| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluefin CURV 2.0 Check Discounted Price | L:44.4" W:19.6" H:59.4" | 264 lbs | No | Eddy current, 24 levels | 12 pre-set programs, 3 hrc programs, Recovery, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible |
The Bluefin CURV 2.0 is one of the elliptical cross trainers released in 2020. It offers a range of features similar to the XTERRA Fitness FS1.5. However, it offers 24 levels of resistance and has Bluetooth connectivity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44.4L x 19.6W x 59.4H inches (113L x 50W x 151H cm)
- Shipping weight: 90.3 lbs (41 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 26.45 lbs (12 kg)
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Stride: 11 inches (28 cm)
- Incline: N/A
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 24 levels
- Console: 12 pre-set programs, 3 H.R.C programs, goal settings, Bluetooth, compatible with Kinomap
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Bluefin CURV 2.0 elliptical machine is built on a steel frame. It combines cylindrical and rectangular tubes
in its construction. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color, this being the only color available for this machine. The drive and resistance mechanism covers, the pedal trays, and the console casing are made from a tough thermoplastic material.
The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars; one is fixed, the other one is mobile. The fixed handlebars have horizontal short grips. They are equipped with pulse sensors and the console can track your pulse. The moving arms have longer grips covered with rubber foam material for improved contact. They do not have sensors or other controls for the machine. They attach to the front upright bar and to the pedal bars and they always move while you are pedaling; they cannot be locked to remain stationary.
This Bluefin elliptical trainer is not a very large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is only 44.4″ (113 cm) long, and 19.6″ (50 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for easy access and safe usage.
The machine is not super-heavy but does weigh around 90 lbs (40 kg). Thus, the packaged unit may require two people for transport, or at least a box trolley. Once it is assembled, it can easily be moved. Its front base bar features a set of wheels. Also, the rear stabilizer integrates adjustable levelers.
Pedal construction, stride, and pedal height
The Bluefin Fitness CURV 2.0 elliptical trainer is equipped with a set of large pedals. As we’ve mentioned
above, the pedal trays are made of a durable thermoplastic material. They attach to rectangular steel bars. Both the pedals and the crankset are durable enough to support users up to 264 lbs (120 kg).
The machine’s pedals are non-adjustable and do not have any extra cushioning or articulations like the pedals of commercial cross trainers. They have a ribbed surface, as well as front, rear, and inner guards for improved foot stability. The spacing between them is approx. 9.4″ (24 cm).
This Bluefin Fitness cross trainer does not have an incline system. Thus, you cannot adjust the length of its stride or the angle of the elliptical path. It offers a fairly short stride of approx. 11″ (28 cm). So, it may not be the best choice for taller users than 6’1″ (185 cm) as they may not benefit from an ample range of motion. But nonetheless, any person can use this machine to undergo a cardio workout as long as they don’t exceed the maximum user weight limit.
The unit’s pedals rise quite a bit above the floor level. The maximum pedal height is approx. 15.5″ (40 cm). Therefore, it is recommended to use this trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height, or than the height of the tallest user.
Resistance system
The Bluefin CURV 2.0 elliptical machine features an eddy current resistance system. It comes with an adapter
and needs to be connected to a power source to turn on the console and to be able to adjust the pedaling difficulty. Also, the console can adjust the resistance automatically.
The machine’s resistance system uses a magnetic brake and a servo motor. The motor puts the brake in connection with the console. Thus, when you make resistance adjustments from the console, or when one of the workout programs is in use, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The magnetic resistance comes with a series of advantages. First of all, the brake does not touch the flywheel. Thus, there is no internal friction, the flywheel spins smoothly, and the pedaling motion is almost completely silent. Second of all, you don’t have to worry about brake pads lubrication or wear-and-tear.
Similar to the GoElliptical V-200T, the Bluefin CURV 2.0 offers 24 levels of resistance. The lowest level doesn’t generate a very high pedaling difficulty, which makes the machine great for muscle toning or recovery training. Conversely, the 24th resistance level provides considerably more resistance, simulating a hill climb.
Drive system
The Bluefin Fitness CURV 2.0 cross trainer is equipped with a pretty heavy flywheel for a small machine. 
Its flywheel weighs 26.4 (12 kg) and provides a pretty consistent momentum. It is perimeter-weighted for improved motion stability.
The unit’s flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, the machine permits reverse pedaling. However, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected resistance level. Also, you cannot coast on the machine. If you stop pedaling, the flywheel also stops spinning, and the console stops counting the distance traveled, and the other metrics.
The machine is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt designed for improved traction and is highly resistant to abrasion. The belt drive comes with a series of advantages over a chain drive. First of all, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication, about stiff links, or rust. And second of all, it generates slightly less vibration than a chain, contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Console
The Bluefin Fitness CURV 2.0 elliptical machine comes with the same type of console as
the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 upright bike. It features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible. It tracks time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set either to metric or imperial units. The pulse reading function is grip only; the console cannot track pulse from a wireless transmitter.
The console unit has a manual program, 12 pre-set programs, 3 heart rate programs, and a recovery test program. The manual program allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during the workout. The 12 pre-set programs (P1 – P12) have different profiles; the profile grid for each one of them should appear on the larger portion of the display. The H.R.C. programs are pre-set for 55%, 75%, and 90% of your total heart rate. The recovery function counts your pulse at the end of the workout and determines how long it takes your heart rate to return to a normal BPM. Based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent), and F6 (poor).
Its also important to mention here, that you can set up workout targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse. If a target is set for time, distance, or calories, the console will count down from the selected value and notify you when you have completed your goal. If a goal is set for heart rate, it will adjust the resistance in an attempt to keep you within the heart rate range.
The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Kinomap app. The app is not completely free. Some of its features, such as coaching videos require a monthly subscription. The app also provides various extra workout metrics, a workout summary feature, the possibility to track your progress online, and also a wide selection of scenic virtual rides which sync with the bike. However, the usage of the app is not necessary. It is optional; you don’t necessarily need to install it, create a user profile, etc.
Last but not least, the console is equipped with a device holder. This consists of a small shelf between the console control pad and the display. It is large enough to accommodate most tablets. However, a large tablet will cover the whole console display.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base section of the elliptical with all the drive and resistance elements, as well as the protective guards, comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the front mast, the handlebars, and the console. This may take more than one hour, but the task is pretty straightforward, and the manual provides instructions for it. A basic toolkit is also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean. The joints between the handlebars, the mast, and the pedals may require periodic lubrication. The internal mechanism doesn’t require any maintenance. It is also recommended to periodically inspect your elliptical, to make sure that all the moving parts still function properly, and that all the fixed parts still hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 264 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Heavy, perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with a textured surface and side/front/rear guards for improved foot stability;
- 24 levels of motorized magnetic resistance;
- Multi-window display console to show as many workout metrics as possible at once;
- 12 pre-set workout programs;
- 3 H.R.C. programs;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, heart rate, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- The console has Bluetooth and is compatible with the Kinomap app;
- Device holder integrated into the console;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the console display.
Summary
The Bluefin Fitness CURV 2.0 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a 24-level eddy current resistance system, a 26.4 lbs internal flywheel, and a console with multiple built-in programs. The console is also Bluetooth-enabled and supports the Kinomap app. In all, it’s a fairly decent elliptical trainer, great for light to medium intensity workouts, muscle toning, recovery training, and stamina development.