CLMBR Review – 2024

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Last Updated: December 10, 2023

If you’re looking for a machine that provides a low-impact, high-intensity exercise, then you’re in the right place! With a footprint that’s more compact than most ellipticals, the CLMBR has a lot to offer. It works your entire body with vertical moving handles and pedals. Plus, you can do targeted training with all of the different handles available. I personally love that it keeps you in a standing position with a neutral spine to help strengthen your posture while you work out, too. In this CLMBR review, I’ll go over our team’s thoughts on the machine after we tested it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the CLMBR.

CLMBR Review 2024

The CLMBR has a sturdy design paired with a large attached touch screen.

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Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The CLMBR

Our team of reviewers consists of personal trainers, fitness instructors, and fitness enthusiasts. We use all kinds of fitness equipment not only because it’s our job, but because we love it. We test everything from treadmills, to exercise bikes and rowers, to ellipticals and vertical climbers. This way we can recommend certain equipment and be able to assess how it functions compared to other models and other kinds of equipment.


Our CLMBR Video Review


Pros
  • The CLMBR provides a total body, low-impact, high-intensity workout.
  • The subscription includes over 500 classes with engaging, energetic instructors.
  • The handles adjust in 1” increments to get the right height for you. They offer 3 different grip options.
  • There are multiple stationary handles to grip onto for lower body targeted training.
  • The vertical movement keeps you in a neutral spine position to not only work your entire body but to help improve your posture.
  • It is more compact than treadmills and most elliptical machines.
Cons
  • The machine does make noise while in use, so it’s not suitable for spaces where noise could be an issue.
  • It only comes with a 1-year warranty.
  • It doesn’t fold up and requires at least an 8-foot high ceiling to use.
Features:Specs:
  • $39 per month membership
  • Access to over 500 trainer-led classes with a subscription
  • Bluetooth enabled to pair with Amazon Echo Buds/AlexaPairs with heart rate monitor and pairs with CLMBR mobile app for multi-user login
  • Handles offer 3 different positions: over-hand, under-hand, and neutral grip
  • Handles adjust in 1” increments
  • Handles can fold up for lower body targeting
  • Dip-Bar handles give another option for targeted training
  • Additional handles on the console for more training options
  • Oversized textured pedals with optional adjustable straps
  • Transportation wheels for easy moving
  • Footprint: 88” H x 35” D x 32” W
  • Base Dimensions: 35” x 32”
  • 21” HD Touch Screen
  • Materials: Cast and Extruded Aluminum
  • Product Weight: 180 lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
  • User Height: 4’11” up to 7’
  • Step Length: 20”
  • Reach Height: 20”
  • Resistance: 1-11 Settings
  • Magnetic Resistance
  • Warranty: 1-Year

Clmbr Review


In-depth Review of the CLMBR

Subscription

A typical rule of thumb that we’ve noticed when testing fitness equipment with attached touch screens, is that the machine will most likely require a subscription to content on the screen. The CLMBR in fact offers a membership with guided studio classes to follow along with as you work out. In order to access these classes, you have to subscribe to their $39 per month membership. There’s also a $9 per month option that lets you have fewer features available, but you can take preprogrammed workouts and see your metrics with this monthly subscription.

You can use the CLMBR without a monthly subscription. With this, you’ll have access to the open climb feature only. Now, let’s get into what’s included with the premium membership.

CLMBR Screen Library

The premium membership offers a variety of trainer-led classes.

There are over 500 on-demand classes led by knowledgeable instructors, or “guides” as CLMBR refers to them as. We found them to be engaging, motivating, and helpful – really everything you could ask for in a fitness instructor. The classes are filmed indoors in a well-lit professional studio where the camera is pointed at the instructor.

CLMBR Class 2

Multiple angles of the instructor using the CLMBR are shown.

During class, the trainer will give you a range for you to try to keep your reach and tempo within. The reach is the range of motion that you move the handles and pedals. It’s displayed in inches on the screen. During different classes, you can typically anticipate varying your range of motion from smaller to larger lengths. Your estimated calories, power, tempo, distance, and resistance are also shown on the screen. Plus, your current feet per minute climbed is displayed.

I really like that music is integrated within each class. Some classes have specific themes like rock, and the rhythm classes use the music to help you stay on the beat and at a specific pace. You can also adjust the volume to hear more of the music or more of the instructor. There are different types of classes like Tabata HIIT, stretching off the CLMBR, and a few mat strength classes and guided recovery sessions with a massage gun as well. I like that you can see the format of the class at the bottom of the screen, too.

Classes range from 5 minutes up to 45 minutes. There’s a filter for you to find a specific class easier, too. You can choose to filter classes by duration, difficulty level, instructor, class type, and even genre of music. Something to be aware of is that there isn’t a leaderboard to compete against other members like Peloton and Echelon feature, and there aren’t any live classes. There is a pause button and you can skip ahead and back to different chapters of each class. The chapters consist of specific segments throughout the class.

Before each class, you can see an overview as well as view a diagram that displays the parts of the body that will get worked during the class. In addition to classes, there are also competitions where you race against other members. You can do these for a specific duration like 30 seconds or for a specific distance.

Overall, I really like the CLMBR membership. Having an instructor and guidance definitely helps keep my attention on the CLMBR, and I really like all of the different trainers. One thing that has me scratching my head is the process of adding a profile to the CLMBR. During the initial setup of your subscription, and if you want to add any other profiles (up to 4) to the machine, you’re required to download the CLMBR app on your phone. This is where you log in to your account after you create it, and then pair the app with the CLMBR. Normally, I can log into my profile on the screen instead of having to download another app. Maybe a future update could eliminate this step?

The CLMBR app allows you to see your workout history and watch classes, but not actually take them. You have to be on the CLMBR to do that. Even the mat classes are only available to watch, although you could still follow along and take them I suppose.

Console

The CLMBR has a thin and clear 21” touch screen that extends out from the console. It’s positioned on two small metal beams that allow you to adjust the screen either closer or further away from you. It doesn’t really tilt up, however. Our taller reviewers would like to see the screen angle up more because they had to look down at the screen. I’m our shortest reviewer, and I found the screen to be well within my line of sight.

CLMBR Console and Class

Overall, the screen is clear, the graphics are crisp, and it’s pretty easy and straightforward to navigate.

The power button is located behind the screen at the top and there are volume buttons on the right side. You can also adjust the volume on the touch screen. The speakers are pretty loud when turned up and they’re Bluetooth enabled so you can pair them with compatible headphones.

CLMBR Device Rack

With the sleek design of the CLMBR, I wasn’t expecting to have any storage, let alone a device rack.

This lip is just thin enough to hold a smartphone or slim tablet. It would hold my phone but since I have a pop socket as well, it doesn’t exactly fit very well on the rack. This doesn’t bother me though, because I can still place my phone on the console and have it stay put. There’s also enough room for a book, however with the placement of the rack and the console, you’ll be looking down at your device or book to use them.

There is a cupholder that can be attached on either side of the CLMBR. It’s a little flimsy and made of plastic, but it holds standard water bottles just fine.

Construction Quality / Durability

In addition to the screen and technology built into the CLMBR, we are impressed by its compact footprint and construction. Of floor space, the floor stabilizers only take up 35” x 32”. The CLMBR is tall however at 88” high. It’s recommended to have at least 8 feet of ceiling height in order to use the CLMBR.

The CLMBR has a nice weight capacity of 350 lbs, so most users should get a lot of use out of it. Compared to the MaxiClimber XL it is 50 lbs heavier. The CLMBR is said to handle users from 4’11” up to 7’. Our reviewers range from 5’0 up to 6’5” and we were all able to use the CLMBR, however, there are a couple of improvements we would like to see for taller folks that I’ll go into below.

Frame

The CLMBR is a unique vertical climber because of the frame and stabilizers. Typically, other vertical climbers like the VersaClimber, Cascade Climber, and MaxiClimber all have a singular vertical frame that the handles and pedals are attached to. With this traditional design, you are forced to kind of straddle the frame while moving the handles and pedals. The CLMBR has two vertical beams in the frame that sits on either side of you while using the machine. The handles, pedals, and console are all attached.

CLMBR Frame

This design feels stable to use.

We didn’t experience any rocking. There are adjustable leveling feet as well to help you plant the CLMBR to the floor. Overall, this design makes sense and is a nice improvement from the design of traditional vertical climbers.

Pedals

The pedals are textured and oval with optional foot straps. You can use the foot straps and adjust them to fit over the top of your shoe, or flip the pedal over and use it without the straps. The pedals work fine either way, although we recommend using the straps in order to use the CLMBR more securely. Although, you do want to make sure they’re fairly loose over your feet. I find using them keeps my feet more secure on the pedals.

The only problem we have with the pedals is that they are a bit small. My shoe size is a women’s size 7 and my feet completely fit on the pedals. One of our reviewers wears a men’s 13, and his shoes hang off the pedals slightly. This doesn’t hinder him from using the CLMBR, but having a longer pedal might be better for taller/larger users.

CLMBR With Tallest User

This reviewer is 6’5” and can use the CLMBR just as well as our shorter reviewers.

Handles

The handles are where you get a lot of versatility from this vertical climber. The moving handles move in conjunction with the pedals. They adjust in 1” increments so you can position them to work best for you. I’m about 5’1” with shoes on and I have to adjust the handles to the lowest position. Our tallest reviewer who is 6’5” adjusts them to the highest setting. There are extender handles for users over 6’4” that are sold separately. These will most likely help tall users get a full range of motion. While our tallest reviewer (pictured above), was able to use the CLMBR, these handles would probably be helpful.

I really like that these handles offer three different grip options: neutral, pronated, and supinated. This way, you can work your arms and back muscles differently. For targeted training and isolating your lower body, these handles fold up so they’re out of your way. This is pretty easy with a push of the button on the end of each handle. Sometimes I have to use two hands to do this, but I can typically fold them up quickly during a class.

CLMBR Moving Handle

The moving handles allow you to get a great upper body workout.

When these handles are folded up, you have a few different options for stationary handles to grip onto. The most obvious is the long dip bars that extend on either side and just behind you when using the CLMBR. When using these, I can still work my triceps depending on how much weight I put into my hands versus my legs. The dip bars have a little bit of texture versus the smoother moving handles.

The other handles are built into the crossbar that holds the device tray where the screen is mounted. They’re on the back side so they’re not within view when you’re facing the CLMBR and viewing the screen. I didn’t know they were there until I took a class on the CLMBR.

CLMBR CrossBar Handle

You can overhand or underhand grip these handles.

When underhand gripping, I can actually use the tiny handles. For an overhand grip, you grip the plastic over the crossbar rather than the actual handle. This works just fine, but making the edge of the plastic a little rounder or even textured could help get a better grip, although realistically you shouldn’t be holding these handles very tightly, especially if you want to primarily work your lower body.

All in all, I really enjoy the variety of handles and with 6+ grip options, this might be one of my favorite things about the CLMBR’s construction.

Vertical Reach

As I mentioned, the pedals and movable handles move in conjunction with one another. At their max range of motion, they both move vertically 20”. This range of motion is controlled by you however when you’re on this vertical climber. So, you can make the range as small or as large (well, up to 20” max) as you want.

CLMBR with User Longer Strokes

The most reach I can get is roughly 14”-16”.

The vertical motion is pretty consistent with other climbers like the VersaClimber and the Cascade Climber, although this climber only has a 19” vertical reach. This motion is effective to work your entire body while burning a lot of calories and helping to improve your VO2 max. It makes sense that the range of motion is adjustable, so users of different sizes can pick a range that works for them.

Resistance

The dial on the crossbar adjusts the resistance. It’s well within reach and you can feel and hear each increment as it’s adjusted. The CLMBR uses magnetic resistance with 11 levels of resistance. There is certainly a difference between level 1 and level 11, however, we didn’t notice much of a difference between some of the smaller resistance levels. Level 1 feels like no resistance and level 11 definitely provides resistance, but it isn’t the most powerful. This does not mean that you won’t get a challenging workout on the CLMBR, because you most certainly will.

All of our reviewers were sweating and out of breath within the first 10 minutes on this machine. This has a lot to do with the vertical motion of the machine too, so it’s definitely a great form of cardio and high-intensity training. Just know that the resistance isn’t as strong as other machines like some ellipticals we’ve tested.

Functionality

Overall, we love how intense the workouts are on the CLMBR. The design is unique to climbers but proves to be very effective and stable. It’s still compact, and certainly more so than most ellipticals. Plus, having the screen attached is a huge added bonus. The instructors are engaging.

The CLMBR feels fairly smooth while in use, but you can hear the grinding of the steel when you move the handles. It’s also felt as you move the handles and pedals, too. It’s not distracting once you’re using the machine and taking a class, however, it might be distracting to your housemates and potentially neighbors if you have shared walls. The volume on the speakers goes up plenty loud for you to hear the instructor and music during class though.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though the CLMBR is pretty compact, it doesn’t fold up. Proper ceiling height is the main concern with this machine. It does have front-mounted transportation wheels so it can be moved around pretty easily if needed.

CLMBR Moving

The CLMBR does require being tilted to engage the transportation wheels.

Warranty & Customer Service

The CLMBR comes with a 12-month limited warranty. This is on the shorter end of what we see on other types of machines. In comparison, the Versa Climber comes with a 3-year warranty. We would like to see this extended a bit. The CLMBR does include white-glove delivery which is extremely beneficial. This way the machine is set up correctly by their technicians.


Clmbr Review

Bottom Line Review: CLMBR

If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout machine that’s forgiving on the joints, then we recommend checking out the CLMBR. The handles and pedals move in a vertical motion to give you a full-body workout. You can also do plenty of targeted training with all of the different handles and grip options, too. While the machine does make some noise while in use and requires at least an 8-foot high ceiling, it takes up less floor space than most ellipticals. We really like the design that proves to be stable, and the clear 21” touch screen. The membership involves studio classes led by energetic instructors who help keep you motivated and engaged as you sweat. We think users will definitely find value in the content and be pleasantly surprised by how challenging of a workout you can get in the comfort of your home on the CLMBR.

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