| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marnur Elliptical Stepper Check Discounted Price | L:38.7" W:25.6" H:62.2" | 300 lbs | Belt | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan |
The Marnur Elliptical Stepper is one of the fitness machines released in 2020. It is similar to the Body Power BST800 or the MaxKare Cardio Climber but lacks the moving arms feature. However, it offers a greater weight capacity and is equipped with a heavier flywheel.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 38.7L x 25.6W x 62.2H inches (98L x 65W x 158H cm)
- Gross weight: 83.6 lbs (38 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) vertical, 10.24 inches (26 cm) horizontal
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: 24 months
Frame construction
The Marnur Elliptical Stepper features a sturdy frame made of steel tubing. It combines rectangular, cylindrical, 
and oval bars in its construction. All of them are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, gray in color, this being the only color available for this trainer. The only exception is the flywheel which has a chrome finish. Also, the machine integrates several plastic parts, the most notable ones being the pedal trays, the flywheel side panels, and the pulley system covers.
Similar to other elliptical climbers, the Marnur model doesn’t take too much space. Its assembled footprint is only 38.7″L x 25.6″W (98 x 65 cm). It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access. Also, its highest point is 62.2″ (158 cm) above the floor.
The fully assembled trainer is not super heavy. It weighs around 80 lbs (36 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled it is even easier to move as its front base stabilizer is equipped with transport wheels. Also, both its base bars have adjustable levelers.
As we’ve mentioned above, this Marnur cardio climber does not have moving arms like the MaxKare model but does have a multi-grip handlebar. The handlebar attaches to the upright mast assembly via several screws so it is non-adjustable. Evidently, since it is not attached to the pedal system, its grips do not move when you pedal. All of its grips have sleeves made of high-density foam for improved contact. The top grips also integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor can track your pulse if you hold on to them.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
First of all, the Marnur Elliptical Stepper does not have an incline system. This means that you cannot adjust the
length of its stride or the angle of the elliptical path. It offers approx. 6.5″ (16.5 cm) of vertical stride and 10.24 (26 cm) of horizontal stride. This being said, the applicable user height range is 4’9″ – 6’5″ (145 – 196 cm). Also, the maximum user weight limit is 300 lbs (136 kg).
The machine’s pedals are pretty sturdy. The pedal trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They have front guards and a textured surface for improved foot stability. They’re also large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They attach to two curved steel bars which slide on the inclined path of the machine. The wheels at the base of the pedal bars are V-shaped. They integrate ball bearings for a smooth motion. Also, the tracks feature stainless steel plate covers to protect their paint finish.
Since the machine is a climber, not a regular elliptical trainer, the pedaling motion resembles climbing or going up a set of stairs. The motion is ampler than the one of a stepper. It’s also very smooth generating a low impact on the joints and lower back.
The pedal setp-up height (lowest position) is approx. 8″ (20 cm) above the floor. Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals reach a height of approx. 14″ (36 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use this machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the height of the tallest user.
Drive and resistance
The Marnur Elliptical Stepper is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t
need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the machine cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the base frame under the flywheel and connected to the tension knob on top of the front mast through a steel cable. As you turn the knob, the brake moves closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
Evidently, the main advantage of the magnetic resistance system is that the brake pad does not touch the flywheel. Thus, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. The pad doesn’t suffer any wear and tear; it also should not need replacement or any maintenance.
The machine makes available 8 levels of resistance. The lowest one provides a fairly light pedal tension, basically powered only by the weight of the flywheel. The 8th tension level delivers considerably more resistance, great for achieving a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time, and provides a more intense workout.
The Marnur Cardio Climber is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel similar to the ones in spin bikes. The flywheel is smaller, though, only 18.1″ (46 cm) in diameter and weighs 20 lbs (9 kg). The perimeter-weighting is meant to generate a more consistent pedaling motion and improved inertia. The flywheel is bi-directional. This means that you can pedal in reverse if you want, so you can put some diversity into your workouts. However, coasting is not possible on this machine, and when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected level.
The machine features a belt drive system. This type of drivetrain comes with several advantages. First of all, it generates less vibration than a chain so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. And second of all, the belt doesn’t require periodic lubrication.
Fitness monitor
The Marnur Elliptical Stepper is equipped with a pretty standard 3-button fitness monitor. It features a large LCD 
display (without backlight) that tracks time, calories, speed, distance, total distance, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip-contact only. In other words, the monitor unit cannot be paired with a Polar HR chest strap. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors.
The monitor unit does not have any pre-set programs or online connectivity. It has three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button offers the possibility to select workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned. When a goal is selected, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. The Mode button covers the selection function. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the metrics and select the one you want to view. The unit also has a Scan Mode which you can also select from the Mode button. In Scan Mode, the unit automatically rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. And finally, the Reset button allows you to clear all the metrics on the display to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. A set of batteries is included with the machine. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the trainer for more than 4 minutes.
Last but not least, the top section of the fitness monitor can act as a tablet or phone holder. It features a backrest large enough to accommodate most tablets. However, the console does not have any connection ports for your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s base frame with the flywheel, the magnetic brake, and the belt, comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the upright mast, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, you only need to keep your stepper clean. The belt and the other internal parts do not require lubrication, but if the joints of the pedals become noisy, a bit of lubricant may be required. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that all the parts are functioning correctly.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction with a low center of gravity for extra stability;
- Can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Compact design – does not take too much space;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both bases;
- Durable, non-slip pedals;
- Multi-grip handlebar assembly;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the top handlebars;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Zero-friction magnetic resistance system with 8 difficulty levels available;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Silent operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Very little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
f with a frame and pedals that can withstand users up to 300 lbs. In all, it’s a fairly decent elliptical stepper, great for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.