First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Rowing Machine Review
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 resistance and smooth rowing stroke as the larger, more expensive models. The lower cost is made possible by the simple monitor and cheaper materials.
I had a chance to try one and really liked the overall look and feel.
In short, the FDF Pacific Challenge AR has a solid, sturdy design that is backed by a great manufacturer warranty. The resistance is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and it provides a very smooth rowing experience.
Update: it seems to be hard to find these days and it’s not clear if the machine is still in production. Here on the company website, you can find the Pacific Plus, an upgraded (e.g., Bluetooth-enabled) version of the Pacific Challenge but it’s $1,200 (~$1090 EUR) which puts it in competition with the top-tier WaterRower and industry-standard Concept2 models.
For the best alternative to First Degree Pacific Challenge AR, see the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge review.
Availability at major retailers can vary, so it’s worth taking a look. For the lowest price, choose a place with free shipping.
Table of Contents
(click a title to jump ahead!)
1. Resistance Type
2. Monitor/Control Panel
3. Build Quality
4. Comfort
5. Storage
6. Capacity
7. Dimensions
8. Assembly
9. Pros and Cons
10. Consumer Reviews
11. Warranty
12. Price
13. Overall Review
Resistance Type
The First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR is a water resistance rowing machine that uses a water flywheel (paddles suspended in a tank of water) to provide resistance.
This means, when you pull the handle, the paddles spin in the water, thus creating resistance.
To find out more about water resistance rowers and how they compare to the other resistance types, read the following article: rowing machine resistance types.
As mentioned in the previous article, the resistance is similar to air rowers because the amount of resistance is determined by your rowing intensity.
If you row with low intensity, you feel little resistance. If you row with high intensity, you feel more resistance.
Scientists call this the “Rule of Cubes” because to double the speed of the paddles requires an 8-fold increase in resistance!
We also like to call this ‘variable’ resistance because there are no settings for resistance. Your intensity level determines the resistance level.
You can read more about variable resistance in my air and water resistance comparison article. This article also goes in-depth about how water rowing machines operate.
Resistance Benefits
The First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine comes equipped with their “fluid technology” and “dual chamber” tank.
Now this sounds a bit confusing but it is actually quite simple!
The ‘fluid technology’ allows for a smooth, even stroke throughout the entire rowing motion without any jarring or jerkiness.
The ‘Dual Chamber’ tank allows you to adjust the amount of water that is actually being ‘used’ in the rower. This enables you to adjust the resistance even further than just rowing fast or slow.
By turning the yellow knob from ‘Max’ to ‘Min’ you move the water between the ‘Active’ and ‘Storage’ chambers. This will increase or decrease your overall resistance.
It’s very similar to a “weight stack” on various workout machines in the gym.
For example, let’s say you’re using a weight machine at the gym and you get to choose the amount of weight based on your fitness level.
Before you start your workout, you select the amount of weight you want to use by pushing a button or moving a little metal key.
The weight that is not being used during the workout remains attached to the machine (kind of like it’s in storage for future use by another user). The weight you selected to use, moves with each repetition.
These same principles apply with the adjustable water tank.
It gives the user the ability to choose how much water is being used in the tank for their workout, while the remaining water is put in a separate storage compartment for future use.
Users also commented how the Pacific AR Rower is ideal for interval training such as HIIT (high intensity interval training) and Crossfit. Mainly due to the extremely smooth and seamless transitions from intense rowing to slower pace rowing.
People would expect the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Rowing Machine to be noisy but that’s far from the truth. Most water resistance rowing machines provide a relaxing sound of splashing water and that’s the case with this rower too.
While you can hear the water moving inside the tank, the rower is still very quiet. Plenty of users commented on how they’re able to watch television with normal volume or just enjoy the pleasant sound created while rowing.
Resistance Summary
Users of all ages & fitness levels have used the First Degree Fitness Pacific Rower and commented that they were able to achieve an excellent workout.
Whether it was to push their body to the maximum level or just get a light sweat going, the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine fit the bill with no issues.
Here is a great video explaining the “Fluid Technology” a little further:
Monitor/Control Panel
The First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR has a multi-functional performance monitor that tracks various fitness data such as:
- Time
- Distance
- 500m split time
- Strokes per minute
- Calories per hour
- Watts
- Interval training
- Optional heart rate reception
All fitness data is displayed separately in its own window on the face of the workout monitor.
The size of the text is fairly large so you shouldn’t have any difficulty reading the data while you’re rowing.
There are three buttons on the monitor, ‘add 100m’ (also serves as the ‘reset’ button when held down), ‘level up’ and ‘level down’.
The ‘add’ button makes it simple to add additional meters to your targeted rowing distance right in the main window.
The ‘level’ buttons are used to record what resistance level the user has chosen on the adjustable water tank. This is done to make sure the performance monitor knows the resistance level and takes it into account when calculating calories burned and other fitness data.
Although the performance monitor doesn’t automatically detect your resistance level, at least it uses that information when calculating various data points.
I’ve seen a handful of performance monitors on rowing machines (usually the lower-end models) that don’t account for resistance level, which doesn’t allow for an accurate calculation of data. Luckily, the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR monitor has this covered!
The performance monitor is compatible with most heart rate monitors and has a built-in USB interface that allows the rower to be attached to a computer so you can analyze and keep track of your data.
The best part in my opinion is you get to race other rowers from around the world that have their rower hooked up to a computer! It’s not only fun, but it will push you to row hard, even on days you initially planned to take it easy.
Not many rowing machines have a built-in USB interface, which is a shame given how far along we are in technology. It’s good to know that First Degree Fitness made sure to include this technology.
The unit is powered by 2 AA batteries (included). It will automatically turn on once the machine is used and automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Pacific Challenge AR Rower Review: Final Thoughts
The First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge Rower has a fairly good monitor that tracks all of the necessary fitness data.
While it isn’t advanced as the Concept2 PM5 Rower Monitor, it is still fairly advanced.
Unless you’re looking for extremely accurate time and distance data, the performance monitor on the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR has everything you need for an excellent workout!
Build Quality
The First Degree Fitness Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine is a solidly built rower with a steel frame and anodized aluminum seat rail.
Although it’s not classified as ‘commercial grade’, the machine is heavy-duty and constructed to take a beating.
It’s made of premium parts, so it feels like you’re rowing on a machine that should cost much more!
The water tank is made of polycarbonate (which is pretty much indestructible) and the internal components are made of marine grade stainless steel.
The belt drive is durable, which provides a smooth and quiet rowing session for the user. This is also great because it requires practically no maintenance to keep the rower running at tip-top shape.
I’m all about high quality products that require little-to-no maintenance!
Users praised how quiet the machine operates and didn’t mention anything about creaking or other odd noises often heard on lower-end machines.
The strong build quality limits the amount of miscellaneous noise you will hear from the Pacific Challenge AR. Besides the expected noise you will hear such as the water splashing in the tank and the wheels going up and down the seat rail.
Comfort
The Pacific AR has a padded seat that runs on precision bearings, which makes the rowing experience smooth.
However, a few users commented the seat wasn’t too comfortable. Primarily due to the ridge in the center of the seat, which rubs on your rear and makes it numb after a while.
Users found a simple fix for this issue by using a cushion, folded towel, or something to ‘level’ the seat more. Most users were unaffected by this issue, but it’s still good to know there’s a simple fix for it.
You can check out the top rowing seat cushions here.
The handle has an ergonomic design, which prevents strain on the wrists and hands. It’s comfortable, but completely ‘round’, so it would be best not to row while wearing any rings on your fingers.
NOTE: [This applies to most workout machines in general]. If you have sensitive hands or are just starting to workout, it might be best to use workout gloves to prevent your hands from developing calluses for the first few weeks.
The foot rests on the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR function well. The nylon straps quickly secure your feet by easily pulling the strap. The foot boards are easy to adjust and can accommodate practically any foot size.
Whether you row with shoes or barefoot, you will be happy to know the heel support system is great for both.
The footrests don’t pivot, but your feet are still able to comfortably be in rhythm with the rest of your body while you row.
Comfort Conclusion
The rowing motion on the First Degree Fitness Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine is very fluid and smooth.
The seat glides up and down the seat rail smoothly, while the handle and nylon strap provide consistent resistance with no “lag”.
Overall it is a very comfortable rower!
The video below highlights all the great features of a First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower. While the machine in the video is not the Pacific Challenge AR, all the components talked about are the same on First Degree Fitness Rowing Machines.
Storage
The First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR has an easy-tilt frame that allows it to be stored standing up on its base (with the water tank at the bottom).
While in ‘storage mode’, the rower can be stored in the corner of a room or in a coat closet.
The rower also has dual caster wheels, which make it easy to be moved around when needed. All you need to do is pick it up by the opposite end of the water tank and push it like a shopping cart.
Capacity
According to First Degree Fitness, the Pacific Challenge AR Rower has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg).
That’s a solid weight capacity for a home rowing machine.
Users that were fairly close to the maximum capacity were able to use the rower with no issues and still felt very stable.
Shorter people (5.0’ [152 cm] or shorter) won’t have an issue with the First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR, but taller users need to take note.
The length of this water resistance rower is a little shorter than the higher-end models, which is fantastic for people with space issues. However, the shorter length also means a shorter seat track.
This means that it’s not ideal for very tall rowers. The Challenge AR Rower is not ideal for someone taller than 6’6″.
If you’re taller, I suggest you try out the rower at a local fitness retailer or gym before purchasing.
Also check out my article on the Best Rowing Machine for Tall People. This provides information on rowing machines for people 6’7″ and taller.
Dimensions
- In Use:
- 78.0″ x 21.0″ x 20.0″ (198 cm x 53 cm x 51 cm) (L x W x H)
- Storage/ Upright:
- 21.0” x 20.0” x 78.0″ (53 cm x 51 cm x 198cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight:
- ~60 pounds (27 kg)
Assembly
Assembly of the First Degree Fitness Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine seems fairly simple based on user reviews and the assembly manual.
The instruction manual has very clear instructions with supporting pictures. Total assembly time should not be longer than 45 minutes.
An added ‘bonus’ is the rower can be put together with the provided allen wrenches and multi tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Realistic rowing motion
- Easy to assemble
- Dual caster wheels
- Easy upright storage
- Variable resistance adjustment determined by rowing intensity
- Footrest design allows comfortable barefoot rowing
- Built-in USB interface allows rowers to race other rowers and further analyze workout data
- Patented adjustable resistance water tank makes it easy to ‘adjust’ water resistance
Cons:
- Performance monitor is more basic than PM5 monitor in same price range
- Seat can be uncomfortable
- Some users had trouble ordering replacement parts- follow my instructions under “warranty” and you will be ok :)
Consumer Reviews
The First Degree Fitness Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine is regarded as a solidly built water resistance rower that can provide a solid workout for all users.
Users loved the ability to use the rower for interval training and the added feature of an adjustable resistance water tank.
A few users were not too fond of the seat design, but the same users also commented the issue is easily fixed with a cushion or folded towel. Other users were not happy with the customer service but I believe First Degree Fitness has sorted this out.
**There are some reviews of older versions of the Pacific Challenge AR that show pictures of the old machine. The photos in this review are updated for the newer model.**
The Pacific Challenge AR Rowing Machine is also the exact same model as the Newport Challenge AR Rowing Machine except in a different color. You can see my review of this model for more information and a better variety of consumer reviews.
There is one listing on Amazon that shows photos of the older model Pacific Challenge AR. While these reviews can definitely be taken into consideration, they may be for the older, outdated rower. Look at the newer model or go to the Newport Challenge AR which is the exact same rowing machine.
Average Rating: 4.4
Warranty
- Frame: 5 years
- Tank and Seals: 3 years
- Mechanical Components: 2 years
- All wearing parts: 1 year
To request a ‘Service Inquiry’:
- Fill out the service inquiry form on the Contact page
- Go to the distributors page and find your local distributor
- Email all the people listed
- Call the phone number of the local distributor
I believe First Degree Fitness has changed some of their distributors and have found more reliable companies who are better at customer service. Each time I have contacted the distributor I have received a response within a few hours.
There were periods of time where customers were not getting reliable customer service but I believe some of those issues have been sorted out.
If you are having issues please let me know at Edwin@RowingMachineKing.com . I will be glad to help.
Pacific Challenge AR Price
The Pacific Challenge AR Water Rowing Machine is a competitively priced water rower.
Most people who are looking to find a water rowing machine under $1,000 find this model very attractive.
I checked the top fitness equipment retailers online and Amazon tends to have the lowest available price and great consumer protection.
Overall Review
Overall, the Pacific Challenge AR is a solidly built rower that feels like you are actually rowing on water.
There are many great features and the price is good for a water rowing machine. Many users choose to buy the First Degree Fitness Newport Challenge AR Rowing Machine because they enjoy the red color.
When comparing the Newport Challenge AR vs. Pacific Challenge AR they are functionally exactly the same. You can read my review for more information and see this rower has a lot more reviews and accurate consumer feedback.
Other users may choose to go up in price and look at the WaterRower GX Home Rowing Machine. This is the lowest-priced WaterRower.
You may also like the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine. This is one of the most popular selling water rowing machines.
For just a little more you can also buy the #1 bestselling rowing machine. While it is an air rower, it will have the best monitor on the market. The Concept2 Rowers are used by all Olympic Rowers and Crossfit athletes.
Check out my complete Model D review here.
I hope you enjoyed my First Degree Fitness Pacific Challenge AR Rowing Machine review! If you have any questions leave them in the comment section below.
Rowing Machine King Founder and Author.
I am looking for a rower. I like the idea of a water-based system because it is quiet and I like the sound. I would like something attractive and in wood as I will keep it in my bedroom.
I like the idea of the first degree fitness one because you can adjust the resistance with their water control system. However, I see that the seat is uncomfortable. Do they have seats that are different and therefore comfortable?
Also, I checked out the waterrower brand over the weekend. I like the quiet of the double rail, but the feet feel too crowded. The single rail have the feet further apart and, to me, seems more comfortable. Have others had this experience too?
Also, I found on the WaterRower that when you stopped rowing, the monitor kept counting time. Is this the case for the 1st degree one?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell,
Regarding different seats for the First Degree Fitness water rowers, from my understanding they don’t have different seats available. Generally speaking, people place a gym towel over an uncomfortable rower seat. Maybe that will help with the problem, I’m unsure at this point.
I never really noticed the feeling of my feet on a single and double rail rower to be honest. Actually, let me take that back… I do remember the last time I was on a WaterRower, my feet were a little uncomfortable, but I loved the sound and fluid motion – I quickly forgot about the feeling of my feet.
Regarding the First Degree timer, from my understanding it will continue to keep going too and has to be manually stopped.
You really can’t go wrong with either machine, but if I had to choose one I would go with a WaterRower – I love the smooth finish, realistic motion, and easy flip storage. Let me know if you have any other questions, sorry I couldn’t provide any more help.
Thanks for stopping by – Edwin
Why isn’t “beam length” a standard measurement for rowing machines and rowing machine reviews? I’m 6″ 4″ with a 36″ inseam and having “beam length” as a specification would be very helpful. For this Pacific Challenge rower, I’ve seen references to max height of 6′ 2″, 6′ 4″ and 6′ 6″, so I have no idea if I’ll be OK or not. Thoughts?
Hi Rip,
Sorry for the extremely late reply. I initially wanted to include beam length in my reviews but not all manufacturers disclose this information. Based on your inseam and overall height, you would be cutting it close. My suggestion is, if possible, try the rower out at a local sports retailer close by first before buying it to make sure you can use it with full range of motion. Thanks for stopping by Rip and have a Happy New Year.
Edwin
Hello,
I’m interested in this machine but am curious if the monitor/computer saves any of your workout data. I’ve looked on the First Degree website, but it doesn’t indicate that it does.
Thanks you.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Sorry for the late reply. I’m unsure if the monitor saves the workout data, but I know there’s a usb port it that connects to a PC (which allows for some pretty cool features including racing other Pacific Challenge owners to a race). I have to imagine that if the monitor itself doesn’t store the data; that you would be able to upload it and store it ‘somewhere’. Take care and let me know if you have any other questions, Paul.
Edwin
This company really threw a wrench into my plans! I was about to pull the trigger on the $945 Concept 2 Model D on amazon when I saw the First Degree Fitness Newport Water Rower… which seems to be the exact same as the pacific challenge AR (just in red). With shipping it comes out to $770
This hurts my bones, because I am now torn.
I have some questions for you regarding the difference in feel of these rowers:
1.) Which style resistance (Water or Air) do you find better for high intensity interval training?
2.) What are your feelings on the reliability and customer service of First Degree Fitness?
3.) This may seem foolish (knowing the cult like following of the Concept2), but what machine do you find to be more robust? Which one will last me a decade?
4.) How hard do you think it will be to get replacement parts for the First Degree?
5.) Aren’t these First Degree Fitness machines direct rip-offs of the WaterRowers? How do they compare to the feel of a WaterRower?
Thanks,
James
First Degree NewPort Rower: http://www.amazon.com/First-Degree-Fitness-Adjustable-Resistance/
Hi James, I don’t blame you on feeling torn! That’s a tough decision to choose between the Model D and the Newport Water Rower. In regards to your questions:
1) Air and water are both ideal for HIIT. At this point it’s just a matter of preference. They make different noises which can provide a different kind of experience for you if sounds mean anything to you when you’re working out. BUT… if I had to pick just ONE… I would have to go with air… there’s a reason why Crossfit gyms go with Concept2 machines and not anything else.
2) Customer service for First Degree Fitness is good. I had to call them a few times to answer questions for various reviews and there were very helpful each and every time.
3) Concept2 (I thought about this for a few minutes to make sure my answer was unbiased)
4) I don’t think it would be too difficult. But because I know you’re choosing between a First Degree Fitness and Concept2 – you would have an easier time with a Concept2 if that’s what you’re trying to find out.
5) They feel similar to a WaterRower, but it’s not quite the same. WaterRower’s bread and butter are their wood-based designed machines and that alone provides a unique feel when rowing.
If I had to choose between the two, I would go for the Concept2 Model D. You have to go with the proven winner – there’s a reason why it has a cult following and it’s worth the higher price point in my opinion. Good luck with your new rower – I know you’re going to enjoy it whichever route you go (which I hope is Model D or E).
Hi James,
I assume in the meantime you’ve got a rower machine (which one?). One month ago I had exactly the same dilemma. Finally, I went for the First Degree Fitness Apollo PRO – which has the same water tank & mechanism like the Pacific but in a wooden frame. I’ve checked of course the Model D at the shop. Here is why I went for the FDF:
– Model D is HUGE… you cannot store it vertically, unless you dismantle it. FDF is up vertically in 10 seconds, just taking up a small corner from the room.
– Model D noise (based on air) is definitely more intense and more annoying than the FDF which is water based. The shoooshing of the water in the tank is awesome, you should hear it the shop.
– Professionals say that the effort for water based rowers is more constant compared with the rowers based on air. For air rowers, the effort is less in the beginning and the end of the move, whilst during the middle part of the move spikes up – which is not necessarily a bad thing.
– The wooden frame of the FDF is gorgeous and, when is being stored vertically, it merges perfectly with a normal room layout rather than looking like in a gym.
Here in Europe the price for the FDF Apollo PRO is a bit higher than for Model D (with 150 euro). The Model D is more for gym’s places, with huge rooms and no need to store it vertically. I was going in the shop to get the Model D and I ended up with the FDF for the reasons above.
I’ll see with the reliability. Anyway, the main cord could be replaced by the user when necessary, no need to call anybody or send it to the shop.
I paid another 50 euro for a receiver which makes the FDF computer to display my heart rate (pulse) when wearing a Polar chest belt. At that price for an FDF this receiver should have been default, I agree…
Happy rowing !
Julius,
Thank you for providing such detailed insight into your purchasing decision. Hopefully other viewers can use this as a means to make a better decision.
For anyone looking at First Degree Fitness rowers you can find all the rowers on Amazon which usually have very competitive pricing. I don’t believe they sell the Apollo PRO but they do sell the Viking 2 AR Rower.
Thanks again and happy rowing!!
Edwin,
This website is great and your tips and suggestions are more than welcome.
Thanks a lot !
For the First Degree Fitness rowers, there is Apollo AR and Apollo PRO AR, likewise Viking AR and Viking PRO AR. The single differences are:
◦reinforced wooden frame: side rails of 11.5 cm are 2.5 cm higher than the home version and more torsion-proof and less flexible
◦twice as thick PVC coverings (4 mm) on guide rails for higher resistance and longer durability
Otherwise, the water tank and the mechanism of rowing is identical. But there is a price for this upgrade, 200 euro (a lot !)
Happy rowing everybody!
Hi, I have the pacific ar and I can tell you that I am concerned with long term durability. It is used about 3-5 hrs per week for about a year and the foot peddles broke 2 times the straps on the peddles are no useless and the shock cord that returns the pull stroke broke. The worst part is getting parts the distributor is completely unresponsive, it took weeks for them to respond then weeks and weeks to get the parts that they charged 20 in shipping for because they had to get them in from China. I am kicking myself for not buying the concept 2 from the beginning, now I will pay twice….
Mark,
I am sorry to hear about your bad experience with First Degree Fitness. I know how it feels to purchase a piece of equipment and not have it live up to it’s expectations. I have updated the review with ways to contact First Degree Fitness for replacement parts under my “Warranty” section.
For users who are tighter on cash, I still feel the Pacific AR rower if a great machine and many users would also agree. However, if you have the extra ~$100 and do not have a preference of water rowers vs. air rowers then I would have to agree and say I would choose the Concept2 Model D rower.
If you are a new visitor to this site and have a question about the Pacific Challenge AR Rower vs. the Concept2 Model D don’t hesitate to ask me any questions. To check out my review of the Concept2 Model D click here for the full review.
Happy rowing
I purchased one two years ago, on the most part it has been good. But now it gives me the shites as at the 15 minute mark the web strap falls off its spool and tangles and that’s the end of the session. I’ve adjusted the bungy cord that controls the recovery of the web rope spool and it’s still the same. Pretty disappointing as it one of few exercises I enjoy due to poor knees from my military days.
Hi Darren,
Sorry to hear the bad news. It sounds like there is something off with how it is guiding onto the spool. Maybe try to take the whole mechanism apart and put it back together? Sorry, it’s hard to give some advice when I’m not physically there or can’t see the problem.
Also, try contacting First Degree Fitness and see what they say. You may be able to replace the part for cheap. I have instructions on the best way to contact them above.
Sorry I can’t be of more assistance but I hope everything works out.
Mine squeaks. Anyone else having this problem?
Hi Leigh,
Can you tell where the sound is originating from? Sometimes a small amount of spray lubricant will fix any squeaking issues on rowing machines.
If the problem continues you can contact Golden Designs inc. from the First Degree Fitness contact page.