I have a need for a compact rear-drive elliptical. Considering Lifecore LC-1000, Multisports 6600, and Kettler Mondeo. All are in the $1,200-$1,500 range with similar features. The problem is that I've only been able to try the Lifecore because the others are not available in stores within a reasonable distance from home. The Multisports and Kettler both seem to be slightly better on paper than the Lifecore. The Multisports is the heaviest at 186 lbs, Kettler at 155 lbs, but the Kettler has a 3 yr. parts warranty compared to 2 yr. for Multisports. All use ball bearing pivots and seem to have good reviews.

The sales people I've spoken with seem to prefer the Kettler, but only because it's German-made as opposed to the Multisports, which is designed in U.S., but manufactured in Taiwan. I don't think manufacturing location is much of an issue for me if the machine has quality components.

Does anyone have experience with either of these machines? If so, would you mind sharing good and bad points? Thank you.

the LC-1000 has a 7 year parts warranty...crap load of programs, compact, but stable enough to hold someone 350lbs.

this is a lot better than any Kettler out there

The LifeCore LC-21 has a pretty unique movement to it with a longer stride length, however, retail is about $1900, but it is EXTREMELY easy to talk down the prices on LifeCore because margins are ridiculous. You can talk your sales guy down to about $1500 no problem

Thank you for your reply. I tried the LC-21, but didn't like it as much as the LC-1000. The 21 has an additional wheel piggybacked onto the main flywheel, which I was told is an attempt to lengthen the stride. The stride, however, feels unnatural -- like you're falling forward. There have been some reports of the plastic feet on the LC-1000 breaking with heavy use and I'm concerned about the future of the Lifecore company, since they haven't been around that long (I believe since the early 1990s) and they do not have wide U.S. distribution.

Have you used the Multisports 6600?

I'm not a huge elliptical fan, but I'd have to say go with German. Although they seem to be pretty close together quality-wise, I'd personally take a German model over an American model considering their reputation for high quality products. However if you are looking for comparisons between the two you can always try Treadmill Doctor.com's Elliptical Best Buy or Review. It really helped me out when I was buying my proform treadmill, so they should have good reviews for ellipticals too.

Lifecore is my recommendation. I did some work on the Kettler. Its not well made and definitely cannot support someone 350 lbs.


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I don't know what Kettler offers these days, but I purchased a cross-trainer elliptical about 7 years ago from Kettler. I've lost 80 lbs. since then and that elliptical played a big part in it. I do not use exercise equipment lightly, and I have put about 1500 km on it. It just had it's first mechanical problem last week, but it's so well made, I just made a few adjustments and it still gives me a good workout. I only spent about $300 on it brand new... just my two cents...

Everyone's going to have different opinions about ellipticals because everyone has a different thing that they like about a different machine. 'Looks better on paper' just isn't going to work.

The only way you're going to know which elliptical is best for you is to give it a whirl. If you can't find one in any shops, do you know any gyms that might have that model (or something pretty close)? You might be able to get in just to give it a go.

If you're spending the kind of money that is asked for a decent elliptical, then it might even be worth a bit of a journey to make sure you've got the right one.

Just a few thoughts on the matter.

I purchased a Kettler Astro about 4 years ago and use it constantly. It is as quiet as the day I got it, and I attribute that to the design and the use of bearings at all the pivot points rather than bushings which wear out and become noise generating. I had an expensive elliptical that clunked and banged within a few months after I got it, and the Kettler is a much better machine at a good price. Kettler and Smooth are made by the same company, by the way.