the display.
The display turned off every 9 second and half of features on it(RPM, Distance, Watts, etc) did not work. I thought that it was bad display panel, so emailed Diamondback for a replacement panel but never received a reply as the same thing happened on the first try. After 2-3 days, called and within 2-3 attempts was able to talked the technician. He said it was not the display but the problem is with sensor in flywheel which does not recognized someone working on the machine. I was told a service technician is available in my area and would get a call back to setup the visit date. Waited 4 days and no call. I really got fed up with their service and called Amazon for the 2nd replacement. Received 3rd unit, and the box was really BADLY beaten up. I was afraid right from the beginning that something would might not work. Finished full assembly in an hr and there was again. Scrapping and Scratching noise from the flywheel. Called Amazon and they said they would take the unit out from their site. I need an ellipcatil and do not know which one to go for.
After 3 bad experiences, I still give 2 stars b/c I love the design and the quality of the materials used(and the price).
Here are my honest feedbacks about the unit and Diamondback:
Pro:
1) Design (really great design, looks compact, solid and stylish)
2) Price (current price is a steal)
3) Product Quality (top quality materials)
4) Simple Assembly (even the first assembly was not bad but after 3 times, I can do it less than 45 min)
Cons:
1) Packing (except for the sensor issue, I still think the noise from flywheel is due to shipping and handling of the unit and not from manufacturer)
2) Customer Service (sent 2 emails and still never received a reply. Still never received a call back with service date. There actually is only 1 guy working in tech support and he does not provide you much help)
Now, having moved to a larger place, I decided to buy this elliptical machine (heavily discounted as it is a model from a prior year). It cost me less than half of what I paid for the Schwinn in 2007 . There are more current versions of the Schwinn currently available. This for example: Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, which is cheaper than the one I had, but seem to be of similar, if not better quality.
The Diamondback Fitness 500er, is vastly superior to my previous elliptical machine in terms of build, smoothness or any other metric I can identify; particularly in terms of design & looks. It is also superior to every other machine I have tried myself, which cost less that a couple of grand. Why there are no other reviews of it I''m not sure.
The box it came in was a bit beat up, but everything was well packaged inside and there was no damage or scratching. There are not too many parts to put together. Once I managed to haul it upstairs (It really is a two person job, but I was impatient), it took me less than two hours to have everything assembled. I''d recommending taking your time and doing everything right.
A mat for this to stand on is unnecessary; it has four silicone ''feet'' (think of the stuff roller-blade wheels are made of), which elevate everything else an inch above the ground.
The machine is amazingly silent, unlike any other I have ever used, including the Precor or Life Fitness models I''ve used at the gym (which offer a superior workout, but cost ten times as much). Controls and programs are fairly standard, but nothing fancy; I like it that way. The heart rate monitor works, but I prefer having one on my wrist. The motion is smooth and silent. There is no variability or adjustment to stride length (which is ample), but it works fine for me and my wife; I weight over 250lbs, and she''s about half of that :-)
I''ve only had it for a few days, but the machine currently seems to be built like a rock, no squeaking or twisting. I''m fairly amazed how good it is and give it 5 enthusiastic stars. I''d happily pay twice of what I did.
Keep in mind that a more current model is now available: Diamondback Fitness 510Er Rear Drive Elliptical Trainer.
Buy Diamondback Fitness 500Er Rear Drive Elliptical Trainer Now
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