Overview
Just to give you an idea of how good this machine is, whenever I look at a mid-range cross trainer I always think of the Reebok ZR8 as a comparison. It’s what I consider the benchmark of a quality cross trainer and this is for good reason which are noted below.
| Cheapest Reebok ZR8 Cross Trainer | |||
| Product | Price Check | Original Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok ZR8 Cross Trainer |  | WAS £349 | CLICK HERE |
Read more customer reviews here –  (759) | |||
Delivery and setup
Delivery was quick and a new feature for my local department store was I got to choose my delivery slot, #win!
When the box arrived it was exactly what I was expecting after the recent review of the Reebok GX50. It weighed in at 50kgs, cross trainers always look longer than you would think as the base unit comes as almost as a complete piece.
Setup was quick (for me and my OCD) and took me around 1 hour 20 minutes to completely setup the ZR8.
Features of the Reebok ZR8 Cross Trainer
From the moment you get on the ZR8 it feels like a quality machine. It is heavier than some other cross trainers in the same category but that is always a sign of quality and only help to keep the unit balanced during use. Much like the GX50 it comes with a 9kg fly wheel that gives the feeling of a very weighted and smooth action during use.
When In use the ZR8 is quiet, this allows you to easily listen to music without the overbearing sound of the flywheel in motion. It seems like Reebok have really nailed the details when it comes to making high quality low noise machines.
After turning on the power you are greeted with a very nice looking LCD display in blue and green. The buttons are easy to see and overall the feedback unit is very stylish. The writing is a lot smaller than other machines which I found hard to read without wearing contacts or glasses.v
The unit also has the advantage of dual grips that have two specific uses. The first being that the hand sensors are located on the static grips. This allows the unit to give you feedback on heart rate and calories while in use or if you are working as part of a pre-set program.
The second use is that if you want more of an upper/all over body workout then you would use the fluid movement grips.
Talking about the hand grips, they are made of a thick foam material and feel very nice while in use. This is in contrast to a more basic cross trainer or exercise bike that use a thinner cheaper grip that is just plain horrible.
The no manual test – How easy is it to operate without instructions?
There was not much that I wasn’t able to understand when using the machine without first reading the manual. Unlike simple LED feedback on a more basic cross trainer the LCD screen gives you all the details you need to know in full. I was soon working to a set program of alternating resistance with the display unit giving me constant feedback when any changes in resistance were being made.
The Reebok ZR8 has 32 levels of resistance as well as 12 pre-set workout programs, 4 target workouts and a user recovery mode. The few programs that I did test were
As mentioned in the GX50 review one of the best features is the 15 inch stride length. Unlike a typical budget cross trainer, you will perform a longer fuller stride during your workout. This gives an almost gym like feel as you use the machine along with the benefit of a better overall body workout.
A few minor points that bring down the ZR8 are that it doesn’t have a drinks holder attached to the unit. I don’t know why Reebok would not include this basic function, but during workouts it means that I have to leave the machine to grab a drink of water. Also it’s a slightly older model and so doesn’t have features such as speakers or an MP3 playback option.
Pros
- 15 inch stride length
- Good guarantees (Lifetime warranty on the frame + 2 Years warranty on parts and labour)
- 9kg fly wheel for fluid movement
- Quiet when in operation
Cons
- Selection buttons are small
- No drinks bottle holder
- Older version than other Reebok cross trainers
- Lacking features you find on newer models
Final word
You simply can’t fault this unit for the price. It lands directly in that spot above the more basic budget cross trainers and makes you think think ‘should I go that little bit extra and get the ZR8?’ I would recommend if you are on a tight budget then you save a little more on your next pay day and get the Reebok ZR8. You won’t be disappointed, the price vs performance ratio is simply incredible.
| Reebok ZR8 Cross Trainer Voucher Code | |||
| Product | Price Check | Original Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok ZR8 Cross Trainer | | WAS £349 | CLICK HERE |
| Read more customer reviews here – (759) | |||
Specifications
Model number – RBOK-ZR8
15 inch stride length
Adjustable foot positions
Heart rate monitor for added workout programs
Programmable resistance
Hand grip pulse sensors
19 difference user programmes
Program types include time, distance and calories burnt
Maximum user weight 120kg (18 stone 13 pounds)
Is on wheels for easy movement
9kg fly wheel
Product details
Size complete – H170cm, W65cm, D145cm
Weight 50kg’s
Manufacturers 2 year warranty
Self-assembly required