Nautilus E614 Elliptical Review

Elliptical machines: the most underrated piece of cardio equipment in the gym.

Better known as the cross trainer, elliptical machines are stationary machines that simulate actions like walking, running and stair climbing. The equipment differs from treadmills and stairmasters because it takes the pressure off your joints, making them ideal for those with injuries.

An elliptical workout provides a no-impact cardiovascular workout that’s easily customizable. Pre-set and custom programs allow users to work for things like a target heart rate or calorie burn. Targeting individual muscle groups is also a possibility by adjusting resistance and incline settings.

Elliptical machines receive a serious amount of criticism from serious gym goers who question whether the machine is nothing but an exercise in vanity. Those people are missing out on a quality cardiovascular workout. It’s true that using the machine incorrectly or choosing the wrong equipment renders the workout nearly worthless.

Home elliptical machines may fall into this category because they’re lighter and offer fewer features than the average commercial option. However, you’ll still find some excellent products available at each price point if you know where to look.

The Nautilus E614 Elliptical is a budget machine with a brand name that packs a punch. Paying less means making a few sacrifices, but these sacrifices mean more to some users than others. Is it the right machine for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Is the Nautilus E614 Elliptical

Nautilus is one of the most recognizable cardiovascular equipment brands out there. You won’t see these models in any gym because they’re designed almost exclusively for home gyms; you’ll need to navigate to the commercial side of the business if you’re looking for heavy-duty equipment.

Does the word Nautilus ring a bell but remain hard to place? Then, words “Chuck Norris” and “home gym” should jog your memory. Nautilus brings you a range of treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines in addition to being the parent company of Bowflex and other recognizable home gym brands.

The E614 Elliptical is Nautilus’s budget machine. It’s low on features, but it’s also a friendly price when compared to other home systems that cost upwards of $2,000.

What is the Nautilus E614 and is it your next home machine? Let’s start with the basics.

Specs

Before buying any home exercise equipment, make sure it’s going to fit in your home. Take measurements of the space you have in mind and then look at the measurements below to see if it’s a good fit:

• Height: 63.2 inches
• Length: 71.5 inches
• Width: 26.7 inches
• Weight:  167.3 pounds
• Stride Length: 20”
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

• LCD: DualTrack displays
• Programs: 22
• Resistance: 20 levels
• Flywheel: 18 pounds
• Incline: Manual (6 levels)

The Workout

Step onto the machine, and you’ll find two large footplates with some added cushion and dots to encourage grip. The footplates are flat and aren’t tilted in, so they’re not ergonomic like other models. Still, they function for the price range.

As you start moving, you’ll notice the stride. The stride length is 20”, and it’s not adjustable. A 20” stride length may be suitable for some people over 5 feet, 3 inches, but you may find that it’s too choppy. Instead, a 20” stride length is best suited for people over 5 feet, 7 inches to around 6 feet, 3 inches. Once you’re over 6 feet tall, you’ll want a 21” or a 22” and may find that a shorter stride cramps your style (and your legs).

If you don’t fall between 5 feet, 7 inches and 6 feet tall, you may find the workout to be uncomfortable. If you notice your movement seems wrong or you’re moving unnaturally, don’t continue using that stride length. Not only will you get little out of your workout, but it may encourage old injury flare-ups or even new injuries.

Once you’re striding, you’ll notice Nautilus’s Precision Path kicking in. The Precision Path keeps you aligned and moving in a straight line to avoid splaying your legs across the machine. Nautilus isn’t clear on what Precision Path is, but it does make the ride smoother, and you’ll notice a difference compared to some of the cheaper or older home machines where the glide function isn’t quite as focused.

To start the workout, you’ll select your user profile. It stores your height and weight as well as previous workout data so that you can keep track of your progress. If you don’t have a program in mind, use the Quick Start function to make up your workout as you go. Those who prefer more structure can choose from one of the 22 programs built into the screen including:

• Nine profile
• Two custom
• Two fitness
• Eight heart rate control
• One quick start program

As you move through the workout, the computer stores your data including:

• Time
• Level
• Heart Rate
• Calories
• Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

If you’ve chosen a heart rate workout, you’ll need to hold onto the heart rate grip pads throughout your workout. Nautilus doesn’t include a heart rate monitor strap with the machine.

Additional Features

The elliptical features in-console speakers that a port to plug an MP3 player or another media device.

There is a shelf built into the console for resting a phone or tablet on as well as a USB charging station. An adjustable fan is also built into the console.

Nautilus describes leaving a book or iPad on the media shelf, but we wouldn’t recommend it without some sort of strap or security system. The shelf is wide enough to hold these items, but it’s not deep enough to promise the peace of mind required to leave valuable glass electronics like an iPad on the machine during a workout.

​Assembly

Nautilus notes that assembly almost always requires two people. All instructions are provided in the full manual provided with the equipment. If you’ve lost your manual, download a spare from the Nautilus website.

In addition to the manual, Nautilus also includes the tools required to assemble the machine, but you’ll need your personal tools for some pieces. The average build seems to take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete depending on technical ability and whether there’s a pair of helping hands.

Some retailers offer assembly as part of the delivery package. Be wary of those who offer “free assembly”; it might be built into the price elsewhere.

​Warranty

The Nautilus E614 Elliptical comes standard with a 10-year warranty for the frame. Individual parts come with a two-year warranty, and the electronics feature a one-year warranty.

Labor includes only a 90-day warranty.

Nautilus is careful about noting that any consumer products aren’t designed for use in commercial settings. If you buy a product from the home range and put it in any gym or public place, Nautilus Inc. voids the product warranty.

​Who Is Nautilus?

​You may recognize Nautilus from your television screens. Nautilus and its child company Bowflex buy up screen time on daytime TV across the country attempting to sell the 14-Minute Miracle Workout.

One of the most difficult parts of buying Nautilus machines compared to other home elliptical machines is access. While many other brands sell heavy-duty commercial versions alongside lighter home machines, you’ll never see the Nautilus-branded machine in a gym or any other commercial setting in the brand’s home lineup.

Nautilus has earned multiple awards in the industry. Many of them are workplace awards for being a heart-healthy place to work. However, it’s also won some product awards including:

• ISPO Product of the Year Award 2017/2018
• German Design Award Special 2017
• Reddot Award Winner 2016 and 2015
• IDA Designs Awards Silver Winner 2015

​It’s not clear what means or brands under Nautilus Inc. received these awards.

How Does It Compare

Nautilus offers several other elliptical machines, but the three it focuses its energy on are the E624, E626, and E628.

Expect to see a large discrepancy in features between the E614 series and the machines in the 620s. Everything from the effective flywheel weight to the structure improves as you work your way up the product line.

The high-end machine, the E628, features more levels of resistance and more built-in workout programs for a more dynamic workout. They also feature a motorized incline so that you can switch it up during your workout rather than stopping, climbing off the machine, and fiddling with the manual adjustments as you do on the E614.

Other added features include additional user profiles and the inclusion of accessories like the heart strap. The E628 also offers a higher weight capacity, so heavier members of the household can use it comfortably.

Another important feature is the foot pedals. Whereas the E614 offers basic foot pedals, the design of the pedals on the high-end equipment meets ergonomic requirements for regular use or heavy training. These better support your feet and therefore better support your overall posture.

The E624 is far closer to the E614. It features the same articulating foot plats as found on the 614 and only offers a few more features like added programs.

Based on a comparison between other Nautilus products, the E614 is best for users who:

• Use a cross-trainer to supplement their workout
• Aren’t worried about toning with resistance
• Don’t have foot, ankle, knee, or hip injuries

What Do the Reviews Say?

Reviewers who bring home the Nautilus E614 tend to be realistic about their purchase. They’re not looking for a club elliptical, and they don’t judge the model based on those preconceptions.

The biggest thing to note from the reviews is the movement. Home ellipticals across the board are judged based on how much they rock during use; commercial machines stay virtually in place. Reviewers note that this machine features some movement, but that you can compensate for it. Most don’t recommend leaving electronics on the shelf unless you have a band in place.

Heavier buyers find that the maximum weight recommendation holds true, but that they’d have a better experience with a heavier model. While it has a rating of 300 pounds, anyone over 225 might have better luck with a heavier machine.

Because reviewers manage expectations, there are very few truly negative reviews of the machine. When these reviews do exist, they do tend to note that the washers and bolts on the machine break too often. It’s unclear what causes this issue because it could be the fault of Nautilus, the retailer, or poor assembly on their part.

As a final consideration, it’s repeatedly noted that you’ll need to maintain the machine carefully. Some retailers include lubrication in the box, and it’s important to apply it routinely. It will minimize the noise the machine makes and protect the rollers. Failing to care for the machine increases the wear and tear on the rollers significantly.

What We Think

Like many ellipticals in the under $1000 category, the Nautilus E614 works best for a certain type of user; though, it doesn’t necessarily discriminate. The 20” stride means it’s best for those between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 3 inches, and the structure works best for those up to 250 pounds, but it can accommodate up to 300 pounds.

The E614 is easier to assemble than other brands – as long as you follow the directions – and it provides a comprehensive workout for those who know how to use the trainer correctly. Considering the average trainer runs far over $1000, the E614 is a good buy with all the basic features needed to complete an excellent workout.

​Discounts

Discounts vary according to the price set by each online retailer. Amazon retailers tend to sell the product for far below the manufacturer price.