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Hi I’m Alex and welcome to crosstrainer-reviews.co.uk the unbiased elliptical cross trainer review site. Here you will find independent reviews of the top cross trainer brands & models, from Reebok Fitness, Vision Fitness, Life Fitness, NordicTrack, Kettler, Horizon Fitness and many many more.

I used to work as a service engineer for a major sports company, so I know a lot about the mechanics of cross trainers, treadmills, rowing machines and other types of fitness equipment. I created this website due to the popularity of my treadmill reviews site.

Kettler Axos P Cross Trainer Review

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Kettler-Axos-P-Cross-TrainerPrice: £299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 3
Build Quality: 3
Ease of use: 3
Console Features: 3
Value for Money: 4

 

 

The Cross P is part of the Axos budget range of fitness products from Kettler. There is a cycle and a rower to complete the trio.

Usually synonymous with quality German engineering, Kettler’s new Axos range is manufactured in the Far East to keep costs down so what can we expect?  Firstly, this is a compact machine, measuring just 150cm long by 68cm wide which will suit the space conscious consumer but, like the majority of compact ellipticals, the stride length is compromised as a result.  At 16 inches and supplied with a rear drive flywheel, the Axos has that traditional, slightly up and down, step like quality to the movement which may feel a little inhibitive for taller users.

The footplates also seem to be quite far apart as they straddle a quite chunky looking casing which does cause your knees to invert towards the centre stem.  Over a lengthy workout it is possible that this could become quite uncomfortable for shorter individuals at higher resistance levels.  It isn’t the worst example I have seen and when compared to alternatives at this price like York’s X201, the Axos certainly feels a lot smoother. This is because unlike a lot of cheaper ellipticals, Kettler have incorporated a 14kg flywheel offering 16 levels of electronically controlled resistance.

Typical flywheel weights on budget ellipticals are usually less than 10kg so the Axos has a lot more resistance available than most.  There is a 130kg (20.4 stone) maximum user weight and the whole thing weighs 60kg so it feels stable to use.

Kettler Axos P Cross Trainer ConsoleThe console has a monochrome LCD display with a continuous display of feedback, including time, speed, distance, RPM, calories and heart rate.  There are 12 workout programs including a heart rate control option with an audible alarm when maximum pulse rate is exceeded.

There is nothing too spectacular but plenty of options available to maintain good variety and hand pulse grips on the static handlebars come as standard.  So, although the Axos doesn’t compare in terms of engineering quality to the German made offerings from Kettler like the Unix P or Elyx series, you wouldn’t expect them to at this price and Kettler still have no qualms about offering their standard 3 year parts and labour warranty.

PROS

  • 14kg flywheel provides smooth and challenging resistance for the price
  • Compact footprint
  • Good build quality

CONS

  • Issues with foot plate spacing may cause discomfort for some.

In summary then, at under £300 the Axos is better than the alternatives in terms of both resistance and build quality.  The biomechanics won’t suit everyone and I would certainly recommend you try before you buy but this is certainly one to seriously consider for those on a budget.

Price: £299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Horizon E4000i Cross Trainer Review

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Horizon-E4000i-Cross-TrainerPrice: £899
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Build Quality: 4
Ease of use: 3.5
Console Features: 3
Value for Money: 4

 

The E4000i Premier cross trainer is a top end cross trainer from the Horizon range.  Designed as a front flywheel machine, it combines a pivoting footplate system which replicates the body’s natural foot movement to minimise stress on the joints.

Also, because the flywheel is at the front, the pedal spacing is much closer together with just 1.2 inches between them which improves biomechanical alignment to allow users to concentrate on putting effort into the workout without causing the knees to invert which can sometimes be the case with some rear drive elliptical models.

The stride length ranges from 20 – 22 inches when the incline setting is increased to maximum.  This position extends the range of movement to provide an additional workout for more muscle groups. Effectively, the glutes, hamstrings and thighs are all forced to engage more than on a traditional elliptical which may prove popular for hill walker and skiers who tend to utilise these muscles more.

The incline motor itself is controlled easily at the touch of a button either manually to a level of choice or via one of two different incline programs. Six other programs include weight loss, interval and heart rate control with the option of 1 user defined program and the display is well lit and easy to read.  There is a 10.5kg commercial grade flywheel which provides 20 levels of smooth continuous resistance via an ECB magnetic braking system.

Because of the long stride and the front drive flywheel, the E4000i will suit pretty much anyone in terms of comfort, although the increased range of upper body movement to compensate for the incline may cause some shorter users to stretch excessively when using the incline at its maximum setting.

Horizon-E4000i-Cross-Trainer-ConsoleYou will need a fair amount of space to accommodate this machine too, as it stands at 175cm long and 65cm wide and cannot be folded for storage so it would look quite imposing in a smaller room. Anyone with restricted or reduced ceiling height will also need to be slightly wary as tall users may have concerns about headroom when the incline is on the maximum setting.

A 136kg (21 stone) user weight makes this a substantial machine but then it does weigh in at 108kg and although there are transportation wheels it isn’t particularly portable.  As is the case with Horizon products, build quality is very good and backed up with their 5 year parts and labour on site warranty with a lifetime frame and motor warranty to boot.

PROS

  • Long stride suitable and comfortable for the majority of people
  • Incline motor provides an added workout dimension
  • Good value for money

CONS

  • Large and heavy so not very portable
  • Upper body movement a bit awkward for shorter users on maximum incline
  • No entertainment features on the console.

In summary then, if you are looking for an elliptical with extra variety of workouts or you want to work on specific muscle groups then the E4000i is a lot of elliptical for your money. It’s very well made but you will need a fair amount of space to accommodate it.

Price: £899
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Life Fitness X1 Cross Trainer Review

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Life Fitness X1 Cross Trainer Track ConsolePrice: £2,095
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 5
Build Quality: 5
Ease of use: 5
Console Features: 5
Value for Money: 4

 

 

The Life Fitness brand is well known throughout the world due to its prominence in gyms and health clubs. It can quite often be the only experience of a cross trainer that people have had.

Life Fitness have a large range of both commercial and home use models, ranging from the X1 model reviewed here right up to the impressive club series integrity range.  So, what can you expect from the X1?  Firstly, as with previous models there are two console options, with the more basic GO and the more advanced TRACK.  The track console incorporates iPOD/iphone compatibility with integrated controls to adjust the volume and make track changes.  No speakers are included so headphones would still be required, however it does remove the need to fiddle with your ipod during your workout and it does seem that more and more manufacturers are starting to include this type of technology in their ranges.

Life Fitness X1 Cross Trainer Track Console, ConsoleThe track console also includes a virtual trainer facility which allows users to create workouts, track results and progress online and then connect to the console directly via USB or by using the rather innovative Life Fitness virtual trainer App. There are also a huge number of programs available from the console directly including heart rate control, interval training and goal base workouts.  Up to 4 user profiles can be created and a wireless chest strap is included.  Despite this sophistication it was still easy to navigate and felt quite intuitive to use.

This is no small unit at just over 2 metres long (206cm L x 76cm W) and the stride length is substantial as a result. 20 inches should, broadly speaking cater for the majority of users quite comfortably with only exceptionally tall users (195cm and over) potentially finding the stride a bit short.  The whisper stride technology that Life Fitness use means that operation is silent and smooth regardless of the resistance level.

It feels solid and very well made and the maximum user weight of 158kg (29 stone) reflects this. The warranty is a very respectable onsite 3 years parts and labour, it has quite a contemporary style and is certainly on a par with other prestige brands like Octane Fitness or Precor Fitness in terms of features and specification.

PROS

  • Feature packed console
  • Good biomechanics and decent stride length.

CONS

  • None really, although the price point means that the X1 will only be an option for those with a reasonable budget and space to match.

In summary then, a quality elliptical that looks and feels every bit a prestige piece of fitness equipment. Lots of programs included with a smooth comfortable ride, catering for users of all shapes and sizes.

Price: £2,095
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Kettler Unix P Cross Trainer Review

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Kettler Unix P Cross TrainerPrice: £749
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 3
Build Quality: 5
Ease of use: 3
Console Features: 2
Value for Money: 2

 

 

The Kettler Unix P is the latest edition to the Kettler compact elliptical range.  Kettler have long been synonymous with great build quality which stems from German engineering resulting in very solid, reliable fitness products.

The Unix P is a compact unit at just 144cm long and 56cm wide, with a fairly standard 16 inch stride pattern for a small elliptical.  A 20kg flywheel with a magnetic, electronically controlled braking system offers huge levels of resistance but the stride still feels a bit short despite the smoothness of the movement.

The maximum user weight capacity of 150kg (23.5 stone) is substantial for a small machine and the whole product feels very well engineered which isn’t surprising as it is made in Germany. The quality shows but it comes at a price, the Unix P is expensive when compared to alternative models available at the price point. It’s well made and smooth to use but is ultimately a 16 inch stride compact cross trainer and there isn’t really anything new here when compared to previous models in the Kettler range.

Kettler Unix P Cross Trainer ConsoleThe console is LCD backlit which is an improvement on its predecessor, the Mondeo ST.  All the usual feedback is displayed in addition to various programs with 10 preset options plus heart rate control.  The inclusion of an audible alarm to warn when exceeding maximum heart rate is a nice touch, providing you don’t choose to exercise to loud music that is.  Kettler have also opted to include a Polar compatible chest belt receiver instead of previous models, which required the purchase of their own brand pulse set. A chest strap however is still optional.

Brands like Horizon Fitness, Vision Fitness and Bremshey are all now offering 18 to 20 inch stride front drive ellipticals at this level price wise. Kettler have themselves recently introduced similar, longer stride pattern models with the Elyx 3,5 and 7. Of course, some people will love the reliability and solid branding you get from a Kettler product, backed up with a 3 year parts and labour onsite warranty but with a short stride and unchanged biomechanics, there are only going to be limited purchasers.

PROS

  • Very smooth, fantastic engineering

CONS

  • Short stride length
  • Console spec a little dated
  • Expensive when compared with alternative brands

In summary then, if you are willing to accept the limitations of the Unix P as a trade off against great build quality and reliability, have a limited space but a not so limited budget then this could be the right choice of cross trainer for you.

Price: £749
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

NordicTrack E9 ZL Cross Trainer Review

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NordicTrack E9ZL Cross TrainerPrice: £399
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 4
Ease of use: 3
Console Features: 5
Value for Money: 5

 

 

For the most part, choosing a more compact cross trainer like the NordicTrack E9 ZL means compromising on the stride length. At 17 inches and with a rear drive flywheel system, this elliptical has a traditional, slightly cyclical feel to it.  If your experience of using a cross trainer has been with a rear flywheel model in a gym or health club then this will certainly have a familiar feel to it. The balanced 22kg weighted flywheel and the silent magnetic resistance system has a class A certified ergometer rating.  This really makes for a very smooth ride and with 25 levels of resistance, it would be a challenge for even the fittest of users to maintain a workout at the maximum level for extended periods.

The footplates are large and cushioned for greater comfort. Taller users however, may find that the tendency for a rear drive flywheel to tip you forward towards the console, could put pressure on the lower back. The pedal spacing is also quite wide at 7 inches which causes the knees to invert slightly, resulting in a movement which increases hip rotation and creates a slight bouncing sensation.  None of this is likely to concern individuals of average height as the stride and huge crank inertia will still give a workout which makes the E9 ZL one of the best performing compact elliptical trainers at the price point.

NordicTrack E9ZL Cross Trainer ConsoleThe console is another area which performs well. With 12 preset smart programs, 8 heart rate and 2 watt workouts combined with 25 levels of quick digital resistance.  The large, blue backlit screen displays general feedback clearly and they have also included a 2 speaker input for an mp3 player.  Heart rate pulse grips are supplied on the stationary handles and a polar chest pulse receiver built into the console with a wireless Polar T34 chest strap included for more accurate feedback.  The piece de resistance however, is the iFit SD card option which enables users to purchase interactive workout programs which come in a variety of result specific categories including weight loss, wellness, performance and more.  These programs control the pace of the workout and provide verbal prompting for those who need a little push when it comes to motivation.

This is a pretty substantial machine weighing in at 68kg with a maximum user weight to match, (150kg or 23.5 stone).

The warranty covers the frame for 5 years and 12 months parts and labour for the remainder although Nordic track will upgrade this to 2 years for free if  the product is registered within 28 days of purchase.

THE PROS

  • Great console features including optional iFit motivational SD cards
  • Fantastic value for money
  • Masses of resistance

THE CONS

  • Slightly short stride length resulting in a more bouncy, stepper like movement for taller users

In summary then, the E9ZL is a lot of elliptical for your money.  If space and budget are your primary consideration then there aren’t many, if any alternatives at this price that will give you so much specification. The compromise is that you need to be no more than average height to get the most from this cross trainer.

Price: £399
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Vision Fitness X1500HR Elite Cross Trainer Review

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Vision X1500HR Cross TrainerPrice: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 5
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 3
Value for Money: 5

 


When it comes to choosing a cross trainer for home, space can often be the defining factor in the decision. The Vision Fitness X1500 Elite’s very compact footprint: (L)145cm x (W)66cm, will therefore offer a big plus for many.  Despite its compact size it still has an 18 inch stride length which will be comfortable for most average sized adults.

The ergonomic stride which incorporates a pivoting footplate system means that the pedals rotate with natural body movement and the narrow pedal spacing of 3 inches reduces stress on the hips by minimising rotation. A 21 lb flywheel and 16 levels of variable resistance provides ample challenge for most users and the movement stays smooth even at higher levels thanks to the ECB-PLUS permanent magnetic braking system and the QUIET-GLIDE super silent poly v belt system.  The frame is substantial, with a maximum user weight capacity of 136kg (21 stone).  Vision Fitness back up these features with a lifetime frame and brake warranty.

Vision X1500HR Cross Trainer ConsoleThe console is simple and easy to use, providing all the general feedback you would expect, including heart rate, watts, time, speed and calories plus the profile information for each of the 9 preset programs, all displayed on a blue backlit LCD screen. Some users might find the console to be a bit limited as there are no interactive programs like iFit live and no entertainment options like the mp3 speaker systems which can be found on a lot of the NordicTrack cross trainer range.

What Vision lack in this area however, they more than make up for in the build quality stakes as in addition to the warranty on the frame and brake they also include a 10 year parts and 5 years labour onsite warranty on all other aspects of the product.

THE PROS

  • Very compact but still with a decent stride length.
  • Great bio-mechanics.
  • Fantastic build quality and industry leading warranty.

THE CONS

  • A lack of interactive programs.
  • No entertainment facilities e.g. speakers or iPOD dock.

In summary then, if you are looking for a compact elliptical with a reasonable stride length with some excellent ergonomics and you are of average height then the X1500HR Elite could be the perfect choice.  Probably better suited to slightly more motivated individuals or those less concerned with console facilities other than general feedback, but class leading in terms of build quality and warranty at a very reasonable price.

Price: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore