Reviews of home rowing machines: air, water, magnetic and hydraulic, from budget models to the Concept2.
Consider a mutant version of a rowing machine and you’ll think of something like the Sunny Health & Fitness Row-N-Ride Pro which combines two major exercises: squats and rows. These compound exercises train your entire body and build strength in your upper and lower body simultaneously. Add to it a comfortable and sturdy design, a
It’s not an exaggeration to say the Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Assist Row-N-Ride is like no other rowing machine I’ve reviewed. Mainly because it’s not technically a rowing machine as much as it’s a squat assist machine! In short, the Sunny Health and Fitness Squat Assist machine provides a great rowing-like workout, while helping
I doubt Hydrow likes the comparison – but this Hydrow review details if this is the Peloton of rowing machines or not! With virtually silent magnetic resistance and a 22″ monitor – you may actually feel like you are rowing on water. Plus, a membership allows access to over 400 sessions and counting (with live
A budget rowing machine can be the perfect addition to your home gym without breaking the bank. I got the chance to try this rowing machine out a few times over the years when training clients who own it. One thing that struck me every time was how sharp it looks. For the price, it
Today, we’re reviewing the Lanos hydraulic rowing machine. While not ideal for the hobby of indoor rowing, a lot of folks are just looking for a cheap piece of cardio equipment that fits in a small space. I remember using my dad’s old hydraulic rower back in the 90s and remember getting a pretty good
The Runow Water Rowing Machine is becoming one of the more popular wooden water rowers offering similar quality to that of the original WaterRower for about half the price. I have much more experience with the WaterRower but I’ve had the chance to try the Runow water rower more than once when training clients, so
Today, we’re reviewing the Xterra Fitness ERG220 rower, the brand’s bargain-priced magnetic rowing machine. So, if you’re in the market for a budget rower, you’ve come to the right place! I’m picky when it comes to recommending low-cost rowers. It’s not hard to find a low-cost option that works well in the beginning, but finding
Today, we’re reviewing the Xterra ERG650W Water Rower. We’ll discuss my experience in trying the machine, the feedback I’ve heard and read from owners, and how it compares to other rowers on the market. It’s an upgraded version of the ERG600W, so we’ll also discuss whether it’s worth the extra cost. In short, the Xterra
When I ran across the Mr. Captain Water rowing machine, I was impressed by how well it resembled the WaterRower in both looks (wooden frame) and in how the rowing motion felt. I don’t own the Mr. Captain, but I’ve used it a time or two when training clients who own it. But what about
The Sunny Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine is on the lower price end of the water rower range, and it delivers great quality at a very reasonable cost. Users love the comfortable seat, the sturdy design, and how smooth the resistance feels. Thanks to its uniquely angled water tank, you get more consistent resistance for
Looking for a low cost magnetic rower? Have you seen the Sunny Health & Fitness models and wondering whether the SF-RW5801 is right for you? If yes, then you’ve come to the right spot to learn everything about the SF-RW5801 Rowing Machine! Plus, learn how it compares to the other budget magnetic rowers like the SF-RW5515.
Today, we’re reviewing the Schwinn rowing machine. The famous bike brand currently has one rower, the Crewmaster, that replaced their former Windrigger rowing machine. I had the chance to use it briefly when training a client who owns one, so I can speak from experience. It felt like Schwinn recumbent (indoor) bikes that I’ve tried
Do you want an air-resistance rowing machine but don’t want to pay $1,000? The Stamina 1399 rower might be for you. I own and use the Conept2 but have had the chance to try several Stamina air rowers including the 1399 when training clients. It’s one of the better budget rowing machines I’ve tried. In
Today we’re reviewing the MaxKare Magnetic Rower. I hear a lot about their air and water rowers, but there’s not much mention of their magnetic resistance rowing machine. Today we’re fixing that. I had the opportunity to try out the MaxKare magnetic rower when training a client who owns one, so I can speak from
Have you narrowed down your search to the Matrix Rower vs. Concept2? Maybe you’ve done a ton of research and these two models keep popping up? However you might have found this article, I’ll break down the differences so you can walk away knowing which model to choose! I own the Concept2 but have used
Is the Matrix Rower the best magnetic rowing machine on the market!? Some say “yes”, though many feel that the price tag is a bit too hefty. I own an air rower but have used the Matrix rowing machine when training clients. I loved the strong, silent magnetic resistance and super smooth rowing stroke. In
Many people ask me to compare the Xebex vs. Concept2 rowing machines. “Are they the same?”, “Which is better?”, “Which one should I buy?” I own the Concep2 Model D (now called the RowErg), but have had a lot of experience with Xebex rowers at gyms and when training clients. In the past, I didn’t
Today, we’re reviewing the Get RX’d Xebex air rower. There are several versions of the Xebex rower, including the 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0, some having the Smart Connect feature that lets you connect to different rowing apps via Bluetooth connectivity. I’ve used the Xebex rower a few times when training clients and have received a
Today, we’re reviewing the Body Solid Endurance R300 Rower. So, if you’re looking for a rowing machine like the Concept2 RowErg but can’t bring yourself to fork over $1,300+, then you’re in the right place. Concept2 has dominated the market since 1981 and finally, some competitors are starting to enter the space. I have a
Today we’re reviewing the RW200 Rower. We’ll discuss the pros and cons and how it compares to other rowers in the same price range. I have experience using the NordicTrack RW200 when training clients. So, while I don’t own it personally, I can review the model as someone having used the machine. One thing I’ll
Today, we’re reviewing the Concept2 Model E rowing machine. Officially, it’s been renamed the “RowErg with Tall Legs”. It’s the best rower on the market offering a realistic, comfortable rowing stroke, rugged construction (it’s used outdoors, in boat houses, etc.), and a top-tier performance monitor. I’m a longtime owner of a Concept 2 Model D
Welcome to my Concept 2 RowErg review. It’s one of the all-time great rowers and the one I currently own and use (I own the Model D which was a previous iteration). It’s the industry standard rower and thus the go-to model for indoor rowing enthusiasts since Concept2 makes the machines you’ll find in rowing
Today, we’re reviewing the NordicTrack RW500 rowing machine. It’s a dual-resistance rower in that it uses both air and magnetic resistance which gives you added control over workout intensity. It has other cool features like pre-recorded training sessions, some giving you the virtual experience of rowing down famous rivers! I had a chance to use
Looking for a great, low-cost magnetic rowing machine? Well look no further than the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Rower! This model has been a top seller since it was released in early 2019 and sales are showing no signs of slowing down. It’s crazy to think that when I first started reviewing rowing machines there
Today we’re reviewing the BodyCraft VR500 Rowing Machine. The brand has 3 rowers—the VR200, VR400, and VR500, so it’s the best of BodyCraft’s three-model lineup. I’ve tried all of their models at this point. The only one I didn’t like was the VR100 (no longer available). In short, the BodyCraft VR500 offers several great features
Today, we’re reviewing the Xterra Fitness ERG600W. It’s one of the lower-cost water-resistance rowers on the market and provides smooth, strong resistance rivaling that of the doubly expensive WaterRower models. I’ve had the chance to try several Xterra rowers including the ERG600W and have a sense of how it compares to other water rowers on
This Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine review will outline why this model is such a great value! This rower is lightweight, compact, quiet, and has 12-levels of adjustable resistance. These features make it great for beginners or elderly people looking to get a great, low impact workout everyday! Whether you are using it to
The LifeCore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine is a perfect blend of two great resistance types! With both air & magnetic resistance, users are sure to receive a smooth, consistent rowing stroke. Plus, LifeCore claims it is the only “commercial-grade” rowing machine to offer both air and magnetic resistance! The 16 levels of air/magnetic resistance is
Looking to burn more calories in less time? If so, the Inspire Fitness CR2 Cross Row might be the right machine for you! This newly designed fitness rower has bi-directional resistance to activate all the muscles in your body and have you shedding body fat in no time. There are several versions of the machine, CR2,
What do you get when you combine an outrigger-style rowing machine and German engineering? You get one of the best rowers in its class, the Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine. Users rave that all you have to do is “close your eyes” and you will feel like you’re rowing on water! The Kettler Kadett is a
Welcome to our WaterRower Oxbridge rowing machine review. It’s in their ‘Original’ line of rowers, standing out as being made of Cherry wood. The various models in the Original line differ mostly in the type of wood they’re made of. Compared to their other lines (Performance, Hybrid, Metallic, etc.), the original rowers are solid wood
Looking for one of the most aesthetically pleasing rowers on the market!? Well check out the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with an S4 Monitor! This model is so good looking people constantly mistake the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine for a beautiful piece of home decor. It is handcrafted from solid American black
The Spirit CRW800 is a rare type of rowing machine in that it’s part air/part magnetic, which refers to the type of resistance used. In this way, you can slow down the rowing pace without reducing the resistance. I own an air rower but have used the CRW800 when training a client. I liked it
Today, we’re reviewing the Obsidian Surge water rowing machine, model SF-RW5713. I’ve had a chance to try the rowing machine twice now, so I can say from experience how it compares to other options in the same price range. I’ve heard a good amount of feedback from owners, so I have a good idea of
Today, we’re reviewing the Waterrower A1 Home rowing machine. It’s important to note right off the bat that the rower is no longer available at major retailers or on the WaterRower website. Based on WaterRower’s website, they seem to market A1 rowing machines without the Home and Studio designations. This is likely because there
As of November 2017, WaterRower has replaced the GX with the A1 rower. The company no longer manufactures the GX. All excess inventory will be sold with full warranty & replacement parts available. You are probably not going to find a new GX at this point. If you are looking to buy a new rowing
This Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower Review will show you why this is one of the best magnetic rowers on the market! It’s smooth, quiet rowing motion allows one of the best rowing experiences. Plus, it’s strong adjustable magnetic resistance allows for an effective total body workout. Complete with a LCD monitor and 12 workout
Today, we’re reviewing the WaterRower Natural rowing machine with S4 monitor. Based on WaterRower’s current lineup, they’ve removed “Natural” from the name, so it’s now called the “WaterRower Ash Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor”. So, in this review, the word “Natural” refers to the light-stained ash wood rower with the S4. This machine belonged
Today, we’re reviewing the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Fluid Rower. The Pacific Challenge AR is part of First Degree’s ‘Horizontal Series’ of rowing machines. This series is for ‘home rowers’, which are slightly lower cost and more compact. Although slightly lower cost and more compact, the Pacific AR still provides the same great
Today, we’re reviewing the ProForm 440R rower. At around $400, it’s getting close to the mid-range price category, so expectations are a bit higher for this particular “budget” rower. Update: availability varies with this machine and it seems the company website no longer offers it. You might be able to find it at major retailers,
Today we’re reviewing the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 magnetic rowing machine–that’s a mouthful of a name! There’s a Classic (light gray) and Smart (darker gray) version of the machine, with Bluetooth (included with the Smart version) being the only difference. It was important to use this machine several times before making a recommendation because
If you are looking for a full Oartec Slider review I have good news and bad news. Ok, bad news first. The Oartec Slider Rowing Machine is no longer being manufactured. Good news – the manufacturing rights were purchased by WaterRower and it is now being made under a different name! Same great rowing machine,
Today, we’re reviewing the Kettler Favorit rowing machine. While it’s a budget rower, it’s mid-range in price for a hydraulic piston rowing machine. I’ve had a chance to try this one and the Lanos hydraulic rower, so I have a good idea of how they compare. In short, the Kettler Favorit rowing machine is a
Today, we’re reviewing the ProForm 550R rower. ICON Fitness is the ‘umbrella’ company that owns ProForm, NordicTrack, Gold’s Gym, and others. So, ProForm models are similar to NordicTrack in quality and feel. Update: availability varies with this machine and it seems the company website no longer offers it. You might be able to find it at
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower is a great all around rowing machine that combines air and magnetic resistance. Users looking for very strong resistance will love this dual combination design. The 16 levels of adjustable resistance make it perfect for users of all ages and fitness levels. The Dynamic Fitness R1 Pro Magnetic Air Rower