The ProForm XP StrideClimber 600 Elliptical -- a Stair Stepper/Strider Combination

What you’ll find in the ProForm XP StrideClimber 600 elliptical is a machine that combines a stair stepper with a strider. While some purists shun ramp ellipticals because of the presence of the climber mode, other fitness enthusiasts love taking advantage of the variety offered in a steep workout.

What You Get

Some of the attractive features on the $1199 XP StrideClimber 600 model include the iFIT™ journal that stores all of your fitness data so you can track your progress up to 10 years, and a target trainer which displays an indicator light when your workout is too slow or too fast and you need to adjust your pace to be in your target zone.

And of course, the ProForm XP Strideclimber 600 elliptical also comes with the patented StrideClimber™ to give you that tough stair stepper workout. Other features include:

• 18" stride length
• 8 workout programs
• 10 resistance levels
• Silent magnetic resistance
• Dual-grip heart rate monitor
• Built in water bottle holder
• 275 lb. user capacity
• 90 day warranty on parts & labor

The Word on the Street

Experts continue to warn that the Proform XP StrideClimber 600 elliptical (like the rest of Proform’s line in the sub $1500 price range) is strictly built for light to moderate use.

If you plan on doing 20 minutes a day for a few times a week you’ll be fine, but people who really want to kick in with strenuous daily workouts, or where there will be multiple users in the household, are advised against getting any trainer under $1500.

UPDATE: ProForm no longer makes the StrideClimber ellipticals.  You can check out all of the latest ProForm elliptical trainers here.

One problem many consumers cite is the response from Proform in regards to getting replacement parts for the XP StrideClimber 600 elliptical -- not repairs -- parts! A missing part in the factory shipped box happens occasionally to most of us, but it seems to happen a little too often with Proform. Other than that oddity, consumers are lukewarm in their response to the reliability and stability of this model.

Our Thoughts

It’s a marketing ploy that a company will keep its parts and labor warranty deliberately short in the hopes that you’ll spring for their optional 2-year extended warranty at check-out. But in that case, if you’re agreeable to paying more money, why not buy a better machine rather than a longer warranty on a suspect model?

The Proform XP StrideClimber 600 elliptical is not designed for heavy-duty use and consumer complaints are just too numerous to ignore.

We’d recommend a pass on this one and suggest you take a look at either the NordicTrack Elite 1300 or the Sole E35 for their superior mechanical durability and value at about the same price.