 The
Reebok Z9 elliptical trainer is a new addition to Reebok Fitness range. The
new z-series machines are a new generation of home fitness machines that
replace Reebok's previous I-series.
Previously, there have been many
Reebok home cross trainers (such as the Pure) where it was clear that there
is a price premium on the machine due to the Reebok brand. So what's this
cross trainer like?
On reviewing the machine, we were very pleasantly
surprised! This is a nice looking compact cross trainer with a footprint of
only 92cm by 52cm (though an additional 30cm should be provided at the front
to provide enough space for the full swing of the arms).
The
movement on the cross trainer feels smooth and the stride is pretty natural,
helped by a decent 15" stride length and a hefty 9kg flywheel. The stride is
long enough to maintain the natural feel for most users under 6 feet tall.
We've tested many entry level cross trainers with 13 or 14" strides and can
confirm the extra inch does make a big difference here ;-)
The next
surprise is the console! It's a rather nice affair with with a nice colour
LCD screen at the center. The clever computer is both simple to use and
actually rather feature packed. Simpllicity is in no way compromised: to
just use the machine, it's just a case of getting on it and pressing the
start button in the middle! This starts the cross trainer in manual mode,
with the resistance level being controlling using the up and down buttons on
the console. Resistance can be adjusted in 32 levels.
In order to
ensure workout variety, the console is packed with programmes, The first
programme is a manual programme, which is actually a target programme: You
simply set the time , distance, or calorie target for the workout and begin
exercising (manually changing resistance to desired levels). The target
parameter simply counts down to zero to let you know when your exercise goal
has been achieved. The surprise for us that it's possible to set a target
watt level as well. With this feature, the Z9 is actually an ergometer -
something we really weren't expecting to see in a budget machine! An
ergometer is a machine that is calibrated to measure the amount of effort
being expedited as part of the training. This is calculated using a
combination of the computer controlled resistance level and the striding
speed and is measured in Watts (just like a light bulb). With the Z9 cross
trainer, it's possible to set a target WATT level and the computer
automatically keeps adjusting the resistance, factoring in the stride speed
to try to keep the level of intensity constant.
There are 12 pre-set
programmes and the console (pictured below) has the profiles of each printed
directly on the console. Each of these twelve programmes can have their
difficulty level set. There is a heart rate controlled programme, with the
option of entering age and being able to select between 3 different
percentages of maximum heart rate or entering a target heart rate in BPM.
Whilst we're great fans of heart rate controlled training, it should be
noted that this programme requires the console to be receiving a continuous
pulse rate, which would gripping the static handles with the pulse sensors.
We feel that this reduces the level of upper body exercise and would advise
against training in this way. There are certainly plenty of other options
available on this machine!!
In addition to the manual target
programme, constant Watt programme, 12 scalabale pre-set programmes and the
HRC one, there is even a facility to create a bespoke user defined programme
through an intuitive interface!
Finally, this elliptical trainer has
a fitness test function. After an exercise session (with your heart rate
elevated), you press the fitness test button and grab the pulse grips on the
handlebar for one minute. The computer monitors the rate at which your heart
rate is returning to its resting level and based on that provides a fitness
rating between 1 and 8 - the lower the number, the better your fitness
level. We think a machine having a recovery / fitness test built in is
extremely useful in providing motivation by actually enabling the user to
see improvements in their fitness levels over a period of time.
Console / Display Unit
The console features a very large, back-lit
colour LCD screen which is divided into logical segments. 5 segments at the
bottom of the display provide continuous feedback on exercise metrics such
as time, speed, resistance level, calorie consumption and pulse rate. 3 of
these windows display two sets of information and you can toggle between the
sets using the mode button in the center of the console during exercise. The
main area of the display is used for programme related information such as
displaying a programme's profile so that you can see how far through a
programme you are and what's coming up next.
The buttons on the console are
simply and clear to use. The only thing is keeping in mind that the 'mode'
button is effectively an enter button in relation to questions asked on the
display.
Practical Info
There's a hell of a lot of cross
trainer packed into the Z9's compact dimensions. In addition, the machine
has leg levelers on the reall footrest, ensuring that the the corss trainer
will be stable on slightly uneven floor and there are a pair of transport
wheels at the front to enable the machine to be moved. The max user weight
is a a sensible
Summary
As a machine that is available for under £300, the
Reebok Z9 is hard to beat - it's stylish, has a decent stride and lots of
functionality!
Dimensions (cm):
Machine weight:
Max. user weight:
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L110 x W66 x H162
35.5kg
120 kg or 18.8 Stone
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Pros: The build quality, smooth action, large and clear display,
ergometer
Cons:
No wireless heart rate receiver
Our score : 9.5
(out of 10), an excellent elliptical that's been well thought out and packed
with more features that the rest of the products on the market at under
£300
Best Price:
Currently available for £289 with free UK delivery from Sweatband.com
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Also see our Elliptical Trainer Comparison Table.
Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer
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