From 179.99 $
REVIEW
Assembly
We took more than an hour to assemble the fault of a very rudimentary manual and not translated into French.
Comfort / Use < br />
Comfortable Design: This rower has toe clips designed to follow the biomechanics of movement while providing optimized support.
However, these are also one of the Kadett's main weaknesses. A number of users have complained that they move around when in use which is obviously not good.
The straps are poorly designed as well do not keep the feet stable enough when in use. intensive training.
Another negative point for some can be the use of pistons. Many don't like them on rowers because they can never be as smooth as a mechanism running on air, magnetic, or water resistance. But if we want to see the positive, hydraulic pistons are a cheap component which reduces manufacturing costs and therefore the price.
The thick seat is comfortable even when riding prolonged use. The sliding on the rails is also quite smooth. We did, however, find the glide a bit noisy.
As for the overall sound footprint, the Kadett is much quieter than air resistance machines and even flywheels (a important consideration if you live in an apartment).
The Console / Monitor
The LCD screen is a good size, the data is easy to read. Time, number of strokes, stroke speed, distance covered during training session, total distance, energy consumption and heart rate are displayed simultaneously. With a few pushes of the button, you can set a target distance, time or speed and the target will beep when you reach it.
Keep in mind, however, that the data is not accurate. The Rower Kadett monitor is not known for accuracy, unlike the monitors on some other Kettler products. Another drawback is that the data is shown in English and German. Energy consumption is shown in kilojoules instead of in calories. Finally the monitor displays a cardio well-being score on a scale from 1 to 6.
Our model comes with an ear clip for calculating the pulse displayed on the console, although we have heard this is not always standard (check with retailer before purchasing). Some will find the wire and clip uncomfortable and prefer to get a separate wrist or chest sensor. Being able to monitor your pulse is a big advantage. This gives you the flexibility to add heart rate based programs to your workouts. This is a great way to get the most out of your workouts and can help with weight loss and speed up fitness levels.
Battery Power: The console uses two AA batteries , so that the Kettler Kadett does not need a power cable. However, you must take out a screwdriver whenever the batteries need to be changed.
Footprint / Storage
When it comes to footprint, the Kadett is a relatively compact machine for a Scandinavian rower, it is also practical with the possibility of folding the pull arms to be stored vertically. It only measures 150 x 50 x 46cm when folded which could be a suitable choice if you want a rower and have little space at home. The transport wheels and its weight of 30 kg make it easy to move the machine.
Weight limit:
Kettler rowing machines have relatively light capacities. The Kadett's weight limit is 130 kg. However, this is more than enough for most users.
Resistance
The Kadett rower uses hydraulic resistance. This is the cheapest type of resistor on the market, compared to water, air and magnetic resistors.
Although “hydraulic” might make you think of water, the system uses oil. It can therefore overheat if you use the machine intensely, so the Kadett is not intended for too intensive use.
The resistance level is changed by turning a collar on the piston and we found the range of 12 different levels sufficient for most users. However, some may find the fit of the clamps on both pistons imprecise. It also means that you have to stop and change the depth settings each time if you do a pyramid workout.
Efficiency
This rower allows you to reproduce more or less the gesture of rowing. It is therefore quite logical that we find the benefits of a classic rower. After swimming, it is surely the most complete sporting gesture that allows you to work both upper and lower limbs.
It is therefore an excellent device for working both in weight training and in cardio. Simple, solid, efficient, it can use 80% of the muscles of the body and more particularly the back, shoulders, arms and legs.
Quality / Robustness
Kettler is a German company renowned for making quality equipment, but we were a bit disappointed with the Kadett. While it appears to be a device that will hold rehearsals smoothly with its steel frame guaranteed for life, it nevertheless has weaknesses such as the way the footrests are attached to the frame which seems too fragile for our liking (we had emails from users saying they just broke them and need the part replaced). This is unfortunate for equipment of this price.
The other inherent weakness of this type of rower concerns the pistons which, after a certain time, and even if they are covered for three years by the guarantee, go out and replacing them is complicated and expensive (count around 150 € once it has expired).
Warranty: The parts warranty is 3 years, which is appropriate for a rowing machine from 599 € like the Kadett. Note that the manufacturer's after-sales service is very efficient.
We took more than an hour to assemble the fault of a very rudimentary manual and not translated into French.
Comfort / Use < br />
Comfortable Design: This rower has toe clips designed to follow the biomechanics of movement while providing optimized support.
However, these are also one of the Kadett's main weaknesses. A number of users have complained that they move around when in use which is obviously not good.
The straps are poorly designed as well do not keep the feet stable enough when in use. intensive training.
Another negative point for some can be the use of pistons. Many don't like them on rowers because they can never be as smooth as a mechanism running on air, magnetic, or water resistance. But if we want to see the positive, hydraulic pistons are a cheap component which reduces manufacturing costs and therefore the price.
The thick seat is comfortable even when riding prolonged use. The sliding on the rails is also quite smooth. We did, however, find the glide a bit noisy.
As for the overall sound footprint, the Kadett is much quieter than air resistance machines and even flywheels (a important consideration if you live in an apartment).
The Console / Monitor
The LCD screen is a good size, the data is easy to read. Time, number of strokes, stroke speed, distance covered during training session, total distance, energy consumption and heart rate are displayed simultaneously. With a few pushes of the button, you can set a target distance, time or speed and the target will beep when you reach it.
Keep in mind, however, that the data is not accurate. The Rower Kadett monitor is not known for accuracy, unlike the monitors on some other Kettler products. Another drawback is that the data is shown in English and German. Energy consumption is shown in kilojoules instead of in calories. Finally the monitor displays a cardio well-being score on a scale from 1 to 6.
Our model comes with an ear clip for calculating the pulse displayed on the console, although we have heard this is not always standard (check with retailer before purchasing). Some will find the wire and clip uncomfortable and prefer to get a separate wrist or chest sensor. Being able to monitor your pulse is a big advantage. This gives you the flexibility to add heart rate based programs to your workouts. This is a great way to get the most out of your workouts and can help with weight loss and speed up fitness levels.
Battery Power: The console uses two AA batteries , so that the Kettler Kadett does not need a power cable. However, you must take out a screwdriver whenever the batteries need to be changed.
Footprint / Storage
When it comes to footprint, the Kadett is a relatively compact machine for a Scandinavian rower, it is also practical with the possibility of folding the pull arms to be stored vertically. It only measures 150 x 50 x 46cm when folded which could be a suitable choice if you want a rower and have little space at home. The transport wheels and its weight of 30 kg make it easy to move the machine.
Weight limit:
Kettler rowing machines have relatively light capacities. The Kadett's weight limit is 130 kg. However, this is more than enough for most users.
Resistance
The Kadett rower uses hydraulic resistance. This is the cheapest type of resistor on the market, compared to water, air and magnetic resistors.
Although “hydraulic” might make you think of water, the system uses oil. It can therefore overheat if you use the machine intensely, so the Kadett is not intended for too intensive use.
The resistance level is changed by turning a collar on the piston and we found the range of 12 different levels sufficient for most users. However, some may find the fit of the clamps on both pistons imprecise. It also means that you have to stop and change the depth settings each time if you do a pyramid workout.
Efficiency
This rower allows you to reproduce more or less the gesture of rowing. It is therefore quite logical that we find the benefits of a classic rower. After swimming, it is surely the most complete sporting gesture that allows you to work both upper and lower limbs.
It is therefore an excellent device for working both in weight training and in cardio. Simple, solid, efficient, it can use 80% of the muscles of the body and more particularly the back, shoulders, arms and legs.
Quality / Robustness
Kettler is a German company renowned for making quality equipment, but we were a bit disappointed with the Kadett. While it appears to be a device that will hold rehearsals smoothly with its steel frame guaranteed for life, it nevertheless has weaknesses such as the way the footrests are attached to the frame which seems too fragile for our liking (we had emails from users saying they just broke them and need the part replaced). This is unfortunate for equipment of this price.
The other inherent weakness of this type of rower concerns the pistons which, after a certain time, and even if they are covered for three years by the guarantee, go out and replacing them is complicated and expensive (count around 150 € once it has expired).
Warranty: The parts warranty is 3 years, which is appropriate for a rowing machine from 599 € like the Kadett. Note that the manufacturer's after-sales service is very efficient.
