Customer Reviews

Kettler Edition Power Stepper

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

I purchased the Kettler Edition Power Stepper but was supplied the Kettler Montana Stepper instead. I refused the product and after speaking with ATAFA (Amazon Sporting Goods Affiliate), was told that the Kettler Edition Power Stepper was not offered anymore and the only stepper available was the Montana Stepper. Additionally, I was informed that I would be charged with a 20% restocking fee if I wanted to return the product making it costly for me due to Amazon's and/or ATAFA mistake. Therefore, I now have the Kettler Montana Stepper purchased at an elevated cost associated with the Kettler Edition Power Stepper.

Amazon and their affiliate, ATAFA do not represent good business practices and I will never do business with either again or recommend Amazon to any of my friends.

Peter
Kettler Edition Power Stepper

This machine is very, very good. The hydraulic resistance is smooth and adjustable, although, as one other reviewer noted, setting and changing resistance may require a little bit of fiddling around. He was correct regarding hydraulics and decreasing resistance. As hydraulic resistance machines heat up through use, the seals on their hydraulic mechanisms tend towards a little thermal expansion, and they offer decreasing resistance. Keeping this in mind, this machine is great for a quick 15 or 20 minute workout, especially if you incorporate some scheme of high intensity interval training HIIT into your workout. The latest research shows overwhelmingly that these much shorter, but more intense workouts are better for your cardiovascular system and your body in general all the way around than the old, traditional long, slow cardio workouts of 30 to 60 minutes. And if you keep your workout time shorter, the heating issue with hydraulics is more or less a non-issue.

What I really enjoy about this machine is that it is quiet. There are no noisy motors like the ones at health clubs. It also has a much smaller footprint, so if space is a major factor for you in choosing exercise equipment, this stepper takes up much less room than a treadmill or an elliptical trainer.

Step height is very good. You can take smaller steps if you like, or you can really open it up and take those long steps. In that respect, this is more effective and safer than trying to run up and down stairs or bleachers and skipping steps to get a longer stride length.

As an overall workout, this machine gives something very comparable to the big motorized steppers at health clubs, but at only a fraction of the price.

Kettler is a German company. I own several pieces of equipment made by Kettler, and without exception they are all sturdy. I've never had one go belly-up on me due to weak or faulty construction. I give this stepper two thumbs up.