Kettler HKS CTR3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer Review

This is the only elliptical machine that I have ever set-up or used, so my comments are probably most useful to the inexperienced. Most importantly, this machine offers a great work out, and it is as fun to use as any piece of exercise equipment that I can imagine. The stride movements are natural, and the included programs are challenging. (This does plug in, and this is not apparent in most photos.) If you are looking for a way to get exercise, then getting one of these machines is certainly something to consider. I do also have a Kettler spinning bike. I enjoy the bike, but the elliptical has more appeal to other family members. Also, while it is easier at my house to watch TV on my bike, I do get a better work out on the elliptical. There is no logic to this, I suppose, but this is my experience.

The machine looks great. There is certainly some ownership pleasure. This is not something that you would need to hide, nor does it take up a lot of space. You can find reviews on the Web with the German engineering comments, and this is probably true. This is basically a set of metal tubes, but it all comes together very well.

This arrives at your house in a big heavy box...not even a regular elliptical user can lift it. We have some steps. The delivery guy really made an effort to help me get this in the house, and I hope that you are that lucky. With two us we still had to open the box; the core flywheel unit is still one piece--good luck. My bike is upstairs, which was no cake walk, but the flywheel is not as heavy.

Also, I found the elliptical tough to assemble. Again, it was harder than the bike. I was missing two bolts, and it took two tries to get replacements to me. This sat unfinished for about a week. I have read some say it took an hour to put one of these together. Every one of these assembly jobs is different. Thinking about it now, with parts, an hour seems possible. Things went awry for us, and I am not sure exactly why. I did go and buy a metric wrench set (about $20,00) that helped me wrap this up once the parts arrived. Maybe we lost a wrench while this was sitting around awaiting parts, maybe the included wrenches did not work well enough, not sure.There are many bolts to tighten, and the wrenches I bought really made a difference. You want everything tight.

I gave this a four out of five, and I think this is a solid investment. Do think about the logistics, though. This is a big, heavy item with many parts to put together. I can say, though, that the assembly--and the price--were worth it. This machine certainly appears it will work well for many years.

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Product Description:
Outfitted with Kettler's Induktions Brake System, high-quality drive components, and a sealed ball-bearing construction, the Kettler CTR 3 elliptical trainer offers a terrific way to get fit, with a design that's a significant step above most other trainers. The CTR 3 features a 50-pound flywheel that provides a comfortable, smooth-flowing, natural running or walking pattern with virtually no impact. As a result, the trainer provides a safer workout than high-impact running or kickboxing classes. Kettler's Induktions Brake System, meanwhile, offers an adaptable manual or programmable 25- to 400-watt electromagnetic resistance range. The resistance range is far larger than on most other trainers, allowing different users to select up to 75 training levels, with no friction or wear to the brake components. And thanks to the Kettler eSYS system, the trainer can make precise ergonomic, biomechanical, and electronic adjustments to different body types, helping it accommodate everyone from beginners to demanding athletes.
The CTR 3 also includes a state-of-the-art training computer that offers six adjustable hill profiles, two manual options, and two heart-rate-controlled programs to keep you motivated. Plus, the computer tracks your total distance, time, calories burned, and upper pulse limit, helping you get the most from your workout. And if that's not enough, you can connect the CTR 3 to your computer via the USB interface to download interactive software and additional preset programs from www.kettlerusa.com. Other features include a wireless Polar T34 heart rate transmitter; integrated hand pulse sensors; a sturdy, powder-coated, ergonomically formed tubing frame with transport castors and levelers; and a keypad control that makes it easy to adjust the resistance level. The CTR 3 includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, a two-year warranty on parts, and a one-year warranty on labor.


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