New Balance elliptical trainers are the new kids on the block. New Balance is probably better known for their fantastic running shoes than their ellipticals. New Balance partnered with Fitness Quest in 2003 to start making fitness equipment like bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers.

Although Fitness Quest doesn't have the best reputation in the fitness equipment business (they also produce the Total Gym, Ab Lounge and Tony Little products), their elliptical trainers might still be worth a look.

New Balance produces several economy to mid-priced elliptical trainers ranging from $949 to $1399. So the competition is pretty fierce as they're going up against heavyweights like Sole and Schwinn. How do they stack up? Here are the strengths and weakness of New Balance Elliptical Trainers.

Strengths:

Upper Body Arms - All New Balance machines offer upper body arms bars, which is a feature most buyers want. Upper body arm bars allow you to tone and work your upper body resulting in more calories burned in less time.

Oversized Foot Pedals - The New Balance oversized foot platforms have a built-in skid resistant surface so you can find the most comfortable foot position within the elliptical motion. The extra large platforms support your body weight more evenly and provide added stability.

Magnetic Resistance - This is the best form of resistance (and the standard form among most elliptical trainers these days). Starting at 8 levels of resistance and working up to 16, these ellipticals offer a chance to challenge your body and burn even more calories.

Warranty - New Balance Ellipticals are covered by a standard warranty: 10 years on the frame, 2 years electronics and 1 year on parts. This is a decent warranty - better than some brands, not as good as others.

15" - 18" Stride Length - The cheaper New Balance crosstrainers (the 5.5 and the 8.0) only offer 15" stride lengths which is fairly small and will result in a less effective workout. If you're taller or really want to pick up your pace on your elliptical, this stride length may not be the most comfortable for you.

On the other hand the higher end New Balance machines (the 9.0 and the 9.5) offer 18" stride lengths which aren't bad at all and will help you get an overall more efficient workout.

Weaknesses:

The New Balance brand is fairly new to the market, so they may not have had the time to work out the kinks in their product line yet.

Also, there are several similarly priced brands that give you a bit more for your money like longer warranties, higher user weight capacities and/or more workout programs.

Summary:

New Balance elliptical trainers do offer some promising features including a decent warranty, several resistance levels, oversized foot pedals and attractive, advanced consoles.

I would recommend the higher end models (the 9.0 and the 9.5) before the economy models because the stride length is longer and you just get more for your money.

The real downside is that New Balance ellipticals are in an already overcrowded market with other more proven brands. Competition is fierce and there are several similarly priced models that offer more in terms of warranties, workout programs, stride lengths and user weight capacities.

Given some time however, New Balance ellipticals may become a force to be reckoned with.