Showing posts with label KETTLER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KETTLER. Show all posts

5/27/2010

Kettler HKS 87-Inch x 43-Inch Floor Mat Review

I purchased this mat to go under the Sole elliptical i purchased.
My first impression is this mat is sponge rubber and tears easy.
I tore the corner off with my fingers. No toughness at all.
Ive had it for 1 week and i just dont see this mat standing up to the weight of my machine.
It seems to me to be over priced and prone to rips and tears.



Product Description
Protect your floor from scratches and dents while you work out with this Kettler floor mat. Designed to sit underneath any piece of sports equipment--such as exercise cycles for elliptical trainers--the mat prevents damage to the floor from pressure, scratching, or sweat. As a bonus, it also reduces workout noise. The black mat measures 87 by 43 inches.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS 87-Inch x 43-Inch Floor Mat

3/01/2010

Kettler HKS Ergo Coach LS Rowing Machine Review

This is a great machine. Solid quality. Easy to put together. Screen is easy to see.It offers 6 pre-set programs.Program one is a good 20 minute work out.I'm a 45 y/o male in decent shape.I think this machine would be suitable for anyone.Manual setting allows max flexibility to your specific conditioning.My wife tried the machine as well and thought it offers a great total workout.This is a great lifetime investment in yourself!

Product Description
German craftsmanship and innovation has created the KETTLER Ergo Coach LS rower ultimate eddy-current resistance rower to challenge even the most athletic users.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS Ergo Coach LS Rowing Machine

Kettler HKS CTR3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer Review

This is the only elliptical machine that I have ever set-up or used, so my comments are probably most useful to the inexperienced. Most importantly, this machine offers a great work out, and it is as fun to use as any piece of exercise equipment that I can imagine. The stride movements are natural, and the included programs are challenging. (This does plug in, and this is not apparent in most photos.) If you are looking for a way to get exercise, then getting one of these machines is certainly something to consider. I do also have a Kettler spinning bike. I enjoy the bike, but the elliptical has more appeal to other family members. Also, while it is easier at my house to watch TV on my bike, I do get a better work out on the elliptical. There is no logic to this, I suppose, but this is my experience.

The machine looks great. There is certainly some ownership pleasure. This is not something that you would need to hide, nor does it take up a lot of space. You can find reviews on the Web with the German engineering comments, and this is probably true. This is basically a set of metal tubes, but it all comes together very well.

This arrives at your house in a big heavy box...not even a regular elliptical user can lift it. We have some steps. The delivery guy really made an effort to help me get this in the house, and I hope that you are that lucky. With two us we still had to open the box; the core flywheel unit is still one piece--good luck. My bike is upstairs, which was no cake walk, but the flywheel is not as heavy.

Also, I found the elliptical tough to assemble. Again, it was harder than the bike. I was missing two bolts, and it took two tries to get replacements to me. This sat unfinished for about a week. I have read some say it took an hour to put one of these together. Every one of these assembly jobs is different. Thinking about it now, with parts, an hour seems possible. Things went awry for us, and I am not sure exactly why. I did go and buy a metric wrench set (about $20,00) that helped me wrap this up once the parts arrived. Maybe we lost a wrench while this was sitting around awaiting parts, maybe the included wrenches did not work well enough, not sure.There are many bolts to tighten, and the wrenches I bought really made a difference. You want everything tight.

I gave this a four out of five, and I think this is a solid investment. Do think about the logistics, though. This is a big, heavy item with many parts to put together. I can say, though, that the assembly--and the price--were worth it. This machine certainly appears it will work well for many years.

Product Description
The programmable and Heart Rate Controlled KETTLER CTR3 utilizes Eddy-Current Magnetic Resistance to challenge the beginner up to the strongest athlete.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS CTR3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

1/16/2010

Verso by Kettler CT 307 Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

It took a while to figure out how to put it all together, but it was all doable. I thought I was missing some of the screws but they were in a holding position in some of the parts, so everything was there. The "cosmetic parts" (pieces of plastic that cover the joints) were tedious to apply. Still, it was all worth it in terms of the finished product. The assembled unit is strong, smooth, and silent. I had tested several brands in sporting goods stores but this is superior in terms of strength, ride, and warranty. The display panel is nothing fancy. There are no major bells and whistles. No gimmicks. But definitely high quality unit that is built to last.

Product Description
Enjoy a superior workout without leaving the home with the Verso CT 307 elliptical cross trainer. Offering a host of valuable features in a reasonably priced, compact frame, the CT 307 is ideal for serious workout enthusiasts and casual users who want to trim a few pounds and improve their cardiovascular health. The CT 307 is equipped with such features as a 30-pound drive system that's extremely smooth whether exercising in forward and reverse; ball bearings at each pivot point for added steadiness; and contact hand pulse sensors for measuring your heart rate. Users will also love the series of preset training programs--ideal for folks who enjoy the challenge of a computer-defined workout--and the pulse-directed programs, which respond to the pace of your heart rate. Other features include transport castors in the front for easy mobility, floor levelers in the rear, and an easy-to-read computer display. The German-engineered CT 307 measures 50.5 by 66.5 by 23 inches (W x H x D), weighs 116 pounds, and carries a two-year warranty on parts and a six-month warranty on labor.

Specifications:

  • Training computer: Time, revs, speed, training distance, calorie consumption, pulse, recovery pulse, strain graph, 8 programs
  • Magnetic brake system (motor-controlled), 14 kg flywheel
  • Adjustment of resistance from 1-16
  • Non-slip, adjustable treads
  • Pulse rate measurement via hand sensors or ear clip
  • Transport castors at front, height adjustment at rear
  • Maximum user weight: 116 pounds
  • Assembled Dimensions: 50.5" W x 66.5" H x 23" D

Manufacturer's Warranty
Parts - 2 years, labor - 6 months



Click Here to see more reviews about: Verso by Kettler CT 307 Elliptical Cross Trainer

1/09/2010

Kettler HKS X1 Exercise Bike Review

Kettler has excellent magnetic resistance technology, and that part is great: you get very adjustable and very quiet bike. But the seat is most uncomfortable, and so are the handles. The computer screen is hard to read. The included pulse sensor that clips to your earlobe works well, but you need to buy a plugin if you want to use a Polar sensor. The computer connections is a serial port, not USB. Documentation for how to use it is very hard to find. I guess I use it, but I'm not happy with it.

Product Description
Get a great cardio workout at home with the precise German-designed Kettler HKS X1 upright exercise bike, which provides silent electro-mechanical resistance from 25 to 400 watts (in 5-watt increments). The LCD computer console displays the following data: time, speed, RPM, distance, calories burned, and heart rate, and it's compatible with optional Polar heart rate monitoring devices. Other features include:
  • Super-comfortable gel-padded seat
  • Saddle adjusts vertically and horizontally along a fixed incline to ensure proper seat-to-pedal leg position
  • Rotating handlebars allow different positions in a range of 360 degrees
  • Automatic setting of pulse rate range for fat combustion and fitness zone as well as percentage display of upper pulse limit
  • Recovery pulse feature provides a fitness rating of 1-6 at the end of the workout
  • PC interface (RS232) for interactive software training and exchangeable pre-set programs via Internet download
  • Transport castors in front and floor levelers in rear
  • Maximum user weight: 285 pounds
  • Dimensions: 41.5 by 21 by 47 inches (LxWxH)

Manufacturer's Warranty
3 year parts and electronics, 1 year labor & lifetime frame

About Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS X1 Exercise Bike

1/02/2010

Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine Review

I initially tried to order my Kettler Kadett from a company called Mercantila, a.k.a. Rowingmachines.com.It was a complete disaster and nightmare including some false advertising, trying to cover up some mistakes on their part which caused about a month of delays, some horrible customer service (or lack thereof), some false charges, and a lot of headaches.Eventually enough was enough and I wound up ordering it directly from Amazon, which cost me a few bucks more, but was well worth it.

The machine comes mostly disassembled and took about an hour and a half to put together.There were a few confusing moments as the instructions are only pictures and no text, so making sure you have the right part takes a little extra focus.It came with all the tools necessary except an allen wrench which was necessary for one small thing.

In terms of overall quality, it's very high.I'm not concerned about this thing breaking, nor does it rattle or have ill-fitting parts.That said, the housing for the computer is a little wimpy and doesn't attach very securely to the main body as I've knocked it off a couple times.A small piece of tape at the base has kept it firmly locked into place since.

Some people have complained about the location of the straps on the foot plates.I actually find their location ideal, although they do tend to loosen themselves during a workout.I made a trip down to the store and bought some velcro which I sewed onto the straps.It took 15 minutes to do and I now have the best foot straps in the world.

The best thing about this machine, and the reason I bought it, is that it REALLY DOES in fact mimic an actual rowing motion.When I close my eyes I can actually believe I'm on a boat on the water which makes my workouts much more pleasant.So for anyone with any doubts, you can in fact believe the hype, it IS like rowing a boat.Additionally, all the action is very smooth.The seat is very sturdy and comfortable and it doesn't wobble.The arms are also smooth and the grips spin freely.

One other reason I bought this machine is that I'm very tall and the Kadett adjusts to accommodate my size.It does this by placing the footboards on a center beam that slides inside the central housing.This beam can be adjusted allowing my incredibly long logs to get a full complete extension without the seat hitting the end of it's track.

Although it takes up a lot of space during use due to the outrigger style "oars", it does fold up to the size of a traditional hydraulic rowing machine in about 30 seconds.I keep mine leaned up against a wall and out of the way in an adjacent room, and as it's not very heavy it isn't a big deal pulling it out every morning.

One problem I did discover, is that the numbers on one of my adjustable hydraulic pistons is misaligned.So it was a minor nuisance to set the resistance initially as I had to do it by feel.

In preview, the Kadette appears to be overpriced compared to virtually all other hydraulic rowing machines.But it really is a completely different kind of animal in terms of the rowing action that makes it worth the price tag.It still suffers from a slow start as the pistons come up to temperature like any other hydraulic rowing machine, but the rowing motion is like heaven.


Product Description
Stay in peak shape and train in your own home with the Kettler Kadett rowing machine. With the special outrigger design's circular movement, the Kadett closely simulates the actual process of rowing on water. It features two hydraulic cylinders with the ability to set force resistance on a scale of 1 to 12, and a comfortably ergonomic seat with smooth running rollers mounted on rails. It also has moving foot plates with adjustable straps, folding oars with continuous force adjustment, and an anti-slip base that protects the floor.

The Kadett is outfitted with a training computer that provides info on time measurement, number of oar strokes, speed of strokes, distance covered during training session, total distance, energy consumption, and pulse rate. You can program settings for desired distance covered and stroke speed and receive visual and audio signals when you've reached your goals. It has a 250-pound weight capacity and measures 59 x 67 x 18 inches.

Rowing is an especially balanced form of exercise that involves all the main muscle groups and increases the efficiency of the heart and circulatory systems. It also encourages the metabolism and raises the ability of your organs to absorb oxygen.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine

1/01/2010

Kettler HKS Polo M Exercise Bike Review

The Kettler bike is not made for a short person -- if you don't have long legs, do not buy this bike.The lowest point for the seat is too high to reach the peddles comfortably.

The bike itself wasn't too difficult to assemble if you can figure out what the pictures are "saying" -- no written instructions.

Product Description
Get a great cardio workout at home with the precise German-designed Kettler HKS Polo M upright exercise bike, which offers silent magnetic resistance with infinitely variable resistance (indexed to a range of 1-10). The extra-large LCD computer console displays the following data: time, speed, RPM, distance, and heart rate (hand sensors for pulse). You can control resistance manually or automatically when using the heart rate control (HRC) program. Other features include:
  • Adjustable angle handlebars and height adjustable saddle in both vertical and horizontal
  • Transport castors in front and floor levelers in rear
  • Maximum user weight: 285 pounds
  • Dimensions: 39.5 by 21 by 50.5 inches (LxWxH)

Manufacturer's Warranty
> 3 year parts and electronics, lifetime frame

About Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS Polo M Exercise Bike

12/22/2009

Kettler HKS Vito XL Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

I retired my ancient and boring compact bicycle (also Kettler) in favour of a Cross Trainer after if became my favourite machine at the gym.I am not a fitness fanatic but enjoy a 30-45 min daily workout and in winter, this is as good as it gets.When it comes to home machines, it pays to purchase the best model you can afford.This Trainer mimics the movements of cycling (upright) walking and stepping in one ... and it goes backwards too!The handles provide a decent upper body workout as well.It behaves like a professional machine, very smooth, quiet and sturdy.Foot plates are adjustable and resistance levels can be changed while you exercise.The training computer display is simple to use, easy to read and informative, it even tells you the temperature!I like the bottle holder in front, very handy.Accessories recommended: cardio pulse set.The hand grip sensors take a while to read pulse and as with many machines like this, not entirely accurate.I use a Polar belt & watch which are very reliable.Assembly can be tricky, reading the instructions 2-3 times is recommended plus a little patience.All worth it in the end!

Product Description
Enjoy a superior workout without leaving the home with the Kettler HKS Vito XL elliptical cross trainer. Offering a host of valuable features in a relatively compact frame, the Vito XL is ideal for serious workout enthusiasts and casual users who want to trim a few pounds and improve their cardiovascular health. The Vito XL is equipped with such features as 45-pound drive system that's extremely smooth whether exercising in forward and reverse; a quiet, maintenance-free variable magnetic resistance system with a twist-knob adjustable tension shaft; and a 16-inch diameter stride that's ergonomically designed to produce a comfortable, low-impact workout. Users will also love the jumbo LCD display, which tracks your time, distance, RPM, current pulse rate, optimum pulse range, and calories burned. As a result, it's easy to design a challenging workout regimen, with goals for total distance, time, calories, and long-term cardiovascular improvement. And thanks to the highly accurate onboard computer, users can rest assured that the displayed information is true and precise.

The Vito XL is designed for long-term durability, with a factory-milled, robotically welded proprietary steel tube frame, top-grade sealed ball bearings, and ergonomically formed cross-training arms that support proper back and arm posture. The trainer's contact pulse rate sensors, meanwhile, let you easily monitor your heart rate for a more effective overall workout. Other features include a 6-inch adjustable footplate that varies the angle of the elliptical pattern; transport rollers underneath the frame's front base for easy transport; and floor levelers underneath the frame's rear base for accommodating uneven floors. The Vito XL measures 22 by 60 by 56 inches (W x H x D), offers a weight capacity of 330 pounds, and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, three years on parts, and one year on labor.

Key Features:

  • High precision German craftsmanship of factory milled and robotically welded proprietary tunnel design steel tubing for superior strength
  • Sealed ball bearings placed in all pivot and drive points to provide an ultra smooth, quiet operation
  • 45-pound drive system purposefully intended for delivering very smooth momentum when exercising either forward or reverse motion
  • 6" adjustable footplate varies the angle of the elliptical pattern
  • 16" diameter stride within a beneficial and comfortable biomechanic pattern of oval shaped motion
  • Variable magnetic resistance is smooth, quiet, and maintenance free; a twist knob adjustable tension shaft which is more dependable than the typical fully cable operated systems and provides enough resistance to challenge the accomplishedathlete
  • Ergonomically formed tubing of cross-training bars for proper back and arm posture during upper body exercise
  • Contact pulse rate sensors located on center handlebar allow the user to monitor heart rate and receive a more effective workout
  • Highly accurate calibrated computer ensures that the displayed information is true and precise
  • Transport rollers underneath frame's front base for ease of movement of the machine
  • Floor levelers underneath frame's rear base for stabilization on uneven floors
  • LCD Training Computer
  • Jumbo LCD of elapsed time, distance covered, kilojoules burned (4.2 kilojoules-1 calorie), RPM (tempo measurement), current pulse rate, optimum training pulse range
  • Possible settings of goals include total distance, time, calories, and optimum training pulse range
  • Recovery pulse feature to track improvement of cardiovascular conditioning
  • Assembled dimensions: 56"L x 22" W x 60" H
  • Maximum user weight: 330 pounds



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler HKS Vito XL Elliptical Cross Trainer

12/19/2009

Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine Review

My son received a Favorit as a present.Well constructed, but not perfect, which one would expected given the price, almost twice competing models.Earlobe pulse meter wire got tangled and broke on the first day.I needed added low cost washer to secure adjustable tension clamp that would slip otherwise.But, once the machine was set-up and adjustments, this rower was better than the Precor model it replaced.

Product Description
Stay in peak shape and train in your own home with the Kettler Favorit rowing machine. It features two hydraulic cylinders with continuous resistance and a comfortably ergonomic seat with smooth running rollers mounted on rails. It also has moving foot plates with adjustable straps, folding oars with continuous force adjustment, and an anti-slip base that protects the floor.

The Favorit is outfitted with a training computer that provides info on time measurement, number of oar strokes, speed of strokes, distance covered during training session, total distance, energy consumption, and pulse rate. You can program settings for desired distance covered and stroke speed and receive visual and audio signals when you've reached your goals. It has a 250-pound weight capacity and measures 49 x 31 x 10 inches.

Rowing is an especially balanced form of exercise that involves all the main muscle groups and increases the efficiency of the heart and circulatory systems. it also encourages the metabolism and raises the ability of your organs to absorb oxygen.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine