KingSmith WalkingPad R2 in the test
Contents
WalkingPad R2 – design and construction
In addition to the treadmill itself, the WalkingPad R2 comes with a power supply cable, a remote control with a rubber strap, an Allen key and silicone lubricant. Ideally, you don’t need the latter two parts at first. What the Allen key is for, I come to the paragraph about the app. What is immediately noticeable is that the WalkingPad R2 is mainly made of metal and only partially made of plastic, which not only makes the treadmill look very high quality, but also makes it very robust and safe.
Upon arrival, the WalkingPad R2 is already folded up compactly. It is even so compact that you can place it or hide it inconspicuously under the sofa or bed. In contrast to some other models, the WalkingPad R2 can also be placed vertically due to the rubberized base and wheels so that it also fits into other spaces. For me here between the heater and the closet. The small wheels and the handle make it very easy to transport despite the weight of 36 kg. That was different with another model from another manufacturer, where I had to carry it around the house with two people. Here you can do everything completely by yourself and without any effort.
Before the final assembly, all you have to do is check whether the WalkingPad R2 treadmill is sitting straight on the floor or whether something is still wobbling. That was the case with me on the floor, but because of the eight supports that can be easily screwed in and out, the correct setting is very quick. The whole thing can be a little easier with a special sports equipment mat, which would have the positive side effect of even better cushioning. I use it as it is on the floor.
If everything is ready, you only have to loosen the securing of the handle on the left and right of the WalkingPad R2 and set the perfect height, which is suitable for children as well as for significantly taller people than me. I’m 185. I’m using a height between the two pictures below. At least if, like me, you set it up so that your arms can be roughly at right angles when you grasp. The construction is solid and safe, which is not always a given. If something should happen, I could throw myself on it completely, as everything is made of metal here.
The handle has a rubber surface in the middle to cushion the device when it is folded up. The fuse is inserted in the middle of it. This must be inside, otherwise the treadmill cannot be started. Connected to it is a band and a clip that you can clip to your clothing while walking. Personally, I don’t use it, but if the WalkingPad R2 treadmill is used by people who are a little unsafe with it or who still have to get used to it in terms of their motor skills, it helps the device to switch off automatically in the event of a fall or if you are too far away from the handle . This can also help if you have dropped the remote control. In contrast to some other models, the tape does not suddenly stop from one second to the other, but decelerates very quickly and comes to a stop within a few seconds. Personally, I think that’s better, because otherwise you lose your balance because you are not prepared for an abrupt stop. Hence a plus here.
The compartment above is super practical as it can not only accommodate the remote control, but also a smartphone or tablet. The rubber coating ensures a secure hold and you are not restricted by a smartphone clamp or the like.
WalkingPad R2 – remote control, app and display
The remote control itself is very simple and space-saving, so that it does not interfere in the hand when walking and also fits in the compartment or trouser pocket without any problems. It is connected via Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, which has the enormous advantage of a secure connection over a longer distance. Many other devices use optical remote controls here, which have to be pointed directly at a certain point. This is not the case here and provides an additional dose of security. At the bottom we have a button to connect or wake up the WalkingPad R2, in the middle the start / stop button and the plus and minus buttons to adjust the treadmill speed.
The WalkingPad R2 can also be operated using a smartphone. You can simply use the KS Fit app for this. This makes the treadmill more or less smart. In addition to various training programs that you can choose to achieve a specific goal, you can use it to record your training progress and share it with other fitness apps. I’ve been on the treadmill for at least an hour or more every day for about the past few weeks. I noticed that the software that is available for iOS and Android only seems to synchronize the data at the moment. So I have to start the app once at the end of the training. It’s not too bad, but there doesn’t seem to be any memory for multiple workouts. But if you do this regularly, you can easily track your progress, as the app also summarizes the whole thing in a sensible way.
It is also possible to manage and adapt your devices in the app. For example, I can set the WalkingPad R2 so that when the start button is pressed, it does not start at 2 km / h, but somewhere between 0.5 and 10 km / h. You can just as easily select the maximum speed in walking and running modes. You can customize the display and select the units and activate child encryption.
Another very good feature is the correction aid for the treadmill on the WalkingPad R2. With many devices it is either too complicated or an act of violence. Here you just have to select the calibration in the app and the treadmill runs by itself. It gives you the instruction to use the Allen key with the two holes on the left and right. A mechanism is hidden inside that lets the belt run slowly in one direction. Usually the tape does not slip. But it may be that you have to calibrate it once upon arrival and then you have a longer rest.
The display area also has touch controls, with which you can do a lot, but primarily you will use either the remote control or the app. The display always shows you the data that you really want to see. In my case it’s the number of steps, the speed, the kilometers and the time. You can also set calories etc. here, but since that won’t be exact anyway, you can save yourself that. All of this is completely sufficient.
What I would only wish for is that the display area of the next model would rather have a matt design. The WalkingPad R2 looks super classy and of high quality, but the display area as the only shiny area attracts dust after a short time.
WalkingPad R2 – walking and running
The WalkingPad R2 has two modes: walking mode and running mode. Walking mode is activated when the handle is closed. Here the speed is limited and you have access to the auto mode. Based on your position on the treadmill, this recognizes when you are accelerating or slowing down and adjusts your speed accordingly. But you can still only walk manually. This is safe because you cannot run at any speed. This mode is very useful if you really just want to walk, or if you want to place the treadmill under the table and go for a walk while working. When operating the smartphone or gaming with the handheld console, I would still recommend at least the grip so as not to lose track of the track. I noticed that when I let the character go to the right, I also tend to make a slight curve to the right. Just a tip from me.
You are only allowed to run with the opened handle of the WalkingPad R2. You just don’t have access to the car mode, which is not a huge loss. You can manually switch between 0.5 km / h and 10 km / h in 0.5 km / h steps. In general, I always walk at 2 to 3 km / h when it should be comfortable, 3.5 to 4.5 km / h for fast walking and 7 to 8 km / h when running. 10 km / h makes a lot of sense and is certainly more than enough for domestic use and even for athletes. It’s almost too much for me.
I currently use the treadmill, as already mentioned, for at least an hour every day. I either go at a fast pace or jog. I am either on my smartphone, watch something on the television or play something on my handheld console, where time flies by. Even when I run, I feel very safe on the WalkingPad R2. That is not always a matter of course. I’ve already dealt with a 500 euro device that couldn’t be more unsafe or cheaper. Since the WalkingPad R2 is built to a really high quality and the running surface and handle are also stable thanks to the metal, older family members also dare to use the treadmill.
The last question here is the kink. You can actually feel it, but it doesn’t bother you. In fact, it makes me feel more secure because I always know where I am on the treadmill. But it really only attracts attention if you walk or run with socks on the WalkingPad R2. I like to do this to correct my gait, but if you walk with my shoes you will usually not notice anything here, as long as the feet of the treadmill are well adjusted. The cushioning is also really very good here. On another device, it could be heard all over the house. No matter if above or below. Only neighbors in the basement could be bothered here. Fitness mats, which are available for around 20 euros and are intended for use under fitness equipment, help.
WalkingPad R2 price and availability
The WalkingPad R2 is already available and can be purchased from various internet providers. There is only miscommunication here about the name of the treadmill. Sometimes it is called Xiaomi WalkingPad R2, sometimes WalkingPad R2 Pro etc. It always means the same device, but the real name is KingSmith WalkingPad R2. The connection to Xiaomi comes from the fact that KingSmith belong or belonged to the Xiaomi ecosystem. Currently, the devices are no longer sold under Xiaomi, but under the KingSmith name, which is the manufacturer of the WalkingPad series.
It currently costs between 550 and 600 euros with various providers. Although the RRP was significantly above where I already think it would have been fair, the current price range makes it a must have. I’ve seen a lot of devices in the 400-700 range and most of it is just overpriced, unsafe junk. The WalkingPad R2 is the premium treadmill here, where I think there is nothing better here up to 1500 €, since that’s where the gym models start. Certainly one can argue that a € 2,500 Peloton Tread and an additional subscription of € 39 per month could be a good investment. But it is not for a normal home and a normal family. Therefore full recommendation for the WalkingPad R2.
