Tuesday, March 21st
2023 Stair Climber Reviews
XTERRA
- Cost: $1,099.99
- Unique recumbent stepper design
- Free shipping
- Lifetime frame/brake warranty
If you want the seated style of a recumbent exercise bike with the motion of a stair climber, XTERRA has you covered. Their RSX1500 is the only equipment we found that gives you that kind of workout.
Good all-body workout for every user
Almost everyone can use the RSX1500: it's got a height range up to 6'2" and a user weight capacity up to 300 lbs. It's also a great option if you want to get an upper body workout at the same time: the machine has hand grips with machine arms that you push back and forth at the same time as your feet.
Low-tech display
While the console isn't the fanciest you'll ever see, it gives you a decent range of workouts to choose from on a 5.6" display besides the regular manual setting. You can choose among 13 preset programs and have up to 4 user profiles, and because the machine has a heart rate transmitter and hand pulse sensors, you can also use several heart rate-focused programs for your exercise. There aren't any live or on-demand fitness classes that come with the RSX1500, but the accessory tray makes it easy to prop up your own tablet or phone and watch anything you like.
Equipment overview:
- Price: $1,099.99
- Different Models: 1
- Financing Available: Yes
- Resistance Levels: 24
- Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
- Live/on-demand classes available: No
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame/brake, 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor
- Shipping: Free
Excellent warranty, free shipping
This machine comes with one of the best warranties in the industry: lifetime on the frame and brake, three years on parts, and a year on labor. It comes with free shipping, as well as a 30-day return policy.
US-based customer service
XTERRA doesn't have as much feedback as some of the other stair climber brands we evaluated. There's no listing at the BBB, most likely because XTERRA is part of a larger brand family owned by Dyaco International. Other brands in their portfolio include Spirit Fitness and SOLE, who you'll also see in our reviews. The good news is that, despite being headquartered in Taiwan, Dyaco offers XTERRA shoppers a US-based customer service experience out of Arkansas with help available during typical business hours.
Good but limited user feedback
Also, the customer reviews for the recumbent stair stepper are somewhat limited but almost universally positive. A few customers have had challenges with the assembly or with parts making noise, but the majority say that the RSX1500 delivers the workout it promises and is especially good for people with back, knee, or balance issues.
Great for recumbent stepping
XTERRA's seated stepper is a good mid-range option among stair climbers: not the most or the least expensive, and with just enough features to keep you on track with your fitness goals. And, for those who need a seated workout, the RSX1500 may be the only option among stair machines! You'll find a wider range of options with some of XTERRA's rivals, but you shouldn't have any qualms about this particular machine if you like the way that it works.
More Stair Climber Reviews
The 8 Best Stair Climbers
Where Can You Buy the Best Stair Climbers?
This essential piece of cardio equipment has been around for almost 40 years. Sometimes referred to as a "stair stepper" , these machines are a refreshing alternative to treadmills and exercise bikes while still delivering an excellent workout. Depending on your current level of fitness, your age and weight, and the resistance level you choose, you could burn a whopping 500 calories in just 30 minutes!
What kind of stair climber or stepper is right for you? There are several equipment styles to choose from. The one you see most often at fitness centers is called a "stairmill" : picture a rotating staircase that you climb almost like an escalator at the mall. The intensity of your workout is determined by the speed you set. These machines tend to be very large and can take up a lot of space in your home, but they offer the advantage of being extremely sturdy and often have a higher user weight capacity than other types of stair climbers.
Stair Climber FAQ
Continued from above...
The stair steppers you'll find most commonly in home use have pedals that you push up and down. As you increase the resistance in the pedals, your workout gets more challenging. There's a lot of variety within this type of stair machine too: you'll see full-body options that make it feel more like mountain climbing or using an elliptical machine, as well as super-compact designs that can be stored under a desk or bed.
Because stair climbers use a different motion pattern than walking or biking, there can be an adjustment period as you get comfortable with your new equipment. You can hang onto the handrails at first, to get your balance and become familiar with the machine, but eventually try to climb without them. You'll get a better workout! Also, remember to push with your whole foot and not just the ball of the foot, unless you want a calf-focused session. Finally, make sure that your shoes are firmly tied: you don't want your laces to get wrapped around the pedals or caught in the stairmill!
Which stair climber is right for you? There are so many options that it might be easy to feel overwhelmed. Keep these criteria in mind as you shop, and you'll soon find the one that's the best fit:
- Price. What's your budget? How much will you pay for your stair stepper and any accessories you might want (like a floor mat to go underneath the machine)? Is delivery included?
- Available Space. Where do you plan on using your stair climber? Do you have enough floor space and ceiling clearance for the machine you're considering?
- Fitness Goals. The more features your stair stepper has, the greater variety you can incorporate into your workout routines. A simple machine is fine if you just need a basic cardio workout, but you should consider equipment with more resistance levels if you're trying to improve your endurance and strength over time.
- Return Policy. If you don't love your stair climber once you get it set up, can you send it back? How long do you have to decide? Is there a restocking fee and/or return shipping costs to consider?
- Reputation. What do people say about the stair climber? Is it durable? Did customers have a good experience with the customer service aspect of their purchase? Has the BBB given the retailer a good rating?
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the top stair climbers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you narrow down the options until you find the perfect addition to your home gym!
Compare Stair Climbers
Select any 2 Stair Climbers to compare them head to head
Trending Stair Climber News
Related Stair Climber Reviews
Since you're interested in Stair Climbers, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
