Features:

• State-of-the-art stair stepper for superior cardio and lower body workout
• Cushioned, one-piece foot pedals, side handrails, and easy-grip upper body handles
• Step range of 1 to 14 inches and step rate of 26 to 174 steps per minute
• 20 resistance levels; six workout programs; easy-to-read, backlit LCD display
• Measures 32 x 69 x 41 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 155 pounds; 15-year frame warranty

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
You can can climb to the top of physical fitness when working out on this Stairmaster® FreeClimber® 4600PT. The 1-piece soft pedals offer the ultimate in stepping comfort with ergonomically designed side handrails to accommodate a wide range of users. You can choose from 20 resistance levels and monitor your heart rate with Polar®-compatible wireless monitoring. You can also select from 6 workouts like Quick Start and Fat Burner.

Amazon.com Product Description:
The latest evolution of state-of-the-art climbing machines, the 4600PT FreeClimber delivers a vigorous cardio workout in the comfort of your own home. The 4600PT is outfitted with an electronically controlled alternator with a chain drive that precisely controls the pedal descent, letting a wide range of users find the perfect workout pace for their fitness level. The patented independent pedal geometry, meanwhile, keeps the pedals level throughout, ensuring a biomechanically correct movement that won't strain your muscles over the long term. And thanks to the cushioned, one-piece foot pedals, the side handrails, and the easy-grip upper-body handles, almost anyone can find a comfortable stepping position.

The 4600PT offers a step range of 1 to 14 inches and a step rate of 26 to 174 steps per minute, depending on whether you want to step hard or maintain an easy pace. Also along for the ride is an easy-to-read, custom LCD display that offers six workout programs with integrated progress monitors: quick start, manual, fat burner, calorie burner, speed intervals, and heart rate zone trainer. And serious workout enthusiasts will dig the nationally recognized fitness test, which gauges individual progress, and the custom firefighter fitness test (CPAT). Other details include 20 resistance levels, Polar-compatible wireless heart rate monitoring, a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, and such user amenities as a reading rack, water bottle holder, and accessory tray.

The 4600PT, which measures 32 by 69 by 41 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 155 pounds, requires a 110-volt, 15 amp outlet (power transformer included). It also carries the following warranties: 15 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, and one year on labor and wear items.

Key Features:

• Electronically controlled alternator with chain drive precisely controls the pedal descent allowing a wide range of users to exercise smoothly within their comfort zones
• Patented, independent pedal geometry with four-bar linkage keeps pedals level to ensure a safe, biomechanically correct movement

  The 4600PT Stepper offers an easy-to-read, back-lit C40 LCD console to track your workout metrics.

• One-piece soft pedals offer the ultimate in stepping comfort
• Ergonomically designed side handrails accommodate a wide range of users
• Speed range from 26 to 174 steps per minute
• Backed by 17 years of proven performance
• 20 resistance levels, water bottle holder, reading rack and accessory tray included

Specifications:

• Resistance Levels: 20
• Step Range: 1" to 14"/2.5 to 36 cm
• Step Rate: 26 to 174 steps/minute
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Polar-compatible wireless
• Computer Display Type: C40 Custom LCD
• Workouts: 6 Programs - quick start, manual, fat burner, calorie burner, speed intervals, heart rate zone trainer
• Fitness Tests: Multi-stage Fit Test and CPAT Fire Fit Test
• Product Dimensions: 41"L x 32"W x 69"H (104L x 89W x 176H cm)
• Machine Weight: 155 pounds/70 kg
• Console Accessories: Reading rack, water bottle holder, and accessory tray
• Power Requirements: 110 volt, 15 amp outlet (power transformer included)
• Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds (136 kg)

Manufacturer's Warranty
Parts - 3 years, labor and wear items - 1 year, frame - 15 years

About StairMaster
In 1983, a Tulsa, Oklahoma company created a fitness training product line that stepped up exercise to a new level--StairMaster machines. The invention was credited for being "among the first machines to turn gyms into modern exercise arenas" by USA Today, the nation’s most popular daily newspaper. Along with PDAs, laptops, and mobile phones, StairMaster machines have been labeled among the top 25 inventions that changed our lives over the past 25 years (USA Today, May 21, 2007). In fact, it was the only fitness product on the list.

More than two decades later, StairMaster products are still hard at work in gyms and homes preparing everyone from elite athletes to people in uniform, while being mentioned almost daily in the nation’s news media and sitcoms like Seinfeld. Ed Viesturs, America’s leading high-altitude mountaineer, relies on StairMaster trainers to prepare for climbs such as Mount Everest. "I do an hour on a StairMaster with a 50-pound pack on my back after simulating climbing movements in the gym," said Viesturs in Outdoor magazine. "These sessions hurt, but not as much as having to walk away from a climb because you weren't fit enough."

American hero Jim Campbell also looks to StairMaster trainers to maintain his physical readiness. A firefighter from Indianapolis, Campbell set the StairMaster StepMill record in 2006 (113.4 vertical miles in 24 hours). More than just a hobby, Campbell put his intensive training to use by rescuing a person trapped on the second story of a burning building--a feat that earned him a special commendation. Campbell joins thousands of firefighters who routinely train on StairMaster products to maintain top form. Are StairMaster machines a good solution for safe and effective lower body and cardio conditioning? Just ask each new firefighter candidate who must achieve 60 steps per minute for 3 minutes on a StairMaster StepMill while wearing a 50-pound vest and fire protective clothing ("turnouts").

Rating : - Best Cardio Machine Ever!
Next to the treadmill, the Stairmaster 4000 and 4600 PT are the best cardio machines ever. I've been overweight for the first 19 years of my life. Enough was enough so I decided to join a gym. But after 2 months of seeing no results, I was on the verge of giving up.

Then, I discovered the Stairmaster. The Stairmaster was what did it for me-- cutting my weight in half! Still at it after 13 years, I never go a day without a Stairmaster work out and never worry about yo-yo weight gains and losses.

The down side, however, is the latest machines are not as durable and reliable as the mid 90's versions. Furthermore, they are even more tougher to use (they feel stiffer than the older versions)-- but that does put your body to the test even more!

Furthermore, most health clubs no longer carry this machine or if they do, they carry very few machines. Most consider this machine too difficult to use and opt for the "easy no-sweat" ellipticals (which I really just can't see how someone can actually lose weight on these things).

But if you are serious about seeing results, and are willing to put the 30 minutes a day into it, this is the machine for you! Just start slow and once your body gets used to it, it will feel routine and you will see results! Too bad this machine is losing it's popularity.

P.S. You might also want to run on a treadmill for 2 minutes or so before and after (to warm up and cool down)