First impressions & genrelle Tips

Having only the device have received today and have just brought the first half-hour running behind me, I would like to describe at this point something about choosing the right equipment in general, and my first impressions of the CTR3 in particular. Over time, I will add my review with safety and possibly even adjust.

1. decision

In my view, the first impression is important in a product; I myself do me anyway often difficult if I have purchased a new device, and I need some time until a certain satisfaction enters (something called probably "cognitive dissonance" ... if you are interested you can indeed times Find the WWW, the Explanation here would clearly result in far).

Anyway: I did not "blind" ordered the elliptical machine, among others because of this online, but was in a shop and I get some advice there - that's one of the reasons why I -manch my review as early One could my to Be early: test such devices Please make sure before placing an order in the www!
The craziest Stiftung Warentest test results help nothing if you do not feel well on the device; either because little things disturb (the plastic affects the CTR3 sometimes very, very cheap ...), or a really huge fly in the ointment. A possible case Knacktus example, would be the movement: the CTR3 is a model in which the flywheel back sitting, ie the sequence of movements is high rather than flat and therefore is similar to jogging - mind you, without stressing the joints! Who does not like, for example, can fall back on elliptical trainers. These are also Croisstrainer, but the wheel is the front; Thus, the movement is very flat and similar to walking or cross-country skiing.
Unfortunately the ellipsis devices require significantly more floor space; for the pedals are closer together but what for smaller people in turn could be a problem when CTR3 - "bow-legged" lead nowhere during training. For a device of this type, the pedals when CTR3 is however really close together. Cheap elliptical machines are much more problematic.

These are even a few general tips that you should consider when purchasing a cross trainer - I could go into details, but instead, I advise you to go itself - and the shop ;-)

2. Package

When coach everything is -eigentlich- doing what you needed. this means:

- Building instruction
- The dismantled elliptical machine with plenty of little screws and craft parts
- Board computer instructions (quite honestly one of the worst guides that I have ever seen ...!)
- Training tips and basics on at least 7 pages - one learns so very roughly, what is going on with the pulse on and how to exercise

The word "actually" I very consciously built: integrated in the unit pulse measurement at the middle handles is good namely nothing. Since Kettler can not help it, can the other manufacturers nor easy and is in the nature of things (-> human biology). There are, in fact, even people in whom such Handle methods do not work - do not ask me why, I'm not a doctor. However, even when a pulse appears at the handles: first, one has to engage around the CTR3 to the measurement, ie the result is corrupted and the pulse is not always visible, and, secondly, the measurement is very inaccurate. A chest strap, zBvon Polar, is therefore highly recommended (the best one in which you can change the battery yourself!).

[I own this model have purchased from Amazon:

Polar training computer FT40M gray

The review I will eventually also write, but for now only this: Create harness, climb the elliptical machine and the Puuls displays - perfect! In addition, the clock can make a real fitness test and determine the real pulse value for cardio and fat loss training; the less reliable method for age-statement works with the onboard computer of the crosstrainer for now even (-> again I advise you to Go on the internet)].

The unit is supplied in a box that has approximately the dimensions of a half Euro pallet. For the transport of the box is needed due to the weight a truck (also affectionately known as "ant" called ... memories of the civil service are awake!) And for the dismantled base at least have a second man. Thank God I live at ground level, ie, the transport in the rec room was not a big problem for two.

Interesting side note: Kettler my knowledge anywhere the weight of the complete cross trainer at, only the flywheel - or am I wrong?

3. Structure

I briefly machs: the supplier of the above-mentioned sports shop has the thing in half to three quarters of an hour properly installed - whether the construction would be alone even gone so quickly equip, I do not know. But I rather think: Nope!

In any case, I would at this point once more to four screws on the lower neck end (the thing on which the computer sits ...) back: two front, two rear. These are the only screws that must be checked regularly! Otherwise, the warranty expires! Only need the two front, the rear bolts are tested - but is all on a large, can not be overlooked decals on the machine.
The rest of the cross trainer is lt. My dealer maintenance. And if only once the rollers are mounted under the front, the device is easy to move even alone - even on carpeted floors.

4. First impressions

I am very fond of the device. It is not overly ornate, but not edgy or chunky. Halt a modern and tidy acting sports equipment that could come under even the living room if necessary even in the bedroom or possibly if you do not have the luxury of a Gerümpel- uh hobby room. If the comparison is not so worn (and I would go no Astra - but that's another story ...), I would call him a golf among the elliptical machine.

On closer inspection falls on as mentioned above, that the covers of the hinges on which the connecting rods are sitting, consist of allerbilligster paperboard plastic. Similarly, a little irritated that the device needs power from the wall outlet. Who cares: equipment from about 1200, - EUR covers have better and usually require no power adapter more ... now I have not calculated how many decades I had to train to the difference between the CTR3 and the more expensive model than the saved Power to Godson back, but from the creek out I would say very very long time! And the plastic one need not be fitted; then you have a lot of neat ball-bearing steel in his face or obliquely below the feet (so shut where the connecting rods are connected to the foot-linkage).
What bothers me the most are the slippery cushion, which are attached to the handles. During training this always slip a few centimeters, down so that the bare steel sticking out.
More important than plastic, slippery cushion and external power supply is to me the fact that the device dual ball bearings and a neat-to-use on-board computer has - more on that later. Before, I want to mention namely that the device at a low -immerhin Teppichboden- stands bombproof! And no matter whether you (ie me) because, with its nearly 90 kg it trained or not. Designed the coach is the way to 150 kg; According to my first impression he delivers what Kettler promises since.
The foot pedals are locked in three positions so that both smaller and larger ZeigenossInnen should find their place on the device.

And one more important, the very last property: the handles have no plasticizers. That was for me the -leider- ko criterion in the following model (as I know from the Stiftung Warentest test from May 2011, in which the winner was CTR3):

Crosstrainer Reebok C 5.1e

In what plasticizer ever have Auswirkunden, I do not, of course (damn, Jim, I'm not a doctor and BWLer; - But the doubts I have just decided to go against the potential harmful ... but that really has any account with himself and. is only mentioned here for completeness.

So now but Tacheless:

5. The first ascent

The elliptical machine is calling! After a brief reading of the instructions (nightmarish described board computer operation and useful training tips in booklet Nummero two) I've created the Polar chest strap, my age entered and the thus determined -relative ungenauen- pulse values ​​to the age method Pulse program number one ( of two available) is started. Memo to self: definitely above Polar clock get up and running and determine the reliable pulse rates!
Specifying the exact values ​​I spare you (and especially: me) here - only this: I'm not faster than a speeding bullet, nor do I need a crane to leave my house to -

More importantly: the device is fun! Watch TV, listen to MP3s is respectively CDs possible as well as a normal run entertainment. It rattles, squeaks and chirps nothing, only the belt running through the flywheel can be heard. More I do not actually say - that the motion jogging (not the Walken) is similar, I have also mentioned the bombproof stand during use.

6. Summary and Conclusion

In a nutshell, I list again the advantages and disadvantages:

Cons:
- Partially cheap acting Platik
- External power supply required
- Partially poorly documented operation (-> Computer)
- No chest strap included, heart rate monitoring device sensors is useless
- Slippery pad to the handles

Pro:
+ Quality workmanship beyond the plastic covers (double ball bearings!)
+ Safe Stand
+ Whisper mode
+ Small stand Dimensions & Trasnportabilität thanks rear-mounted flywheel
+ For the system very closely spaced pedals
+ Intuitive operation of the onboard computer; at least when it comes to basic functions
+ Design (... matter of taste!)

So when I hold preliminary conclusion: a very good device at a decent price with reasonable weaknesses. Since I knew the potentially problematic points from before the purchase and they hardly fall at all or not significant at least for me, I forgive good conscience 5 Stars. I will update the review as required by the way here has regularly; Finally, I have also with the elliptical machine something before ;-)

ADDENDUM (23/10/2011): After some time and almost daily, two-hour use (3 days Trainig, 1 day off) I can still only positive; the device is like a one, nothing squeaks or creaks. Only the handles are -after such forward not quite satisfactory and the bottom line is the biggest point of criticism; the upholstery from sliding down like so that I have now between the end pieces, which are mounted on both handles on top, and the lower portion is about 10 cm painted metal instead of a soft touch.

Which incidentally concerns the interplay between og Polar clock and the elliptical machine, I'm a bit confused: the coach shows me an energy consumption of more than 1,000 units of the clock on the other hand as the 400 ... if someone so familiar: about comments would I glad! On the web I have found nothing on the subject.