Kettler Axos P Cross Trainer Review

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

NordicTrack E9 ZL Cross Trainer Review

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