Mine arrived last night and so far I am very impressed. I got the one you can find on HSN. The instructions were clear and the machine assembled fairly easily. I had laid out something backward and had to go back, but that was user error.
There was a small problem with one piece that does not affect overall use. I called fitness quest (the actual manufacturer) and they are going to send out a replacement. They even had me no record already as an owner via HSN. I just tried it for a few minutes and could really feel it. It literally took me 30 seconds to get the movement down.
My wife said I looked unstable and I could not quite get the arms and the legs in unison then it just happens naturally after I said 30 seconds. I wish golf was that easy to learn
Look at the user reviews on HSN and other places. I have bought exercise equipment before and this looks sturdy and well made.
I am around 260 now and I felt just fine on it. But a word of warning. The bottom of the line one is only rated at 250lbs. This one is rated 300lbs. Included in the HSN price are 4 DVDs, an eating booklet (yet to look at it), computer with heart rate, distance, etc. The best thing is low or really no impact and that from the very first stroke or walk or whatever you want to call it I was also using my arms siginficantly. Legs, arms, and a good CV workout? So far well worth the money. I will report more as I get in 'the swing of things'.
Last thing. It comes with wrenches, you only need a phillips head screwdriver and it is probably best to have another person there. It is about a 60lb box so keep that in mind. It is also basically noiseless operation if that is a concern.