Kinect Fit Flywheel Machine Review: A Versatile Addition to Your Home Gym
The Kinect Fit Flywheel Machine offers home gym enthusiasts an opportunity to incorporate flywheel training into their workouts at a more accessible price point than many competitors. This rack-mounted flywheel trainer provides eccentric overload training capabilities with several customizable features.
Design and Construction
The Kinect Fit features a clamshell design with two plastic doors held closed by neodymium magnets. Inside, you'll find the flywheel mechanism that operates like most flywheel machines – as you pull, the disc turns, and when you reach the end of your pull, the disc continues turning, taking up the slack before you reverse direction.
The unit is primarily constructed of metal components with plastic knobs and clamshells. It mounts to power racks via a lift-away mount that accommodates 3×3 inch racks and can be adapted to different hole sizes (1 inch, 5/8 inch, or 1/2 inch) depending on your setup.
Inertia Discs and Resistance Options
One of the Kinect Fit's strengths is its versatility in resistance options. The machine accepts different sized inertia discs on both the left and right sides, allowing for various resistance profiles:
- Size 4 and size 10 discs are available
- Discs can be used in matching or mismatched configurations
- The unique design allows for up to six different load profiles with just two disc sizes
Changing the discs requires opening the clamshell doors and turning a mechanism counterclockwise to release the current disc. While functional, this process can be somewhat awkward as there's no convenient place to set aside the removed disc during the exchange.
Force Extender Option
The Kinect Fit can be used in two configurations:
1. Standard 1:1 Ratio: In its base configuration, the Kinect Fit operates at a 1:1 ratio, which works well for lighter resistance and rehabilitation exercises.
2. 2:1 Ratio with Force Extender: By adding the Force Extender accessory ($110), you can convert the system to a 2:1 ratio, which doubles the resistance and creates a load profile more similar to high-end flywheel trainers. This is highly recommended for most users.
One drawback with the Force Extender is its attachment method. Users may find better results using a Vex speed pin rather than the included bracket, as it allows for easier adjustments and switching between positions.
Adjustability and Versatility
The Kinect Fit offers side-to-side rotation, allowing users to position the unit for various exercises similar to a functional trainer. Length adjustment is handled via a buckle system that's straightforward to operate, though the original buckle design had durability issues that have since been addressed with a more robust version.
Price Point
The Kinect Fit is typically available for around $795 (down from its MSRP of $994), with free shipping in the US and UK. The Force Extender adds $110 to the total cost. While not inexpensive, this places the Kinect Fit at a more accessible price point compared to high-end flywheel trainers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More affordable entry point into flywheel training
- Rack-mounted design integrates well with existing home gym setups
- Multiple resistance options with interchangeable discs
- Good customer service once contact is established
- Solid construction with primarily metal components
Cons:
- Plastic clamshell doors can be cumbersome and sometimes pop open during use
- Force Extender design could be improved
- Disc-changing process is somewhat awkward
- Limited to horizontal pulls without additional accessories
Final Verdict
The Kinect Fit Flywheel Machine represents a solid entry point into flywheel training for home gym enthusiasts. While it has some design quirks and limitations compared to more expensive options, it delivers on its core functionality and offers good value for the price.
For those interested in upper body training or rehabilitation work, or fitness professionals looking to introduce clients to flywheel training, the Kinect Fit is worth considering. It may not have all the capabilities of premium units, but it provides the essential benefits of flywheel training in a rack-mounted, space-efficient package.
