The IronMan CDT Elliptical Review (aka CardioZone Center D) - Ironman in name and Performance
Ohiyo!
There are times when the Treadmill Sensei wishes that his son would come to his senses, give up art and take after his old man...perhaps one day even take over the DOJO. Unfortunately, on days like today such dreams of the Sensei are crushed. You see, I heard my beloved son yelling for a tool from one of the repair bays near my office. I couldn't quite make out what he was saying so I poked my head out the door and asked if I could be of service (excited that he was even asking for a tool). To my dismay, the now adult child who sprang from my loins (my son), was calling out for "one of those starry headed screwdriving things." I just shook my head and passed him one of the starry headed screwdriving things I had in my toolbelt. Needless to say, the boy takes after his mother. I believe the only hope for the DOJO lies in my first grandchild, in spite of him not being named after me.
Today we have an email from a reader asking about a CardioZone Center D Elliptical. Let's see what he has to say. Take it away, Rolly!
Sensei,
I'm looking into getting an elliptical since it would be great for my off days of running and I hate running anyway, but need to for the military. The elliptical will help my knees hold up longer.
I was originally looking at the sole and spirit, but came across this (CardioZone) Center D (Elliptical). I guess Keys makes it, but on their site, they only have 2 higher-end models. Cardiozone has this one and was curious if you knew anything about it. Thanks. -Rolly
Rolly:
Thanks for the note! I am indeed familiar with the Ironman CDT Elliptical, which you've seen online as the "CardioZone Center D." CardioZone is a fitness brand own by the fine people at Fitness Blowout. The CardioZone line doesn't actually exist in the most part and is just rebranded equipment from other manufacturers, Keys/Ironman making up the majority of their product and what appears to be BH Fitness units making up a good chunk of their treadmills. The CardioZone units are the same as the Ironman/Keys units, but tend to be a bit overpriced and sometimes over-spec'd. The CardioZone versions also have their MSRP double or triple what it really should be.
The Ironman CDT Elliptical is one of the better "center drive" style ellipticals out there and I think it performs slightly better than the New Balance 9000 because of the CDT's heavier weight. The additional weight gives the CDT elliptical a huge amount of stability and sturdiness for even the heaviest duty work outs. This is a huge advantage when you factor in the incredibly natural pedal positioning on the Ironman CDT. Ironman has done an excellent job in the design of this unit and it gives one of the most comfortable workouts under $2000.
Going along with the stability and pedal placement, the Ironman CDT also has a fantastic feeling 21" stride. Even at my shorter height of 5'8" the Ironman CDT elliptical I reviewed and worked out on for 2 weeks here at the DOJO felt great. This unit will work for anyone from about 5'6" up to 6'5" or more. Even the static center handles are well placed and won't get in the way of taller users (Octane take note!).
Rounding out the features on the CDT are 18 programs, 16 levels of resistance, heart rate monitoring and heart rate control. The lack of an adjustable stride on this elliptial isn't missed due to the well-designed feel of its workouts. If you want a solid, natural feeling elliptical workout and you haven't checked out the center-drive Ironman CDT Elliptical, then you're really missing out.
The only real downside that I've seen on this unit is the console. It really isn't the most user friendly or intuitive and the instruction manual isn't much help. It might take a bit longer to get the hang of the more advanced features but the workout makes the additional effort worthwhile.
The Ironman CDT Elliptical is one of the best mid-range center-drive ellipticals around.
Find out more about the Ironman CDT Elliptical Now.
Ironman CDT Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 21"
Flywheel: n/a
Programs: 18
Resistance Levels: 16
Display: LCD
Readouts: Time, speed, distance, calories used, watt level, and pulse
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Max User Weight: 300lbs
Unit Weight: 240lbs
-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com
There are times when the Treadmill Sensei wishes that his son would come to his senses, give up art and take after his old man...perhaps one day even take over the DOJO. Unfortunately, on days like today such dreams of the Sensei are crushed. You see, I heard my beloved son yelling for a tool from one of the repair bays near my office. I couldn't quite make out what he was saying so I poked my head out the door and asked if I could be of service (excited that he was even asking for a tool). To my dismay, the now adult child who sprang from my loins (my son), was calling out for "one of those starry headed screwdriving things." I just shook my head and passed him one of the starry headed screwdriving things I had in my toolbelt. Needless to say, the boy takes after his mother. I believe the only hope for the DOJO lies in my first grandchild, in spite of him not being named after me.
Today we have an email from a reader asking about a CardioZone Center D Elliptical. Let's see what he has to say. Take it away, Rolly!
Sensei,
I'm looking into getting an elliptical since it would be great for my off days of running and I hate running anyway, but need to for the military. The elliptical will help my knees hold up longer.
I was originally looking at the sole and spirit, but came across this (CardioZone) Center D (Elliptical). I guess Keys makes it, but on their site, they only have 2 higher-end models. Cardiozone has this one and was curious if you knew anything about it. Thanks. -Rolly
Rolly:
Thanks for the note! I am indeed familiar with the Ironman CDT Elliptical, which you've seen online as the "CardioZone Center D." CardioZone is a fitness brand own by the fine people at Fitness Blowout. The CardioZone line doesn't actually exist in the most part and is just rebranded equipment from other manufacturers, Keys/Ironman making up the majority of their product and what appears to be BH Fitness units making up a good chunk of their treadmills. The CardioZone units are the same as the Ironman/Keys units, but tend to be a bit overpriced and sometimes over-spec'd. The CardioZone versions also have their MSRP double or triple what it really should be.
The Ironman CDT Elliptical is one of the better "center drive" style ellipticals out there and I think it performs slightly better than the New Balance 9000 because of the CDT's heavier weight. The additional weight gives the CDT elliptical a huge amount of stability and sturdiness for even the heaviest duty work outs. This is a huge advantage when you factor in the incredibly natural pedal positioning on the Ironman CDT. Ironman has done an excellent job in the design of this unit and it gives one of the most comfortable workouts under $2000.
Going along with the stability and pedal placement, the Ironman CDT also has a fantastic feeling 21" stride. Even at my shorter height of 5'8" the Ironman CDT elliptical I reviewed and worked out on for 2 weeks here at the DOJO felt great. This unit will work for anyone from about 5'6" up to 6'5" or more. Even the static center handles are well placed and won't get in the way of taller users (Octane take note!).
Rounding out the features on the CDT are 18 programs, 16 levels of resistance, heart rate monitoring and heart rate control. The lack of an adjustable stride on this elliptial isn't missed due to the well-designed feel of its workouts. If you want a solid, natural feeling elliptical workout and you haven't checked out the center-drive Ironman CDT Elliptical, then you're really missing out.
The only real downside that I've seen on this unit is the console. It really isn't the most user friendly or intuitive and the instruction manual isn't much help. It might take a bit longer to get the hang of the more advanced features but the workout makes the additional effort worthwhile.
The rather confusing display on the Ironman CDT Elliptical (also known as the CardioZone Center D elliptical).
The Ironman CDT Elliptical is one of the best mid-range center-drive ellipticals around.
Find out more about the Ironman CDT Elliptical Now.
Ironman CDT Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 21"
Flywheel: n/a
Programs: 18
Resistance Levels: 16
Display: LCD
Readouts: Time, speed, distance, calories used, watt level, and pulse
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Max User Weight: 300lbs
Unit Weight: 240lbs
http://www.treadmillsensei.com
Labels: elliptical review, review
posted by Treadmill Sensei at
6:36 PM
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1 Comments:
My wife (who also has knee problems) loves our new Ironman CDT (purchased from a local retailer). For those that may not have noticed, while it looks radically different, it uses the EXACT same drive mechanism as several hundred dollars more expensive CenterG (also made by Keys Fitness). Exact, as in the parts list for the major mechanical bits has the same part numbers on it. The CenterG has side rails, a better console, and better looks. The salesguy tried to get us to buy the CenterG, but the CDT is just fine for us. The biggest problem? No cupholder. This was a baffling ommission, but one easily corrected with an aftermarket one from the fitness store.
And yes, the console is difficult, and the manual is little help. That said, once you get used to it, it isn't too bad.
Word of warning: This sucker was HEAVY. I am extremely glad we paid for delivery because even the burly folks who do nothing but deliver equipment all day were straining. They also had to remove one of the plastic side panels to get it through the bedroom door.
I tried a clone of the New Balance at another store from Fitness Quest. That fact that the NB has any relation to Fitness Quest, the makers of the Gazelle, should be a warning. In any case, the display unit in the store was completely falling apart. The frame bolts were loose and the resistance was busted. The CDT is well worth the price difference.
The best thing about the CDT is how smooth it is. The elliptical motion is VERY flat, with NONE of the "bouncing" on lesser units. It had a more natural motion than any other elliptical we tried.
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