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Matrix Review

Monday, July 7th

2025 Stair Climber Reviews

Matrix Review 3.5 Star Rating

Matrix

3.5 Star Rating
  • Climbmill C50 with the XR screen:$4,999
  • Climbmill C50 with the XER screen:$5,799
  • Climbmill C50 with the XIR screen:$6,399
  • Climbmill C50 with the XUR screen:$6,999
  • 25 resistance levels
  • 10.5” step-on height
  • 30-day iFIT Family Membership included
  • Add screen for workout progress and optional classes

Matrix's mission is to help you to get fit or stay fit in less time. An eight-week study in middle-aged adults showed that even with two-minute stair climbing sessions every weekday, and then progressing in time and intensity, their fitness level improved by almost ten percent. It's incredible, considering these results with less than 30 minutes of exercise per week - all on the Matrix Climbmill C 50. There's one model of Climbmill on offer, which keeps it simple. You just choose the monitor that best fits your style and budget.

Choose your screen

In order to check your workout progress and historical data, choose the data console that best meets your needs and budget:

  • XR. This model has a smaller, 8.5” screen. It's the only one that's not a touch screen. It has Bluetooth compatibility and connectivity to your headphones, and is Bluetooth FTMS compatible for 3rd party apps.
  • XER. With a slightly larger, 10” touchscreen, it's Bluetooth HR compatible with the strap included, you can play music and videos via USB, there's WiFi connectivity, and a browser to search your favorite websites.
  • XIR. This 16” touchscreen console has the same features as the XER, but with a larger, more user-friendly screen.
  • XUR. At 22”, this is the largest touchscreen Maxtrix offers a better visual workout experience.

The consoles are ridiculously priced

Yes, we like the 22” screen best, because it's the largest, even though it doesn't have any more features than either of the two below it. Unfortunately, the 22” screen makes the Matrix ClimbMill C50 cost $2,000 more than if it had only the basic screen. $2000 is a lot for a screen upgrade. But hey, if a $2,000 screen/console will keep you engaged while working out and then motivate you to hop back on the next day, that may be worth it.

Consider the add-ons

Adding a $99 mat for underneath your Matrix stair climber could help keep your floors in good condition. You can also add a water-bottle holder, stationary handles with heart-rate grips, and in-reach controls.

iFIT interactive training

You'll get live studio classes, Global Workouts, Google Maps Street View, and more than 16,000 recorded interactive workouts including strength, yoga, and more. When you purchase Climbmill C50, you'll get a 30-day trial to iFIT.

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The machine is sweat protected

If you're getting a good workout, you'll probably sweat a lot. Matrix has protectors to inhibit sweat from getting into moving parts and prolonging the life of the machine.

Step positioning sensor

When the Matrix Climbmill is powered off, the lowest step is locked at the lowest point, so it's easy to get on, and you always know how far up you'll have to step - same for when you're getting off the machine. No over- or under-stepping to lose balance - it's always at 10.5.” We haven't seen any other stair climbers have this safety feature.

More safety features

There are safety measures like infrared sensors, auto-pause zone, reversible steps, and emergency stop buttons for the safest stair-climbing experience.

Smallish footprint

Once it's assembled, the Matrix Climbmill C50 takes up less space than some other stair climbers. This model is 53” long, 28” wide, and 75” tall. Watch out, as your ceiling may be 96” (8 feet) or taller, but if you have a shorter ceiling will you have enough head room when you're utilizing the machine? It's best to check it out. We noticed people's shoulders or mid-biceps were at the height of the machine when using it, so keep that in mind when figuring height requirements. It's also pretty heavy at around 300#, but that's about the standard for the home stair climbers.

Holds up to 300# body weight

The Climbmill C50 has a recommended user weight of 99-300 pounds.

There's a payment plan

Depending on Matrix's lending partner that best meets your financial needs, you'll get a 0% APR rate for either 12, 18, 24, or 36 months. Approval can take place in a jiffy online when you purchase your Matrix. Be sure to make the minimum payments and that you pay off your Climbmill on time, because their standard purchase APY is 29.99%.

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Satisfaction guarantee is only 30 days, but read it carefully

You have 30 days to contact Matrix if you're not happy with your Climbmill C50 for any reason. Your money will be refunded or you can have credit minus the return stocking fee of 20%, assembly charges, original shipping charges, and return shipping costs. Returns will only be accepted if you call their number and get a Return Merchandise Authorization number. If you purchase the iFIT membership, it's not refundable. Be sure to read the fine print as there's a full page about the caveats in their return policy.

The warranty is pretty fair

Matrix offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labor for their Climbmill C50. It's limited to replacement or repair of defective materials. Matrix will pay for a repair person to go to your location if it's within 150 miles of the repair person's departure location. Warranty is void if the stair climber is used in a commercial setting or if it's experienced extreme temperatures or humidity (so maybe don't store it in your garage). Any repair or replacement is at the discretion of Matrix.

There really aren't many customer reviews

The few reviews out there are videos from people whose best interest is to promote the product. And even so, they hadn't used the Climbmill much to know if they really felt comfortable on it, got a good workout, felt steady on it, or would rate it highly.

It's a good home machine

The Climbmill frame is sturdy and Matrix made it for home use by creating a lower frame height. There's sweat protection to keep parts from getting damaged and the stairs stay in one locked position for safety in getting on and off the machine. What's nice is that with Matrix, you have one stair climber to choose from, making decision making easier. The only thing you have to choose is the screen. We like the XUR, the 22”, the best for an immersive experience, although this choice is really expensive. We wish we had more users' input for how it works in various homes and if it holds up. For that reason, and that the satisfaction guarantee is only 30 days, we can't rate Matrix higher than "just above average”.

Where Can You Find the Best Stair Climbers?

Stair climbers, often known as "stair steppers,” have been around fitness centers for about 40 years. They're a refreshing change to the treadmill and exercise bike, and offer an intense workout. Depending on factors such as your fitness level, age, weight, and chosen resistance level, you could burn an impressive 500 calories in about half an hour on a stair climber.

There are a variety of reasons why stair climbers are so popular. For example, stair climbers are renowned for their effectiveness in calorie burning and weight loss. The rhythmic movement engages major muscle groups such as the legs, glutes, and core, leading to an efficient way to burn calories. This makes stair climbing an attractive option for individuals aiming to shed excess weight or maintain a healthy weight.

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Stair Climber FAQ

A stair climber is a type of exercise equipment that uses either a rotating series of steps or pedals pushed up and down - imitating the motion you'd make when going up a staircase. The "stairmill” option is most commonly found in gyms and health clubs, while the pedal variety can be seen both in fitness centers and in home use.
Stair climbers are low-impact, delivering an intense workout that is gentler on the joints than running on a treadmill. It also doesn't have to be either-or: if you like to mix up your workouts and target different muscle groups, alternating between using a treadmill and a stair climber is a great option.
That will depend on the stair climber you choose. Most models have clearly-listed dimensions for both floor space and ceiling height requirements, so be sure to look at them carefully and map out the space in your home before making your purchase.
You can get a good-quality stair climber for just under $1,000. If you want a high-end model exactly like what you've seen at your local gym, expect a price tag upwards of $10,000.
The more resistance levels your stair climber has, the greater variety you'll be able to get in your workouts. If you have people of multiple heights who will use the machine - for example, maybe you're 4'11” and your roommate is 6'5” - you might want to choose a model with adjustable stride lengths. From there, you should consider how much tech you want it to have, like Bluetooth connectivity with fitness apps or heart rate monitoring through hand grips and/or a chest strap.
Most stair climber manufacturers aren't quite there yet. However, at least one company offers a separate membership to an online platform where you can get live workouts, exercise in real time with a friend, or stream videos to make your workout routine more interesting.
That depends on the manufacturer's policy. Some offer no returns at all, while others may give you 4-6 weeks to try it out. You may also have to pay restocking fees if you return your stair climber.
Yes. Most stair climbers have warranty coverage on the frame and welds, parts, and labor. The timeframes vary: you might get a lifetime warranty on the frame with one manufacturer, while another only covers the frame for three years. Read the warranty coverage and terms carefully before you buy a stair climber.
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Continued from above...

Another reason why stair climbers are popular is their efficiency in providing a cardiovascular workout. The repetitive motion of climbing stairs elevates the heart rate, enhancing blood circulation and promoting cardiovascular fitness. This aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and lungs, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improving overall endurance. Stair climbers offer an alternative to high-impact cardiovascular activities like running, making them accessible to a broader demographic, including individuals with joint issues or those seeking a gentler form of exercise.

The low-impact nature of stair climbing is another key factor contributing to its popularity. Unlike high-impact exercises that can put stress on the joints and increase the risk of injury, stair climbing provides a challenging workout with minimal impact. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with joint concerns, older adults, or those recovering from injuries who still want to engage in effective exercise without compromising their joint health.

Are you wondering which stair climber or stepper suits you best? There are a few styles available. There's a "stair mill” where you literally climb stairs that resemble a rotating staircase like an escalator at the mall. The intensity of the workout is determined by the speed you choose. These machines are the heaviest yet sturdiest of the stair climbers, and although they can take up more space in your room, they offer pretty intense workouts, just like the stair climbers in the gym.

Another form is the stair stepper. You'll push up and down against foot pedals, and the workout intensifies when you increase the resistance. Some of this type have handles so you can work your arms and upper body as well.

A third type to consider, especially if you have shorter ceilings in your home, is the recumbent, or seated stair stepper. You'll get your great full-body stepper workout, but your head won't approach the ceiling since you're seated.

Which stair climber is the right one for you? Since there are many options to consider, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you begin to shop. Before you know it, you'll find the stair climber that's best not only for you, but for the space in your home.

  • Price. How much are you willing to spend for the stair stepper and any accessories such as the console for tracking your fitness and viewing any classes, or the floor mat to go underneath the machine? Also consider any apps for online subscriptions for classes to participate in while you're working on your step climber. And are the apps free or will you pay a monthly subscription for stepper classes?
  • Available space. Where do you plan to place your stair climber? The traditional gym-like machinery will take up more floor space and require a higher ceiling. The stepper versions take up the least amount of floor space. The recumbent style isn't affected by the ceiling space, or lack thereof.
  • Fitness goals. Consider if you are new to stair climbing or if you're the gym rat who wants to bring that intensity home. Certain stair climbers are ready for the challenge, and others are built more for a light workout only.
  • Return policy. What if the machine doesn't fit in your space, if it's too noisy, or you just don't like it? Check to see if there's a satisfaction guarantee. If so, are you responsible for return shipping? And is there a restocking fee? If so, how much would you actually get back if you returned it?
  • Reputation. What do users say about the stair climber? Is it durable? Was it easy to assemble? Are they still motivated to use it, even months later? If they interacted with customer service, was the department helpful?

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the top stair climbers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you to narrow down the options so you can find the perfect stair climber for your home gym and your stair climbing workout.

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