| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kettler ELYX 1 Check Discounted Price | L:76" W:26" H:67" | 330 lbs | 40 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | 8 programs, Goals, Recovery |
The Kettler ELYX 1 is a front-drive elliptical trainer made for home use, featuring an eddy current resistance system. It does lack in features compared with other similar machines in this price range, such as the Schwinn 470 MY17. For example, it doesn’t have an incline system or online connectivity. But on the other hand, it is equipped with a heavier flywheel. Anyway, in this review, we’ll point out all the pluses and minuses about this trainer.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 76L x 26W x 67H inches (193L x 66W x 172H cm)
- Assembled weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Max. user weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: No
- Pedals: Adjustable, 3 positions
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Magnetic, motor-assisted, 16 levels
- Console: 8 workouts, goal settings
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 2 years
Frame & parts
One of the main pros of this Kettler elliptical trainer is its heavy-duty frame which is made of high-carbon steel tubing. Its pedals and pedal bars are rated for a user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg)
which is not bad for a home-use elliptical machine. All the steel bars in its construction are powder coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint, with the exception of the rail covers which are stainless steel. The color used for the frame is white, this being the only color available for this model.
Like most front drive ellipticals with this type of construction, the Kettler ELYX 1 is a fairly large machine. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx. 76″ (193 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance around it for safe operation and access.
Evidently, due to the extra-heavy flywheel and the durable steel bars, the unit isn’t exactly lightweight. With all the parts in place, it weighs approx. 165 lbs (75 kg), while its shipping weight is close to 200 lbs (90 kg). This being said, it is recommended to be transported and assembled by two people. On the other hand, the movement of the unit isn’t too difficult once it is assembled. its front base features two sets of transport wheels.
The unit’s weight also plays an important role in its overall stability and sturdiness. You can be sure that it won’t wobble or change position even if you engage in a more demanding workout. Plus, some of its bases have built-in adjustable stabilizers so you can perfectly level it on any type of floor.
The Kettler ELYX 1 elliptical features two large pedals, made of durable ABS material. They have a front edge to provide extra support for your feet. They’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a non-slip surface, but most importantly, they feature three positions of adjustment, which allow you to vary the elliptical motion.
The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. The mobile handlebars have a multi-grip, curved design, with top, ovalized grips as well.
The pedals bars feature industrial grade rollers. They have a rubberized layer on the outside in order to provide a very smooth and quiet motion over the rails. Also, the pedals wheels and all the moving joints of the machine integrate high-quality ball bearings for minimal wear and tear, and a smooth operation.
Elliptical path, stride & step-up height
As we’ve mentioned above, the Kettler ELYX 1 elliptical trainer does not have an incline system, which is a minus for a machine in this price range. However, it still offers the possibility to perform a
wide range of workouts or change postures due to the adjustability of the pedals.
The unit’s elliptical path is horizontal. However, like most other trainers with a front drive system, the pedaling motion may deliver a slight feeling of going uphill.
The ELYX 1 cross trainer offers a 20″ (51 cm) stride, while the pedals travel on their paths for approx. 22″ (56 cm). Differently put, this machine should accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), promoting a correct and healthy stride. However, shorter users than 5’3″ (160 cm) may consider the stride a bit long. Also, the unit’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is only 3″ (7.6 cm). Therefore, your feet are positioned on the pedals naturally and comfortably, while the pedaling motion doesn’t generate any lateral stress on your joints.
One last aspect to mention here regards the unit’s step-up height. In their lowest position to the floor, the machine’s pedals are situated approx. 12″ (30 cm) above floor level. Also, at their highest position, they reach approx. 18″ (46 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 22″-23″ (56 -59 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive & resistance
The ELYX 1 cross trainer features a belt drive system, using a poly-v belt. Therefore, it yields an almost completely silent, vibration-free operation. Also, a belt drive doesn’t require lubrication.
One of the main pluses of this trainer is the extra-heavy flywheel. It weighs 40 lbs (18.1 kg), while many other trainers of this caliber only have a 22 lbs or 32 lbs flywheel. The internal flywheel is also perimeter-weighted which means that it can deliver a more aggressive inertia, for a more intense cardio training, and a superior workout for the leg muscles.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This essentially means that you can pedal in reverse if you want. When pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to count your calories burned, miles traveled, etc.
The ELYX 1 elliptical machine is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. It consists of a small motor and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance, the brake will change its position in relation to the flywheel, which results in a pedal tension shift.
The resistance can only be controlled from the console, and the machine needs to be connected to a 110 V power circuit. An AC adapter is included with the unit. Also, in case you will be using any of the onboard programs, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance.
The console provides 16 levels of resistance. The first three levels deliver light workouts, great for warm-ups or recovery training. Conversely, the 7-8 workouts supply a more consistent workout, offering the possibility to obtain a substantial burn, being great for intense cardio and weight loss.
Console
The console unit included with this Kettler elliptical trainer is basically the same as the one for the Kettler GIRO R recumbent exercise bike. It features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections
in order to show all the workout metrics at once. For other units, for example, you have to use a SCAN function in order to alternate metrics, without the possibility to see them all simultaneously. The unit’s display also integrates blue backlight, which improves its readability.
The readings provided by the unit’s console are RPM, speed, distance, time, kcalories and pulse. Distance can be calculated in both kilometers and miles, while speed can be shown in MPH or km/h. The current level of resistance is also indicated.
For pulse reading, you can either use the sensors incorporated into the unit’s stationary bars. However, the console is also telemetric. It can read your pulse through a wireless Polar T-34 chest strap transmitter, or an infrared ear-clip sensor. These accessories are optional, though (not included).
The console offers 8 workout programs. The 1-6 programs are pre-set programs, while the last two programs (HRC1 and HRC2) are heart rate based programs. They require you to use the pulse sensors and allow you to select a certain HR interval. Therefore, the machine will automatically adjust the resistance until it detects that you have the pulse according to the selected HR interval.
Goal settings are available for time, distance, and calories burned. In other words, you can select countdown values for any of these metrics, so the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This way, you can set up targets for each and every one of your workouts.
The console unit also has a Recovery function. This can be run at the end of the workout while holding the pulse sensors. This way, the unit will count the time that your heart rate takes to return to normal after the workout. At the end of the test, the console will provide you with a fitness rating between F1 and F6, F1 being “excellent”, while F6 being “very poor”.
Assembly & Maintenance
The front base of the unit, including the drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled. All you need to do for assembly is attach the front part to the rear part of the frame, the front and rear base bars, the console mast, the pedal bars, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and the console. This may take more than an hour, but it’s far from being a complicated process. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to keep the unit’s rails clean. Its joints may require lubrication after a while. And a periodic check of the bolts and parts is also recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Large, adjustable pedals with an anti-slip surface;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
- Long mobile handlebars with top, ovalized grips
- Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;
- Extra-heavy (40 lbs), perimeter-weighted flywheel;
- 16 levels of eddy current resistance;
- Multi-panel LCD console which can track RPM, speed, distance, time, kcalories and pulse;
- 8 workout programs;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- Telemetric console – can read your pulse through a Polar T34 HR chest strap;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No incline;
- No tablet holder;
- No online connectivity;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Kettler ELYX 1 is an elliptical trainer designed for home use. It features an eddy current resistance system which offers 16 resistance levels. It’s equipped with a 40 lbs internal flywheel, adjustable pedals, and has a weight capacity of 330 lbs. Its console offers 6 preset workouts, 2 heart rate programs, goal settings and a recovery function. It’s a great machine for muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, weight loss, and in general, light to medium-range cardio workouts. It’s not an affordable trainer but does offer great quality for the price.