Price: £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.
The 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.