Latest news with #Echelon
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- RTÉ News
Is home gym equipment worth the price tag? I put two to the test
Journalist Glenn Kelly puts two pieces of home workout equipment to the test to see if they are worth the hefty price tags. The gym - it's a funny old place, and while it offers a "catch-all" of everything from running machines to weights, it is not for everybody. I used to be a regular gym user myself, but with the arrival of kids and an intensification of work commitments, I found it was getting less and less the place for me. In the age of working from home, and people's demands for specific training (and work) schedules, investing in some state-of-the-art equipment is proving to be a godsend for current generations of would-be gym rats. This gear doesn't come cheap, but rather than a one-off payment, many are viewing it as something akin to a gym membership. I was, of course, intrigued about what I could get out of today's premium offerings, and if they were really worth their executive price tags. Step forward, market leaders Wattbike and Echelon, who offered their respective bikes and rowing machines for testing. Needless to say, I was only too happy to give my independent verdict. Time to read on to see if these machines are really good enough to replace that gym membership... Wattbike Proton €1,899 (includes free delivery offer) Score: 8.5 out of 10 Pros Easy to assemble Huge sizing adjustability Can be used by a range of age groups Smooth operation Relatively compact Great challenges on app and compatible with some of the largest cycling apps Cons Quite noisy if used at night App controls take a bit of getting used to The saddle could be more comfortable Artificial feel to gear changes I would be the first to admit that I am not the king of DIY, so when Wattbike explained that the bike would come unassembled, I was struggling to clear half a day in my diary. However, I should not have worried. Upon delivery, the box simply gets pulled up and cleared to unveil the bike, almost fully assembled. Some simple attachment of the wheels and legs was all that was required, and within half an hour, I was ready to go. The Proton is aimed at cyclists of all abilities and sizes. The bike has height and reach adjustments coming out of its ears, which means it is suitable for users from 137-198cm. This means almost all the family can take part in activities on the bike, something that my young family found particularly fun. The adjustability is child's play and offers something very niche in this market. The bike itself is on the heavy side at almost 50kg, but it has a relatively small footprint, so it doesn't look too out of place within the house. When I was eventually ready to go, it did take me a little while to get the hang of the app. Some simple instructions, such as to end the workout, require an extra click on the screen that isn't very obvious when it really should just be a big red button. However, apart from this, the app was relatively straightforward and showed me the basics I needed. If you need more, it is compatible with, amongst others, the Zwift app, which will help you push yourself to your limits and race in real-time with fellow cyclists around the world. The actual mechanics of the bike were solid. The bike is well put together, and the operation is smooth, although there is a fair degree of whooshing during use. The noise travels through the house, which may be an issue when you want to keep the kids asleep, but this is not unexpected. During my cycling, it was possible to exert a high degree of force through the bike, and I don't think I was in any danger of overloading it! The gear changes are operated by buttons on the handles, and they seem a little artificial to use, but they do the trick. Overall, I found it very easy to jump on and off the bike during my lunch break and blast out 45 minutes to an hour while enjoying listening to my favourite podcast or watching a show on TV. Although my kids are just off the size chart for the bike, they couldn't wait until they could ride it for real, and I think that is the point of the Proton. It is not aimed only at the cycling supremo, but at the individual or family who are breaking into the cycling habit, and this can only be a good thing as we head towards a more sustainable future, where hopefully, kids will have better road infrastructure outside to test their cycling skills on. Fair play, Wattbike. Echelon Row-7s Smart Rowing Machine €2,380 Score: 9 out of 10 Pros Smooth and quiet operation Superb interface with endless interactive and live workouts 22-inch screen included Foldable Comfortable seat Instant resistance changes at the touch of a fingertip Full-length bench allows full rowing movement Cons Expensive Setting up the on-screen app was plagued by connectivity issues until updated Takes up quite a bit of room Having suffered from some Achilles issues over the past year, I was particularly intrigued about trying out the Row-7s due to rowing's low-impact nature as I seek ways to fill the intense cardio void of football, and I was not disappointed by the machine. Let's get the negatives out of the way first. Out of the box, it wasn't quite as easy as the Proton to put together, taking most of an afternoon, but there are more parts involved. Then, it was onto the setup. Despite trying for over an hour, the machine just would not connect to the internet. This was extremely frustrating until I eventually read that due to software issues, I had to connect to my phone's hotspot connection, which allowed it to update, which then cured the connection issues. Thankfully, this worked and, to be honest, was the last negative I had of my time with the machine. The equipment is not cheap, coming in at over €2,000, but it feels every bit the premium piece of gym equipment, with an option to pay about €75 a month. Operation of the pulley is smooth and eerily quiet. Unlike the bike, I could use the machine next door to where my kids sleep and knew I wouldn't wake them. The fittings are superbly tight, and there have been no corners cut in the design or construction phase. The seat is superbly comfortable and padded, and you could spend over an hour on the machine with no ailments whatsoever. Getting a 22-inch touchscreen with the machine is a huge bonus, and being able to connect to this to follow live workouts is a godsend - much better than using your phone. I also found that having the resistance buttons on the handle worked really well, rather than reaching beyond to the front of the machine, so I could flick through the levels instantaneously as the workout progressed. The Row-7s does take up quite a bit of room in our spare bedroom, but it is foldable, which is superb, allowing it to slide alongside the bed and out of the way. Echelon has hit the jackpot on this machine, with only a point taken off for the connectivity issues. If they can sort this in the long term, this could be a perfect 10.
CNET
24-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Memorial Day Deal: One of Our Favorite Rowing Machines Is Discounted by $700 Right Now
Echelon makes some of the best rowing machines on the market, but they aren't cheap. That's why this Memorial Day deal that shaves off $700 from the Echelon Row S's usual $1600 price is so special. Right now, you can pick up this top-tier rowing machine for just $900 -- that's the lowest we've seen it this year. We don't expect this Memorial Day discount to last too long, so don't wait on it. The Echelon Row S features a standout 22-inch rotating HD screen that pulls you into every session, whether you're rowing or doing off-equipment workouts like strength training or yoga. Paired with an upgraded built-in soundbar, it creates an immersive experience right in your living room which comes in handy if you're doing guided workouts, or trying to beat your own personal records. The smooth magnetic resistance engages over 85 percent of your muscles, offering a full-body, low-impact workout that's easy on your joints but tough on calories. New to workouts? The Echelon Row S gives you 30 days of free access to live and on-demand classes, from HIIT and Pilates to cycling and more as part of the all-in-one membership that supports up to five people. Plus, the Bluetooth-enabled handlebar lets you adjust resistance without breaking your flow. And when you're done, the foldable design with built-in wheels makes it easy to store. Looking for a brand new pair of headphones to amp up your workout? From appliances to laptops and more, CNET's team has done the groundwork and put together the best Memorial Day discounts available right now. Why this deal matters A rowing machine is one of the best ways to get a full-body workout at home, but acquiring one is usually a pretty expensive affair. This deal shaves a huge $700 off the price of one of the best models we've tested, dropping it back down to the lowest price it's seen in over 12 months. It's unlikely to go cheaper than this any time soon, so if you want to add one to your home gym before the summer then now is the time.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Shipping costs set to double as companies rush to import goods before China-US trade truce ends
US companies rushing to import their goods from China before the 90-day reprieve on stiff tariffs expires will be socked with an unexpected spike in shipping fees – leading to higher prices on store shelves, The Post has learned. Major carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd, announced plans to increase shipping rates for a 40-foot container between China and West Coast ports to $6,500 from $3,500, beginning June 1, according to several companies that will be hit by the hike. 6 With so many ships setting off from China to the US, there is concern that the supply chain will get backed up. ALEX PLAVEVSKI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The cost for shipping to East Coast ports will rise to $7,500 from $4,500, the sources added. The increase 'will squeeze profit margins and it will result in higher prices for consumers,' said Jay Foreman, CEO of Florida-based toy company Basic Fun, which makes Tonka Trucks. Typically, shipping represents about 3% of a manufacturer's cost of goods, according to Foreman, who estimates that the rate increase will double what it costs Basic Fun to ship its toys. 6 The ports in China are full to capacity. ALEX PLAVEVSKI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Walmart has already warned that tariffs will result in higher consumer prices even as President Trump warned the discount retailer 'eat the tariffs.' Another shipping rate hike to as much as $8,500 per container is expected by June 15, according to a Journal of Commerce report. The carriers were accused of gouging to make up for lost revenue after US companies curtailed shipments to avoid paying the 145% tariff imposed on China imports by President Trump last month. The White House and Beijing reached a trade truce on May 12 that reduces the tariffs to 30% until August 10. 'The ocean carriers are taking advantage of the back-log of shipments' that were left at Chinese ports or factories, Lou Lentine, chief executive of fitness equipment maker, Echelon, told The Post. 6 Importers, including fitness equipment maker Echelon will be facing huge shipping costs by June 1. Echelon Lentine said his freight company told him to expect to pay $6,000 — twice as much to fill up a container with Echelon's treadmills and other equipment that are made in China and Vietnam. 'It's a lot,' Lentine said, adding, 'We have to ship goods. We have no way around it.' Even though most importers have negotiated fixed shipping rates, the carriers can slap them with 'add-on' fees for peak season surcharges or spot rate increases when volume surges. 'Some of the Chinese ports are full, so they have to get freight out of the country,' said customs broker Bobby Shoule of JW Hampton Jr. & Co., a 160-year old logistics company in Jamaica, Queens. 6 The major shipping companies have warned about rate increases starting on June 1. Getty Images The proposed rate hikes, announced last week, could possibly be negotiated down by major companies like Home Depot, he added. But smaller businesses don't have the same leverage. 'We have no choice but to pay this,' Foreman complained. 'There are no controls or regulations that limit how much these shipping companies can charge.' 6 Basic Fun makes the iconic Tonka truck in factories in China. WireImage for Fathom Communications The prices for containers are far below what was being charged during the pandemic. They soared to more than $20,000 in 2021. But the logjam that is expected at the ports in the coming weeks could strain the supply chain to levels not seen since those dark days, Shoule predicted. The ports are already behind schedule by seven to 10 days, which is how long it's taking to get containers onto the rail system, he said. 6 US ports are already experiencing delays in moving containers out of the ports onto rail cars. Getty Images 'Once the glut of ships that have been sitting at all the ports in China get loaded up and start moving across the Pacific, the knock on effects will start to kick in,' Foreman also warned. 'These include too many boats hitting the West Coast ports at one time, too many container boxes being out of place, [and a] lag of boats getting back to China to pick up the next waves of product flow for the back half of the year.'
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge May fitness sale knocks up to 50% off Echelon, Matrix and more
We're just days away from the official start of the holiday weekend, but before you fire up that grill — there's some Memorial Day sales that merit your attention. For example, right now Johnson Fitness is taking up to 50% off popular brands like Bowflex, Horizon, Echelon and more. Additionally, you can use coupon code "MAY25" to save $50 off on $1,000; $100 off on $2,000; $150 off on $3,000; or $200 off on $4,000. May fitness sale: up to 50% off sitewide @ Johnson FitnessJohnson Fitness is taking up to 50% off sitewide during its May Sale. Additionally, you can use coupon code "MAY25" to save $50 on $1,000; $100 on $2,000; $150 on $3,000; or $200 on $4,000. The sale includes popular brands like Bowflex, Horizon, Echelon, and more. Whether you're shopping for the best treadmills or the best exercise bikes we've tested, you'll find it in Johnson Fitness' sale. The company owns various major fitness brands like Bowflex, Vision, Echelon, TRX and more. As part of the sale, treadmills are up to 50% off and Matrix cardio machines are up to $300 off. The May sale is valid through May 26 only. Additionally, spend over $2,499 and you'll get free delivery and assembly.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Energy expert says Ireland currently doesn't have enough resources to power data centres
Professor Hannah Daly told politicians in Leinster House that coalition policy overlooked the enormous problems data centres cause for the country's power supply and climate obligations. Ireland might some day be a good place to locate data centres, but it currently had neither a strong enough electricity network or sufficient renewable energy to support them, she said. A data centre development launched by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Arklow last Friday would have to burn gas to generate its own electricity, creating carbon emissions equivalent to 200,000 cars annually. Professor Daly said these extra emissions – and those of many other data centres in planning – were not accounted for in the country's carbon budgets, an omission she said was 'a very significant blindspot'. If the Echelon facilities in Arklow were eventually connected to a proposed offshore wind farm, they would consume half of all the renewable electricity generated there. This followed the trend where all additional renewable energy generated since 2015 had been devoured by data centres. Under the Climate Action Plan, renewables were meant to replace existing fossil fuel use by the country generally – not to feed new demand from an unsustainable industry. Ireland's overall electricity demand grew by 2.6pc annually since 2015, but data centre demand grew by 22.6pc annually. 'The concern is that electricity demand by data centres is outpacing the increase in renewables,' Prof Daly said. Not only did this mean renewables were not displacing fossil fuels, but data centres were actually driving increased fossil fuel use. She said narratives supporting data centre growth were laced with myths. ADVERTISEMENT The claim that data centres drove the rollout of renewables through corporate power purchase agreements – deals whereby energy companies built wind and solar farms to supply the industry – did not match the reality where less than 20pc of data centre power came from such arrangements. It was claimed that if Ireland did not host data centres, they would go to countries with even less renewables to feed them but that ignored the fact that other countries in Europe had surplus renewables that could easily support more data centres. Data centres were categorised as essential infrastructure but there was no transparency around what data they hosted, how much was essential and how much was 'zombie data'. It was said data centres would only use fossil gas temporarily and then replace it with biomethane but all available biomethane would be needed to displace existing fossil gas use. 'I'm not against data centres but it's an issue of timing,' Prof Daly said. 'Once we have scaled up renewables, once our grid is ready, Ireland might be an ideal place to locate data centres but if we do that before we have renewables in place, before the electricity grid is ready, it will add to the fossil fuels problem.' A small number of mainly opposition TDs turned up to hear her presentation.
