Versaclimber Review - Update

After popular demand, here is a new update video of the Versaclimber. It's one badass machine.
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[@rotex]

I have had my Versa Climber for over 15 years, it was about $5,000. The same machine is over $6,000 now. It's a love, hate thing. It's the ultimate cardio machine. My resting pulse runs about 38 BPM.

[@MarkWildman]

i gotta get mine back. it is a love hate thing for sure

[@zahidhasan7052]

Do you do any other cardio? 38 BPM is awesome.

[@jakeryangerdau5103]

Bruh are you sure you are alive?😂

[@1versaclimber1]

very true, love to hate it. But love the results every time - we totally understand.

[@Everest_Climber]

I'm 62yo and climb height of Everest every 4 days. My resting pulse is 55bpm. 10 years ago I was a cripple on morphine 24x7.

[@megawedgie5068]

Awesome review, thank you!

[@MrDadzMad]

Would love one of these - and in an ideal world a Jacob’s Ladder machine, too! 😆 As you’ve said here, they’re brilliant for the outdoor athlete. The only thing that has been putting me off so far is the cost. In the past I’ve used a low box and stepped up onto it wearing my mountaineering boots and a weighted rucksack (looks a bit weird but what the hell!) Unfortunately, having to constantly do the loaded step back down exacerbated a knee injury, so that wasn’t a long-term solution. And yes, those climbs around Ben Nevis - especially getting out of Glen Nevis and up onto the Mamore range just south of the Ben - are crazy steep and long climbs, because they go from sea level to 4000ft in one hit. As hard if not harder than many climbs in the Alps!

[@mikes3523]

I've never used a versaclimber but I would love to try one. I use a rogue echo (airbike) regularly and love it. $750 and built tough as hell.

[@milagosthomas9141]

@@MrTokyoUbaYokai No one needed you to police his comment but here we are.

[@carlwendel]

Do u think versaclimber is kinda similar to assault bike because the versa is hard to find in any gyms

[@mikes3523]

@@carlwendel They may be similar in quality the workout but they are very different in terms of use it seems. But for general cardio, both would be great.

[@1versaclimber1]

Rogue is a great company with great products!

[@LyRiCss718]

Great review thanks... iam waiting for mine this week😊

[@wuwei473]

How'd it go?

[@Rocket4ce]

Hell yeah, great review.

[@MarkWildman]

Much appreciated!

[@_Only_Zuul]

how high can you reach on these? i want a cybex arc trainer but i don't have the space.. i wonder how it would compare to an arc trainer? in terms of calorie burn and how much speed and power i can throw at it?

[@bpmakesithappen8395]

Hi Mark Do you have any workouts you can share.. I love this machine... Thanks BP

[@alexgmwong]

versaclimber vs ur ski erg in the back, which do you prefer for intervals or steady-state?

[@theodoreboosalis]

I owned it years ago. I used it for quite awhile - but found it to be more difficult than it needed to be. I love spin - I get some seriously great workouts out of spin for cardio - and to emulate movement patterns and create strength through mobility routines. A common example is compound exercises - which most people who train understand. My biggest issue with it was the mechanical engineering - the gym versions (if they exist anywhere) are chain driven. The home version is a cable. Well - over time, the outer cabling protection will wear and you will engage the actual cable and wreck it one way or another. At that point - I laid it to rest. :)

[@daveojeda]

Could you describe what you mean by "more difficult than it needed to be"? Was it too intensive of an exercise to make it part of a daily routine unlike spin?

[@theodoreboosalis]

@@daveojeda No - I love intensity. Probably a bad choice of phrasing in writing that up quickly. The bottom line - I feel like there's so many other ways of generating intensity and the home version is dumb - it should be chain driven.

[@daveojeda]

@@theodoreboosalis Thanks for the reply! Makes total sense! I just wish the chain drive model was at a better price point to make me pull the trigger.

[@goutfromfriedokra7099]

you tried concept 2 rower? if so which would u choose between that and this versa?

[@theodoreboosalis]

@@goutfromfriedokra7099 I would choose the rower. Concept 2 is a great brand.

[@bpmakesithappen8395]

Yeah I have the LX model and I don't know about doing it for 1hr. 30minutes kickes my butt!!! I love it!

[@MrDarren6868]

I have same model my workout is 2 min vc then l jump on treadmill 500 meters do this 5 x ..its a great work out

[@xsydor26]

would you recommend it and has it been problem free?

[@joemccormick1128]

Sweet popped up collar dude.

[@carlwendel]

Would you say assault bike is similar to this because most gyms do not have this machine

[@xsydor26]

what model is this one that you are reviewing?

[@eazeyt1759]

H/HP

[@jamesjowdy5471]

Mark, how about an update with a new magnetic VersaClimber???

[@karimeornelas8742]

Where’d you get it?????

[@fedora5926]

Mark which model is this please. I think you responded to another saying its the basic model. Do you mean this is the Consumer H/HP?

[@eazeyt1759]

H/HP

[@dlibera27]

Thank you for the review. Which model is this?

[@MarkWildman]

The basic model

[@Toooldforthisshite]

great review, if you could only have 1 and price was no object would you choose this or a Ski Erg?

[@rangerdanger222]

He said row machine

[@ramanpreetkaur4423]

how do you add resistance?

[@MarkWildman]

time and speed

[@syiu7528]

hi there, i wonder does the machine have resistance adjustment function? cause it looks like ppl have to run this climer by overcomimg their self-weights. thanks

[@scott9352]

s yiu home models use your own weight

[@TRIBOY16]

your own weight. You can wear weight vest for added resistance.

[@Ninasaved]

How's Noah ?

[@jayrule2867]

Any comparison with bowflex max on tis climber?

[@scott9352]

Max climber is ok I tried it but reliability is bad plus for me Versaclimber is better for my back helps my posture

[@jayrule2867]

Tks i may give it a shot!

[@TRIBOY16]

Versaclimber is much better

[@tino10k]

VC should be better. It’s 2600 vs 179 for the maxi. Maybe one day I can afford one of these.

[@OntarioGuy430]

I know this is old - but you never know - in terms of noise is the Versaclimber quieter than a Concept 2 Rower or around the same?

[@MarkWildman]

Around the same. Versa climber I think is quieter because it’s just sliding on track, with no fan

[@OntarioGuy430]

@@MarkWildman Videos make it hard to tell, some make it seem silent and others make it seem super loud. Thank you for the reply!

[@300zxdriver]

I just viewed another yt video on the versaclimber that had a tension adjustment and many more hand positions.

[@GoLongAmerica]

Is it correct that the Versa Climber stands 7'6" tall?

[@1versaclimber1]

Yes, the H models do stand 7'6" tall , you are correct. The commercial models stand 7'10" - all fit under a standard 8' ceiling.

[@russmocksyou]

Possible to review the difference between this and the Ski Erg? Already have a Ski Erg and wondering if this is a worthwhile add or not? Also, do you feel like the adjustable resistance is really necessary or would this version be fine?

[@pjob123]

I have a VersaClimber and Ski Erg. Completely different. Much more total body on the VersaClimber. I have the home model without adjustable resistance. Its incredible. You cannot go wrong. Its actually more enjoyable but more difficult depending how hard you go.

[@scott9352]

Could have gotten. Home model for 400 wife boycotted the purchase soo bummed

[@pjob123]

Scott Anton oh man you missed out! Maybe next time.

[@scott9352]

Patrick O'Boyle yes our just get a new one

[@pjob123]

Scott Anton I bought mine for $200. At sports consignment shop about five years ago. It’s unreal. I lucked out.

[@sunny83RN]

Can you adjust the resistance from easier to difficult?

[@MarkWildman]

Not on this model. I do not think it’s really necessary but the pro gym models do have that

[@sunny83RN]

@@MarkWildman Okay, if someone like you who is fit says it’s not necessary then it must be serious! Thanks for the reply!

[@MarkWildman]

@@sunny83RN just getting to 20 min on this at pace is soul crushing.

[@1versaclimber1]

Mark is correct, this model H/HP, does not provide "variable resistance" a good cost effective alternative would be using a weight vest. Yes other models offer hyper smooth magnetic resistance force up to 500lbs.

[@Zeahappy]

anyone else have a "rubber" smell coming from the cables?? I hope it's not breaking...

[@scott9352]

I have white material in rails and squeaking with the burning smell

[@Zeahappy]

they had to send in a replacement piece. the cords were rubbing against each other. basically they put it on wrong. but they did send in a replacement.

[@rage222hate]

I find the Jacob's Ladder to be the same, but more so. I love both, but the JL is far, far worse.

[@denyhoudy2085]

in a meanwhile David Goggins on this beauty climbing height of Mt. Everest, lol

[@Everest_Climber]

I've used half a dozen climbers. I think that the Sole cc81 is the best. Costs about 50% of the versaclimber.

[@MarkWildman]

ill look it up

[@300zxdriver]

How tall is it?

[@davea8857]

300zxdriver 7’10’’

[@robertlehnert4148]

Uh, how about a sturdy CHAIR and step down cushions for FAR less?

[@MD-oz8gp]

Mark, how tall are you? I'm relatively tall and don't want to be hunched over. Graci.

[@LBest-zb1fm]

M Dailey Lebron James uses this machine as his primary cardio machine if that helps. 🙂

[@MD-oz8gp]

@@LBest-zb1fm It does, and thanks.

[@daveojeda]

Might help: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19389249/nba-cavs-favor-machine-training-edge

[@robdlc438]

The hardest machine I’ve ever used.

[@KingsOfCardio]

You can not get a good "skier" (elliptical) for $1100. You can get a good rower, bike, or treadmill for around $1000, but not a Stair Climber, or Elliptical. For those 2, you have to spend up to get something similar to what you use in the gym.

[@knittingknut]

I bought a steel climber. Hand built by a grumpy ex marine somewhere on the east coast. It’s built like a tank and I love it. Lookup SteelClimber. Much cheaper than a Versaclimber.

[@scott9352]

knittingknut heard maintenance and repair is a nightmare.

[@BillandCourtney]

@@scott9352 Correct. I have 7 Steel Climbers in my gym and I'm about to get rid of them in favor of the Versa Climber. The Steel Climber's resistance pads wear down quickly and because the chain is exposed, it corrodes quickly--even with regular oiling and maintenance. When parts break on it, it's a pain to fix.

[@scott9352]

Bill Abbott yes I heard about it. I bet all these recommendations for steel climbers are shills. Looks like it’s made of Home Depot parts. Versaclimber is the real deal

[@wbeaureg]

I tried both at my home and kept my VersaClimber SM. There is no comparison, you get what you pay for. 1) When I received it The SteelClimber reeked of machine oil. 2) It had crude steel pipe for grips with no option for palm facing-in grips to prevent tweeting the wrists during long workouts (like the VC does). 3) the friction pads wear and don’t maintain constant friction or stay secure over time (vs VC hydraulics) 4) no feedback mechanism to keep track of stride length or tempo or distance climbed 5) was much noisier than VC, 6) no straps for foot pedals to secure your feet during fast motion and allow your leg to pull up as well as push down, and no platform to make it free standing. 7) there was significant assembly required to mount and tension the internal blocks to which pedals and grips attach and the chain as well as attaching the grips and pedals as one might expect. 8) The metal body, chain and blocks are quite heavy and have sharp edges and corners. 9) Worst of all after using it for a few days it started make unusual noise and was sticking. I had my wife record this. (Just for context, I am mechanically inclined and do most of my own home repairs and did follow the instructions and it did work as expected for a few days) The manufacturer “couldn’t hear the noises” and I was stuck with over $100 return shipping costs.

[@1versaclimber1]

We offer a Lifetime warranty on VersaClimber - that's a long time to be there for our customers which we have been proudly serving since 1981, here's to another 43 years.

[@felixbertoni]

For 2400$+, you can buy a pull up bar or a hangboard (if you want more of a climbing-oriented training) for under 100$, then you do 1 pull-up like move, 2 squat-like moves cycle. The 2300$+ you save are up to you to spend on, as for example food, computer, well, anything. This Vesaclimber tool is - quite - interesting in it's concept but well. 2400$+.

[@MarkWildman]

its way to expensive. you could buy a whole kettlebell and club gym for the cost of one of these things. but they do have a unique training effects.

[@felixbertoni]

@@MarkWildman I would be curious about if there are scientific publications about the uniqueness of their training effects, because it looks more or less like a ladder climbing. Well, an infinite ladder climbing for sure, but not extremely rare movements I mean.

[@nyballer31]

If your looking for biggest bang for your buck I think the rower and then an airdyne are your best bets.I do think think out of all the commercial gym cardio products Versa climber is probably the toughest machine and then maybe the Jacob's ladder.Its definitely kicks your ass but for 95% of us way out of our price range.

[@vandrosia]

I bought a Versaclimber SM model and Jacobs Ladder2, and love both of them! Both replicate a climbing motion but the JL is more like doing bear crawls at a 40 degree incline. I've never been more fit in my life and it's a great feeling not getting winded doing sprints, daily chores or walking up stairs.

[@felixbertoni]

@@vandrosia I have kind of doubts regarding climbing motion (if you mean "rock climbing" I mean), well, very very rough climbing motion maybe ? like via ferrata or ladder climbing x) That's nice if you like them tho, I didn't said those tools are bad, simply a bit overpriced in my opinion ^^

[@kennethk6763]

Can you link this versaclimber?

[@davewebbav]

google it

[@captainkangaroo4301]

How tall of a ceiling do you need in your home for one of those? How much floor space does it require dimensionally? How much body weight will it handle? Your lacking some pretty basic information for a review.

[@MarkWildman]

I have a 20 ft ceiling so that didn’t occur to me. I’ll correct it in the future.

[@1versaclimber1]

yes, all VersaClimbers fit under a standard 8 foot ceiling. For a total body cardio climber, the footprint is small, only requiring 42" x 45" of floor space, or to save even more space - we offer wall mounting option - now that's awesome!

[@RedSunofNW]

No one will do rock climbing in fast pace likes the way to work on the climber. I believe we need to really slow it down as a slow-motion video to get the most out of any climber. a MaxiClimber costs a fraction of this VersaClimber and does as good as any exercise machine out there :-)

[@1versaclimber1]

Couldnt agree with you more @redsunofNW, it comes down to Made in USA vs outsourced manufactured out of the USA, we choose to build VersaClimber in CA and have being doing so for 43 years. Quality, Durability and Repeatability is our motto.

[@UnskilledGrappler]

@@1versaclimber1Which is why I went with a Steelclimber.

[@1versaclimber1]

Yes, agreed. A fraction of the price, that lasts a fraction of the time.

[@1versaclimber1]

American made product which is a great thing - made in MA, do they offer lifetime warranty?@@UnskilledGrappler

[@scott9352]

First and thank you for your review can you tell I was waiting Lol

[@aaronsmith998]

Can you review one of the cheaper versions that is less than $200? That's more feasible for most ppl

[@MarkWildman]

can you give me an idea of what a cheaper version is?

[@aaronsmith998]

@@MarkWildman maxi climber is around $200. Can you do a review of it?

[@MarkWildman]

@@aaronsmith998 ill look it up

[@sherrisolomon8673]

@@MarkWildman Can you do the BFMC10 climber also. Thank you.

[@rjh4735]

The wheels quickly self-destruct on the cheap junk wannabe machines. You get what you pay for.

[@MrDaveyjenkins]

I vaguely remember my 29,029 ft Everest climb - Just under 4 hours ....get on it and climb 💪

[@adrian3865]

All you need is some bear crawls. hats the cheap version of a versa climber.

[@MarkWildman]

i kinda agree.

[@scott9352]

Until you mess up your hands and toes

[@daveojeda]

@@scott9352 That was my issue, wrists took too much of a beating to do it everyday.

[@kyul9357]

Its simple. There is a video of David Goggins, aka baddest man on the planet, doing 3.5 hrs of versa climber, and he states, hands down, the vertical climber, is the MOST challenging gym equipment. No other gym equipment comes close. I have a cheapass maxi climber, and it f'ing kicks my ass into serious shape. Doesn't matter, cheapass maxi climber or lebron james' versa climber - you guys need to get a vertical climber and start climbing

[@stat1818]

How is your maxi climber holding up? I'm reluctant to buy one because of all the terrible reviews but the price is so much better

[@kyul9357]

@@stat1818 I lubricant with WD40. You can't go fast. It's not designed for it. I go super slow like 4 seconds for 20 mins sets. It's a muscle building exercise instead of aerobics

[@theredninja2817]

He looks like he never gets winded

[@MarkWildman]

2 min of this will wind anyone

[@theredninja2817]

@@MarkWildman You have become a primary source of fitness for me in my house I just bought a bunch of kettle bells clubs and Maces Because of you and I couldn’t be happier🙏

[@iio8017]

I’m just going to wait for the CLMBR WAY BETTET AND CHEAPER

[@anthony-julian]

Haha just got my clmbr..its a disaster

[@tconcotelli]

Set it so that you have a near full reach with your arms…big difference.

[@MarkWildman]

I looked into that. They make extensions for the top grips for use by taller people. I read about it in NBA training somewhere

[@frampoid]

I don't think you've ever been to Scotland in your life

[@MarkWildman]

weird

[@gedcatherwood2253]

What sort of comment is that .

[@MarkWildman]

A weird one.

[@90Davidea]

I purchased this kzbin.infoUgkxSmDA16smq0C2AlNEjn-rxfI5AxUj6e3a for my standing desk, as I have trouble standing in one spot for extended periods of time. It's a great way to get in a workout while reading emails. I haven't yet mastered the art of composing an email while working out, but I look forward to that. You can definitely get a workout by bouncing up and down (my boss enjoys laughing at me "prancing"), but it's easier in Zoom meetings to use more core control to not bounce up and down so much. I haven't had the courage to do a full-on workout while in a meeting yet, but looking forward to that too!