Comparison Sportop E850P vs Sportop E850

The design of the system that creates resistance on the flywheel of the cross trainer and the corresponding load during training. The following options are currently in use:

— Mechanical. The operation of this system is similar to the brakes of a car: special brake pads are pressed against the flywheel, and by changing the force of pressing, the resistance to movement also changes. The advantages of mechanical load systems are simplicity and low cost, reliability, and the ability to create high resistance for large loads. They do not require power, and in the design of the cross trainer, you can get by with a battery for auxiliary electronics (see "Power source"). On the other hand, the pads, due to friction against the flywheel, create a certain noise, which can lead to inconvenience; they also wear and tear over time. The mechanical system is used mainly in low-cost cross trainer models.

— Magnetic. In systems of this type, the resistance changes due to permanent magnets: by bringing them closer to the flywheel or moving away from it, you can change the resistance to movement. Similar to mechanical ones (see above), magnetic load systems do not require power; at the same time, they provide smoother adjustment and practically do not create noise. At the same time, this variety is poorly suited for training professionals — it is not capable of creating a serious load (although it is usua...lly quite enough for domestic use).

— Electromagnetic. This type of system is considered the most advanced. The principle of their operation is similar to magnetic ones (see above). However, instead of permanent magnets, stationary electromagnets are used in this case. The load, on the other hand, changes due to a change in the strength of the current passing through the windings of the electromagnets: the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field and, accordingly, the higher the resistance to movement. Thanks to this, electromagnetic models can provide very high load levels, while maintaining one of the main advantages of magnetic systems — complete noiselessness. The main disadvantage is the need for a powerful power supply, which is realized either by connecting to the mains or by installing a built-in generator (see "Power source"). These cross trainers are quite expensive.

— User's weight. The load system allows you to work exclusively with the load of your weight. The simplest mechanism, which has a minimum of nodes, is quite reliable and budgetary.

The number of fixed load levels (pedal resistance during movement) provided for in the design of the cross trainer. The more such levels provided in the design, the wider the possibilities for adjusting the load and the more accurately it can be adjusted to the requirements of a particular user. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments accordingly affects the price.

The ability to change the step length provided by the cross trainer(see above). This function allows you to customize the machine for athletes with different heights and physiques, for which the optimal step length will also be different; this is especially convenient if the cross trainers are in public use — for example, installed in a gym. However, such adjustment is expensive, and the real need for it is mainly for professional training. Therefore, most cross trainers with adjustable step lengths are top models.

The number of training programs provided for in the design of the cross trainer. Different programs have different purposes — strengthening the cardiovascular system, maintaining physical fitness, burning fat, etc. At the same time, the operation of the program relieves you of the need to manually set the parameters — this is done by the machine. Accordingly, the more training programs the cross trainer has, the wider its capabilities and the more convenient the training. And some models may even provide the possibility of custom programs.

The type of power source used in the cross trainer.

— Mains. Cross trainers are powered by a standard 230 V power supply. Such power allows you not to worry about replacing or recharging dead batteries — the machine will work as long as there is electricity in the house. In addition, it is suitable for machines with any load system, even electromagnetic (for more details, see "Load system"), while such models are much cheaper than similar generator ones (see below). The main disadvantages in this case are the dependence on the outlet and the need to use a power cord, which can limit mobility and get in the way. However, in most cases, these shortcomings do not cause significant inconvenience.

— Battery. The cross trainers are powered by batteries. The main advantage is the autonomy of the machine — it can be installed anywhere without worrying about the presence of sockets and laying the power cord. On the other hand, the battery power is very limited, and they are only suitable for cross trainers with mechanical or magnetic load systems (see "Load System" for more details), where only the computer needs power. In addition, the battery life is not infinite, and they need to be changed or recharged periodically.

— Built-in generator. The cross trainers are powered by a built-in generator, which is driven by the rotation of the flywheel. In othe...r words, when using such a model, the user himself generates the energy required for work. To turn on the generator simulator, it is enough to turn the flywheel several times. This type of power supply combines the advantages of the two above. On the one hand, it is autonomous, on the other hand, it has sufficient power even to provide energy to electromagnetic load systems (for more details, see "Load system"). And you won’t have to change anything, unlike batteries, because the service life of the generator is comparable to the service life of the machine itself. At the same time, this feature significantly increases the weight, and most importantly, the cost of the cross trainer, and therefore is found only in premium-class models.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready-to-work state. It is important to note that more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the machine.