Kettler Edition Power Stepper Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review is only preliminary as I have just received the stepper today and I wanted to give others interested in this stepper a little heads up in what to expect.
I was looking for good mechanical stepper that was cut above cheaper version ($50-$100) but not quite industrial gym class. KETTLER stepper is German product and it is very sturdily built. Amazon had the unit delivered via specialized delivery company (CEVA) instead of normal USPS, UPS or Fed Ex. due to its heavy weight.
If you are not mechanically inclined I recommend having experienced handyman person to help you along. The instruction manual is one of the worse I have ever come across. No detailed step-by-step instruction in English. You rely on overly simplistic pictures to muddle your way through assembly. What English there was no more than operational warning. If you're doing your own assembly study the instruction VERY CLOSELY, otherwise you will have big headache building this exerciser.
The training computer that came with this stepper was different than the one pictured in Amazon. I don't know if the version I received was older or newer model. Amazon claim the computer is easy to operate but here again the included instruction was confusing so I haven't programmed yet.
That said, once the stepper was assembled I tried it and I have to say I am pleased. Even in its lowest setting I can feel my leg muscle getting a good workout. I plan to use the equipment every day so if there is any change for the worse I will update this review. The machine come with three year parts and lifetime frame warranty so I take comfort in that.
UPDATE:
If you order and receive stepper with computer console design that is different than one pictured in Amazon be careful if you want to exchange it.
At least in my case I sent Amazon e-mail asking if it was possible to exchange computer console for the one pictured in the website. I honestly thought I will receive reply either exchange is not possible or it has to be complete stepper exchange and whether I would like to do that.
Turns out Amazon procedure is automatic shipment of replacement stepper instead of asking the customer if they want that. Since I had already assembled my stepper I wasn't interested in exchange of another so I called customer service to try to cancel that replacement shipment and found I can't cancel. I had to wait and call back customer service again at a later time and speak with higher up who finally solved the headache I was having.
UPDATE 4/3/10:
This stepper has 12-level adjustable resistance. I am of opinion that the adjustable setting is not that precise. After I got comfortable at level 1 setting, I have tried changing the setting from level 1 to level 2 and then level 3. Initially I noted some change in resistance but as I continued stepping I thought the resistance ease. Because this stepper use hydraulic resistance, temperature change may affect the stepping resistance.
Currently, I am using this stepper one 30 minute session five days out of week. I hope to increase the time to 60 minutes per session down the road.


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The compact, German-crafted Kettler Power Stepper is a great addition to your home gym, perfect for strengthening your legs and getting an excellent cardio workout all year round. It features two hydraulic cylinders that provide up to 12 levels of resistance, and the independently functioning pedals ensure an ergonomic stepping movement. Individual pedal resistance can be set with the adjustment rings on the hydraulic cylinders. The computer console provides the following data: time, speed, total steps, energy consumption, total height, and pulse rate (ear clip included; compatible with optional chest straps). It has a maximum user weight of 285 pounds.
Manufacturer's Warranty 3 year parts & electronics, lifetime frame

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Xiser Portable Stepper - Heavy Duty Home Model Review

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(More customer reviews)This exerciser is extremely well made. The main part is a solid casting and the cylinders appear to be equally heavy duty. Good up to 400 lbs. Made in USA is a plus. However...
First of all it has no rubber feet, kind of a cheap omission for a $400+ device (the price as of this writing). Because of this, it slides all over the (vinyl) floor and I fear it would scratch a hardwood floor. Xiser's answer? Send us $49 and we'll send you a non-slip mat and a carrying bag.
Next, the cylinders are not screwed down and only sit on little nubs on the frame. Each time you pick it up (by its handle) to move it the cylinders fall off the frame. Not impressive for a $400 machine. Some kind of thumb screws would have been more useful.
I could live with those short comings, but...the biggest drawback is the size. The width of the machine at the pedals is only 6 inches center-to-center, and only 10 inches total (from the outside edge of the left to the outside edge of the right). If you are a bit full-figured you will find it difficult to fit onto the pedals as you go up and down.
If the people who designed this actually used it (or tested it using real people) this could have been a killer machine. All they needed to do was add about 2 - 3 inches of extra width to it. As it is, I find it unusable and it going back.

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Five Year Consumer WarrantyOne year institutional warrantyCast Aluminum AlloyWeighs only 14 lbsWithstands weight in excess of 400 lbs.Patented Hydraulic Cylinder SystemAdjustable resistanceResponds to your effort and abilitySilicone fluid for smooth & quiet operationPortable DesignUses only 2 cubic feet of spaceFolds to 20.5" x 13" x 4"

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Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper Review

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(More customer reviews)I had the folding stepper for four months, but it had come apart. Although it arrived sooner than I expected, I was upset that the right pedal arm detached after only a few days. Also, on the day I received the stepper, there was a component already coming apart and left in the box. Due to too much troubles with the return policy, I decide to keep it. Now it's no longer working after only four months. I wouldn't buy this product again.

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Stamina's SpaceMate® Folding Stepper not only gives a great low-impact, calorie burning, cardiovascular workout, but tones the calves, buttocks, thighs, and hips, too. The SpaceMate Folding Stepper gives a workout comparable to the larger more expensive stepper workouts, yet with the pull of a pin the SpaceMate Folding Stepper folds and rolls for easy storage and portability.

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Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper Review

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(More customer reviews)every stair stepper you look for nowadays is really big and insanely expensive. I had one for years that folded up like this one, but one of the hydraulics was going out, so we figured we'd need to find a replacement. This does the job well for the price paid; it's nice to be able to stash this out of the way so you don't have exercise equipment dominating a room in your house.

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With the pull of a pin, this lightweight stepper folds for storage in a closet or under a bed and can be rolled around on built-in rollers. It features a battery-operated electronic monitor displaying steps-per-minute, total steps, workout time, and calories burned. Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion. Wide, textured pedals keep feet secure. Foam-covered handlebars offer comfortable gripping. Rubber floor protectors safeguard a workout area and prevent skidding. Assembled, the 45-pound stepper is 30-1/4 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 54-1/2 inches high. Folded, it is 38-1/2 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 9-1/2 inches high. The stepper assembles in less than 10 minutes (instructions included). The sturdy steel frame carries a one-year warranty against defects, with parts warranted against defects for 90 days.

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