By Paul Jewell

Differences in Equipment

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the difference between the box store brand and the grade A stuff?” Today we’re going to talk about some of the differences in 3 categories of equipment: residential, light commercial, and commercial.

Residential

  • Built to be used inside the home for no more than 90 total hours of use in its lifetime.

  • The frame is generally built with steel that is not very strong. If your frame is not strong, your elliptical likely isn’t built to with stand a lot of pressure for a long period of time.

  • The resistance system is likely friction based. And like anything that involves friction, the two opposing objects are going to wear with time.

  • In most cases, this equipment uses bushings. Bushings, when pressure is applied, run a high risk of warping and then not working correctly. For more info on bushings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushing_(bearing)#Bushing

  • Warranties. Most manufactures will back this product with short warranty, and may only carry parts for up to 90 days.

Light Commercial

  • Built to be used inside the home for 4 hours a day for more than 10 years.

  • The frame is generally built with steel significantly stronger than residential units. Built to take a beating.

  • The resistance system is probably composed of a magnet. Using a magnet means there is no friction, leading to less wear and tear.

  • This equipment will probably use a sealed ball bearing system. The use of ball bearings insures that there is a smooth, frictionless motion within the components of your unit, leading to less wear and tear.

  • Warranties. Most manufactures will back this product with a lifetime frame warranty, and quite often a 5-10 year parts warranty and will carry the parts for a longer period of time (in most cases over 10 years).

Commercial

  • Built to be used 10 or more hours every day for more than 10 years

  • The frame is built with the strongest steel out there.

  • The resistance system probably uses some form of magnetic technology.

  • Again, uses a sealed ball bearing system.

  • Warranties. Most manufactures will back this product with a standard commercial warranty.

HAPPY HUNTING