Customer Reviews

Kettler HKS Astro Cross-Trainer Elliptical

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I put on a lot of miles (traveling and sampling store machines) to make the best purchase for my needs and wallet. Dick's is the worst place to to try machines or expect help. I went to 3 or 4 Dicks and the machines were rickety and no sales help what-so-ever. Sears has OK selection. I also read TONS of consumer reviews on Tons of different sites. I was not going to pay 3 or 4 thousand dollars for an elliptcal trainer nor do I want the models (Sears) that were rated lower-end that eventually wear out. I read great reviews about Kettler. Most notably was the mention of silence during the workout and the high quality "German engineering".
I took the plunge and ordered. Ultimately a van pulled up and they brought my machine around the back of my house and into my basement. This thing is Heavy!! Flywheel is impressive.
It unpacked nicely.. the directions require slow careful attention (Auchtung !) But it is not too complicated. Have patience.
The elecronics are not high tech... and hard to read as the screen is dim and dull. The tension on the flywheel is set using a mechanical knob conveniently in front of user. HOWEVER<<< using this machine is a joy... it is smooooth, silent, (I did have to tighten up a few screws). The stride is adjustable, it can be leveled and wheeled about. It has a small, tidy footprint which is awesome. It doesnt have fancy buttons or programs... but all I need to do is set it to 15 minutes and tension 2 and off I go. That's all I need and it works. I love it.
The machine and the action are awesome but some techies may expect a more fancy digital experience. I don't really care about that. My stamina and strength is improved and that's my goal!! I love it!

I have had my Kettler Astro for several years and use it all the time. The reason I chose this machine is that it has ball bearings in all the pivot points versus bushings in most other ellipticals. The bushings wear out and the machines usually start knocking and get noisy after a few months. My Kettler is still quiet even after many years of continuous use.

The only down side to this machine, is that if you are very tall, it is a bit small. I am 6'3" and have to stand about 2 inches back from the front of the foot pedals or my knee may contact the front brace occasionally. Other than that, it is perfect, and I would buy another Kettler again without hesitation.

No fancy programs, you set the tension and start exercising, but that is perfect for me. Gives a great cardio workout and whole body exercise, with no impact on your joints. This machine should last a lifetime.

The item arrived very well packed, with all the parts intact. It was faily easy to assemble, but I would suggest borrowing a socket wrench rather than trying to use the (little) wrenches they provide. Other reviews have noted the precision and smoothness of operation, and this is very much the case. I expect the machine to last for years. But...I don't think this would be a good choice for a big person. I'm only a 5'7" male, but it seems a little skimpy even for me. Also, the display is hard to read, especially in dim light. I solved the problem by buying a lttle clip-on high-intensity lamp, and aimed it at the display. For the money, the display really needs to be bigger and brighter. The biggest problem occurs if you choose not to use the ski poles. With your hands gripping the console, the poles tend to come back and hit you on the sholders unless you pull your elbows in and kind of hunch up exactly the right way, and not move around. I solved the problem by just learning to use the ski poles, and that really does make a better workout than not using them. It also makes you feel more stable and balanced on the machine. If at all possible, try to find a retail outlet (not an easy task), and try it out before you buy. Having said all that, it is a very high quality machine with a good, solid feel and no clunky noises.