Kettler Marathon TX5 Treadmill Review

With its solid German engineering, the Kettler TX5 is a serious piece of kit. It has a continuous duty 3HP motor, 12mph top speed and an electronic incline of up to 12%. The 3D display makes accessing the 34 programmes a pleasure and the extra flat, 2mm thick running deck offers a comfortable run every time.

The build quality is very good and this is demonstrated by the maximum user weight. The Kettler can handle a maximum user weight of 23.5st, or 150kg for the metric minded. The magnetic suspension system reduces impact on joints and regulates vibrations – a real benefit if you are using this treadmill for weight loss or if you are recovering from an injury.

It’s a genuine pleasure to see that Kettler have continued in their dedication to quality with the display on the TX5.

The 3D display on the console sets the TX5 apart from the competition. It’s very easy to follow and gives you a complete breakdown of all the information and feedback needed during the workout. All the usual suspects are there: time elapsed, distance covered, (theoretic) calories burnt, speed and elevation. It doesn’t stop there though. The TX5 adds some really cool features into the mix. As this is an LCD display, only the relevant details are on the screen. You are no longer distracted by useless information and this allows you to stay focussed on your workout and goals.

The TX5 has a workhorse of a motor. With continuous duty of 3HP, it performs smoothly and quietly all the way from 1.0 kph to 20 kph. The speed is easily adjustable in steps of 0.1 kph and the incline can be altered in 0.5% increments from 0% to 12%

You can use the quickstart keys to skip quickly and simply to the most popular speed and incline options.

Workout programmes are plentiful on the TX5. The professionally designed presets include fat burning, distance, heart rate control, interval and hill programmes, as well as a race programme. You can also measure your development with the built in fitness test.

After each workout you get feedback on your recovery pulse rate and are rewarded with a fitness mark. We found this to be a really useful feature.

4 user profiles can be stored on the machine

In total there are 10 individual programmes, 16 fixed programmes and 8 pulse rate controlled programmes.

Built in pulse sensor grips give a guide to your training heart rate, or for a more accurate reading the TX5 can be combined with an (optional) chest belt. The TX5 includes an integrated telemetric receiver that is Polar compatible, so if you already have a Polar chest belt, you are ready to use the heart rate controlled functionality.

Although it is certainly a top spec machine, we feel its ease of use and host of programmes combined with superb build quality makes the TX5 a great machine for the whole family.

The built in transport wheels allow you to keep the TX5 out of the way when not in use. Keep the safety key out of sight from the little ones for extra peace of mind.

A 3 year on site parts and labour warranty covers the machine.