Customer Reviews

Kettler HKS Coach LS Rowing Machine

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It was easy to put together. It is almost silent. The strap isn't uncomfortable. However not being able to save settings is a hassle. I wish they had spent a little more on the computer chip. However I purchased it for the rowing. It is a solid machine. I am a large, well-muscled person. I don't feel like I'm going to rip the handle from the system. This machine will last me a lifetime. And I love the fact there are other exercises that this machine is designed to do.

UPDATE: I'd take this down to four stars if I could. The user interface is bad. I want to measure distance. It will show distance as you enter an exercise but that's it.

this is a great rowing machine - its smooth, well-built and easy to use. There are two things about it that bother me: 1) the pulse meter does not work, I've tried everything, and the computer does not pick up the signal of the meter that sits on your chest while rowing. 2) the computer that is represented in the photo on Amazon is not the computer that you receive. Amazon misrepresented the higher-end Kettler Rower (Ergo). I told them so, and sent my first one back, but lo and behold they sent the same darn rower. So I won't say I'm stuck with it, although that's pretty much the case. Its great to use, regardless, but the shopping experience in this case was poor. Its a $1000 investment, not a CD or a book. Make sure that the image used is CORRECT!!!

This is german engineering showing off. Very nice machine and solid build make it an impressive machine. Just as good as the gym machines and I have used the best Concept 2 machines and am not sure what the hype is about but in my very honest opinion this is just as good if not better. Bigger than I expect too! 5/5!

=PROS=
- Smooth rowing
- Nice Big Display (but not backlit, which can be hard to read in dim lighting)

=CONS=
- Heart Rate Monitor is very uncomfortable. The plastic and band tend to cut into the skin. To my surprise, I discovered my Polar Heart Rate Monitor worked with it, which is 10x more comfortable.

- The foot rest straps usually come undone, when rowing. It can really throw off the workout. To work around this, I bought a pair of cheap tennis shoes and bolted them to the foot rests.

- Unable to save settings. However, since I use it for cardio, it's no big deal. I just set it up, and off I go. It would be the same with any equipment in a gym.

If it wasn't for the heart rate monitor, and the foot rests, I would probably have given it 4 stars.

Used it for about 6 month. Totaly satisfied. I don't use the fancy heart monitor, I just use it to work out and it's exactly what I need. I am in the decent shape and it has enough strenght setting for me not to worry about outgrowing it.

I have used Concept II and Nordic rowers at gyms and like the workout a lot. Then I saw an "old" Kettler Coach rower at the school where I work. The PE director said no one had used it and they'd let me have it for a reasonable offer, so I bought it.

I've had the machine about 6 months and I like the action even better than Concept II or Nordic. It is very smooth, quiet, and well-made. Mine's about three years old but had very little use. The heart monitor had been lost but that doesn't bother me; I run marathon and know my heart rates really well. To me, the smooth action is the most important thing. I can get a good workout, full body, on days I'm not running, without damaging legs or knees, and it helps strengthen my back, stomach, arms and even hands.

I'd pay full price for this machine, now that I know what it's like. I keep mine on our side porch (outside) under a thick tarp and just uncover it quickly to use. We're in Maui so I have a nice view of the ocean while working out year-round. Recommended!

I just sent mine back. For close to $1,000, I really expected more. The PR states that this machine is nearly silent - well it is not. Also, settings cannot be saved - one has to enter time, age, etc. each session. Also, the heart monitor is a very uncomfortable chest strap which needs to be wet before each use.

I am looking for a better model.