Duracell 813-0291-07 175 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Source Inverter Review

Whether you're at home, on the road, in the air, or any remote location, you can trust Duracell portable and backup power solutions to keep your important electronic devices powered up. Put Duracell power in the palm of your hand to help keep you safe, productive and entertained, anytime and everywhere. Duracell Pocket Inverters convert DC battery power from a vehicle into useable AC household power. Simply plug the inverter into your vehicle's DC outlet, and connect your electronic device to the inverter's AC outlet or USB port. The Duracell Pocket Inverter will charge or operate a cell phone, iPod, BlackBerry, video camera, laptop and more. It powers two devices simultaneously and fits in your pocket, purse, laptop bag or glove box.

I bought this little gem a few weeks ago. I travel extensively with a travel trailer, and when my partner is driving, I like to be on my 17" MacBook Pro. I allowed my battery to drain to 50%, then plugged into the Duracell 175. Initially, the inverter kept cycling on and off. I strung my MackBook cable over the sun visor so the inverter was hanging in front of the air conditioner vent. It stopped cycling on and off, and it completely recharged my battery while using the MacBook. The following day, I put a few strips of Velcro on the back of the inverter, careful to not cover the cooling vent, a few of the opposite velcro strips on the side of an air conditioner vent and wa-la. This little unit has no problem keeping up with using the MacBook Pro, and charging the battery at the same time. I'm totally delighted with this unit, and you can't beat the price.

Duracell 813-0291-07 175 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Source Inverter Review Lowest Pirce.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

Amazon.com Product Description
The top-rated Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is an intense cardio workout system with a powerful 3.0 horsepower continuous-duty motor and fifteen workout programs, providing ultimate variety in your exercise routine every time. The programs include a wide range of options, including manual, cardio, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test, and two custom programs to truly personalize your workouts. In addition, grip and telemetric heart rate monitoring and a backlit LCD computer display track your heart rate and metrics as you exercise.

For your convenience, the treadmill folds up for easy storage and also has a built-in three-speed fan, two bottle holders, and quick-speed keys for your added comfort and ease of use. A generously sized walking and running belt surface area measures 20 by 60 inches and features Bowflex's unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for ultimate support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. Whether you're just starting to get in shape or are a seasoned athlete looking to stay in shape, the Series 7 is a diverse piece of equipment for your home with a speed range up to 11 miles per hour and an incline grade up to 12%, allowing you to customize your workout pace and program every time.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill, motorized, computer-programmed and ready to go the distance in getting you fit! Get the low-impact, high-cardio workout benefits of a gym-quality motorized Treadmill, right at home! Deluxe model, with incline adjustment, telemetric heart reading capability and 15 programs. Here's how Bowflex will have you flexing all your fitness muscles: Strike Zone deck suspension offers a comfortable surface that's easy on feet, ankles, knees and hips. You get a soft landing and a firm lift-off on the big 20 x 60" surface, a deluxe 2-ply belt; 15 programs for variety, including 2 user-defined, 2 heart rate control, and a body mass index. Quick keys for 0-9 speed and incline. Speed range from .5-11 mph; Sky-lite backlit LCD display for setting and workout readouts; Durable 3 HP continuous duty motor, made to last; 2 1/2" precision rollers for smooth operation; Contact grip and wireless heart rate telemetry for heart rate workouts; Fold-up treadmill with soft-drop declining, so it's portable and easy to store; 3-speed fan to cool you as you exercise. 2 bottle / cup holders; Measures 85 x 35 x 55 1/4"h. open. Folded it's 41 x 35 x 65 1/2"h. Weighs approx. 300 lbs. Some assembly required. Maximum user weight 300 lbs.

Customer Reviews
1. Delivery man (there was only 1) said he would not have delivered the box upstairs if I had needed that. Unless I paid extra. Freight company was ABF in Houston TX. They called me in advance before the delivery and asked me where I wanted it. So I had an opportunity to request a delivery upstairs but wanted to make this point here, don't assume you can have this option.

2. The packages is quite large and quite heavy. I don't see how one person could have moved this anywhere but then I'm a woman. The delivery man using special equipment did deliver the box to our garage which was a straight shot on a driveway with no incline (they asked about this on the phone).

3. First problem I ran into was the wires that needed to be threaded up thru the left column holding up the console. A black wire is provided to pull the wire thru but it kept getting clogged up. Once I got some duct tape and taped the end so there was nothing to catch on whatever it was that caused the column to become more narrow, the problem was solved.

4. Once the column on the left and one on the right were attached (pretty easy), the console was attached also very easily although my husband had to be there holding it while I was guiding it. There was no way I could have done this without him. He's a big guy. Though the console was bulky, I don't think holding it for this part of the installation required someone of extra strength.

5. The next problem was the most frustrating. There are two arm pieces, one on the left and one on the right. Each piece is composed of a couple of parts that needed to be screwed in. Difficult to describe but the main point is that the screws need to be screwed from the inside (near the cross bar) pointing out, i.e. in a somewhat difficult position for maneuvering. I found it impossible to screw these hex screws using the hex screwdriver provided. (the allen screwdriver was okay for the allen screws). There were a couple of reasons the hex screwdriver was so difficult. But bottom line, I went to the hardware store and bought a very long hex screwdriver with a very nice grip that made it much much easier. (because of the length, the interference from the cross bar was minimized...)

6. finished the rest of the arm pieces and powered it on and it works during our short demonstration. It does seem to be very very sturdy and because of the heaviness, I'm hoping it will be long lasting.

7. Last complaint, the documentation has nothing about the "KEY" and where it goes. We figured it out but how difficult would it have been to provide this info? Other questions we figured out that were not documented. Guess I'm used to clearer info from my previous experience with assembling furniture and what not. I definitely got the impression that the manufacturers were assuming that people with experience in mechanical installations would be putting this together. Not the case with us.

Whew! I was really nervous about this. Thank goodness it seems to have gone okay at this point. I have the name of a repair person for exercise equipment that will come to your home that I've used before and found highly competent. If we do have any problems, I don't plan to try to fix it myself or even call the company. Sounds like that would be a real frustrating experience. I plan to just call her. Let's hope I don't have to.

(Note- I don't remember it being documented here but for anyone not aware, the machine can only handle 300 pounds (did I say my husband was big? but luckily not 300. The bowflex 3 is only for maximum of 275 pounds - just so you know...)


Visits Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife

Amazon.com Product Description
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army Knife a century ago comes the Champion Plus, a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people all trades--all neatly contained in a single implement. Measuring just 3-1/2 inches long, the Champion Plus is stylishly cased in the famous red Swiss Army body that's recognized around the world. More importantly, the pocket knife contains 30 stainless-steel tools appropriate for just about any occasion. The standard camping tools include a large blade, a small blade, a corkscrew, a can opener, a bottle opener, a small screwdriver, a large screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick. And that's just the beginning, as the Champion Plus also offers a punch reamer, multipurpose hook, wood saw, fish scaler, and hook disgorger. In short, there's no better accessory for camping, hunting, and fishing trips.

Should the basic tools not cut it, the Champion Plus steps up with a host of extras, including a metal file, metal saw, fine screwdriver, mini screwdriver, and chisel scraper. Add in such tools as a ruler, nail file, nail cleaner, magnifying glass, pressurized ball point pen, straight pen, sewing eye, and key ring and you're well equipped for everything from repairing holes in tents to reading the fine print on instructions.

As with all Victorinox items, the Champion Plus is made to exacting standards, with 60-plus individual parts and 450 steps going into its construction. Victorinox attends to every detail, from selecting the finest materials to performing the final inspection. In addition, each individual tool has been hardened in a different way to stand up to its designated use. Such care is unmatched, and is why the Champ series is recognized by such international experts as the New York Museum of Modern Art and the State Museum of Applied Art in Munich, both of which have selected it for their "excellence in design" collections. Outfitted with a nylon handle and an aluminum housing, the Champion Plus carries a lifetime warranty.

About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.

Customer Reviews
Swiss Army Champion Plus which is not as good as the plain Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife but is priced at $17 less. I had previously purchased the Swiss Army Champion Pocket Knife which has a pair of minipliers that work as well as the usual hemostats for fishing. That is the only difference that I can see between the two models. Given that gold handled hemostats are available for under $5 at most fishing stores that would make this the better buy but this is not the top of the line that the name implies. So 4 stars for this Swiss Army Swiss Champ Plus and 5 stars for the Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife. I always wondered what the hook thing is for on the other side of the knife from most of the other blades. After a little research I found it is for carrying stringed packages or grocery bags and really converts the knife into a comfortable carrying handle instead of having it feel like you're losing a finger at a knuckle.

I like this particular Swiss army knife because it has a bit more than the standard knife. As a botanist and biology teacher, the hand lens has been used many a time to examine detail on a moss or beetle. The saw is great for camping, as well as collecting specimens. Additionally, you have all the basic handy gadgets you need on a knife: screwdrivers, scissors, nail file, tweezers, etc, as well as your basic, essential knife blade. I've had one of these for over 25 years, and have used it on five continents and for a hundred picnics. My only complaint is that as a lefty, food/muck can get lodged in the grooves of the handle when you use the blade (e.g. cheese, bread crumbs, etc). I use the toothpick to clean it up, but a hassle nonetheless.


Visits Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife

Columbia Sportswear Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip

Product Description
Rugged looks combined with a soft and comfortable feel describes the Steens Mountain Sweater by Columbia Sportswear. The polyester MTR (Maximum Thermal Retention) fleece means it's easy to clean, quick drying, and pill resistant. All in all, a lightweight zip-front sweater that's designed to pack away in a corner of your suitcase for weekends or entire weeks in the snow and elements. With radial sleeves and a drawcord hem, you won't be afraid to give it your all on a snowboard or the slalom course. Layer it under a windbreaker for cool evening strolls.

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of ski-wear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO, lead the company.

Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that, it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. They introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then 60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.

The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

Product Description
The Columbia® Steens Mountain Sweater for men is made from super-soft and warm polyester MTR Fleece™ for quick-drying, non-pilling performance. The Radial Sleeve™ design eliminates restrictions and tugging that occur in the shoulders of ordinary jackets, and a drawcord hem allows you to adjust the bottom fit.

Customer Reviews
This is a really nice jacket for $18. However, the sizing is huge. Columbia size small is similar to a size medium in most other brands.

I always pick garments with the Columbia brand over their competitors, not only because of their consistently high quality, but because if you get a broken zipper or some other defect, Columbia will replace the broken item with a new one. This happened to me a while back. Columbia actually donates many of their returned items to charity to be mended (if need be,) and distributed to the needy.

Other than that bit of praise for the manufacturer, there isn't much to be said that other reviewers haven't covered. It's a thick, warm fleece jacket with a high collar and drawstring hems, a more substantial garment than a cheap fleece zip-up.

This jacket is great! I was wearing it just the other day when I was detained by the police. While being searched (without my consent of course) they never thought to look into to comfortable zippered pockets and thus never found my pot! Thanks Columbia for a great product.

Visits Columbia Sportswear Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip

Columbia Sportswear Women's Benton Springs Fleece

Product Description
There's a reason that this Benton Springs Sweater is Columbia Sportswear's best-selling fleece style. The Benton's simplicity is its greatest strength. Made with MTR (Maximum Thermal Retention) fleece, you'll find the non-pilling, easy care fleece a blessing. Low-profile hand-warming pockets don't snag on whatever you're layering it under. Radial sleeves give freedom of movement for any sport or activity. Worn alone in the spring, or as a perfect layering piece, the Benton Springs is just plain good fleece.

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of ski-wear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO, lead the company.

Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that, it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. They introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then 60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.

The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

Product Description
Fleece is one of the most popular fabrics for cold weather protection because it insulates, dries quickly and requires little care. That's why Columbia Sportswear offers a broad collection of performance fleece fabrics that address every outdoor enthusiast's needs.
100% polyester 420g MTR fleece
Zip closed pockets
Interior drawcord

Customer Reviews

This is a nice lightweight jacket. I am not sure why people say it runs big, unless they are tiny. I think the fit is true to size, and I received it in size medium. It fit comfortably over my long-sleeved t-shirt, and I liked the color I ordered (beet red). I ordered another in black in size large so I could layer it over a sweatshirt or heavier shirt. I am happy with my purchase.

This jacket is very soft and cozy. It is perfect for a chilly day or evening. I purchased 2 as gifts for golfers and I have one myself. They keep you warm, yet still breathe. The soft fleece allows for free range of motion (it does not restrict movement as other jacket material's can). Fit is true to size. I visited the Columbia site to get a more accurate picture of the color since there were 2 different reds. Then came back here to amazon to order. Great jacket!

This is a very nice spring jacket. Very soft. I am glad I read other reviews before purchasing. It does run a bit larger than other Womens fleece jackets. I ordered a Large and It fits great! I normally have problems with sleeves being too short but not a problem with this jacket! Very fast shipping, and great price!

This is the second Columbia fleece I have owned that the zipper comes undone all the time. It though the first one was a fluke, until I bought a new one and had the same problem after only an hour of wearing it. I love the warmth and feel, but I don't think I will be purchasing anymore.

Visits Columbia Sportswear Women's Benton Springs Fleece

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Amazon.com Product Description
Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape with the compact, comfortable Schwinn 230 recumbent exercise bike. The 230 boasts many of the high-quality features of the Schwinn 213, but adds several extras, including a nicer, easier-to-read instrument panel with a three-position angle adjustment, a slightly lower pedal height that produces a more comfortable riding position, and an easy step-through frame. And that doesn't even account for all the essentials, which range from 16 resistance levels to handlebars with an integrated heart rate monitor built into the grip.

The handiest feature, however, is unquestionably the anatomically designed recumbent seat, which not only offers a dual-position lumbar support for added comfort, but also a micro-adjustable fore/aft seat slider that accommodate a variety of body types and sizes. Other details include six preset programs (calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, quick start, and manual mode), 10 profile courses, and transport wheels that both protect your floors and make the bike easy to store.

The Schwinn® 230 Recumbent Bike has a walk-through design and scores of innovative features. It offers a full complement of workout programs including 1 Manual, 6 Profile, Calorie Goal, BMI Measurement, Recovery Test, Results Mode, and Quick Start. The recumbent Bio-Fit Comfort wide seat includes a dual position lumbar support seat back and side bolsters.

Customer Reviews
My husband bought a Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike as part of a New Year's resolution in order to increase our exercise and ability to lose weight. I thought it would be an eyesore in the dining room and something we would never use. Well, I'm glad that I was wrong. The bike turned out to be a blessing. I've lost quite a bit of weight since last year through dieting and recumbent bike exercise. It is easy to use. I love knowing my heart rate and the distance I've biked. The bike gives you a lot of choices. For example, you can go for a "ride in the park" or manually set your parameters in terms of time and levels of achievement. It's comfortable and even has a book holder if you like reading while you exercise. As a result of the bike, I have been taking much better care of myself.

Schwinn 230 model is priced right, suitable for those needing to exercise to stay fit and healthy. The model is good enough for majority of folks. It's got enough feedback info and easy to adjust for the two users in this household. We are not eyeballing the Tour de France, just trying to keep other folks from rolling their eyeballs at the sight us! I will use the bike more when an aging treadmill goes belly-up; comfortably sitted pedaling will be a lot easier than huffing-n-puffing on a conveyor belt. The other will use the bike to supplement swimming and weight machine.

The Schwinn 230 arrived in a week in good condition. It took my husband a couple of hours to put together. The bike is silent and great to use; ideal for watching tv while riding. The programs provide a nice workout. I am very glad I bought this bike and would certainly do it again. I've already recommended it to a friend.

Visits Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike

Amazon.com Product Description

Sit in the lap of luxury while riding your way to fitness with the Diamondback 900Sr recumbent exercise bike. The 900Sr--which includes many of the most sought-after features on the market--is equipped with an efficient eddy current brake system that provides up to 16 levels of resistance. As a result, it's easy to find the perfect resistance level for your needs, whether you want to warm up before hitting the weights or challenge yourself with a serious cardio burn. The ergonomic seat, meanwhile, teams with an adjustable mesh seatback with lumbar support to create whole new levels of stability and comfort. Add in the easygoing step-thru frame, which is ideal for people who are rehabbing from injury or who find traditional upright bikes uncomfortable, and you have a terrific workout accessory for the home.

The 900Sr offers plenty of workout flexibility, with an easy-to-read console that supports several different program types, including manual, random, fat-burning intervals, glute max hill climb, fitness test, strength, target heart rate, heart rate intervals, and custom trainer. The latter program is particularly valuable over the long term, as it lets you vary your workout depending on your mood. This not only keeps your attitude fresh, but it also makes your overall training regimen more efficient by challenging your body in different ways. It's also a breeze to track your workout progress thanks to the blue backlit LCD, which displays your time, pulse, calories, intensity level, RPM, speed, distance, and watts. And no workout is complete without a little motivational music, with is why the 900Sr comes with a plug-in jack for your MP3 player. Once you're plugged in, you can listen to your favorite playlists and tune out the rest of the world as you cycle through the imaginary hillsides.

Other features include contact pulse sensors in the handgrips for reading your heart rate, a Polar-compatible wireless heart rate receiver, an accessory holder on the console for magazines or books, a built-in Smart Fan, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The 900Sr measures 62 by 43.3 by 27.5 inches (W x H x D), weighs 126 pounds, and carries the following warranties: limited lifetime on the frame and brake, three years on parts and electronics, and one year on labor.

Customer Reviews

The Diamondback 900sr, overall, lived up to expectations and even exceeded some. The bike was easy to assemble. It took me about 2 hours to put together. The base portion was already assembled, all I had to do was install the seat, the pedals, and the console unit. Just be careful not to pinch the wiring and you'll be just fine. The bike is super quiet. This is where the bike exceeded my expectations. I wasn't expecting it to be so quiet. The pre-programmed exercises are great. There are enough variations to keep my interest. The one thing I do not like (and the main reason I give the bike 4 stars and not 5) are the fans. They do not push enough air to cool. On high, the fans are extremely loud and still do not push enough air. Why install a feature on a bike if its not going to work properly. Also, the speakers are low quality. I plug my iPod into the console and listen to music while I workout. The speakers do the job, but are very weak and sound like they play in mono and not stereo. I still ended up buying a separate iPod speaker kit. The bike is heavy, approximately 150 pounds. I only mention this because if you need to move it up/down stairs, you will need help. The delivery guy who delivered it to my house was alone and he wouldn't help me move it into the house until I offered him a nominal tip.

All-in-all I bought the bike to workout, not to listen to music or be cooled by the fans. That said, if your looking a good quality piece of equipment for the home, I highly recommend this product, just don't expect much from the extraneous features. Its quiet, its comfortable, and it provides a good workout. It's not gym quality, but it comes very close and since its for home use, I feel I definetly got my money's worth.

This has been the best purchase I have made in quite sometime. It is so easy to use and the benefits are amazing. I have knee pain and can't go up and down stairs.. Well, now I can. I use it every other day and it helps you right away. More movement and the knees don't hurt. My aunt and uncle who are in there 70's came over to see how it worked.. My uncle gave me his credit card and said "order us one"..They even love it. It is so quiet and you can set the bike to what you are comfortable with. I would recommend this bike to anyone who has knee injuries or who just want to get some exercise.. It makes your legs alot stronger. Thank you for making me move again!! Becky

Visits Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

Product Description
Ideal for the home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on elliptical trainers will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time).

The Schwinn 430 offers eight computer-controlled resistance levels and eight workout programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one manual, and one calorie goal program. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. Three feedback programs--recovery mode, results mode, and body mass index (BMI)--allow you to track the progress of your workout routine. BioGlide motion technology offers a natural-feeling 18-inch stride while the trainer's BioFit design will provide a comfortable feel on the footpads and handlebars. The handlebars also feature grip heart rate monitoring which allows you to track your heart rate while you're exercising.

Additional features of the Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer include Eddy current brake resistance for smooth and quiet stopping, transport wheels to easily move the trainer across the room, and a water bottle holder to keep your hydration source close by. This elliptical trainer has a compact footprint 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall.

Product Description

The Schwinn 430 offers eight computer-controlled resistance levels and eight workout programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one manual, and one calorie goal program. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. Three feedback programs--recovery mode, results mode, and body mass index (BMI)--allow you to track the progress of your workout routine.

Customer Reviews
I am a soldier who has recently returned from deployment. While I was deployed I injured both knees and am unalbe to run due to the impact. I had tried ellipticals while I was deployed and was quite impressed with the work out I got. When I returned I went out and started searching for one of my own. My goal was to keep it under $1000. I tried many different brands and discovered that not all ellipticals are created equal. Many of them are cheaply made and shake side to side or make alot of noise. The stride is very important. I am 6 foot tall and the 16 inch stride on some of them just didnt cut it. I ended up buying a Proform 160 from the Proform website since it had an 18 inch stride and seemed to be sturdy, however, after discovering how little they care about customer service, I cancelled my order. I ended up buying an Image 9.5 from Walmart. I used it for about 3 weeks and came to the conclusion that the foot pedals were spaced too far apart and it put pressure on my knees and made my hips hurt. After thinking about it for a minute it made sense to me, who runs with thier feet that far apart anyway. My feet almost land in a straight line when I run. So I set out to find one with closer pedals. Overall I tried almost 2 dozen different machines and finally found the Schwinn 430 at a fitness store. I tried the 418 and 438 also, but the 430 seemed to be the most comfortable to me. The 438 and some of the other brands seem to have a high arch on the upstroke. The 430 was very smooth and ultra quiet. It is very well made and should last for many years. Amazon had the best deal on it and had it to me in about 8 days. It is a very comfortable machine. After all of this I would say to anyone wanting to buy an elliptical, try alot of them, I tried all the ones at Sears, Oshmans, Academy and Fitness in motion. Make sure the stride length, pedal angle and pedal spacing are comfortable for you, after all, if its not comfortable you wont want to use it. The only thing I think could be improved on the Schwinn 430 is a backlit display. Luckily I work out with the lights on so its not a problem, haha. I tried many machines that were between $2-3000 and this one was still more comfortable to me. It is a heavy machine, so get help carrying it in, but you will be glad its heavy when you ride it. It is some assembly required, but it has fairly clear instructions, so there shouldnt be a problem with assembly. Happy Hunting!

Visits Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (2009 Model)

Amazon.com Product Description

If you want to get a good strength workout at home, but don't have much space, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are an ideal solution. Newly designed, the innovative pair of 552 SelectTech Dumbbells combines 15 sets of weights into one using a unique dial system. It's one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available with its unique and effective design. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up.

Product Description
Dial up results! The power of 30 standard dumbbells is in these redesigned SelectTech Dumbbells by Bowflex. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lbs., allowing you to build strength, loose weight and feel great! Compact and durable.

Customer Reviews
was torn between these and the PowerBlock dumbells I kept reading about. I had a chance to check out the 2008 and prior model Bowflex Select Tech's at Dicks Sporting Goods, and I remember thinking about how easy it was to spin the dials to adjust the weights.

My only concern and hesitation was that a few reveiws mentioned the possibility of the weights rattling and people were worried they could fall off? I had not heard this before, so I researched it more and although the PowerBlock dumbells had gotten good reviews, I simply could not get past how ugly they were, and the fact that they used a magnetic pin to hold the weights in.

I decided to spend the few extra dollars on these 2009 model Select Techs (assuming any prior issues they may have had were corrected) and boy am I glad I did, they are AWESOME! The dials, in my opinion, are ten times easier than the magnetic pins of PowerBlocks, and these Bowflex dumbells look ten times more fashionable (our gym equipment is on our loft, so yes my wife and I have a style standard). These dumbells are about 15 inches long, but neither of us have any issues with their size (I think the PowerBlocks were only a 3 inch difference anyways).

We are 100% happier we bought these, and we bought the stand from Amazon to go with them also (it is better for your back if you lift dumbells from a standing position instead of from a squatting one). I hope you enjoy your SelectTechs as much as we enjoy ours!

No question great design - 5 out of 5 rating for sure. Support is a 4, pretty good. Where they fall down is on ruggedness. There may be improvements in the 2009 versions but the main problem with my 2008 set is many of the parts are made with plastics. There is 52 lb maximum of weight and thats alot to ask to support of some of the types of plastics used to construct this product. The minor flaw in my view is the choice of materials for this product. For example, the spindles that pick up and hold each plate in place are made of a thin hard but brittle plastic. If you do a set on a bench, get exhausted and drop these weights by more then a inch or 2 on the floor, these plastic spindles have a tendency to break. The hand unit, minus the weights will need to be replaced. Bowflex has a 2 year warranty and were pretty good about sending out a new handle. The handle got to me within about 5 days. For me I would rather they make the spindles out of a metal and pay $50 more. That is a testament to how much I love these weights. I am more careful with them now. So if you can see your way to either being very caring with these weights or rough on them and getting replacements (for free under the 1st 2 years warranty), I would not hesitate in buying these units. Otherwise, save yourself some aggravation and buy something else.

Visits Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (2009 Model)