Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This just arrived so it's too soon to say, but I REALLY miss my Aspen stepper that lasted forever and would probably still be going strong if I hadn't lent it to my kids who left it out in the rain and ruined it. PROS: It was relatively easy to assemble; it's made of steel rather than plastic; it has a built in timer (also a scan, calorie counter and stroke counter), but the accuracy of these things is dubious at best, and I'm not one to use them anyway; it doesn't take up much space and is easy to move. CONS: The tension adjustment knob is a joke. From the easiest to the most difficult setting is so subtle, I barely noticed it. Even at the most difficult setting, going as fast as I could, I didn't perspire at all; for people who are used to steppers, the twisting motion is a bit awkward, and since it came with no exercise instructions, perhaps there's something I'm missing to the advantages of twisting; at full extension, the handle bars don't go up very high, and they don't move. If you're someone just embarking on an exercise routine, don't want to spend a lot of money and don't have a lot of space, this will probably work just fine. However, for the athletically inclined who already work out regularly, this will probably be a bit of a disappointment. Update: Have now had this for a while and need to mention that 1) the tension adjustment knob does work but ONLY WORKS IF YOU LET THE STEPPER SIT FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF HOURS. If you try adjusting it without letting is sit undisturbed, you will NOT feel any difference; and 2) the 250# weight limit is a joke. My husband, who weighs 195, can't use it at all. If he does, the cable screws (as others have commented) break off. He's handy, so he's been able to fix it each time, but after 3 or 4 times, he just will no longer use it. For me, it's not much of a work out, but I do use it. Update a little over a year later: The cable broke, and the manufacturer has been unresponsive. So into the trash it sadly goes. Due to a major design flaw in construction, the cable is forced to stretch, wear down and eventually break with use over time. A hydraulic resistance system would be a major design improvement. So if you don't mind a machine that will only last about a year, this stepper is fine. But if you want something that will last longer, I'd give it a miss.