True Performance 300 (PS300) Review
Best Buy Award Winner:
True Performance 300 (PS300) Rating
Detailed Overview
A special feature on True home ellipticals is the “side steps.” These make it easy to step up to the pedals, but their main advantage is how they double as footrests: Owning the PS300, you have the option to rest your feet and train just your upper body, or get a full-body workout. And with Watts settings from 25 to 300, the Performance 300 can train many ability levels at a wide range of intensities.
Other key specs for this premium cross trainer are a 21″ stride; multi-grip handlebars; wireless and contact heart rate monitoring; patented Cruise Control for exercising at a constant heart rate; and 12 preset workout programs. The True Performance 300 uses the Emerge console with orange LED readouts.
The workout training includes programs that emphasize calorie burn, interval training, speed and cardiovascular endurance. The most unique program is called Cardio 360. It can be run for 20 minutes or more and acts as a personal trainer with prompts for a variety of exercises.
True Performance 300 (PS300) - Notable Specs:
| Overall Rating: | 4-stars |
|---|---|
| Compact / Folding: | Yes |
| Incline: | None |
| Stride Length: | 21" |
| Flywheel: | N/A |
| Programs: | 21 |
| Fan: | None |
| Weight Capacity: | 350 |
| Dimensions: | 49" L x 32.5" W x N/A" H |
Our Favorite Features
- The PS300 has premium components with seven-year parts/electronics warranty
- Welded steel frame has a lifetime guarantee and 350-pound user weight capacity
- Compact elliptical footprint is just 49" long and under three feet wide
- Center drive design and extended handrails help you easily keep balance during exercise
- Stride path is 21" long, ideal for most adults of average and taller heights
- Pedals have removable orthopedic cushioning for especially low-impact exercise, and the pedals are placed just 2" apart to optimize hip comfort
- Multi-grip handlebars support varied motion, plus they can be used without the foot pedals for isolated upper-body workouts
- Cruise Control for your heart rate helps you exercise within a target heart rate zone as the elliptical takes charge of adjustments to speed and resistance
- For extra motivation an integrated media shelf can hold a magazine or mobile device
- A water bottle holder and accessory tray are within easy reach
- The PS300 has built-in grip pulse sensors and is compatible with wireless heart rate transmitters
- Can be moved with help from attached wheels and a removable handle
- Seven-year warranty on parts and electronics; lifetime warranty on frame
Our Least Favorite Features
- Price is high for a residential elliptical
- Stride length is fixed at 21"; less than ideal for shorter trainees
- Incline is fixed for flat walking; cannot diversify to target different muscle groups
- True's Emerge console is useful for training guidance but isn't feature-rich; you might want to exercise in a room that has a fan and TV to keep yourself cool and motivated
- Lacks a Bluetooth connection or USB for exporting your workout data
The Bottom Line
The True Performance 300 Elliptical brings commercial quality to home gyms. With the PS300 on hand, you can benefit from total-body workouts that put minimal stress on your hips, knees and ankles – plus you can opt for lighter workouts or “arm days” with a focus just on your upper body using the premium grips.
Key features for this unit are optional upper-body-only training, pedals designed for comfort and easy balance, ample workout guidance, optional heart rate control, and frame dimensions that help you make the most of your living space.
Owing to its 21″ stride path, this cross trainer is best for households with trainees of average and longer gaits. If your home is a nest for one or more shorties, then an elliptical with adjustable stride (like the True ES700) could be a better match.
