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

Kettler Unix P Cross Trainer Review

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