| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProGear 9900 Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:26.5" H:59" | 220 lbs | 29 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, RPM, Watts, Pulse, Bluetooth |
The ProGear 9900 is a crossover between a stepper and an elliptical trainer. It offers a pedaling motion similar to a stepper, but its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. It’s also smaller than the average front-drive elliptical machine, and due to its fairly heavy flywheel, it provides a consistent workout. Therefore, if you haven’t decided whether you need an elliptical or a stepper, maybe this machine can fit perfectly to your needs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 26.5W x 59H inches (114L x 67W x 150H cm)
- Assembled weight: 116.8 lbs (53 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Stride: 9 inches (23 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, speed, RPM, distance, odometer, calories, watts, pulse, Bluetooth
- Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder
- Warranty: 5 years
Frame construction
The ProGear 9900 elliptical stepper machine features a durable steel frame, combining cylindrical, ovalized, 
and rectangular bars in its construction. The base frame, along with the pedal bars, is coated with a black powder finish, while the upright mast is gray in color; these are the only colors available for this machine. The paint finish is chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
As we’ve mentioned above, compared to the average front-drive elliptical, this machine is considerably smaller. Its footprint is only 45″L x 26.5″W (114 x 67 cm), while its height reaches approx. 59″ (150 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access and safe usage.
Despite its small footprint, the machine is fairly heavy. It weighs over 116 lbs (53 kg), so it is recommended to be transported by two persons. However, once it is fully assembled, its relocation can be done with ease via the small wheels integrated into its front bar.
Considering its weight, the machine provides excellent stability. Not only that, but it also has a low center of gravity. Plus, its three base bars are all equipped with adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level it on any type of floor.
As opposed to elliptical trainers, the ProGear 9900 does not have mobile arms. Both its handlebar sets are fixed. But on the other hand, both handlebar sets have a multi-grip design, they’re covered by a layer of rubber-foam material to provide a secure grip, while the lower grips integrate stainless steel pulse sensors.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
First of all, the pedals of the ProGear 9900 elliptical stepper machine are attached to a set of durable, curved steel
bars. These bars are connected to the crank arms and glide on the oblique rails of the unit on a set of heavy-duty rollers. The pedal trays are made of durable ABS material; they feature front and side borders to provide better foot stability. They also have a non-slip surface. However, they are non-adjustable and do not have any extra cushioning.
Since the machine is an elliptical and stepper hybrid, it offers an oblique elliptical path, delivering a pedaling motion which is closer to a stepper than an elliptical. The unit’s stride is approx. 9″ (23 cm). This being said, it should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). Also, the pedal weight capacity is 220 lbs (100 kg).
The unit does not have an incline system like various other elliptical trainers, such as the Nautilus E618, for example. At their lowest point to the floor, the pedals are at approx. 5″ (12 cm). Also, when they’re at the lowest position, the pedals are slightly inclined backward which makes stepping on them much easier, especially when coming from the back of the machine. Conversely, the maximum pedal elevation is approx. 16″ (40 cm). These being said, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The ProGear 9900 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means the machine does not
require an external power source. Although the tension knob is incorporated into the console, the machine has a mechanical brake without an internal motor, which is directly connected to the knob through a steel cable. This also means the console cannot automatically control the resistance. You can only adjust the pedaling difficulty manually.
The machine’s resistance knob makes available 8 difficulty levels. The lowest one provides a fairly light pedal tension, basically powered only by the weight of the flywheel. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers considerably more resistance, great for achieving a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time, and provide a more intense workout.
The ProGear 9900 elliptical stepper features an open flywheel design. The integrated flywheel is fairly heavy compared to other similar machines. It weighs 29 lbs (~13 kg) and is perimeter-weighted for more inertia and improved stability.
The transmission between the pulley and the flywheel of the machine is done via a heavy-duty poly-v belt. This type of drive system comes with a few advantages. First of all, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. And second of all, you don’t have to go through the hassle of lubricating it.
Console
Since the machine does not have an automatic resistance system, the console is basically just an exercise meter. 
This means it does not have preset programs; it only tracks your main workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance (odometer), speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse. It features an LCD display divided into 9 sections, in order to show all the metrics at once, so you won’t have to use a Scan function to rotate them. Also, since the machine’s resistance knob is incorporated into the console, the unit shows the selected resistance level.
The distance and odometer functions can only be displayed in kilometers. However, for the speed function, you can select either KM/H or MPH, via the Mode button. The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the console to zero, except the odometer, which can only be cleared by removing the batteries from the unit.
For the pulse reading function, the console does not have an internal receiver. Therefore, it cannot communicate with an HR chest strap. So, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.
Although the console unit does not have preset programs, it does have an integrated Bluetooth module. Therefore, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the MyCloudFitness App. This app gives you the possibility to select workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned, as well as keep track of your workout progress online.
Last but not least, the console requires two AAA batteries as a power source. It starts up when you press the Mode button. It also automatically turns off after approx. 3.5 minutes of inactivity on the stepper.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of this elliptical trainer comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the belt, the pulley, the pedal bars, are already attached to the base frame. Therefore, you only have to connect the front and rear base bars, unfold and fix the console mast in upright position, attach the pedal trays, the handlebars, the console, and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. All the necessary tools are included. Also, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine has a belt drive system, so its transmission does not require lubrication. So, for maintenance, you only need to keep the unit clean, especially the pedal rail bars, and periodically check for loose parts. Other than this, the machine’s joints may need lubrication from time to time.
The Pros
- Solid frame with a low center of gravity for extra stability;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Durable, non-slip pedals;
- Two sets of multi-grip handlebars;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the lower handlebars;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel (29 lbs) for a more consistent momentum;
- Zero-friction magnetic resistance system with 8 difficulty levels available;
- LCD display console which can track time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, pulse, and the selected resistance level;
- KM/H and MPH options for the speed reading;
- Bluetooth function and compatibility with the MyCloudFitness App;
- Batteries for the console are included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Silent operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console;
- The calorie reading isn’t too accurate.
Summary
The ProGear 9900 is a stepper-elliptical crossover designed for home use. It is equipped with a 29 lbs open flywheel, a magnetic resistance system, and an exercise meter which covers all the important workout metrics. The meter is also Bluetooth capable and compatible with the MyCloudFitness app which allows you to track your progress online and set up goals for your workouts. It’s an excellent trainer for light to mid-range cardio training with a low impact on the joints, muscle toning, boosting stamina, weight loss, and interval training.