MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
MaxKare Elliptical Check Discounted Price	L:54.3" W:19" H:61.8"	264 lbs	Manual magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN	2 years limited

MaxKare offers several models of elliptical trainers. In this post, we’re going to address the MaxKare Front Drive elliptical. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3810 but has a shorter stride and a basic exercise meter without any goal setting functions or programs.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 54.3L x 19W x 61.8H inches (138L x 48W x 157H cm)
• Assembled weight: 90 lbs (41 kg)
• Supported weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
• Stride: 13.5 inches (34 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
• Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

The MaxKare front-drive elliptical trainer features a steel frame with the casing of the drive system and the pedal trays made of ABS plastic. Its base frame consists of two main parts, one with the sliding rail bars for the pedals, the other that sustains the drive elements. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction feature a durable paint finish resistant to corrosion. The color used is dark gray.

The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars are connected to the upright mast of the trainer, and to the pedals; this means they cannot be locked to remain stationary. They continue to move for as long as you pedal. They have long, standard grips, covered by a layer of rubber foam material.

The fixed handlebars are attached to the machine’s upright mast via bolts, so they’re non-adjustable. As opposed to the mobile handlebars, they have integrated pulse sensors. They also have the same rubber-foam grips for improved comfort.

The fully assembled trainer is not extremely large compared to other front-drive elliptical machines, such as the SNODE E90, for example. However, it still is 54.3″ (138 cm) long, and 19″ (48 cm) wide, so it may not fit too well in a small room, considering that you also should leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance all around it.

The machine is fairly heavy. Its net weight is approx. 90 lbs. However, its front base integrates a set of small wheels that facilitate its relocation if needed. Also, its middle base bar and its rear base bar are equipped with adjustable levelers.

Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height

First of all, this MaxKare magnetic elliptical trainer features a set of pedals similar to the ones on the Sunny SF-E3810. They’re made of heavy-duty plastic material (probably polypropylene); they’re rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg) which is not bad for a home-use elliptical. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have a non-slip surface and inner guards for improved foot stability.

The wheels on the pedal bars integrate sealed, industrial-grade ball bearings for a smooth pedal motion. They have an outer rubberized layer to reduce noise during usage.

This MaxKare elliptical trainer offers a stride of 13.5″ (34 cm). It’s not too long and does not offer the ample range of motion of a commercial-grade elliptical, such as the BodyCraft ECT500G, for example. However, it can still accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm).

Like many other elliptical trainers with a front-drive system, this MaxKare cross trainer has an elliptical path slightly inclined forward. This means that the ride resembles a descent on a soft ramp. This can be considered a plus as it puts more focus on your glutes and thighs. However, it’s important to mention that the machine does not have an incline system. Thus, you cannot adjust the length of its stride or the angle of the elliptical path.

The machine’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is 5.9″ (~15 cm). This means that your feet are positioned on the pedals naturally, so the ride does not generate any lateral stress on your joints. Also, just like any other elliptical trainer, this MaxKare model delivers a low-impact cardio workout.

Last but not least, the pedals are at approx. 11″ (28 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest position, the pedals are at approx. 17 (43 cm) above floor level. Therefore, to avoid any elevation-related issues, it is recommended to use this elliptical trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 25″ (63.5 cm) than your own height.

Resistance and drive

This MaxKare elliptical trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need a power adapter for it, and it does not require an external power source. But on the other hand, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.

The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front upright bar through a steel cable. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnets move close to the flywheel increasing the pedaling difficulty.

Similar to many other manual magnetic elliptical trainers, this MaxKare model offers 8 levels of resistance. The first level of resistance offers a pretty light pedaling difficulty. If the first tension level is selected, you will basically workout only by the difficulty generated by the flywheel alone. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers a considerably higher pedaling difficulty, simulating a hill climb.

The machine’s internal flywheel features a perimeter-weighted design. This adds inertia and smoothness to the ride. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering the size and overall weight of the machine, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 20-24 lbs (9-11 kg).

The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, the machine gives you the possibility to pedal in reverse. However, coasting is not possible on this machine, so, when pedaling in reverse, you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forward. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the exercise meter continues to track your workout metrics.

The MaxKare magnetic elliptical trainer features a belt drive system. This type of drivetrain comes with several advantages. First of all, you don’t have to ever lubricate the drivetrain as it is the case for a chain-driven bike or elliptical. Second of all, the pedaling motion is very smooth and whisper-quiet.

Exercise meter

As we’ve mentioned above, this MaxKare elliptical machine is equipped with a basic exercise meter. It does not have pre-set programs, goal settings, or online connectivity. It features an LCD display which indicates time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.

The meter unit is not telemetric. This means it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors. It cannot communicate with an ANT+ or Polar heart rate chest band.

The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to remain on the display. You can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds you can clear all the values on it to zero.

The machine’s performance monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the machine to save battery life.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front base unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the other parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the rear base frame to the front part, the front base stabilizer with the transport wheels, the main upright bar, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, the exercise meter, and the pedals. This may take up to two hours of your time, but the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools for the assembly are included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. The internal parts don’t need lubrication. The unit’s joints may require lubrication from time to time. Other than this, you only have the keep the unit clean and periodically check for any potential loose bolts or parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame – can support users up to 265 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the middle and rear base bars;
• Transport wheels on the front base bar;
• Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
• Belt drive system for a smooth pedaling motion;
• Large pedals with front and inner guards for extra stability;
• Narrow Q-factor, eliminating any lateral stress on the knees;
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
• Exercise meter included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Extremely quiet operation;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• The display of the exercise meter doesn’t have backlight;
• No goal functions;
• The pulse reading function is not too accurate.

Summary

The MaxKare elliptical trainer is a machine made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels, a set of large pedals designed for low impact workouts, and an exercise meter that tracks time, distance, calories, speed, and pulse. It’s a great machine for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina building, and weight loss.