Pure Fitness Mini-Stepper

I had purchased one mini stepper before at Target and returned it after using it once to get the money back. This mini stepper seems sturdier with the step pedals. I purchased it at Burlington Coat Factory on sale and could tell it might be broken because the box was taped up as if it had been opened. One of the step foot rests at the top is broken. I don''t really need it though. Unfortunately, the sensor was broken but I realized this might be a good thing so I don''t count calories or get caught up in how many steps I take either. After 2x use, the thick cable began squeaking loudly but I will buy WD-40 to stop the noise. Perhaps it''s because I was not using the stretch cords right but one just broke today on about the 5th time using it. However, I still like this mini stepper and would recommend it if you are like me and just looking for a sturdy mini stepper to use while watching tv to get some exercise. I bought it for $30-32 so that would explain why I don''t mind so much the broken parts. I don''t like that the stretch cord broke, however. I will try to repair it with crazy glue. Don''t expect all of these things wrong with a brand new one but expect some of this might happen. Mine was probably a display model. FYI, I am very out of shape so after setting up the step height as instructed, I realized I had to lower the height difference between the pedals for an easier workout. I will twist the knob every couple weeks to build my way up to the correct height difference. I''d suggest this for anyone with the same problem. I just want this one to last at least 6 months. I''d love it last one year. Then, I''d get the exact same mini stepper, probably from Amazon, unless I find a better one for the same kind of affordable price.

EDIT: I updated this review yesterday on 3/13/12 to give it 3 stars instead since the thick cable holding the steps together broke the day before. I was going to return it to the store where I bought it but it was over the 30 days refund date. I had used the stepper for about 6 weeks only. However, it is a great thing that I decided to email Pure Global since it turns out that they will mail you parts replacements FREE. I requested a replacement cable, 2 new stretch cords and the wire to try to get the broken sensor wire working if possible. I am thinking the cable broke in the middle of a workout because I had just twisted the knob recently to raise the steps closer to the 1-inch height difference listed in the manual and that put much more tension on the cable so it snapped. I had previously lowered the steps to begin working out since I was so out of shape when I started. Also, I had sometimes used the mini stepper for double the 20 minutes only daily recommendation. Due to the FREE parts replacements, I once again rate this mini stepper 4 stars. It doesn''t merit 5 stars since parts have broken.

2nd EDIT: I received the free parts I needed in a week so was very happy, only to start stepping again and have the metal frame break where the knob goes in. Couldn''t figure out what the loud noise was until I was unable to move the pedals from the ground where both rested after the metal frame broke apart. Unsalvageable really unless a great welder can weld the metal back together but then it might break apart again. The thing is that I did not even have the pedals at the recommended distance apart and had set them to less distance for an easier workout = less stress on the machine. This is a cheaply made machine but there are even cheaper out there. I just tried New Balance''s mini stepper and it seems so much better constructed that I will give it a try. I had to lower the rating on this stepper to 2 stars and do NOT recommend that you buy it. I am average-sized and average height so could not have put too much stress on this stepper. I did use it for 30 minutes and 40 minutes a few times and once for an hour but it shouldn''t have broken after one month and a half. The only thing I can think of is that maybe I pumped the pedals too rapidly sometimes in trying to get a good workout? But, again, the pedals were not 6 inches apart so the stress and tension was greatly reduced since I had it set for much less distance apart. DON''T BUY THIS.