I've been using the AEKE S1 Pro for about two weeks, and overall I'm very happy with my purchase. There have been a few issues and quirks, but knowing what I know now, I would still buy it again.
Ordering, Shipping & Setup
Ordering was easy, and financing approval was fast. Shipping communication could be improved. Tracking on AEKE's website never really updated, so I didn't know when it was coming until I received a text saying it was out for delivery.
Packaging was excellent. The built-in clips made removing the cardboard surprisingly easy. Setup was just as simple: roll it into place, plug it in, and turn it on.
Unfortunately, I immediately got a motor error and the ropes wouldn't retract. The machine instructed me to unplug it for one minute and restart. After several unsuccessful attempts, I emailed support. I also found information suggesting unplugging it for 30 minutes, which didn't work either. Finally, I left it unplugged overnight. The next morning the ropes retracted normally, and I haven't had the problem again.
Build Quality & Resistance
Build quality is excellent. The machine feels sturdy and well built. The handles are very easy to attach and remove with the push of a button. I do have one handle that won't connect, and the height-adjustment pins have disconnected twice. Neither has prevented me from working out.
Digital resistance feels different from traditional weights, but not in a bad way—just different.
Before buying it, I was concerned the 220-lb maximum resistance wouldn't be enough. I haven't seriously lifted in a long time, but 20 years ago I could warm up with more than that. Apparently, I was judging my current abilities too much by what I could do 20 years ago. I'm having plenty of difficulty with around one-third of its capacity on some exercises. I think I have a few years before I'll need to worry about not having enough resistance.
I'm also tall and haven't experienced any range-of-motion problems.
Space & Noise
Folded, it takes up only about 2–3 square feet. Open, I'd estimate 8–10 square feet, but you'll want another 2–3 feet around it for extending your arms and doing floor exercises.
It's also very quiet. I have some difficulty hearing and have no problem hearing the AI trainer over the machine.
AI Trainer & Workouts
The screen is responsive, the exercise demonstrations are easy to follow, and there are plenty of workout programs.
I've primarily used the AI trainer, which recommends resistance and appears to adjust based on previous workouts. The first time I did one exercise, its recommendation was extremely light, so I manually increased it. The next time, its recommendation was much closer to what I had previously selected. I don't know exactly how the algorithm works, but it seems to improve as you use it.
It also tracks progress and compares workouts to previous ones.
One of my favorite things is the variety. It's not just traditional lifting. Workouts include resistance exercises and body-weight movements, and there are also Pilates and yoga programs.
One quirk is remembering to activate the weight before each lifting set. It's not a big problem but takes some getting used to.
App, Connectivity & Support
I haven't used the phone app much beyond creating my profile because I've been doing everything through the machine.
Connectivity hasn't been perfect. I still have one handle that won't connect, and the height-adjustment pins have disconnected twice.
Support is available by email and live chat, but chat is limited to their business hours in China, which can be inconvenient in the U.S. Email responses have also been slower than I'd prefer. For an expensive piece of equipment, I'd like faster and more accessible support.
Overall
I'm the only person in my household who has used it so far, but my wife is interested in the Pilates and yoga programs, while my son is interested in lifting. That shows how different people could use the same machine for very different workouts.
The S1 Pro hasn't been perfect. The initial motor error was frustrating, shipping communication and support could be better, and I've had a few accessory connectivity issues.
However, the actual workout experience has been very good. Build quality is excellent, resistance feels good, the AI workouts are easy to follow, and I'm really enjoying the variety.
It's too early to judge long-term reliability, but after my first two weeks, I'm happy with my purchase and would still buy the AEKE S1 Pro again.
