Finally, a product that exceeds expectations at a great price that I don't have to return, a situation which I've had to do a lot lately. But all is not perfect. There are deficiencies with this product and specifically with some claims it makes. This is not for everyone.
I bought this model because of the price, the size, and that it had thick welds (in the picture) which suggested that it was made from sturdy materials.. As it turns out it is very solid and even heavy (15 lbs). You're not going to be lugging this thing around easily from workout location to another as I was planning on doing. But it sure looks like it will stay together for a long time despite the heavy load it will be subjected to.
Speaking of hard loads, here's the first deficiency. In the product display is a question and answer that says, "If you look at the pictures you will see a knob on the front of the stepper. This will create more resistance if you tighten the knob." WRONG...that nob adjusts the length of the stride, not specifically tension. It indirectly causes you to exercise harder but it's a stretch to say it is adjusting "resistance". Also, that nob is very difficult to turn at first and needs quite a few revolutions to give you a chance to try out all the different stride lengths. Once I found my preferred setting I haven't touched it since, so no big deal here.
The lack of a tension adjustment is my second warning. Since you can't adjust tension, or resistance, this unit may not be good for people of all body weights. I think if you're too light it may not be usable at all and if you're too heavy it may be too easy. I'm male at 150 lbs. and it's a perfect resistance for my weight and workout level.
The third warning is the lack of balance support (something to hang onto with your arms/hands) as you get with a full size elliptical in a good gym. I find if I'm not paying attention or get distracted that it's easy to lose my balance. It helps to wear good runners to give you ankle support. If you have a balance problem, as maybe someone who's had a stroke, I don't think this is safe for you. Yes, the resistance bands help with balance but not much.
The fourth warning concerns this incorrect claim in the product description, "Mini stepper is compact enough to use while you sit at a desk, on the couch, or...". If look at the picture for a moment you'll see that the product is made for use standing up with body weight providing the force (straight up and down) needed to move the steps. There is no way you can exert near enough force while sitting down. I tried raising the front about 60 degrees (using a precarious foot rest and with a few thick books on top) to change the angle but you have to sit on something like a sofa that's heavy and not going to move because now there's a lot of horizontal forces at the back needing to be braced. This "kinda" works but is a pain to move this beast around at 15 lbs. and my workaround sure looks and feels unstable awaiting possible injury if it collapses (maybe crushing your cat at the same time).
And if you're sitting at a desk you'd probably hit your knees on the desk top and the wheels of your desk secretary chair would provide no back stop. Sitting at a desk is a complete none starter UNLESS you use a standing desk like I do and is my primary location of use. At a standing desk you'll also have someplace to place your hands/arms for balance support without concentrating on it.
At this price, and if the constraints don't apply to you, I would highly recommend this product.
