Sportstech CX608 Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

Sportstech CX608 Elliptical Trainer Review

Summary: The Sportstech CX608 Elliptical is at the budget end of the range for this popular German brand. You will find many of the small touches including app compatibility and design which are found in the mid-budget and commercial cross-trainers. The magnetic braking system gives you 8 levels of resistance – plenty enough for a full body workout. This is quiet, thanks to the 12kg integrated flywheel.

This is not commercial level – though for a high-tech home elliptical which will get the job done, you really can’t go wrong with this Sportstech machine.

See the full gallery, which shows all the key features close-up, over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page for yourself now!

Detailed Review of the Sportstech CX608 Elliptical Cross Trainer

Compared to the LXC800, this elliptical is a smaller unit. It is just over 1.2 meters long, 55cms wide and 1.6 meters to the very top of the poles / handles. The flywheel is rear mounted, giving you a stable base. There are wheels to move it into place, with two stable bars to stop any wobbles. It weighs in at 33kgs – with a full 12kgs of this coming from the flywheel.

At this lower price level, you will need to adjust the resistance levels manually. This is easy to do without disrupting your workout too much. You will see a dial just above the bottle holder and below the console to adjust this.

The pedals have a ridged design. This helps keep your feet firmly in place while you work out.

A big benefit of rooting for German engineering is their ‘whisper quiet’ belt system. This is ideal if you like to work out watching TV or listening to music.

Console and App Compatibility

Console View CX608 Elliptical Cross TrainerIt is easy to use the CX608 without connecting with apps – via the LCD console. This has big, clear numbers and can easily be set to scan between them. You get to see the distance, calorie count, pulse rate (note the sensors on the inner handlebars), speed and time spent working out.

Buyers get a chest strap as part of the package – this can be used to use your heart rate to vary in the intensity of your training.

The CX608 can connect to popular fitness apps including KinoMap and FitnessData from this elliptical. You will need a tablet / smartphone to do this (not supplied!). Once connected you can track your data between workouts, join group classes and even buy fitness coaching.

Feedback: What Buyers Said About the Sportstech CX608 Elliptical Cross Trainer?

The comments from both the UK and Germany are not so positive on this model compared to other Sportstech gear. After reviewing them on more than one site, I figured out that the main issue is expectations. A lot of people thought they would get something closer to the ellipticals found in commercial gyms and were disappointed by the size of the CX608.

Once people used it, they were positive. With the smooth action, quietness and electronics all coming in for some praise. If you translate the German comments, you will find people that are furiously angry that their machine developed a squeak after ONLY 2 years. Shocking, though it could be a language barrier / translation thing!

As always, it pays to look beyond the manufacturers marketing and read the feedback from real buyers, whatever model of Elliptical trainer you eventually choose.

Wrapping Up: Is the Sportstech CX608 Elliptical Trainer Right for You?

For German quality engineering on a budget, the CX608 ticks all the right boxes. This is a smaller unit than many in the Sportstech range. It is aimed at those that want an option for some regular cardio fitness – though do not wish to shell out big money on a gym-level machine.

Compared to others in this price bracket, the electronics catch the eye. The console is fine alone, though the ability to connect with popular fitness apps allows for a new dimension for your workouts.

Add to this a free chest-strap heart rate monitor – and you have a great value elliptical trainer.

Check out the detailed pictures and read the latest feedback for yourself now over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page!

More Popular Elliptical Cross Trainers: