One of the latest ellipticals we tested is the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s. There are many things we liked about it, but there are also a few drawbacks worth mentioning. In this Echelon Ellipse EL-8s review, we’ll help you decide whether this elliptical is worth adding to your home gym.

Gliding Our Way Through Hundreds of Elliptical Workouts

Here at GGR, we live and breathe fitness. Our team includes certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFitters, and home gym owners. We even have an Olympian on our staff. We know the industry inside and out and use that knowledge to bring you unbiased reviews. 

The products we test aren’t just limited to fitness equipment—we’re also experts in reviewing protein powders, training shoes, cold plunge tubs, and more.

When testing ellipticals specifically, we order and assemble the machines ourselves and put them through several workouts. We then use our fitness equipment testing methodology to rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 in various categories, including:

• Footprint and portability
• Durability
• Customizations and ergonomics
• Technology benefits and conveniences
• Customer experience
• Assembly

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

GGR Score: 3.73

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 22-inch touchscreen monitor
• Color-changing LED lights on the flywheel
• Extended 5-year warranty coverage for Premium Members
• Front roller wheels and a handlebar on the back for portability
• Moving and fixed handlebars
• Adjustable foot pedals that accommodate up to a 20" stride

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Classes through the Echelon Premier membership are led by high-quality instructors
• Includes conveniences like a water bottle holder, a device holder, and built-in speakers
• LED lights add a fun touch to your workouts
• High 325-pound weight capacity
• Large, 22-inch touchscreen monitor

Cons

• Large footprint
• Monitor can be wobbly
• Warranty coverage isn't as great as other brands
• Heavy and difficult to move

Bottom Line

The Echelon Ellipse EL-8s is a solidly built elliptical with a sleek design and a modern, 22-inch touchscreen monitor. It has a large footprint, though, so you'll need adequate space for it in your home gym.

A Quick Look at the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

Echelon is known for its cardio equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, and stair climbers. The brand currently sells two elliptical machines: the Ellipse EL-8s and the Ellipse EL-5. 

The two ellipticals are similar in several ways. They’re both designed and engineered in the USA, have the same dimensions (81″ L x 27″ W x 66.5″ H), and offer 15 levels of incline and 32 levels of magnetic resistance. However, while the Ellipse EL-5 comes with a simple LCD display, the Ellipse EL-8s comes with a 22-inch class HD touchscreen through which you can stream live and on-demand classes.

This heavy-duty, light commercial elliptical also boasts a 325-pound user weight capacity. It comes with several features you’d expect to find on the best cardio machines, like built-in speakers, a device holder, pulse sensors on the handlebars, and a wireless charging station. 

Before You Buy

• Echelon offers financing through Citizens Pay, with payment plans starting at about $42 per month.
• The Ellipse EL-8s is just over 66 inches high, and the 22-inch monitor makes it feel even taller. Double-check the height of your ceilings to ensure the elliptical will fit and that you’ll have plenty of head clearance while on the machine.
• Be prepared to pay around $40 per month for a monthly Premier Membership (or $400 in total for an annual subscription), which you’ll need to get the most out of the machine.
• Echelon doesn’t offer white glove assembly, but the elliptical comes with all the tools you need to assemble it yourself.

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s Video Review

Is the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s Worth It?

At nearly $2,300, the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s is an investment. You’ll also have to pay for an Echelon Premier Membership, which costs around $40 per month for a monthly plan or around $400 per year (equaling about $33.33 per month) for an annual plan.

Our tester, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, enjoyed using the Ellipse EL-8s and admits that while it wouldn’t be her first choice, she would still recommend it. “I don’t think this is a five-star product, but I like the programming, the look and design of it, and how smooth it feels when I use it,” she reports. “It’s not my favorite elliptical, but it’s a decent machine, and if you’re looking for something that looks nice and has some nice features, I say go for it.”

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s Specs

Workout Experience on the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

Our tester Lindsay Scheele, CPT, was initially impressed with the look of the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s. She especially liked the LED lighting, which adds a nice touch and makes this elliptical stand out from others that are more monochromatic.

The Ellipse EL-8s also performed well during testing. “It feels a lot smoother than other ellipticals I’ve tested, and I think the Echelon programming for the elliptical specifically is great,” Lindsay says. “The classes are a bit short, about 10 to 15 minutes, but the trainers gave clear instructions and did a good job mixing incline and resistance levels, so you get a good balance of high and low intensity.”

However, Lindsay also notes that while the 32 resistance levels are impressive and she felt her legs and glutes working while she used the Ellipse EL-8s, the resistance didn’t feel as challenging as it does on other elliptical machines.

RELATED: Echelon EX-8s Review

Footprint and Portability

The Echelon Ellipse EL-8s is 81 inches long and 27 inches wide. It’s 67 inches high, though Lindsay notes that it feels a lot taller because the 22-inch screen sits high up on the machine. 

The elliptical has transport wheels at the front and a handlebar at the back for portability. The product weight is 228 pounds, but when Lindsay measured the actual feel weight, it came out to around 90 pounds. Healthy, in-shape individuals should be able to roll the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s around easily. However, according to Lindsay, anyone who can’t safely deadlift about 100 pounds may struggle to move it.

Due to its large size and heavy weight, we rate the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s 3 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

RELATED: Best Compact Elliptical

Durability

Two things we look at when determining an elliptical’s durability are its product weight and its max user weight. Machines that weigh more and/or have higher max weight capacities tend to last longer and feel more stable during use. 

The heavy-duty Echelon Ellipse EL-8s weighs 228 pounds and has a 325-pound max user weight capacity, compared to the industry standard of 300 pounds.

The main callout Lindsay has is the screen. You can adjust it to be higher or lower, depending on how tall you are, but it wobbles when the machine is in use. “No matter where I positioned the screen, it did shake a little bit. I wasn’t really worried about the durability or scared that the monitor would fall off, but it makes the screen annoying to look at,” Lindsay says.

Overall, we rate this elliptical 4 out of 5 stars for durability.

Customizations and Ergonomics

When it comes to customizations, the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s earns a 3.5 out of 5. It offers 15 levels of incline, which is decent but not super impressive. We’ve tested several other ellipticals with inclines, like the ProForm Carbon EL and Sole E25, that provide up to 20 incline levels.

The 32 levels of magnetic resistance also left Lindsay underwhelmed. “It’s not the best magnetic resistance I’ve ever experienced, but it’s pretty good. I’ve used other ellipticals where I had them at the highest resistance and could barely get the pedals to move, but the Ellipse EL-8s wasn’t quite as challenging at the top resistance level,” she notes.

This Echelon elliptical has moving handlebars with incline and resistance controls and fixed handlebars with heart rate sensors. The cushioned foot pedals are adjustable, but Lindsay wasn’t a fan of the adjustment mechanism. “Most ellipticals that I’ve tested have a pop pin, but the Echelon elliptical has a knob instead. It doesn’t lock into place very easily, and I’m concerned that it could become loose after some time,” she reports.

On the plus side, the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s allows for a stride length of up to 20 inches. We haven’t seen many ellipticals with stride lengths over 18 inches, so this helps elevate the ergonomics score to a 4 out of 5.

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

We rate the technology benefits and conveniences 3.5 out of 5 stars. Despite looking like a high-end machine, the technology on the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s has some flaws—namely in how difficult it can be to set up for the first time.

“I had a lot of trouble getting the screen to turn on at first. I unplugged it, turned the machine on and off, and tried to see if there was an update that needed to be made. I finally asked someone else at GGR to look at it, and he tried the same things I did, and then it magically started working. I haven’t had any issues since then, but be aware that it may take some time to get this machine up and running,” Lindsay says.

The Echelon programming is one of the standout features of this machine. In addition to elliptical workouts, it offers HIIT, strength, and stretching classes. You do have to pay around $40 per month (or about $400 at once for a yearly plan), but the variety of workouts and the level of instruction you get are pretty solid.

The Echelon Ellipse EL-8s comes with several conveniences, including a device holder and water bottle holder. It has a large 22-inch class HD touchscreen monitor and two built-in speakers, which have good sound quality, according to Lindsay. There’s also a wireless charging station, but it can be finicky.

“I had to take the case off my phone to use the charging station. I thought maybe it was because I don’t have a MagSafe case, but even people at GGR who have iPhones and use MagSafe cases had trouble using the charging station with the cases on their phones,” Lindsay notes.

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s vs NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

GGR Score: 4.38

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Elliptical machine with incline and decline settings
• 14” touchscreen display
• iFIT interactive programming
• Adjustable stride length
• Built-in fan and speakers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Automatic trainer control with iFIT
• 30-day iFIT trial included
• Large, cushioned pedals
• Bluetooth speakers
• Quiet drive system

Cons

• Expensive price tag
• iFIT trial requires your credit card
• iFIT requires monthly membership fees

Bottom Line

The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical offers both incline and decline training, an adjustable stride length, and a 14-inch touchscreen display for iFIT interactive programming. You’ll enjoy the AirGlide if you want to break a sweat with expert instruction and motivation from iFIT trainers and coaches.

NordicTrack frequently tops our lists of the best treadmills, exercise bikes, and other cardio equipment. The AirGlide 14i, one of the brand’s recently upgraded elliptical machines, is similar to the Ellipse EL-8s in that it features heavy-duty construction, offers a huge library of workout classes (available through iFIT for a separate monthly fee), and includes several incline and resistance level options.

However, the touchscreen on the NordicTrack machine is only 14 inches, while the screen on the Echelon elliptical is 22 inches. The AirGlide 14i is a little over 4 inches taller but shorter and narrower than the Ellipse EL-8s. Despite taking up less floor space, the AirGlide 14i is heavier and more difficult to maneuver. It also has a lower weight capacity and a shorter stride length.

When comparing iFIT with Echelon’s programming, though, we think iFIT’s instructors and workout classes offer better quality. We especially like that iFIT has an integration with Google Maps, allowing you to stream workout routines performed from breathtaking locations across the world. Both iFIT and Echelon programming require subscriptions that cost around $40 per month.

RELATED: Echelon vs NordicTrack

If you don’t have a lot of floor space and are looking to save a few hundred bucks, the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is likely the better choice. If you need a machine with a higher weight capacity or prefer watching your workout classes on a larger screen, the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s may be a better fit.

Learn more in our full NordicTrack AirGlide 14i review.

Customer Experience 

The Ellipse EL-8s comes with a 1-year warranty. Premium Members receive a 5-year warranty backed by the Echelon Premier Membership Guarantee. Non-members can buy 1-year or 2-year extended warranty coverage for around $60 or $120, respectively.

However, all of these options fall short of industry standards. NordicTrack offers 10-year frame warranties on many of its cardio machines, and brands like Sole and Horizon Fitness include lifetime frame warranties on their ellipticals. 

RELATED: Sole E25 Elliptical Review 

While Echelon’s warranties are lackluster, its return policy is better than many of its competitors. Other brands may require you to pay a restocking fee or will only accept returns on unopened items. Echelon allows you to request a return within 30 days of the delivery date and will not charge you any fees if the product is in resellable condition. However, you must return the item in its original packaging with all of its tags, the user manual, and the charger.

All in all, we rate Echelon’s customer experience 3 out of 5 stars.

Ordering and Assembling the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

The Ellipse EL-8s is available on Echelon’s website or Amazon. If you order through the company’s website, you can use Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, or Google Pay at checkout. Financing is also available through Citizens Pay. You’ll pay as little as $42 per month if you qualify.

Echelon offers free standard shipping for those who enroll in an annual Premier Membership during checkout. If you opt for the monthly plan instead, expect to pay around $200 for shipping.

Sam Presley, the operations manager at GGR’s testing warehouse, assembled the Ellipse EL-8s. It came with clearly written instructions and photos, plus all the tools you need to put it together.

“It took about two hours to assemble. The majority of the build is easy and simple, but some of the bolts are in positions that make it difficult to spin them into place,” Sam warns.

Other than that, Sam has no major callouts, so we rate the assembly process a 4 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

There are currently four reviews for the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s on the brand’s website, and all but one gave the elliptical a 5-star rating. Customers speak highly of the variety of workouts in the Echelon library and feel the machine offers good value for money. The customer who left a lower rating notes that the elliptical takes up a lot of space and the video quality isn’t very crisp, but still gave it 4 stars.

As of this writing, the Echelon Ellipse EL-8s doesn’t have any reviews on Amazon.

Final Verdict of Our Echelon Ellipse EL-8s Review

The Ellipse EL-8s is a great way to get started with the Echelon fitness community. Some of its features are lackluster compared to its competitors, but it’s solidly built, has a nice aesthetic, and comes with excellent programming. If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a high-quality elliptical, this is a great choice.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind before you buy:

• Set aside around two hours to assemble this elliptical.
• Budget extra money for Echelon’s Premium Membership. It costs about $40 per month for a monthly plan or around $400 per year (roughly $33 per month) for an annual plan.
• If you know you’ll need to move the elliptical around a lot, make sure you can safely deadlift about 100 pounds.

Full Rating

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s

The Echelon Ellipse EL-8s is a solid elliptical with great programming, but you'll need the budget and adequate space for it.

Product Brand: Echelon

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 2299.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.7

Echelon Ellipse EL-8s: FAQs

Over 50 Treadmills Tested and Reviewed 

Your friends at Garage Gym Reviews have collectively tested more than 50 treadmill machines ranging from the best budget treadmills to the best treadmills for heavy people. We’ve had our feet on all the top treadmill brands and have extensive experience with the Bowflex brand as a whole. 

Our industry knowledge and in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology can help you make informed decisions on your home gym and fitness investments. Lindsay Scheele, our lead reviewer for our Garage Gym Review Everything YouTube channel, put the Bowflex BXT8J to the test. She was tasked with scoring and reviewing the treadmill based on price, footprint, durability, customizations, ergonomics, and tech capabilities.

Bowflex BXT8J

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.68

Check Price

Product Highlights

• No-frills treadmill
• 60-inch running deck
• LCD display
• 300-lb user weight capacity
• Bluetooth speakers
• Built-in workout fan

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Incline training
• Inclusive weight capacity
• Spacious running deck

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No decline training
• Not intuitive console
• Basic display

Bottom Line

The BXT8J is an entry-level machine for the Bowflex treadmill lineup. It offers a affordable price tag, a simple display, and pre-set workout programs.

A Quick Look at the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

Bowflex is a long-standing home gym brand with exercise equipment ranging from home treadmills and exercise bikes (like the one we featured in our Bowflex VeloCore review) to functional trainers and some of the best adjustable dumbbells. 

The Bowflex BXT8J is the brand’s entry-level treadmill option with a basic backlit display, 26 built-in workout programs, a motorized incline, and a “SoftDrop” folding system. 

You’ll be able to use the Bowflex-brand fitness app, which we cover in more detail in our full JRNY app review. However, you won’t be required to pay for a subscription. The machine will have full functionality with or without the JRNY membership. 

Before You Buy

• Bowflex does not disclose the horsepower of the treadmill motor. 
• Unlike other Bowflex treadmills, the BXT8J is not compatible with the Zwift app, only the JRNY app.  
• The BXT8J comes with a wireless chest strap heart rate monitor and pulse sensors on the treadmill handlebars. 

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill Video Review

Is the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill Worth It?

GGR expert tester and certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele says the BXT8J is worth it for folks looking for a no-frills treadmill. It offers a spacious 60-inch-long running deck, which is ideal for a natural running gait and folks on the taller side. 

Plus, this Bowflex treadmill isn’t going to lock you into an ongoing subscription. When you buy the $1,300 treadmill, you don’t have to pay membership fees for full functionality of the machine. Honestly, this is a rarity in today’s treadmill market—looking at you, Peloton and NordicTrack. 

You can pay for the mobile-only JRNY membership (about $11.99 per month after a two-month free trial) but Bowflex actually provides a free version with a limited number of workouts. Plus, the machine has 26 pre-programmed workouts that don’t require your phone or tablet to access. 

RELATED: How Much Does a Treadmill Cost?

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill Specs

Workout Experience on the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill 

GGR expert tester and certified personal trainer, Lindsay Scheele, used the BXT8J for several workouts. For her first workout, she chose a simple pre-set program where you set the distance you want to run and hit start. Her subsequent workouts utilized more pre-set programs, incline and speed settings, and the JRNY app. 

Overall, Lindsay reports the BXT8J is pretty solid. There are a few things she didn’t like—namely the functionality of the quick jump buttons—but we’ll cover her callouts in more detail in the sections below. 

Footprint and Portability

The BXT8J treadmill earns 4 out of 5 stars in the footprint and portability category. It’s a folding treadmill with a “SoftDrop” safety feature, which makes it easy to get back precious floor space in your home gym without the risk of the deck crashing to the floor. 

“This treadmill is super slow when lowering to the floor. It could be a great option for anyone with small pets or folks concerned about children and treadmill safety,” she says. 

“It’s also really easy to fold and the deck doesn’t feel heavy at all,” Lindsay adds about the 253-pound treadmill. Although it’s pretty heavy, Lindsay found it doable to move around GGR HQ on both turf and traditional gym flooring with the transport wheels on the front of the machine. 

RELATED: Best Gym Flooring

Lindsay warns that older folks or people who don’t strength train may have trouble moving this Bowflex treadmill. Plus, she notes there should be a handlebar on the underside of the machine or a specific area to grab while rolling the treadmill around. “But for the most part, it was easy to move around,” she says. 

Durability and Construction

When our testers score for the construction and durability of a treadmill, we’re looking for a  machine that doesn’t rock, shake, or move while in use. Movement like that leads to unnecessary wear and tear with repeated use. 

Lindsay scored the BXT8J a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating in this category. “This treadmill was very stable during workouts and during incline changes,” she says. “I experienced the slightest shake during high-speed workouts, but I don’t think the average treadmill runner would expect anything less at top speeds.” 

The one feature that struck Lindsay as odd was the location of the stabilizers. The BXT8J has stabilizers on the front end of the treadmill under the motor hood rather than on the back. “Most foldable treadmills have floor stabilizers on the back, but because the Bowflex treadmill has them located on the front, it adds a little bounciness to the running deck,” says Lindsay. 

While she didn’t mind the slight rebound, she docked a half point in the durability category knowing it could add extra wear and tear to the running deck and folding mechanism. 

Adjustments, Ergonomics, and Conveniences 

Speaking of a bouncy running deck, Lindsay says the Bowflex BXT8J offers belt cushioning but warns that it’s not the best shock-absorbing treadmill she’s used (not like the treadmill we tested for our Bowflex Treadmill 10 review). 

The 60-inch-long running deck certainly helps with comfort and allows tall runners and folks with long legs to get a full stride. Both Lindsay and a few of our other GGR expert testers thought it was a comfortable machine to run on, which is why it earns 4 out of 5 stars for adjustments and ergonomics. 

When it comes to making adjustments on the BXT8J, you’ll be able to change speed and incline with the quick select numbers flanking the LCD screen. However, if you press on the quick selection numbers (versus the arrow keys), you have to then press “enter” for the treadmill to change speed or incline. “That extra step was really annoying and would be even more so during an interval cardio workout,” says Lindsay. 

RELATED: How to Use a Treadmill for Interval Training

When it comes to conveniences on the BXT8J, you can expect a built-in workout fan, two oversized water bottle holders, and a media shelf for your phone or tablet that doesn’t cover your workout metrics. There are also pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring on the handlebars. 

Tech Capabilities and Programming 

The no-frills BXT8J treadmill earns a 3-star middle-of-the-road rating for tech capabilities and programming. Lindsay has used the JRNY app in the past and didn’t enjoy it as much as Peloton or iFIT programming. 

RELATED: Peloton vs iFIT

In comparison to cardio machines with built-in touchscreen displays, the BXT8J does not require you to have a membership to JRNY in order to use the machine. However, JRNY offers three tiers of programming: 

• JRNY Free: Offers a limited library of workouts, no credit card required.
• JRNY Mobile-Only: Available on mobile or tablet devices for $11.99 per month after a two-month free trial. 
• JRNY All-Access: Required for the full experience on Bowflex products with built-in touchscreens for $19.99 per month after the two-month trial. 

Keep in mind the BXT8J also has 26 pre-programmed workouts hardwired in the machine that don’t require WiFi. Lindsay notes that finding the built-in programs was harder than she anticipated and not intuitive. “The ease of use on this machine needs some improvement,” she says. 

It’s also important to note the BXT8J has Bluetooth speakers, but the Bluetooth functionality doesn’t go beyond the audio. You’ll be able to connect your own music or the audio from JRNY to the built-in speakers on the treadmill, but you won’t find Bluetooth features that automatically adjust speed and incline (like iFIT does on NordicTrack treadmills). 

RELATED: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill vs Sole F63

Sole F63

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,200
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.

The Sole F63 is one of our favorite no-frills treadmills that’s designed for long-distance running and high-speed sprints. The specs on the BXT8J and the F63 are similar when it comes to deck size, weight of the machine, maximum user weight, and speed and incline capabilities. 

However, there are two big distinctions that set the Sole F63 apart from the Bowflex treadmill. First, Sole Fitness states the motor size on all its treadmills. The F63 comes with a 3.0 horsepower motor, which is powerful enough for sprints and endurance running. Additionally, the F63 has a lifetime warranty on the steel frame and the motor—a major plus for home gym owners. 

For around the same price, the Sole F63 has just a few more features we appreciate (and we think you will, too). From our testing experience, the console on the F63 is easier to use and the pre-set programs are more intuitive to navigate. Learn more about this top-rated machine in our Sole F63 treadmill review. 

Customer Experience 

Bowflex offers a pretty standard warranty of 10 years on the frame, 3 years on mechanical parts and electronics, and 1 year on labor. If you were to run into issues with your machine, the website has a library of video guides, product manuals, replacement parts, and a robust FAQ section. You can also call Bowflex at 1-800-605-3369 Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. 

Ordering and Assembling the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill 

At the time of writing this review, the Bowflex BXT8J treadmill is temporarily out of stock on the Bowflex website but available for purchase on Amazon. If you decide to buy through Amazon, your purchase is eligible for returns within 30 days of delivery. Starting a return on Amazon is a cinch with a quick click of the “Returns & Orders” button at the top right corner of your Amazon browser. 

When it comes to the assembly process, Lindsay says to skip the white glove option and assemble it on your own. “It was pretty easy and took one of our expert builders 35 minutes to assemble,” says Lindsay. “I bet most people doing it themselves can get it done in under an hour with help.”

Customer Reviews

The Bowflex BXT8J does not currently feature customer reviews on the Bowflex website, but we were able to see product reviews on Amazon. The BXT8J has an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. 

It’s worth noting there was more than one customer review with complaints of the buttons and console not working after just a few months. However, most customer reviews are positive and feature happy customers. 

Final Verdict of Our Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill Review

Based on our testing experience, the Bowflex BXT8J treadmill is a solid option for anyone looking for a no-frills running machine. Our treadmill experts think the Sole F63 is a better value with similar specifications, but it ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. The BXT8J is an ideal choice if you: 

• Are on a budget and want to spend less than $1,500 on a treadmill
• Don’t want to get stuck with monthly workout app subscription fees 
• Want a folding treadmill with moderate cushioning
• Need a 60-inch-long treadmill deck for your running stride

Full Rating

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

The BXT8J is an entry-level machine for the Bowflex treadmill lineup. It offers a affordable price tag, a simple display, and pre-set workout programs.

Product Brand: Bowflex

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1299

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.68

Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill: FAQs

While the best treadmills and cardio machines allow you to incorporate more than one style of training, this is one of the most feature-packed manual treadmills we’ve seen yet. It’s got all the bells and whistles, but are these features useful or extras that you’ll never really use?

In this Bells of Steel Dreadmill review, we’ll share our thoughts after extensive hands-on testing. We’ll share the good and the bad, who we think this is a good fit for, and help you decide whether this treadmill is worthy of a spot in your home gym. 

Tested by Treadmill Experts

Here at GGR, we know home gym equipment, and our team has carefully tested more than 50 treadmills so far. Our testers include gym owners and fitness enthusiasts, certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and even an Olympian. 

For this treadmill review, we have detailed testing notes from Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell and an independent tester who spent plenty of time trying out every feature. We know opinions can vary, and while Coop certainly knows treadmills—as his frequent gym tours can attest—getting a second opinion allows us to provide an even more honest review. 

Our testers used our equipment testing methodology to calculate an unbiased review score, paying careful attention to the most important aspects of a treadmill. These include categories like footprint, durability, construction, ergonomics, technology, and more. 

Bells of Steel Dreadmill

Bells of Steel Dreadmill

GGR Score: 3.79

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Manual treadmill that simulates sled pushes, farmer's carries, and more
• Features two plated-loaded lever arms
• Treadmill deck folds to use the arms for other exercises
• Can simulate sled pushing, though resistance isn't very heavy

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multi-functional manual treadmill
• Lever arms are great for single-arm rows, shrugs, and more
• Works well for incline walking and sled drags

Cons

• Not enough resistance for sled pushes
• Farmer's carries feel awkward
• Incline-only, with no flat setting

Bottom Line

The Bells of Steel Dreadmill is a manual treadmill that allows users to simulate sled pushes, sled drags, farmer's carries, and a variety of exercises with the plate-loaded lever arm. The treadmill resistance isn't very heavy, but it's a great tool for sled drags and various strength training movements with the lever arms.

A Quick Look at the Bells of Steel Dreadmill

Bells of Steel (BOS) is known for making high-quality fitness equipment that fits most budgets, including squat racks, barbells, cable towers, kettlebells, functional trainers, and more. The company also offers the Bells of Steel Blitz magnetic resistance manual treadmill, which features a curved design, and a wooden manual resistance treadmill, but the Dreadmill is something entirely new.

While there are countless treadmills on the market, most have very similar functions. You can adjust the speed, incline, perhaps the decline, and that’s about it. The BOS Dreadmill takes the classic treadmill design and kits it out to improve its functionality. It includes shoulder pads for sled pushes or drags, plate-loaded lever arms for a variety of exercises, and the incline settings you’d expect to see with most treadmills. 

The Dreadmill is a manual treadmill, which Coop points out is often preferred for home gym owners, as they generally require less maintenance, and you don’t have to worry about a motor failing. Manual treadmills can accommodate those who enjoy sprinting or HIIT workouts, as the resistance and speed increase with your effort, similar to an air bike. You also don’t need to change a speed setting and wait for the treadmill to catch up; you can simply move your legs faster.

RELATED: 7 Best Manual Treadmills

Bells of Steel claims that this treadmill is meant for athletic training, allowing those with limited space to perform weighted carries, sled pushes, and sled drags or utilize the lever arms. Let’s examine each feature to determine how it feels and whether or not this treadmill is worth the cost. 

Before You Buy

• With a list price of $2,199.99, this isn’t what most would consider cheap, but it’s still a more budget-friendly alternative to a few similar treadmills that cost significantly more.
• While the treadmill itself works fine, the angle of the lever arms is a bit awkward for farmer’s carries, and sled pushes feel easy, even on the highest resistance setting.
• At the time of writing, the treadmill is on pre-order, and orders are expected to ship by October 31, 2024. 

Bells of Steel Dreadmill Video Review

Watch the full video review for Coop’s honest take.

Is the Bells of Steel Dreadmill Worth It?

While this treadmill certainly includes plenty of features, it’s not the best fit for everyone, especially at this price point. Here’s who we think would be the best fit for the Bells of Steel Dreadmill. 

Bells of Steel Dreadmill Specs

Workout Experience with the Bells of Steel Dreadmill

Let’s get into the most important part of this review and talk about how it feels to actually use the various features on the Bells of Steel Dreadmill. 

This is a fine treadmill for those who enjoy incline walks. You can set the incline and walk for as long as you want, and while the resistance isn’t all that high, it gets the job done nicely for low-impact walks.

However, one of the main features is the ability to replicate a sled push, a feature specifically mentioned on the product sales page, and unfortunately, it just doesn’t work well. The resistance can be adjusted from one to eight, but Coop felt it was way too easy to replace a real sled push, even on the highest difficulty setting. 

He did mention that if you walk backward, there’s probably enough resistance to replicate a sled drag, but walking forward and using it as a sled push wasn’t cutting it.

RELATED: Is Walking Backwards Good for You?

However, take this with a grain of salt, as Bells of Steel claims to have increased the resistance by about 30% for its next batch of treadmills.

The next feature to consider is the built-in plate-loaded lever arms to help perform farmer’s carries. Coop loves the included j-cups, and in theory, it should be much quicker to pick up the arms and start walking. However, the handles don’t move, so your hands are fixed in place as you walk. Coop found this awkward compared to performing farmer’s walks with dumbbells that allow your arms to move naturally as you walk. 

If you still want to use the lever arms for other exercises, the treadmill deck can be lifted and folded out of the way, allowing you to freely use the level arms for shrugs, single-arm rows, or a bench press. 

Footprint and Portability

For footprint and portability, the Bells of Steel Dreadmill earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating. Its footprint is 61.7” L x 58” W x 52.1” H, and it’s fairly portable, as you can fold the deck, allowing the treadmill to be tilted and rolled on two casters. 

However, we docked a point because the casters don’t roll smoothly on carpet. You’ll have an easier time moving this around on solid flooring. 

Durability and Construction

For durability and construction, we look at how sturdy the equipment is, and how long we expect it to last. The Dreadmill earns a strong 5 out of 5 in this category. 

Our tester noted that this felt like a heavy-duty treadmill, with no wobbling during use. They were also impressed by the weight capacity of the level arms, saying, “They’re rated for 165 pounds each, but I put 180 pounds on each side, and it handled it no problem. Honestly, I would say the arms could handle even more than that, but I don’t know if the tread plate would depending on how much more you added.”

Coop was also impressed by the powder coat on the handles, adding it was a very nice touch he wasn’t expecting to see at this price point. 

Customizations and Ergonomics

The Bells of Steel Dreadmill earns a 3 out of 5 for ergonomics. The treadmill works fine, but some of the added features aren’t executed well. 

The main feature is the ability to replicate a sled push, but Coop felt the resistance was far too light. He also noted that the lever arms are fixed in place, so while you can do farmer’s walks, it doesn’t feel natural, as your arms can’t freely move. 

Our tester also noted that the farmer’s walks felt awkward, especially for their height. 

“Being 6’ 4”, when I went to pick up the handles from their highest resting brackets (there are three positions), I had to travel almost 12 inches of distance before I reached standing position,” he said. “By that time the arms are at almost a 45-degree angle, which is unnecessary and makes walking awkward, since the weight is pulling you backward, not downward.”

The machine is also set on a fixed incline, and can’t be lowered to be used on a flat surface.

Technology and Conveniences

As this is a manual treadmill, there isn’t much to mention for technology and deluxe features. We give this category a final rating of 3 out of 5. 

Our tester said, “The unit uses a very basic battery-operated digital display. No touch screen. There are instructions on how to calculate body fat in your workouts if that’s something you want to do, as well as a heart rate monitor.”

RELATED: The Best Smart Treadmills

Most people who are looking for this sort of treadmill probably don’t need all the bells and whistles, like large screens, streaming classes, and more, but it’s worth mentioning that the technology is quite basic. 

Bells of Steel Dreadmill vs Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

XEBEX SLEDTRAC 6000

GGR Score: 4.18

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Treadmill with sled drag options
• 6 different training modes
• Incline and decline training
• Basic display
• Bluetooth connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6 ways to train
• Belt runs backwards and forwards
• Safety key included
• Pulse sensors for heart rate
• Bluetooth connectivity to chest straps or apps

Cons

• Hefty price tag
• Large footprint
• No built-in touchscreen

Bottom Line

The XEBEX SLEDTRAC 6000 is a home gym dream. Within one footprint you can walk, jog, run, and sled drag. Plus, this treadmill has 15 levels of incline training and the ability to use the machine forwards or backwards. That also means you can sled drag forwards and backwards.

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose piece of cardio equipment that does a better job of simulating a sled push, the Xebex SledTrac 6000 is a great choice. The Xebex allows you to walk, run, or push a sled on both incline and decline settings, and you can do all of these things both forward and backward. 

RELATED: 6 HIIT Treadmill Workouts

It doesn’t have the lever arms for farmer’s walks, shrugs, and rows, but it does a much better job at being a regular treadmill and an alternative to sled pushes. The Xebex also has a larger footprint and heavier weight capacity.

The only downside? It’s significantly more expensive. While the Xebex is better for those who want to do all the usual treadmill things, including sled pushes, the Bells of Steel Dreadmill is still a great option, especially for those shopping on a tighter budget. 

For more, check out our in-depth Xebex ST-6000 review. 

Customer Experience 

For customer support, Bells of Steel earns a 3 out of 5. You can contact them via phone or by submitting a contact form on www.bellsofsteel.com, and a customer support representative should respond within 48 hours. 

You can return your order within 30 days, but you’ll need to cover your own return shipping and drop off the return yourself at a shipping location or pay a $20 pickup fee. If your return isn’t sent back in its original packaging or is missing anything, you’ll also be charged a 15% restocking fee.

Ordering and Assembling the Bells of Steel Dreadmill

At the time of writing, the Dreadmill is only available for pre-order. Orders should arrive by October 31, 2024, and you can finance your order through Affirm. Shipping is free for the contiguous USA, though charges may apply if you live in other locations.

Assembling the Dreadmill was fairly easy. While our tester said one person could do most of the work, you’ll likely want a second pair of hands for certain parts of the assembly. 

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and our tester rated the ordering and assembly process 4 out of 5. 

Customer Reviews

There are no customer reviews yet at the time of writing. We’ll update this section once customers start receiving their pre-orders and leave reviews and feedback. 

Final Verdict of Our Bells of Steel Dreadmill Review

Overall, the Bells of Steel Dreadmill is a budget-friendly alternative to some of the higher-end options with similar features. We love the lever arms for movements like single-arm rows, shrugs, and bench presses, and using the treadmill to simulate backward sled drags works quite well. 

However, there isn’t enough resistance for forward sled positions, and the fixed position of the arms makes farmer’s walks feel a bit uncomfortable, especially for tall users. 

• The Bells of Steel Dreadmill is a great choice for incline walking, backward sled drags, and certain movements on the lever arms, but most people won’t be able to replace sled pushes with this. 
• Although it’s far more affordable than many similar treadmills at $2,199.99, it’s still a significant investment for many home gym owners. 
• The Dreadmill is very durable, and the powder-coated finish is a nice touch, especially at this price point. 

Full Rating

Bells of Steel Dreadmill

The Bells of Steel Dreadmill is a manual treadmill that allows users to simulate sled pushes, sled drags, farmer's carries, and a variety of exercises with the plate-loaded lever arm. The treadmill resistance isn't very heavy, but it's a great tool for sled drags and various strength training movements with the lever arms.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 2199.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.79

Bells of Steel Dreadmill: FAQs

References

1. Edwards, R. B., Tofari, P. J., Cormack, S. J., & Whyte, D. G. (2017). Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Frontiers in physiology, 8, 914. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00914

Although many gyms have now opted for the Rogue Echo Bike, the AssaultBike Classic remains a top brand in the home gym community and has been proven to be a durable air bike that’ll last (with proper maintenance and care). Assault Fitness has specialized in three options for their exercise bikes: the Classic, the Pro X, and the Elite.

In this AssaultBike Elite review, I’ll take you through the bigger, bulkier brother of the Classic that claims to have a smoother, more comfortable ride. While it is a solid piece of equipment, does the Elite have enough improvements on the original design to warrant its higher price? Let’s talk about it.

We’re Big Fans of Air Bikes

Get it? Because air bikes have giant fans? Sigh.

Well, even though our puns may not always land, our expertise certainly does. Our team has experts in fitness and nutrition, ranging from certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches to globe-trotting athletes (I myself competed at the Tokyo Olympics). We have the experience to know what to look for in the best cardio machines: rowers, ellipticals, treadmills, and bikes.

We had Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and triathlete, test out the AssaultBike Elite. She’s also had experience with the other bike models through her time as a CrossFit trainer. In her testing of the Elite bike, she tested different features of the exercise bike according to our fitness equipment testing methodology. She rated a score between 1 and 5 for aspects such as:

• Delivery and assembly
• Footprint and portability
• Durability
• Customizations, adjustments, and ergonomics
• Technological capabilities
• Conveniences
• Value

Assault Bike Elite

Assault AirBike Elite

GGR Score: 3.73

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Solid steel frame
• Upper and lower body engagement
• Large supportive seat
• Maximum user weight of 350 lbs
• Performance tracking via integrated LCD screen
• HIIT interval programs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comes with built-in HIIT programs
• High weight capacity of 350 lbs
• Corrosion-resistant powder coating
• 12 seat height adjustments available
• 10-year frame warranty

Cons

• Weighs 140 pounds and can be difficult to move
• LCD screen only tracks basic metrics

Bottom Line

The AssaultBike Elite is the bigger, bulkier brother of the Classic that claims to have a smoother, more comfortable ride. While it is a solid piece of equipment, it doesn't have enough improvements on the original design to warrant its higher price.

A Quick Look at the AssaultBike Elite

Assault Fitness focuses on conditioning equipment that is driven by human power—think manual treadmills, air bikes, and rowing machines. In general, these manual-driven cardio machines mean that the harder you push yourself, the more resistance you’ll be met with.

RELATED: AssaultRunner Pro Review

Assault Fitness currently sells three air bike models: the Classic, the Pro X, and the Elite. Each model is a bit more durable and heavier than the previous model, with the Elite being the largest.

Of the three models, the AssaultBike Classic and the AssaultBike Elite are chain-driven bikes (like outdoor bicycles). However, the original Pro model was replaced with the AssaultBike Pro X, which is their first belt-driven bike. Both are viable options for a home gym space, but belt-driven bikes are gaining popularity, as they are quieter than chain-driven bikes and require less maintenance.

The AssaultBike Elite, also known as the Assault AirBike Elite, has a heavy-duty steel frame and comes in at nearly 140 pounds, certain to limit wobbling during your biking session. To increase durability, the Elite has industrial powder coating. The fan bike is also made with a larger bicycle seat and a larger weight capacity of 350 pounds—well over the industry standard of 275 pounds. This bike is built to last.

RELATED: Assault Fitness Discount Code

There are a couple of other points that separate the Elite from the classic model, like Bluetooth and ANT connectivity (a low-strength frequency of connectivity that can preserve battery life), as well as a more robust warranty and high-contrast LCD screen. Beyond that, these chain-drive bikes operate very similarly to each other.

Before You Buy

• If you feel the AssaultBike Elite is overpriced, but you like the idea of a wider seat on the Classic or Pro X, rest assured: Assault Fitness does sell a wide bike saddle separately.
• Assault Fitness offers different financing options and free shipping on the AssaultBike Elite.
• The AssaultBike Elite can connect to the Assault Fitness app and Fiit for interactive training programs centered around the bike.

Is the AssaultBike Elite Worth It?

In our AssaultBike review of the entire line of bikes, we rate the AssaultBike Classic highly for its value, costing $749, about $100 less than the Rogue Echo Bike.

However, we’re here to talk about the AssaultBike Elite. With a price that’s double the Classic, it doesn’t have enough add-ons and improvements from the AssaultBike Classic to warrant the price hike. 

Amanda rates the value a 3 out of 5, saying, “Most of the upgrades from the Classic and Pro to the Elite bike don’t change a lot in terms of the bike’s functionality. Even with the angled handles and aluminum seat post, I didn’t notice any major differences in the smoothness of the ride or comfort while testing…definitely not enough of a difference to double the price of the Classic.”

Other features, like the wider seat and windscreen, can be purchased individually for the other bikes, making this beefier model mostly just overpriced—especially considering that the Pro X is now a belt-driven bike that requires less maintenance and is $600 cheaper, too.

That said, the 10-year frame warranty is substantially more than the other Assault Fitness bikes. And with a max user weight of 350 pounds, this can be a great air bike for larger, taller athletes. There may be some people who would get good value out of this, but for most users, we’d recommend the belt-driven AssaultBike Pro X if you want to stick with Assault Fitness.

AssaultBike Elite Specs

Using the AssaultBike Elite

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, tested out the AssaultBike Elite through several cardio workouts. For some sessions, she focused on her lower body by not pushing the moving handlebars. For other workouts, she focused on a full-body workout, performing high-intensity interval training.

RELATED: Best Air Bike Workouts

The bike performed well, although about as well as the less expensive Assault bikes—the AssaultBike Classic and Pro X. Amanda was hard-pressed to recommend this bike over the others, due to its hefty price increase. She says, “For most people, I’d go with the Classic or Pro X, as it’ll have a similar feel without spending so much money.”

Let’s take a look at the Elite and its different features.

Footprint and Portability

At about 55 inches long and 26 inches wide, the AssaultBike Elite will take up a bit more space than the Classic or Pro X, but not much more, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. 

What keeps it from earning a better score is the weight of the machine. At nearly 140 pounds, it’s a pretty heavy bike. Amanda was able to move it around by lifting one side up and rolling the other side with the transport wheels attached, but the heft of the bike was still substantial. “You’ll have to really tip the Elite high on the wheels for it to smoothly roll around anywhere on the floor,” Amanda warns.

Durability

“An Assault bike should last years with proper maintenance,” Amanda says of her experience with the Assault bikes in general. “Even without it, Assault bikes have lasted years in CrossFit gyms that don’t properly clean the bike chains and endure high-volume usage.”

RELATED: Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms

The AssaultBike Elite is made to last like the AssaultBike Classic, but even more so, with its bigger steel frame, solid steel cranks, corrosion-resistant powder coating, and an aluminum seat post and slider. Amanda rates the durability of the Elite bike a 4.5 out of 5, adding, “This kind of bike, with proper chain maintenance, should be able to last years, if not decades, in a garage gym.”

Customizations, Adjustability, and Ergonomics

Truth be told, there’s not a lot of customization with the AssaultBike Elite, or with other Assault bikes in general. There is no damper setting. Instead, the bike uses air resistance; the amount of resistance is entirely dependent on how hard you pedal. Pedal harder, and you’re met with greater resistance.

The adjustability is nice, as you have 12 seat height adjustments available, and a sliding-length seat adjustment that will allow micro-adjustments. As far as ergonomics go, the only major change between the Classic and the Elite is the wider seat saddle. Larger athletes may enjoy this feature, but it also may deter smaller people from this bulkier bike.

That said, the bike is fairly simple, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for its adjustments and ergonomics.

Tech Capabilities and Conveniences

As I said before, the AssaultBike Elite is a fairly simplistic bike, and the same goes for its technological capabilities—for which it gets a 3 out of 5. Amanda says herself, “Assault Fitness specializes in manual equipment, so it honestly feels unfair to knock the bikes for not having similar big touchscreen displays and interactive programming other exercise bikes have.”

RELATED: Schwinn Airdyne Pro Review

The Elite has a simple LCD display that tracks basic metrics, such as heart rate, time, distance, and more. However, the Elite has Bluetooth and ANT connectivity. ANT is a lower-strength frequency that some smart devices and fitness trackers use for connectivity, which also allows multiple devices to connect at once—as well as saving battery life on the LCD screen.

After connecting to your device, you can get training programs from the Assault Fitness app or Fiit, where you’ll get a variety of HIIT or cardio workouts.

As far as conveniences go, the Elite bike is pretty bare bones. Newer models of the Classic and Pro X now have water bottle holders; the AssaultBike Elite still lacks this feature. It does come with a windscreen to shield the bike’s fan, but overall, it’s a bit lacking on major features, earning it a 2 out of 5 for conveniences.

AssaultBike Elite vs Rogue Echo Bike

Rogue Echo Bike

Rogue Echo Bike

GGR Score: 4.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Heavy duty steel
• Overbuilt for smooth ride 
• 350 lb weight limit 
• Solid foundation for max outs 
• Easily portable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely durable, beefy construction
• Very little rocking or side-to-side movement
• Black powder-coated metal on almost everything
• Belt-driven fan for much less maintenance.
• Easy-to-read LCD console screen
• Legs feature adjustable leveling feet
• Somewhat compact
• Oversized, heavy-duty front wheels
• Sleek, attractive look

Cons

• Larger than other stationary bikes
• Belt drive is overall harder to push than a chain drive
• Not the cheapest air bike on the market

Bottom Line

We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.

The Rogue Echo Bike has overtaken the AssaultBike Classic (and Elite) as the most popular air bike for CrossFit. It’s overbuilt; as Coop says, “Rogue basically took apart one of their Monster racks and reassembled it as a piece of cardio equipment.”

However, the bulkiness isn’t as obvious when comparing it to the Elite, as both are built heavy-duty. The AssaultBike Elite is actually a heavier bike by more than 15 pounds, and has a heavier weight limit.

Still, when I compare the two bikes, there’s not much that allows me to justify the significant price difference between them. The Echo Bike is built well just like the Elite, and both allow for Bluetooth and ANT connectivity. The LCD displays are basic for both. The major difference is that the Echo Bike is belt-driven, meaning it requires less maintenance and is a quieter bike (albeit not silent). The Elite does have a beefier warranty, though.

The Rogue Echo Bike would be my pick out of these two bikes, just because of its higher value with a lower price point. Plus, the belt drive is much easier to maintain. Check out our Rogue Echo Bike review for more information on this fan bike.

Customer Experience 

Assault Fitness provides a substantial warranty on the AssaultBike Elite: 10 years on the frame, 3 years on non-wear parts, and 1 year on labor. Along with the sizable warranty, you’re allowed 30 days to return the bike, although the item must be unused, in its original packaging, and on a pallet. If it doesn’t meet these requirements, Assault Fitness will take a 20% restocking fee from your refund.

There are many ways to contact the company through the website—email, phone, or through a contact form. Because of the warranty policy and ease of contacting the business, we rate the customer service a 5 out of 5.

Ordering and Assembling the AssaultBike Elite

The AssaultBike Elite can be ordered directly from the Assault Fitness website, as well as from Amazon (although it’s an older model). Financing is available for the AssaultBike Elite, either through Shop Pay or Affirm. You’ll have to qualify for both options, however.

None of Assault Fitness’ air bikes are delivered fully assembled, although Amanda adds that it’s a fairly painless process. “The frame and flywheel come assembled already, so you just attach the pedals, monitor, handles, seat post, and the seat,” she says. “You’re done in about 10 steps or so.” Amanda rates the delivery and setup a 4 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, there are 62 reviews for the AssaultBike Elite on Assault’s website, averaging a respectable 4.6 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mostly praise the durability and construction of the exercise bike (one of our favorite things about the bike), as well as its easy and straightforward assembly process.

Negative reviews range across multiple complaints. One specific complaint was from a gym owner who had four out of eight bike seats break within a short period of time. This was an older customer review, though, so I hope that Assault Fitness has solved this issue if it was due to its construction. I think they have, since this isn’t a common complaint.

Other lackluster reviews mostly weren’t excited over the LCD screen, saying it was too simple and the connectivity features didn’t translate over to all devices. One particular customer said they had trouble connecting their Apple Watch to the bike, although both devices said it was connected.

Final Verdict of Our AssaultBike Elite Review

There’s a lot to love with the AssaultBike Elite. The wider ergonomic seat and higher user weight limit are nice perks, especially for larger athletes. The warranty is nice compared to the other bikes in the Assault Fitness lineup. Plus, the Elite is built to last with quality materials.

However, the main thing that I can’t get over is the price. At $1,500, the bike is simply overpriced in our opinion. If you’re looking for a chain-driven bike, you’ll get a nearly similar experience with the AssaultBike Classic. You can also go with the AssaultBike Pro X for a belt-driven bike and still save money.

With its beefed-up warranty and heavier build, there are a few instances where the bike might be worth your money. For most home gym users, we think you’d be getting more out of your money with another air bike in Assault Fitness’ lineup—or from another brand.

Full Rating

AssaultBike Elite

The AssaultBike Elite is the bigger, bulkier brother of the Classic that claims to have a smoother, more comfortable ride. While it is a solid piece of equipment, does the Elite have enough improvements on the original design to warrant its higher price?

Product Brand: Assault Fitness

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1499.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.73

AssaultBike Elite: FAQs

If you’re not familiar with ski machines, you’re not alone—they are not quite as popular as the best treadmills for home gyms, elliptical trainers, or rowing machines. Ski machines mimic the upper-body dynamics of Nordic skiing (specifically double poling and skate skiing techniques) and offer a killer workout. I can say that with full confidence because I was on my high school’s Nordic racing team and still ski recreationally as an adult—it’s a taxing full-body sport. 

You Can Trust Our Cardio Experts 

Our team of expert product testers at Garage Gym Reviews have decades of experience in the fitness industry. We’re a group of athletes, certified personal trainers, and nutrition coaches. We’re also a group of people committed to finding the best deals and investments in health and wellness. 

For this Torque Relentless Ripper review, GGR founder and OG product tester Coop Mitchell assessed, scored, and reviewed the ski machine using our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology. He was tasked with scoring a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5 including durability, ergonomics, and assembly, to name a few. 

Torque Relentless Ripper

Torque Relentless Ripper

GGR Score: 4.25

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Ski machine
• Wall or rack mounting options
• Durable design
• 10 levels of magnetic resistance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Does not take up any floor space
• Rack and wall mounting options
• Durable design
• Full-body workout
• Resistance levels make it ideal for all fitness levels

Cons

• Not super versatile
• Pulley shrouding may rub on cables
• More expensive than the competition

Bottom Line

The Torque Relentless Ripper is ski machine with 10 levels of magnetic resistance. The motion mimics Nordic skiing and is a full-body workout with effort from both your legs and upper body.

A Quick Look at the Torque Relentless Ripper

Torque Fitness has a ton of strength and conditioning equipment to outfit your home or garage gym. You can find all the essentials like squat racks, barbells, and functional trainers. 

However, you may be most familiar with Torque from the brand’s more unique and innovative pieces of gym equipment like the cutting-edge sled we featured in our Torque TANK Sled review, TANK M1 review, or the endless rope trainer we tested for the Relentless Rope Trainer review. 

Before You Buy

• The Relentless Ripper ski machine can be mounted to a squat rack or wall, but the wall mount is an extra $100. 
• The monitor on the Ripper is simple and straightforward but doesn’t offer connectivity like the PM5 monitor on the Concept2 SkiErg. 
• Watch Coop’s full video review for his callout on the sharp edge to the pulley when returning to the top range of motion. 

Torque Relentless Ripper Full Video Review

Is the Torque Relentless Ripper Worth It?

The Torque Relentless Ripper ski machine is worth it for folks who want a low-impact cardio machine that won’t eat up any of your valuable floor space. The Ripper ski machine is a power rack-mounted (or wall mounted for an additional $100) cardio machine that does not have a floor stand or floor mount. 

RELATED: Power Rack Attachment Guide

It’s priced very similarly to the Concept2 SkiErg, which is the most comparable workout experience we’ve had to the Torque Relentless Ripper. The Ripper is $999 and the SkiErg is $850. While there is a slight price difference, Coop thinks the Torque option is worth it for folks truly limited on space or who don’t want to sacrifice more floor space. 

Additionally, speaking from personal on-snow skiing experience, the Torque Relentless Ripper could be worth it for competitive high school or college Nordic skiers. In the off season, you’ll be able to practice your double poling position for classic (or V2 and V2 alternate technique for skate), producing force from the floor, and increasing endurance during this up-and-down movement. 

Double poling is certainly not the most-used technique in Nordic skiing, but it’s an area many skiers struggle with. It’s typically used on downhills, flat areas, or slight uphills with fast conditions. Double poling is sort of like a high gear and many athletes lose speed while utilizing this technique.

Torque Relentless Ripper Specs

Working Out on the Torque Relentless Ripper

Coop says his favorite and preferred piece of conditioning equipment is the Concept2 SkiErg. “If I had to choose just one piece of cardio equipment at my house, I’d probably choose the ski machine. I like it that much and use it the most,” says Coop. 

Overall, Coop had a positive experience testing the Torque Relentless Ripper for a handful of short workouts. He notes the SkiErg being the gold standard for ski machines, but the Torque is a close competitor. 

“Ski machines don’t have a ton of competition in the fitness space, so I was excited to test the Torque ski machine” he says. “It takes up no floor space, the pull is smooth, and the resistance is more customizable for all fitness levels.” 

Footprint and Portability

When it comes to footprint, the Torque Relentless Ripper won’t be taking up an inch of floor space in your home gym. It measures 24 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 39 inches tall, but it will be either mounted on your power rack or on a wall using the wall mounting bracket. The Ripper ski machine earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating in our footprint and portability category. 

RELATED: Best Compact Exercise Equipment

Durability and Construction

For durability and construction, Coop was impressed during his trial workouts with the Relentless Ripper. He scored this category 4.5 out of 5 stars. “It feels very similar to the Concept2, which is a beast,” he says. 

Coop likes the heavy-duty powder coat finish and over-built construction. “I have no doubt this thing is going to last,” he says. 

It’s a simple device, which we think is good. In Coop’s full video review, he opens the shrouding of the machine to reveal shock cords (which control the return of the handles) and the belt drive system. In our experience, belt drive systems last a long time and have little to no maintenance. 

Additionally, the magnetic resistance on this is super smooth, which means you’re not going to get a ton of jostling or feedback from each pull. “The smoothness from the magnetic resistance is really nice and a bit different than the Concept2,” says Coop. 

RELATED: Air vs Magnetic Rowing Machine

Adjustments and Ergonomics

When we judge a cardio machine on ergonomics and adjustments, we’re looking at a product to see if it can be used by a wide variety of people (both weight and height). 

Coop found that mounting the Relentless Ripper to the top of his power rack gave him plenty of overhead space to work out on the ski machine with full range of motion. He notes that the Concept2 SkiErg is about 8 feet tall, so home gym owners may want to consider mounting their Torque ski machines around the same height to mimic the feel of the gold standard skier. 

The Torque scored high at 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category because home gym owners won’t be limited by the equipment itself—you’ll be limited by your own ceiling height. 

Plus, there is a manual lever to adjust the magnetic resistance on the ski machine. Coop says compared to the Concept2 SkiErg, the Torque offers a larger range of resistance (both at the lower and top end of resistance). 

That means beginners, kids, and teenagers will be accommodated on this ski machine with lighter starting resistances and stronger folks will also have enough resistance at the top end of the spectrum to get a challenging workout. 

RELATED: 6-Week Beginner Workout Plan

Technology and Conveniences

Don’t expect a ton of tech features on the Torque Relentless Ripper. It earns a 3.5 out of 5 stars in this category. The monitor is simple and displays workout metrics like time, strokes per minute, watts, calories, and distance. Coop likes the fact the simple LCD screen has an orange backlight, two easy-to-use buttons, and it folds away when not in use. 

Torque Relentless Ripper vs Concept2 SkiErg

Concept2 SkiErg

Concept 2 SkiErg

GGR Score: 4

Community Score: 4.2

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Textured, strapless handles don't soak up sweat
• State-of-the-art monitor
• High-strength cords
• Free-standing or wall-mounted
• For serious athletes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strapless handles with texture that doesn’t soak up sweat
• Durable and well-built monitor
• High-strength cords provide options for different pulling methods
• Can be free-standing or wall-mounted

Cons

• Geared more towards serious athletes
• Would like to see additional handle options
• Would like to see more pulleys

Bottom Line

Adapting key rowing machine elements like flywheel resistance and a state-of-the-art PM5 Performance Monitor, the SkiErg turns the athlete’s orientation vertical, simulating the movements of real cross-country skiing with both double-pole and classic alternating arm technique.

Now that you’ve heard all about the Torque Relentless Ripper, let’s compare it to the Concept2 SkiErg. For a long time, the SkiErg was the only solid ski machine on the market. The Torque ski machine is certainly the only competitor our team has tested that has come close. 

Concept2 is a well-known and well-respected company. The brand manufactures heavy-duty and long-lasting conditioning equipment and doesn’t even dabble with strength equipment like barbells and dumbbells. 

In addition to Concept2 making quality equipment, you can also buy individual replacement parts for nearly every single component on the SkiErg if something were to happen. The frame has a 5-year warranty, but folks appreciate being able to make quick fixes themselves (especially when the warranty runs up). 

The way both machines function is quite similar, but it’s worth noting the handful of differences in the specs: The Concept2 SkiErg is quite a bit larger and will take up some amount of floor space. The monitor on the SkiErg has more functionality—it’s compatible with third-party training apps like Strava and you can upload your training results to a Concept2 community leaderboard. 

Lastly, the resistance is different: The Toque ski machine uses magnetic resistance (which is typically silent and smooth) while the Concept2 SkiErg is designed with air resistance (which is quite a bit louder and not as smooth). If you want to read more about the gold standard machine, check out our Concept2 SkiErg in-depth review. 

Customer Experience 

Torque earns a 3.5-star rating for overall customer experience. There are a few different methods to contact the company including email, phone, general contact form, and a live chat function. 

The brand offers a standard 30-day return policy but you will be on the hook for return shipping and a 15% restocking fee. You’ll also have to return your equipment in the original packaging. 

Ordering and Assembling the Torque Relentless Ripper

Ordering from Torque Fitness is easy and you’ll have financing options through Affirm or PayPal Credit. Both choices have variable interest rates based on your credit history. 

Shipping was quick and easy to GGR HQ with no issues. However, once it was out of the box, there were some complications trying to put it together and our assembly experts didn’t think the instructions were super clear. 

There are a few main pieces including the strut, lower triangle with the console, the adjustment lever, and the ergonomic grip handles with tie-offs. Keep in mind the assembly process includes threading the ropes through the pulleys. 

Customer Reviews

At the time of writing this review, the Torque Relentless Ripper has two customer reviews, both of which were awarded 5 out of 5 stars. We plan to update this section when more customers share their input and real experience with the ski machine. 

Final Verdict of Our Torque Relentless Ripper Review

If we’re going to be honest—which is baked into our code of ethics at GGR—the Concept2 SkiErg is the gold standard for ski machines. That said, if you’ve been wanting a ski machine but just can’t compromise the floor space in a small home gym, the Torque Relentless Ripper is an excellent choice for people who are limited on floor space. 

The Torque ski machines function a lot like the Concept2 SkiErg and are a worthy competitor—Coop thinks it comes down to how much space you have in your gym. 

Full Rating

Torque Relentless Ripper

The Torque Relentless Ripper is ski machine with 10 levels of magnetic resistance. The motion mimics Nordic skiing and is a full-body workout with effort from both your legs and upper body.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 999

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.25

Torque Relentless Ripper: FAQs

Echelon is known for its connected fitness equipment. They specialize in all kinds of home gym equipment that can be synced with on-demand workouts, allowing you to get a great workout from real instructors. The Stride-6s is Echelon’s most affordable option for a treadmill with a built-in screen and a good choice for nearly all fitness levels. 

However, while it has a sleek and modern design, how does it hold up to our testing? Let’s take a closer look and find out what our expert testers thought in this Echelon Stride-6s review.

Tested by Treadmill Experts

Here at GGR, we know treadmills. Our team has tested over 40 treadmills and counting, and our testers include certified fitness professionals, home gym owners, competitive weightlifters, and more. 

For this treadmill review, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, tested every feature of the Echelon Stride-6s, carefully noting the pros and cons of the treadmill using our equipment testing methodology.

After extensive testing, we used our methodology to assign scores of 1 to 5 for various categories, giving us the unbiased information needed to arrive at a final score.

Echelon Stride-6s

Echelon Stride 6s

GGR Score: 3.67

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Auto-fold feature
• 10-inch embedded touchscreen
• Cushioned running deck
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels
• No assembly required

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-folding feature
• Cushioned, impact-absorbing running deck
• No assembly required
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels

Cons

• Small 10-inch screen

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride 6s is a compact and impact-absorbing treadmill that's perfect for people of all fitness levels, and comes with a 10-inch touchscreen to watch live and on-demand fitness classes.

A Quick Look at the Echelon Stride-6s

Echelon specializes in connected equipment designed to work with the Echelon Fit app, and sells a variety of treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, ellipticals, and more.

The Echelon Stride-6s is a budget-friendly treadmill with a sleek and modern design that’s meant for home use and includes a built-in screen for users to follow along with Echelon’s streaming workout classes. 

This is a good combination of value and quality at a price that’s often on sale for as low as $1,359. Sure, there are plenty of cheaper options, but quality can vary greatly among treadmills. If you’re looking at the cheapest treadmills you can find, you’ll want to be very careful when doing your research to make sure you choose a good one. 

RELATED: The Best Treadmills Under $400

The Stride-6s is powered by a 3.0 CHP DC brushless motor, providing a smooth and quiet workout experience. Its folding design with a built-in handlebar and transport wheels makes it very portable between uses, and assembly is easy. 

It’s not the most cushioned treadmill, but this may be a positive for those looking to simulate road running on a treadmill. While we had a few minor callouts with some of the design features, overall, this is a great addition to your home gym that won’t break the bank.

Before You Buy

• At the time of writing, the Stride-6s is the most affordable Echelon treadmill with a built-in screen.
• The treadmill does have some cushioning, but it’s firm and feels closer to road running. 
• While the Stride-6s has a small footprint, the waterfall design means there’s plenty of room in the front, and you don’t have to worry about stepping on the front of the treadmill.

Echelon Stride-6s Video Review

Is the Echelon Stride-6s Worth It?

While the list price is $1,899, the Echelon Stride-6s treadmill is often on sale for as low as $1,359. While this is a great deal for a high-quality treadmill, it’s still a significant investment to make. Here’s who we think would benefit the most from the Stride-6s.

Echelon Stride-6s Specs

Workout Experience on the Echelon Stride-6s

Our tester was Lindsay Scheele, an equipment expert, certified personal trainer, and the lead tester and reviewer for our Garage Gym Reviews Everything channel. She has extensive experience using all kinds of cardio equipment and knows exactly what to look for when testing new products.

Lindsay tried several workouts on this treadmill and had several independent testers try it to see what they thought, making sure our final scoring reflects a fair, unbiased testing process. 

She was very impressed with the Echelon Stride-6s, especially for the price. She did note that it’s not very cushioned, which some may not enjoy, and the screen is a bit small. She still loved using the treadmill and thinks it’s a good fit for most, but not all users.

Footprint and Portability

Echelon designed this treadmill to fit in most homes, with a relatively small footprint of 64” L x 32” W x 57” H.

The handle rails fold down, and the back of the treadmill has a built-in handlebar for portability. With the rear handlebar and built-in front wheels, tilting the treadmill to roll it around between uses is effortless for most healthy, fit people, so this compact treadmill is great for easy storage between uses.

RELATED: Can You Put a Treadmill On Carpet?

For footprint and portability, the Echelon Stride-6s earns a 4-out-of-5 rating.

Durability and Construction

When it comes to treadmill construction, the motor is one of the most important aspects to consider. The Stride-6s uses a 3.0 CHP DC brushless motor, which Lindsay noted is quiet and will not be loud when used at home. 

This home treadmill also has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds, which is the industry standard for home treadmills.

One minor callout is that while Echelon claims a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour, our testers found that the treadmill maxed out at only 12.4 miles per hour. This is a very small difference, but something that we noticed during our motor testing. 

RELATED: Best Treadmills for Running

The treadmill is durable and feels sturdy to use, so the overall durability and construction score is 4 out of 5 stars.

Adjustability and Ergonomics

While there are many benefits of walking on a treadmill, many users are looking for a treadmill they can safely run on, without worrying about stepping on the front or falling off the back.

One of the features Lindsay loved the most is the waterfall design, which means the front of the treadmill isn’t covered by a large hood. For those with a longer stride, accidentally stepping on the front of the treadmill isn’t a fun experience, especially at higher speeds. We love that the Stride-6s doesn’t have anything to get in your way. 

Lindsay also pointed out that the cushioning is very similar to the Peloton Tread, and feels similar to road running. Those who prefer extra cushioning may need to choose a different treadmill, but this is a nice choice for anyone who enjoys a more stable, solid surface.

RELATED: Best Treadmills For Running

Finally, Lindsay’s biggest callout is the buttons used to adjust the speed. She said you have to scroll your thumb across the speed buttons to adjust it and it’s not the most intuitive adjustment system, especially when running at high speeds. You have to do the same thing when adjusting the incline. Because of this, she wouldn’t recommend this treadmill to anyone doing interval training who regularly needs to adjust the speed. 

The treadmill has 12 incline levels, but as we’d expect at this price point, it does not have decline options. 

For adjustability and ergonomics, the Stride-6s earns a 3-out-of-5-star rating.

Technology and Conveniences

Echelon designed most of its equipment to work with its on-demand classes, which are available in the standard FitPass for $11.99 per month, or the Premier membership, which costs $39.99 per month or $33.33 per month when paid annually. 

The streaming classes provide thousands of instructor-led classes. The Premium membership also unlocks scenic runs, live classes, Echelon Worlds gamified workouts, a 5-year extended warranty, and integration with Strava, Apple Health, and more. Bluetooth audio allows you to stream your music through the built-in speakers or sync with the Echelon app.

The biggest callout from our testers was the size of the screen. It’s not uncommon to see a smaller screen on a smart treadmill with this size and price point, but Lindsay felt the screen was hard to see. Several other testers who tried out the Stride-6s had similar comments. 

RELATED: Best Treadmill App

Lindsay didn’t have any problems seeing the instructor when following along with classes but noted that many of the metrics are displayed in small text on the bottom, and may be difficult to read.

The treadmill also includes a built-in fan, heart rate sensors, a device holder for your phone or tablet, and two water bottle holders. 

We give the Echelon Stride-6s 3 out of 5 stars for technology and convenience.

Echelon Stride-6s vs Echelon Stride-8s

Echelon Stride-8s

Echelon Stride-8s

GGR Score: 3.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Modern design
• Changing LED lights under the belt
• Quiet but powerful 3.75 CHP motor
• Swiveling 22" touchscreen monitor
• 12 levels of incline
• 20-inch deck

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Modern design
• Changing LED lights under the belt make running fun
• Quiet when changing speeds or inclines
• Powerful 3.75 CHP motor
• Swiveling 22" touchscreen monitor
• Long 20-inch deck
• Minimal assembly required
• Wireless charging pad

Cons

• Monitor can be wobbly when changing speeds or inclines
• Treadmill deck may be too firm for some runners
• Inconsistent volume on the built-in workouts
• No decline options
• Not foldable

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride-8s is a sleek treadmill with unique features (like color-changing lights under the belt) that help make your workouts more engaging. However, for a similar price, you can find other treadmills that offer much more.

If you like the Stride-6s style but want something a little bigger, you could go with Echelon’s premium treadmill, the 8s. It’s not a folding treadmill like the 6s, but it has nicer features built in to the machine.

Compared to the 6s, the 8s has a significantly larger screen that can swivel around, a more powerful motor, and more cushioning under the deck. It also has several other upgrades, like a built-in wireless phone charger. 

The Stride-6s is the better choice for those on a tighter budget or who prefer less cushioning, while the 8s is better for those willing to spend more for a larger screen and a more cushioned run. 

To read more, check out our complete Echelon Stride-8s review.

Customer Experience 

We rate Echelon’s customer experience 3 out of 5. Customer support can be reached via phone, text, or chat, and business hours are clearly listed on the website. 

One of Echelon’s biggest standout features is the extended 5-year warranty customers receive when paying for the Premiere membership, but you need to pay for the annual membership ($339.99) to receive the extended coverage. This isn’t cheap, but if you’re paying for the Premier membership anyway, this is a nice way to extend the warranty coverage.

Ordering and Assembling the Echelon Stride-6s

Echelon offers many checkout options, including Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Customers can also finance their purchases through Shop Pay or Echelon’s own financing plan.

Assembly is very easy, and Lindsay said that one person should be able to assemble the treadmill in under 30 minutes. 

The Stride-6s earns a 4 out of 5 for the ordering and assembly process.

Customer Reviews

At the time of writing, the Echelon Stride-6s only has 29 reviews, all of which are positive and have a 5-out-of-5-star rating. 

Customers love the convenience, scenic runs, and instructors available through the streaming classes. 

Final Verdict of Our Echelon Stride-6s Review

Our testers were very impressed with the Echelon Stride-6s, especially its footprint, portability, and sleek design. This versatile piece of exercise equipment is a great choice for most home gym owners, especially those who enjoy doing their cardio indoors.

It has a 12.4 mile-per-hour speed, 12 incline levels, and a 300-pound weight limit, so many users will be able to enjoy this treadmill.

Lindsay felt it wasn’t the most cushioned run, and the screen was small. She also noted that adjusting the speed is a little tricky, so she specifically said those who do HIIT training and need to regularly change the speeds should avoid this treadmill. However, if you’re looking for something that can handle steady cardio sessions, this is a great choice for the price. 

• The Stride-6s is relatively small, but the waterfall design makes the deck feel bigger than it is. 
• Echelon often runs sales on this treadmill, bringing the list price of $1,899.99 as low as $1,359.99 at times.
• The portable design and small footprint will help this treadmill fit in most home gym spaces, even with limited space.

Full Rating

Echelon Stride-6s

The Echelon Stride 6s is a compact and impact-absorbing treadmill that's perfect for people of all fitness levels, and comes with a 10-inch touchscreen to watch live and on-demand fitness classes.

Product Brand: Echelon

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1899.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.67

Echelon Stride-6s: FAQs

One of the first water rowing machines to hit the market was the aptly-named WaterRower. This sophisticated rower not only delivers on performance but also looks sharp in any home gym environment. In this WaterRower review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this rowing machine, including its tech capabilities, ergonomics, durability, portability, and more.

We’ve Rowed Thousands of Meters on Rowing Machines

Our product testers include certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, Olympic-level athletes, CrossFit enthusiasts, and fitness equipment experts. Collectively, we’ve tested dozens of rowing machines, including magnetic rowers, air resistance rowers, and water rowers. Many of us even own rowing machines in our home gyms.

For this WaterRower review, Lindsay Scheele, our lead product reviewer and the face of our Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel, tested the machine. She used it for various rowing interval workouts and scored it on a scale of 1 to 5 in multiple categories, including:

• Ergonomics
• Resistance
• Footprint and portability
• Durability
• Programming
• Tech capabilities
• Warranty

WaterRower

WaterRower

GGR Score: 3.8

Community Score: 4.2

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Water resistance simulates outdoor experience
• Handcrafted wood for beautiful aesthetic
• One of the quietest water rowing machines

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water resistance simulates outdoor experience
• The body is made of handcrafted wood
• One of the quietest water rowing machines
• Very aesthetically pleasing
• 700 lb weight capacity
• Optional expert assembly

Cons

• Prices start around $1,100
• Wood can dent and chip
• Weighs 117 lbs
• Monitor location isn’t convenient

Bottom Line

The WaterRower Natural is an excellent rower that uses (drumroll) water instead of air as its main mode of resistance. This closely simulates the resistance you would receive in real-life rowing, and it sounds pretty amazing, too.

A Quick Look at the WaterRower

Created in 1988 by engineer and USA national-level rower John Duke, the WaterRower is a water-resistance rowing machine handcrafted with sustainable hardwoods from the Appalachian Mountain region. It’s made by the same Rhode Island-based company that makes the Ergatta rower.

The two machines share a similar wood-based frame, but the WaterRower’s tech capabilities are more basic. The Ergatta rower has a touchscreen that streams gamified workouts or scenic rows. The WaterRower has a simple monitor that only displays performance stats. However, you can buy a WaterRower ComModule to make it Bluetooth-enabled and sync it to many of the best rowing apps.

As of this writing, the WaterRower is available in oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and ash wood. If you’ll need to leave your rower in your living room or another common area in your home, being able to coordinate the wood frame with your existing furniture is a nice touch.

“It is a really beautiful rower,” Lindsay said. 

Before You Buy

• Financing is available through Bread Pay for those who want to break their payments into small chunks.
• This machine is 82.8 inches long and doesn’t fold. However, you can store it vertically if you need more floor space.
• The company recommends adding a new water purification tablet to the tank every 6 months. You may need to do this sooner if you notice water discoloration or algae growing in the water tank.

WaterRower Video Review

Is the WaterRower Worth It?

The WaterRower isn’t a budget-friendly rowing machine, starting at around $1,100. But for people who want to reap the benefits of rowing with a machine that looks nice and simulates open-water rowing, we think it’s worth it and rated the overall value 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a solidly built machine that should hold up well in a home gym environment.

Note, however, that the programming options are limited. If you want variety in your rowing workouts and have the extra budget, we recommend buying the ComModule for around $80. This tool will turn the rower into a more interactive machine, allowing you to sync it with third-party apps. Depending on which app you choose, you may also have to pay a monthly subscription, which is something to consider when deciding if this is the right rower for you.

WaterRower Specs

Workout Experience With the WaterRower

Lindsay used the WaterRower for several workouts, including one with 500-meter intervals and another with 1,000-meter intervals. She was impressed by the smooth operation of the belt-drive system and how effortlessly the seat glided over the dual rails. “I think this is one of the top experiences I’ve ever had rowing on a rower,” she remarked.

Plus, the sound of water moving through the tank allows for a unique rowing experience. “I love how this water rower sounds. It’s almost meditative to me,” Lindsay commented.

Lindsay called out two things she thought could be improved: the narrow spacing on the footrests and the handlebar. The gap between your feet is less than 2 inches, which can negatively affect your rowing mechanics, especially if you’re tall or have poor ankle mobility. The handlebar is also short at just 15 inches, which Lindsay didn’t enjoy because she prefers having a wider grip when rowing.

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines

Ergonomics

The WaterRower earned a near-perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics. The cushioned seat was one of Lindsay’s favorite features. Even when doing 1,000-meter repeats, she didn’t experience any discomfort and felt confident that the seat would remain comfortable for longer sessions.

We also like that the WaterRower has a 700-pound weight capacity to accommodate users of all sizes. However, while the 11.8-inch seat height is higher than other water rowers like the MERACH 950 Rower, it may still be too low for older individuals or those with mobility concerns.

“If you have trouble getting off the ground or are recovering from something that’s limiting your movement, the WaterRower is a much better pick than the MERACH rower or the Ergatta Lite,” Lindsay advised. “However, it’s still not as tall as air rowers like the Concept2 or AssaultRower.”

The two main reasons for the lower score in this category were the short, 15-inch handlebar and the narrow foot placement on the footrests. Lindsay prefers having a wider grip for long rowing sessions and noted that the foot spacing of less than 2 inches could alter your rowing mechanics.

WaterRower does sell a 17-inch handlebar and a footplate with wider spacing, but those items will add up to $95 to the cost of your rower.

RELATED: Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Review

Resistance

Unlike a magnetic rower, there’s no way to set specific levels of resistance on the WaterRower. Instead, you customize the resistance by adjusting your effort and the speed at which you row. Theoretically, you can also adjust the resistance by changing the amount of water in the tank. However, filling the water tank is cumbersome.

“Filling the tank with water isn’t hard, but it is messy because of where the hole is placed. It’s small and sits directly underneath a wooden beam. You can use a pitcher or a funnel, but it takes a long time to do that,” Lindsay advised.

“We ended up getting an attachment for our garden hose and filling it up that way,” she added. “We did have to use towels to clean up the water that spilled, but it was the most efficient way to fill the tank.”

We gave the WaterRower 3 out of 5 stars for resistance.

Footprint and Portability

The WaterRower is just over 83 inches long, which is standard for an indoor rowing machine. Because it doesn’t have a large touchscreen monitor, it only stands about 20 inches off the floor. It’s not foldable, but you can lift it up to store it vertically.

When the water tank is full, this rowing machine weighs about 103 pounds. There are transport wheels on the front, which Lindsay noted make it easy for most people to move around, even on carpet. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

RELATED: Best Folding Treadmills

Durability

For durability, we rated the WaterRower a 5 out of 5. We haven’t had it for very long, but we’ve had the Ergatta—which has a similar design and wood frame—for years. We’ve moved the Ergatta around our testing facility multiple times and tested it for dozens of workouts. It’s held up well through all of the abuse.

According to Lindsay, the WaterRower is sturdy and doesn’t wobble. “There was no point in any of my workouts when I felt like the rower was shaking or unstable,” she said.

Programming and Technology

The WaterRower comes with an S4 monitor, which tracks metrics like stroke rate, time elapsed, speed, watts, and split times. The screen is pretty basic, though, and according to Lindsay, it’s not very intuitive.

“The monitor is so basic and not really user-friendly. Maybe it’s because I’m used to using touchscreens, but I had a hard time getting to the programs I wanted to use,” Lindsay reported. “You can set up intervals or time- or distance-based targets, but the monitor doesn’t offer a lot of interaction.”

Despite the less-than-impressive monitor, we still gave the WaterRower 4 out of 5 stars for its programming and tech capabilities. You can purchase the WaterRower ComModule (around $80) to turn the monitor into a Bluetooth-enabled device. This gives you access to a lot of rowing workouts and ensures you’ll never get bored. You’ll still need to watch virtual classes on your phone or tablet, but the ComModule will sync your data from the rower to the app.

Additionally, you can sync a heart rate monitor to the machine via its ANT+ wireless technology. The company sells one for about $95 if you don’t already have one.

RELATED: Best Ellipticals for Home

WaterRower vs Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

GGR Score: 4.4

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Priced around $1,000
• Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
• Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
• Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
• Lightweight and easily portable
• Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
• Can also be hung for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Best-selling rowing machine in the world
• Easy assembly
• Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
• Ergonomic seat and handlebar
• Seat is 14”
• 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
• Air-resistance
• Adjustable airflow
• Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
• Nickel-plated steel chain
• Adjustable footrests
• Easy to store
• Limited 5-year warranty

Cons

• Priced around $1,000
• Few built-in workouts

Bottom Line

The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.

If you’ve been researching water rowers, you may have noticed that the WaterRower resembles the Ergatta rower. We already covered their similarities and differences in our Ergatta vs WaterRower comparison. To show you how the WaterRower stacks up against a rower with a different type of resistance, I’ll compare it to the Concept2 RowErg (formerly known as the Model D).

The Concept2 RowErg is an air-resistance rower with a steel and aluminum frame, while the WaterRower uses water resistance and has a wood frame. Neither machine offers virtual, instructor-led classes, but both are compatible with third-party apps. The Concept2 rower has a PM5 monitor that displays metrics like pace, watts, calories burned, time elapsed, stroke rate, and distance. The WaterRower’s S4 monitor tracks similar stats.

Price-wise, there’s about a $200 difference between the two machines, with the WaterRower being the more expensive product. The Concept2 RowErg is over a foot longer, but you can break it down into two pieces for easy storage. You can also store it upright, just like the WaterRower.

You don’t get the soothing noises of water with each stroke on the Concept2 rower, but you do get a smooth, consistent ride. If you’re looking for a less expensive rower that will still perform well, the Concept2 may be the better choice.

Check out our full Concept2 RowErg review to learn more.

Customer Experience 

WaterRower earned 3 out of 5 stars for customer experience because its 1-year warranty falls short of industry standards. Other companies like Peloton and Hydrow offer 5-year limited warranties on their machines’ frames and parts.

However, WaterRower’s 30-day return policy is in line with that of other brands. The product must be in its original packaging to be eligible for a return. You can email the company to arrange for them to pick up the rower.

Ordering and Assembling the WaterRower

You can buy the WaterRower on the company’s website, on Amazon, or through third-party fitness equipment resellers. If you buy directly from WaterRower’s website, financing is available through Bread Pay. You can choose 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, or 48-month plans, and rates range from 0% to 29.99% based on your terms and credit history.

The straightforward assembly process led us to rate the WaterRower 4 out of 5 stars in this category. It took less than 45 minutes to assemble, including filling the water tank. However, we docked it a point because there doesn’t appear to be an option for white glove delivery, which we look for when buying large pieces of equipment.

Customer Reviews

The WaterRower website doesn’t display customer reviews. On Amazon, the rower has an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 460 reviews.

The design and the soothing noise of the water are two standout features highlighted in most Amazon reviews. Amazon buyers also praise its portability and sturdiness.

A few negative reviews called out the limited functionality of the S4 performance monitor. Some Amazon customers also noticed issues with the water tank leaking.

Final Verdict of Our WaterRower Review

The WaterRower is a beautiful, durable machine that you won’t feel the need to hide whenever friends or family come to visit. Our product tester had a positive experience using this rower, but there are still a few things to keep in mind before adding it to your home gym:

• There is no touchscreen, and the monitor it comes with isn’t Bluetooth-enabled. To turn it into a more interactive machine, you must purchase the WaterRower ComModule, which costs about $80.
• You’ll need to monitor the water tank to ensure the water stays clean. WaterRower recommends adding a new purification tablet to the tank every 6 months or so.
• This rower doesn’t fold or break apart for storage, but you can store it upright when it’s not in use if you need more space.

Full Rating

WaterRower

The WaterRower Natural is an excellent rower that uses (drumroll) water instead of air as its main mode of resistance. This closely simulates the resistance you would receive in real-life rowing, and it sounds pretty amazing, too.

Product Brand: WaterRower

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1189

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.8

WaterRower: FAQs

To perfect double unders, the type of jump rope you use is important. Ideally, you want a lightweight speed jump rope with a quick rotation…something like the WOD Nation Double Under Jump Rope. It’s one of our favorites to recommend for taking your conditioning to the next level—without spending much money at all.

In this WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope review, we’ll take a look at this jump rope and figure out who this speed rope is best suited for, as well as if it’s really worth the hype that the GGR team gives it (myself included).

We Don’t Skip Out on Testing Fitness Equipment

Rather, our expert team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and lifelong athletes jumps at the opportunity for hands-on testing. As stated in our fitness equipment testing methodology, the overwhelming majority of products we talk about and recommend have been tested through multiple workouts—or for years in some cases, like the WOD Nation speed rope.

GGR senior director of content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has owned and used the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope for over 7 years. Along with CrossFit workouts, she’s used the adjustable jump rope for cardio workouts and warm-ups. She’s given a rating from 1 to 5 based on her experience with the speed rope in multiple aspects, such as:

• Sizing and adjustments
• Handles
• Rope width and weight
• Rope rotation
• Workout experience
• Outdoor use
• Overall value

WOD Nation Speed Rope

WOD Nation Double Under Speed Jump Rope

GGR Score: 4.31

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Very affordable and comes with extra cable
• Has a great spin for speed jumping
• Adjustable with wire cutters

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Very affordable
• Comes with an extra cable
• Adjustable
• Comes with a carrying case
• Spins fast

Cons

• Plastic handles could break if stepped on
• Need a wirecutter to adjust

Bottom Line

This is one of the best value speed ropes on the market. It moves well, lasts a long time, and you get an extra cable with your purchase.

A Quick Look at the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope

Although a distributor of apparel, resistance bands, and support gear, WOD Nation is most well-known for jump ropes, selling a variety of different styles and types of jump ropes. The Attack Speed Jump Rope has foam handles and offers two different cable thicknesses for different types of jump rope workouts; the Atlas Weighted Jump Rope has removable handle and cable weights; and they even have a cordless jump rope to help users learn the rhythm of double unders.

The Double Under Speed Rope is WOD Nation’s dedicated speed jump rope, made with a lightweight cable and swivel bearing system on the handles. With four ball bearings used for each rope, the speed rope is made for just that—speed. The tapered plastic handles are simple, but keep the jump rope light and fast while in use. The rope also comes in eight different colors.

Before You Buy

• The WOD Nation speed rope is adjustable from its starting length of 10 feet. However, “adjusting” the rope means you’ll need wire cutters to snip off the excess length once you’ve adjusted the handles.
• This rope isn’t recommended for abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt, as it’ll wear down the plastic coating, exposing the steel cable underneath. Fortunately, if that happens to you, WOD Nation includes a second cable with your purchase. Nice.
• Kate does mention that the rope can kink easily if it isn’t stored well. Make sure you take care of your rope and wrap or hang it neatly while not in use.

Is the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope Worth It?

The WOD Nation speed rope is a best seller on Amazon. The price tag is typically $17.99 with free shipping, although you can often find the top-selling rope on sale. While there are cheaper jump ropes, like licorice or beaded ropes, the WOD Nation rope is made for fast jumping, whereas cheaper ropes are simply made for more casual users.

Still, compared to other options, the WOD Nation Double Under rope has killer value, leading Kate to rate it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Rx Smart Gear’s jump ropes start at $55, while Rogue Fitness has speed ropes at $46. These higher prices also mean you’ll get better quality, but the WOD Nation rope is already high-quality—and it comes with an extra cable. The WOD Nation speed rope is definitely a high-value item.

That said, the rope may not be for everyone’s fitness goals. It’s ideal for double unders and quick skipping, so if you want a heavier rope for strength-focused jump rope workouts, you may want a weighted option instead.

RELATED: CrossRope Jump Rope Review

On the other hand, if you’re still working on double unders, I’ve learned—from my time as a CrossFit gym owner and trainer—that people typically learn the rhythm better with a heavier rope. So the speed rope might be a better option once you’ve stringed together a few double unders.

WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope Specs

Using the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope

Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content and a certified personal trainer and CrossFit trainer, has owned and used the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope for several years now—over 7 by now. She’s jump roped in many ways—for both single and double unders in CrossFit workouts, as well as warm-ups and circuit training. “I’ve used it for more sessions than I can count at this point,” Kate adds. “We’re in the hundreds of sessions by now, I’m sure!”

RELATED: Best Jump Rope Exercises

She rates her workout experience with the speed rope a solid 5 out of 5, saying, “I love this rope. It’s lightweight and moves oh-so fast. Even after testing and using over a dozen speed ropes myself, this is still my absolute favorite.”

One thing to note about the performance of the WOD Nation Speed Rope is the durability of the PVC coating on the rope. WOD Nation recommends jumping rope on smooth surfaces. Abrasive surfaces like asphalt can wear down the plastic coating and expose the steel cable underneath, causing fraying and eventually breaking the rope.

Kate learned this the hard way and had to replace her cable after 3 years of use. (Fortunately, WOD Nation includes a second cable for this very reason.) Because of this, Kate rates it a 3 out of 5 for outdoor use. “You really shouldn’t use this on pavement; the coating will wear down faster than you think. If I’m going outside, I have a few squares of rubber that I drag out to jump on.”

Handles

The handles are a simple plastic—nothing fancy. There’s nothing special about the grip, leading Kate to rate the handles a 3 out of 5. That said, she does remark that the handles have held up incredibly well over 7 years of use.

“I’ve never had an issue with the handles cracking or breaking, and I haven’t taken care of this rope while I’ve had it,” Kate says. “I throw it in my car, on the floor, across the room during a double-under tantrum—and it’s never cracked.” If you’re looking for a durable pair of handles, these will do. However, if you want more of a grip on your handles while in use, you may want to look around for something with rubber handles.

Cables

The cable used on the WOD Nation Speed Rope is thin steel cable wrapped in a plastic coating. Overall, it’s a 2.5-millimeter thick cable. “It’s super thin and very fast,” Kate remarks. “Definitely one of the thinnest, lightest ropes I’ve used—comparable to Rogue’s speed ropes.”

We couldn’t find the exact weight of the cables by themselves, but for reference, the item weight on the product page is 186 grams…that’s including a second cable, the handles, and a bag. All of that still clocks in under half a pound. That’s surprisingly light. Kate rates the rope width and weight a 5 out of 5.

The rope gets a 4 out of 5 for sizing and adjustments. It’s 10 feet long, but can be adjusted smaller to fit a variety of people and frames, by unscrewing the bolts along the rope and moving the handles along the length of rope. However, once you make the adjustment, you’ll have to use wire cutters to cut off any excess cable length, which is a pretty annoying step in the process. Kate also adds that the rope uses nuts to secure the handles to the rope; they can come loose if you don’t use a wrench to tighten them.

RELATED: How To Measure Jump Rope Length

Rotation

The WOD Nation uses patented “Lightening Fast Bearings:” two ball bearings on each handle, for a total of four bearings per jump rope. Bearings are located in the handle and along the tip of the rope to ensure a smooth and fast spin. Kate rates the rotation a 5 out of 5, saying that “the four-bearing system is ideal for a speed rope and double unders. The only issues I’ve had with it were user error.”

WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope vs Rogue SR-2 3.0 Speed Rope

Rogue SR-2 3.0

Rogue SR-2 3.0 Jump Rope

GGR Score: 4.38

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Speed jump rope
• Lightweight aluminum handles
• Smooth bearing rotation system
• Thing coated cable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely lightweight (0.35 pounds)
• Option for shorter handles
• Knurled lightweight aluminum handles
• Blazingly fast

Cons

• Thin cables can get warped easily
• Should be used only on gym flooring for longevity
• Adjustable, but screws are tiny and hard to manage

Bottom Line

The Rogue Fitness SR-2 3.0 is one of the best speed ropes for double-unders.

If you’re looking for a new jump rope, another popular speed rope is the Rogue SR-2 3.0 Speed Rope. This speed rope is a more affordable option (as some can reach over $100), but it’s still over twice the price of the WOD Nation speed rope.

Comparing the specs of the two jump ropes, they’re fairly similar—both are 10 feet long with 6.75-inch handles and a coated steel cable. The main differences I notice are the handles. The Rogue handles are made of aluminum with a bit of knurling on the end. This makes for a grippier handle, which may be enough to entice people to pay the extra money for the Rogue rope.

It’s hard to argue away the value of the WOD Nation rope, though, especially when you factor in an included second cable. Both are great options, but you’ll need to decide which is a more important factor in your speed rope: value or a finer handle?

Customer Experience 

WOD Nation takes pride in their equipment, and as such, they have a pretty robust return policy. They provide a 60-day money-back guarantee on their products. If you’re not satisfied with your product within the time frame, simply return the product, and they’ll refund your money.

In lieu of a warranty, WOD Nation provides a lifetime guarantee that protects against manufacturing defects. If you notice a manufacturing defect, you can contact WOD Nation for an exchange.

One thing to note is that purchasing the speed rope from Amazon may change the policies provided. For example, the return policy on Amazon is only 30 days for a free return.

Ordering the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope

The WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope can be purchased from Amazon. While it is listed on WOD Nation’s website, as of this writing, the item is sold out. There don’t appear to be any financing options available, but for a jump rope under $20, I think most people would want to pay the full price upfront.

Customer Reviews

There are a lot of fans out there for the WOD Nation speed rope; as of this writing, the rope has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars—from over 11,500 reviews. That’s a lot of reviews, and a pretty high score with that in mind.

Most positive reviews speak highly of the build of the rope, as well as its performance. Many people noticed how fast and lightweight the cables were.

Negative reviews also spoke about the cables; however, they had issues with the rope’s durability. One specific reviewer had the cable coating wear down pretty quickly. To minimize the wear, make sure to stay on smooth surfaces instead of rougher surfaces like concrete. 

The reviewer also complained of needing wire cutters to properly adjust the cable length. While we agree it is annoying, remember that it’s something you should only need to do once, to adjust it to your desired length.

Final Verdict of Our WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope Review

After so many years of use, the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope has stood the test of time and remains one of our favorite jump ropes to recommend. With simple but durable handles and a lightweight cable, the speed rope performs exceptionally well. Plus, being under $20 and including a second cable make it one of the best value jump ropes on the market.

To get the most out of this rope, make sure to jump on smoother surfaces. If you stay away from rough asphalt and similar surfaces, this jump rope can last you for years to come.

Full Rating

WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope

This is one of the best value speed ropes on the market. It moves well, lasts a long time, and you get an extra cable with your purchase.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 21.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.31

WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope: FAQs

RELATED: The Best Home Gym Equipment

That’s where STEPR comes in. They’ve created a more compact stair climber with smart features and a significantly lower cost than many commercial machines. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing such a large piece of equipment. 

In this STEPR review, I’ll share our thoughts after extensive testing, the pros and cons, and our experience using the machine, and help you decide whether or not this is worth adding to your home gym. 

Tested by Fitness Equipment Experts

The GGR testers include certified personal trainers, gym owners, registered dietitians, and equipment experts with years of experience. We love testing and reviewing every piece of equipment we can, and our reviews are always unbiased and honest. 

For this review, GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell tested the STEPR, taking it through a series of workouts and sharing his honest feedback. To rate this product, we used our equipment testing methodology, which scores equipment based on a variety of important factors, including:

• Footprint and portability
• Durability and construction
• Ergonomics
• Technology features and benefits

STEPR Stair Climber

STEPR Stair Climber

GGR Score: 3.95

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Smart stair climbing machine
• Features 27” HD touchscreen
• Instructor-led classes via all-access app

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 day in-home trial
• “Fit anywhere promise”—designed to fit almost all indoor environments
• Multiple safety features
• 360 degree swiveling screen
• Transport wheels
• White glove delivery service available

Cons

• Expensive
• Multiple people required for assembly

Bottom Line

The STEPR is a smart stair climber that features a 27-inch HD swiveling touchscreen. The STEPR has a compact design and a “Fit Anywhere Promise”—the machine can fit through traditional doorways and has a suggested ceiling height of 8 feet.

A Quick Look at the STEPR

STEPR has taken the classic stair climber design—a staple in commercial gyms around the world—shrunk it, and added modern features, making this a great choice for home use. It only requires an 8-foot ceiling height and can fit through most doorways.

The company offers the STEPR GO, a budget model; the classic STEPR; and STEPR PRO, a high-end, commercial gym-quality version. We reviewed the STEPR+, which is the STEPR classic with an upgraded screen, and the one most home gym owners will likely choose. 

Compared to traditional stair climbers, the STEPR is smaller and features an optional, large Wi-Fi-connected touchscreen. Smart touchscreens are common in many popular cardio machines today. There aren’t many classes, but you can use the screen to log into your favorite streaming services and watch something while you work out. 

RELATED: StairMaster vs Treadmill

The STEPR+ we tested costs $4,999 plus shipping, which will vary depending on your location. Although expensive, this is still significantly more affordable than most commercial options. 

Coop loved a few things about this machine and called out a few other features he didn’t like. Overall, though, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to install a stair climber in their home or garage gym.

Before You Buy

• The STEPR model with the 27-inch touchscreen costs $4,999, but there are no ongoing subscription fees.
• Each step is shorter than traditional stair climbers, and you can really only climb one step at a time.
• The small footprint is fantastic, and this should easily fit in most home gyms without taking up too much space.

STEPR Video Review

Is the STEPR Worth It?

With a price tag of just under $5,000, this machine isn’t cheap once you factor in shipping (and the extra fee for the large touchscreen if you opt for that model). But it may be well worth it if you truly love using stair climbers, and don’t mind spending the money. 

STEPR Specs

Workout Experience With the STEPR 

Coop used the STEPR himself, extensively testing it for a video review, and made sure to test all of the features. 

Overall, he was very impressed but said it doesn’t feel quite like a traditional stair climber. This is due to the compact size. A smaller machine works much better in home gyms, but the steps are a bit shorter. The STEPR is best for steady-state cardio, as HIIT workouts would feel unsafe on such short steps.

Those used to taking long steps when using commercial machines will need to adjust to taking shorter steps. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s worth calling out, especially if you like using every other step to increase the challenge. This isn’t possible with the STEPR.

RELATED: Stair Climber vs Elliptical

On the model with the 27-inch touchscreen, the screen rotates up to 360 degrees. You can spin it around and keep your streaming services going while you do a different exercise. The stair climber also features hooks for attaching light bands, though Coop suggests avoiding any heavy use that could tip the machine.

Coop likes using stair climbers, and plans to take this one home from our testing facilities to use in his personal garage gym. Coming from someone who reviews home gym equipment for a living, this is high praise. 

Footprint and Portability

Footprint and portability earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating, and these are two of the main benefits of STEPR. 

The compact footprint was specifically designed for home gyms. The stair climber should fit through most doorways and work in spaces with an 8-foot or higher ceiling. It’s not as small as the best mini stair stepper, but it will likely fit in most home gyms.

While the weight isn’t disclosed, several reviews mention moving the machine around their home several times with the built-in transport wheels. If you’re able-bodied and live with multiple people, it should be easy enough to transport as needed.

Durability and Construction

The durability and construction earned a 4 out of 5 from Coop. He noted that it feels slightly wobbly at times, but overall, he was impressed with the build quality. In his video review, he mentioned that most home users shouldn’t worry about purchasing the extended warranty, saying it should last for years in a home gym where only a few people would use it. 

The steps are designed with a stadium step feature, which means your foot can actually go underneath the next stair, where you’d normally stub your toe on a regular staircase. This allows you to take a wider step, even though the unit is compact.

Ergonomics

For ergonomics, the STEPR earns a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.

While many traditional stair climbers feel just like a traditional staircase, with 90-degree angles and the ability to skip steps, the STEPR is different. The floating step design uses smaller steps that can fit most feet, but you can only take one step at a time. If you stay on the bottom step too long, the machine will shut off when you get close to the bottom as a safety feature. 

RELATED: 10 Benefits of Cardio

The step is also 5.2 inches, which is shorter than most other options on the market that range from 7 to 8 inches. If you’re used to taking longer steps, this may require an adjustment period, but Coop got used to the small steps after only a few minutes. 

Both handles have buttons built in to adjust the settings, which is a nice feature to see on a stair climber. You don’t have to worry about trying to balance yourself while reaching for a button.

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

The STEPR can be upgraded to include a 27-inch HD touchscreen, which is the model we received. Our score for this category is 4 out of 5, although we haven’t tested the standard LED console, and can’t share any thoughts on that.

The HD touchscreen is compatible with most streaming services, like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, and more. Best of all, no ongoing subscription is required to use the feature. 

STEPR also offers streaming classes, but Coop didn’t love them. With a bike or rower that offers programming like iFIT, you can feel like you’re cycling or rowing in different locations around the world. But with a stair climber, all you can really do is simulate climbing a flight of stairs.

RELATED: Best iFIT Workouts

Still, the large touchscreen with no subscription is awesome, as we’re used to seeing monthly subscription fees to use smart features in most cardio machines. STEPR is getting ready to launch a mobile companion app, which you’ll be able to pair to the screen via Bluetooth. We’ll update this review once the app is released and we can test that feature.

However, one big callout from Coop was that the touchscreen was very laggy and felt frustrating if you’re used to a fast screen, like the Peloton touchscreen. Several reviews mention the software continues to improve with regular updates, so the issue may be resolved over time. 

The STEPR is safe for beginners and advanced exercisers alike. It includes multiple safety features that stop the machine if your foot touches the bottom or if you press one of the safety buttons.

STEPR vs CLMBR

CLMBR

CLMBR

GGR Score: 3.85

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Immersive technology
• Full-body, low-impact workout
• Small footprint
• Bluetooth-enabled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive technology
• Low-impact
• Full-body workout
• Small footprint
• Quiet operation
• Ergonomic, adjustable dumbbells
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Caster transport wheels

Cons

• Expensive
• Membership required for access to classes

Bottom Line

The CLMBR is an interesting investment for someone looking for an efficient, functional and interactive workout experience that’s high-intensity in nature but low-impact on the joints. That said, its price tag may make you pause.

There aren’t many other options for continuous stair climbers unless you want a commercial machine, so let’s compare STEPR to CLMBR, which won “best vertical stair climber” in our guide to the best stair climbers. 

CLMBR features a vertical climbing movement and also includes a built-in touchscreen. However, your hands and feet are secured in place, so it’s not a true stair-climbing movement like STEPR provides. 

If you want a full-body challenge that’s similar to rock climbing, the CLMBR is the better choice. If you want to simulate walking up a flight of stairs, we’d suggest sticking with STEPR.

To learn more, check out our complete CLMBR review.

Customer Experience 

When it comes to the overall customer experience, the main things we look at are the return policy, warranty, and customer service. For this category, our rating is a 3 out of 5. 

STEPR offers a great warranty that includes a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. You can also purchase an extended protection plan that gives you up to 60 months of extra coverage. Optional white glove delivery is available for in-home assembly, and customer support can be reached via email or phone. 

However, the return policy is only 14 days, and you’ll need to pay for your own return shipping, which is common with heavy pieces of equipment. You also need to pay for your initial shipping. If you do need to return your STEPR, you may be spending quite a bit of money on shipping both ways, which is why we couldn’t rate it higher than a 3 in this category.

Ordering and Assembling the STEPR

We give the STEPR a 3 out of 5 for ordering and assembly. 

There’s no free shipping, so your shipping costs may be quite expensive depending on where you live. However, you can finance your order through Affirm, or use an eligible FSA or HSA to pay. Certain products may not be ready to ship right away, though you’ll see the shipping lead time when you go to order—at the time of writing, the STEPR wouldn’t be ready to ship for about 3 weeks.

STEPR claims a 30- to 45-minute setup time, but ours was delivered and assembled by a white glove delivery service, so we don’t have personal experience with assembling the STEPR. 

Customer Reviews

On the STEPR website, the average rating is 4.6 out of 5, with 88 reviews. 

Most customers are very happy with their purchase. Some reviews specifically mention how the screen continues to improve with updates. 

Final Verdict of Our STEPR Review

Overall, the STEPR is a good choice for anyone who wants a great workout at home and loves using stair climbers. In fact, Coop loved it so much that he wants to take it home and use it in his garage gym, so his wife and kids can also enjoy it. 

It’s compact, and while the steps are smaller than traditional stair climbers, it’s significantly more affordable than commercial machines. 

If you have the money to spare and want a challenging way to get your cardio done at home, the STEPR is a solid choice. 

• The small frame is designed to fit through most doorways and won’t take up too much space in your home gym. 
• The shorter steps may feel awkward at first, but you’ll quickly adjust with regular use. 
• If you want the 27-inch touchscreen, you’ll need to pay an extra fee, but there are no ongoing membership fees to use the software. 

Full Rating

STEPR

The STEPR is a smart stair climber that features a 27-inch HD swiveling touchscreen. The STEPR has a compact design and a “Fit Anywhere Promise”—the machine can fit through traditional doorways and has a suggested ceiling height of 8 feet.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 4999.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.95

STEPR: FAQs

If you’re looking for cardio equipment, a perfect example of this is the Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike, or the Sole LCR. While it’s one of the best recumbent bikes on the market, it’s also one of the priciest exercise bikes. 

Dubbed by GGR Everything’s lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele as “the crème-de-la-gym of recumbent bikes,” is the LCR worth your hard-earned money? In this Sole LCR Recumbent Bike review, I’ll go over the pros and cons of this recumbent bike to see if it makes sense for you and your home gym.

Your Sole Source for Expert Testing and Honest Reviews

There’s no getting around it: Our team at Garage Gym Reviews is full of expertise in the fitness world. With certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and competitive runners and weightlifters, our team has the experience to bring you the best information on the latest and greatest fitness equipment and cardio machines on the market.

For the Sole LCR in particular, Lindsay Scheele, an ISSA-certified personal trainer and the face of GGR Everything, tried out the recumbent exercise bike at varying levels of resistance, trying out the bike and rating features of the machine from 1 to 5, such as:

• Footprint and portability
• Delivery and setup
• Durability
• Adjustability and customizations
• Tech capabilities
• Conveniences
• Value

Sole LCR Bike

Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike

GGR Score: 4.39

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 40 resistance levels
• Step-through frame
• Wireless phone charging
• Comfortable seat
• Lifetime frame warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 40 magnetic resistance levels
• Padded seat and backrest
• Step-through frame
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Expensive
• Feels heavy

Bottom Line

The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a durable and high-value recumbent bike that our testers liked for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and great warranty.

A Quick Look at the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

Sole Fitness focuses on creating fitness equipment primed for performance and longevity. Although they also have strength equipment, most of their products focus on cardiovascular endurance: treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and bikes.

The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike and Sole LCR are among their recumbent bike lineup, but Sole also has upright bikes available, including the Sole LCB (Light Commercial Bike).

The LCR Recumbent Bike is rated for light commercial settings…think school weight rooms, fitness studios, or physical therapy offices. Built for multiple users and to get a small amount of traffic, the LCR is built to last, with an impressive 31-pound flywheel and a steel frame that supports a user weight capacity of 350 pounds.

Additionally, the recumbent bike has some added features and perks, such as a phone or tablet holder, Bluetooth speakers, cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. This piece of exercise equipment has just about every amenity you can think of for cardio equipment. Plus, it can challenge you at any fitness level with 40 levels of magnetic resistance.

Before You Buy

• The Sole LCR comes mostly pre-assembled, with the last bit of assembly taking less than 30 minutes, according to Lindsay. Still, if the 173-pound box weight seems daunting to you, Sole Fitness does offer delivery to your room of choice and white-glove assembly—for an extra $199 or $350, respectively.
• Although this bike is worth a chunk of change, Sole Fitness does have financing available through Shop Pay. Be sure to see if you qualify before making your purchase.
• Even though it’s pricey, the Sole LCR has one of the best warranties we’ve seen for the frame—a lifetime warranty, which is rare to see with cardio equipment.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Video Review

Is the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Worth It?

The Sole LCR is rated for commercial use, but is it worth it for home use? It’ll depend on your budget and what you’re looking for. At $1,799, the Sole LCR is definitely a premium item. “You’re approaching $2,000, which is a massive price tag for a recumbent bike,” Lindsay adds. 

Other higher-end bikes, like the NordicTrack Commercial R35, are $300 cheaper. On the budget side, you can find items like the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike for as low as $220. So the Sole LCR Bike is certainly a more expensive item and might be overkill for light home use.

RELATED: Best Budget Recumbent Bikes

Lindsay rates the value a 4 out of 5, however, because with the premium price tag comes a premium product. The bike is durable with a ton of convenience and ergonomics built into it. If you’re looking for a recumbent bike to get a lot of use out of, this is a fantastic choice with an extended warranty—since it’s built for commercial settings. While the price may be enough to deter some folks, the recumbent bike is worth it for those who want a premium, long-lasting recumbent bike.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Specs

Using the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike 

GGR Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, admits, “Recumbent bikes aren’t my favorite piece of equipment, although I know there are people who can get a lot of benefit out of it.” Still, she gave the LCR a spin (pun intended) and was actually surprised at the performance of the bike.

RELATED: Recumbent Bike Benefits

With a whopping 40 levels of magnetic resistance provided by the hefty flywheel weight of 31 pounds, Lindsay could feel a big difference in the increasing levels of resistance. She says, “Whenever I test recumbent bikes, I’m a little disappointed; the multiple levels of resistance never quite get to be enough of a challenge for me.

“The Sole LCR was different though. Getting to the end of the 40 levels of resistance, I was slogging through the workout,” Lindsay adds. “The resistance is definitely there if you’re looking for a challenge.” She rates the customization for the bike a 5 out of 5.

Footprint and Portability

Fully assembled, the Sole LCR is 56 inches long and 29 inches wide, which isn’t quite as bulky as the best ellipticals or treadmills, but it’s pretty big for an exercise bike. Still, the 152-pound bike can be maneuvered with transport wheels and a handle in the back—although Lindsay warns it was still deceptively heavier than she would’ve thought. She rates the footprint and portability a 4 out of 5.

RELATED: Recumbent Bike vs Upright Bike

Durability

The LCR Recumbent Bike is built solid with a steel frame and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The 31-pound flywheel goes above and beyond most recumbent bikes, as Lindsay comments that 25-pound flywheels are a good and durable size for quiet and long-lasting performance. She rates the durability a solid 4.5 out of 5.

What’s also nice about the LCR is the comfort built into the bike. With cushioned pedals and a large cushioned seat and back pad, the LCR is going to feel nice while you’re biking. “Other recumbent bikes have a vented back pad to allow for airflow, but the LCR keeps the seat and back fully cushioned,” Lindsay says. “This is probably one of the most comfortable seats I’ve tested on recumbent bikes.”

Technology and Conveniences

The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike has quite a few added perks and benefits. The handlebars allow for heart rate monitoring, the adjustable seat moves forward and back to accommodate cyclists of all sizes, there are two cup holders, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity. Lindsay gives the technological capabilities of the LCR a 4.5 out of 5.

RELATED: Recumbent Bike Exercises and Workouts

The LCD display is a 10.1-inch touchscreen that Lindsay says is pretty intuitive. “You don’t have to scroll and scroll to find what you’re looking for; it’s very easy to use,” she explains. The LCR does have 10 pre-programmed workouts available on the bike, but it also has compatibility with smart devices, allowing you to mirror your screen for fitness apps like the Sole app or iFIT. You can also set up Netflix and watch your favorite shows.

Another added feature which is quickly becoming common on Sole machines is a wireless charging station, so you can mirror your screen without worry of your phone losing battery power.

As far as the programming goes, Lindsay says it’s so-so. She also has gripes about the Sole app, mostly that there are inconsistencies with the sound. Lindsay says, “Either the music is coming in too quiet, or it’s too loud and I can barely hear the instructor.” She rates the machine’s conveniences a 4 out of 5.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike vs NordicTrack Commercial R35

NordicTrack Commercial R35

NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike

GGR Score: 3.98

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Easy-glide horizontal seat adjustment
• Oversized lumbar support
• Max user weight of 350 lbs
• 14” HD smart touchscreen display
• Bluetooth audio capabilities
• 26 levels of digital resistance
• Free 30-day iFIT family membership
• Automatic trainer control settings

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High weight capacity
• Interactive screen
• 2 digitally amplified speakers with Bluetooth capabilities
• Ergonomic pedals and lumbar support
• Quiet and smooth ride

Cons

• Large footprint
• Not easily transported
• No pre-programmed workout options

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a recumbent bike that offers immersive training, NordicTrack’s R35 is a high-quality one worth considering.

If you’re looking for a recumbent bike for home use, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a strong contender when compared with the Sole LCR, most notably due to its price. At just under $1,500, the R35 is a more reasonable price for a high-end recumbent bike. Both have the same weight capacity and a decent touchscreen. 

However, the Sole LCR has a bigger flywheel with more resistance levels and customizations. Additionally, the warranty is much more robust on Sole’s option. For a $1,500 bike like the Commercial R35, we would like to see a warranty longer than 10 years on the frame.

I think the determining factor between these two is if you’re looking for a bit more value in the R35, or a bit more performance from the Sole LCR. Both are solid options, it just depends on what your preference is.

You can read our full thoughts in our NordicTrack Commercial R35 review.

Customer Experience

Sole Fitness customer service can be contacted by phone or email listed on their website. The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike has one of the most solid warranties we’ve seen from a piece of cardio equipment:

• Lifetime warranty on the frame
• 3-year warranty on parts and wear items
• 1-year warranty on labor
• 90-day warranty on cosmetic items

Along with this, Sole Fitness also has a 30-day money-back guarantee on their products. Even better is that they don’t require boxing up the product before returning it. It’ll be picked up the way it was shipped however; so if you ordered curbside shipping, the cardio machine has to be placed in an accessible location to be picked up curbside. Likewise, room delivery will be picked up in your room. Sole Fitness receives a 5 out of 5 for their warranty and policies.

Ordering and Assembling the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The Sole LCR can be ordered directly from Sole Fitness, and financing is available through Shop Pay—although you’ll have to see if you qualify.

Sole Fitness offers free curbside delivery for all of their products, but you can upgrade the LCR’s delivery to the room of your choice for $199 extra, or to the room of your choice with white glove assembly for an extra $350. The bike comes mostly pre-assembled, though; Lindsay says the assembly takes less than 30 minutes. “And 30 minutes is being generous, it’ll probably be much less,” she adds. 

Because of this, the white glove assembly probably won’t be worth it for most people—but the option is nice if you’re worried about moving the bike around and putting it together. Lindsay rates the delivery and setup a 4.5 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

There aren’t any customer reviews on the Sole LCR’s product page. However, Google Shopping has a few reviews on the recumbent bike—11 at the time of this writing—that averages to 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Positive reviews enjoy the build and performance of the recumbent bike, as well as adding that they had no issues with the delivery of the bike, whether it was white glove or curbside delivery. 

Negative reviews mostly dealt with the technological parts of the bike. Many reviews were critical of the Sole app’s compatibility, saying they struggled to connect the app to the bike. Others struggled with powering the machine and the charging port. I’d recommend studying the instruction manual if you have any issues with the electrical parts of the bike.

Final Verdict of Our Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Review

If you’re a home gym owner wanting a recumbent bike for some light use in your home, the Sole LCR will certainly do a great job, but you might be able to find a good, durable bike with better value. However, if you know your bike will get a lot of use—either from you or other users—this bike is high-quality and certain to last. Plus, it’s backed by a hefty warranty to protect you if it is faulty. This is a premium product, albeit at a premium price.

Full Rating

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a durable and high-value recumbent bike that our testers liked for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and great warranty.

Product Brand: Sole Fitness

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1799.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.39

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike: FAQs