Quick Summary
The Nautilus E618 Elliptical has the heaviest drive and longest stride of its series. Powered with a 30-pound front drive, it can serve all ability levels — but built with a long footpath, it’s best for trainees who aren’t so small. Other key specs include 29 training programs, wireless heart rate monitoring, and a Bluetooth connection for seamless data sharing. Read on for a complete E618 Elliptical review.
Specifications
| Model | Nautilus E618 |
| Rating |  88.1% |
| List Price | 1299 |
| Best Price | $1129 |
| Resistance | 25 Levels |
| Resistance Type | Eddy Current Braking |
| Stride Length | 22 inches |
| Pedals | Bi-Directional |
| Incline | Up to 15 degrees |
| Flywheel | Standard |
| Programs | 30 |
| User Profiles | n/a |
| Heart Rate | Pulse Grips & Wireless Chest Strap (4 Programs) |
| Display | Backlit Blue LCD |
| Max. Weight | 350 lbs |
| Dimensions | 52" x 33" x 22" Weight: 210 lbs |
| Upper Body |  |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Speakers |  |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Folding? | |
| Quick Controls | |
| Warranty | Frame: 15 Years Mechanical: 3 Years Electronics: 3 Years Labor: 1 Year |
Rating:
Our Rating
Rating: 88.1/100. Nautilus introduced the E618 ($1299) as the top Performance Series elliptical in late 2016. Nautilus markets their Performance Series as equipment for athletes who “achieve at a higher level,” and that’s a fair description for this particular elliptical trainer. Most important is the resistance system, which includes a 30-pound flywheel. That’s at least five pounds heavier than those for most ellipticals under $1500. The extra weight makes the E618 move more smoothly and lets athletes reach higher levels of fitness.
When comparing ellipticals, also note that the Nautilus Performance Series appeals especially to data-oriented exercisers. The E618 Elliptical is packaged with a wireless heart rate monitor, supports multiple user profiles, and has a Bluetooth connection for seamless sharing of workout stats.
Also critical to consider is the stride length, which is 22” and a bit longer than the average person’s natural footpath.
Pros:
- Four user profiles
- 22” stride
- 30-pound flywheel
- 25 resistance settings
- Cushioned pedals
- Media shelf at top of console
- Speakers
- Cooling fan
- Built-in tracking app
- Bluetooth enabled for wireless stats sharing
- 29 workout apps
- Adjustable angle for data windows
- Angled footplates for good ergonomics and workout variation
- Incline power ramp up to 15%
- Multi-grip handlebars to diversify upper-body exercise
- Wireless heart rate receiver and chest strap
- Speed and resistance controls built into handgrips
- Water bottle holder and towel rack
- Dual rollers to promote machine longevity
- Long warranty on parts/electronics
Cons:
- 22” stride is too long for smaller trainees
- When we compare similar front drive and rear drive ellipticals, generally the front drive elliptical will need more maintenance and the rear drive elliptical will have a higher price
Introduction
The Nautilus E618 Elliptical is a front drive cross trainer for all skill levels. It’s the most advanced model in its series and hit the market in late 2016. The key performance specs are a 22” stride and a 30-pound flywheel. (Cheaper models in the Nautilus lineup have shorter strides and lighter drives.) The console holds 29 training programs, supports up to four user profiles, and can export workout data to mobile apps. This machine carries a standard five-year parts/electronics warranty, which is very competitive for a $1299 trainer, and extended warranties are available. Here are details about the workout programs and other features.
Workout Programs
The E618 console can hold 29 training programs that control the resistance, incline and duration of training. It lets each user profile save customized routines, and it arrives with more than two dozen preset options in categories such as weight management, heart rate and interval training.
Exercise data can be stored long-term with the console’s built-in Nautilus app. With Bluetooth the data can be exported to third party fitness apps such as Google Fit and Apple Health.
Nautilus E618 Elliptical Features
The E618 is a front drive elliptical. With the flywheel housed up front, it demands less space in comparison with a rear drive elliptical. Its footprint measures about 73” long and 27” wide.
A highlight of this cross trainer is its 30-pound drive. It supports smooth striding for trainees of any size (maximum 350 pounds), and the resistance can be precisely calibrated with a choice of 25 settings. The resistance is controlled magnetically, so braking is friction-free and virtually silent.
This cross trainer has moving handlebars to increase calorie burn and sculpt the upper body. The handlebars are shaped to accept more than one gripping position for workout diversity.
For lower-body sculpting and strength training, the E618 has a power incline with maximum 15% angle. Additionally the footplates have three settings to allow for more variation in muscle engagement.
Programming and exercise data are shown on two LCDs with blue backlighting. These windows have adjustable angle and are visible even when a tablet computer is docked in front.
The console’s media shelf is sized just right for a tablet computer. The elliptical also has integrated speakers for an MP3 player.
Nautilus ships this trainer with a chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring.
Warranty & Guarantee
The manufacturer’s warranty for the Nautilus E618 Elliptical provides the following support:
– Frame: 15 years
– Parts and electronics: 5 years
– Labor: 2 years
The Nautilus money-back guarantee is valid for six weeks after purchase. Customers are responsible for return shipping and other expenses.
Conclusion
Alongside other ellipticals in its price class, the Nautilus E618 stands out for providing a 30-pound drive, a 22” stride, and Bluetooth for data sharing. The tradeoff for a heavy drive at this price is a lighter console; the Nautilus console is loaded with useful training programs but isn’t very engaging. For most trainees that’s not an issue though, as it’s easy to add digital entertainment with help from the media shelf and integrated speakers. Overall the new E618 looks like a good mid-priced value for the not-so-casual exerciser.