Concept 2 Model D
If you’ve looked into buying a rowing machine in the past, the Model D by Concept 2 may very well have come up in your search. One of the world’s best-selling machines of its kind, the Model D is used by professional gyms and Olympic rowers. Given its popularity, it shouldn’t come as much surprise that this model comes at a relatively steep price. However, the impeccable build quality and durability of this machine can easily justify the steep price tag, especially for fitness enthusiasts.
One of the most popular rowing machines on the market today
This rower features an air-based resistance design that gives you a realistic feel of rowing through water when using the machine. The amount of resistance applied is automatically adjusted depending on how hard you are rowing, eliminating the pesky task of constantly having to change weight settings like on other machines.
through water when using the machine. The amount of resistance applied is automatically adjusted depending on how hard you are rowing, eliminating the pesky task of constantly having to change weight settings like on other machines.
The Model D comes with a built-in performance monitor that tracks various stats such as your current running speed, distance traveled, calories burned, your average pace, as well as your heart rate. If you’re looking to track your improving performance over an extended period, the Model D’s LogCard comes in handy. This removable card will store all the data collected by the performance monitor and allow you to plug it into your computer for review. While this is a somewhat common feature on many workout machines, this particular card has a bonus feature where it can track data for five separate users.
As mentioned before, the air resistance system will automatically adjust to how hard you are using the machine. However, the airflow can be manually adjusted to change the average level of resistance to your preference.
Who is this for?
The Model D may be a little on the expensive side, especially for those who are just introducing themselves to home fitness equipment, but is a worthwhile investment for those that appreciate its features. It’s built to last, easy to assemble, and has a very comfortable seat for those extended rowing sessions. One thing to note is that this rower machine is a bit longer in size than some of the other machines on the market when it is unfolded, so make sure you have enough room in your workout space to fit it in. The air-resistance design can be a bit noisy compared to other designs as well, yet the realistic and smooth feel of the pull is a worthwhile tradeoff.
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Concept 2 Model E
Yep, Concept 2 is taking up another spot on this list. The Model E is designed very similarly to the Model D, with several new improvements. One of the main changes is that the seat is a few inches higher, making it a little easier getting on and off the machine—perfect for those with joint pain or other mobility issues. This seat is arguably even more comfortable than that of the Model D, which is a big plus.
A Premium Rower For The Enthusiast
Like the Model D, the Model E uses and air-pressure based system to provide resistance, which makes you feel like you’re actually rowing on water.
The Model E comes with a PM5 performance monitor, which is a slight upgrade from the one featured on the Model D. The screen of the monitor is now fixed to the front of the rowing machine by an adjustable plastic arm, making it easier to quickly interact with when you’re in the middle of your workout. This particular monitor also comes with a wireless heart-rate monitoring belt manufactured by Garmin, so you don’t have to worry about any annoying wires tugging and pulling away as you row.
The monitor also comes pre-programmed with a bunch of little games and features designed to keep you motivated, reinforcing a sense of moving towards a specific goal as if you were in an actual rowing competition. As with the Model D, you can save your results on the included LogCard and upload them to your computer to track your progress.
Who is this for?
The Model E is very similar to the Model D when it comes to many features, yet for the higher price it does offer some worthwhile improvements for your money. The more advanced PM5 performance monitor gives you a wide range of possibilities to approaching your workout, and the renowned durability of Concept 2’s machines will guarantee this rower will serve you well no matter how much you abuse it.
The increased height over the Model D makes it significantly more comfortable to sit on, and its single-leg support design makes the machine less prone to wobbling and instability. It’s just slightly larger than the Model D when unfolded, so check to see if you have enough space for the machine if you’re considering giving it a shot.
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Stamina Air Rower
Buying a new workout machine can be a restrictively steep investment for some, especially for those who value that quality of the product they paid for. The Air Rower by Stamina is designed to find that comfortable middle-ground between good-quality equipment and a reasonable price.
Like the name might suggest, the Stamina Air Rower uses wind resistance instead of physical weights, giving a more natural feel to the rowing motion. The level of resistance will automatically adjust to the intensity of your pull, but unlike some higher-end machines, there is no option to adjust resistance manually.
The machine’s frame is made of durable, solid steel, and features an oversized seat that is comfortably padded and slides along the length of the frame. The Air Rower requires a bit of assembly when taking it out of the box, but the process itself is very simple and aided by clear, easy instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The Air Rower comes with a basic performance monitor which tracks distance traveled, calories burned, and current speed on a moderately large backlit screen that is easy to read from a distance.
Who is this for?
The Air Rower is one of the best machines on the market compared to others in the same price range. The wind-resistance design allows for a very smooth rowing motion, and the compact design of the machine makes it easy to store in virtually any location. The biggest issue with the Air Rower is the fact that resistance levels cannot be manually adjusted, which may be enough to turn away some enthusiasts. The performance monitor is also relatively basic compared to other models. Despite some of its shortcomings, however, the Air Rower’s price tag is sure to appeal to first-time buyers who are reluctant to spend more than three figures on a workout machine.
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WaterRower Natural In Ash Wood
One of the most striking things about this rower becomes quite apparent as soon as you lay eyes on it: the frame is constructed from expertly-handcrafted hardwood (Ash) with a smooth oil finish. Not only is it interesting to look at visually, but the wood also serves the practical purposes of absorbing sound and vibration, making it a very quiet machine when you’re using it.
This rower looks just as unique as its technology.
The WaterRower Natural , as you might have guessed, uses the principle of water resistance to provide your workout. Several liters of water are contained within a donut-shaped “WaterFlywheel”, which is capped by an internal paddle that is moved whenever the user “rows” the machine. By using water itself as the source of resistance, the WaterRower provides one of the closest feelings of rowing on water that a home fitness machine can provide.
Like some air-based resistance systems, the WaterRower will automatically adjust itself depending on how hard you row. With this particular system, however, the ratio of resistance to speed is “cubed”. Pulling twice as hard on the handles, for example, will result in the resistance increasing by eight times.
The WaterRower comes with a fairly basic performance monitor that features some “quick start” options to streamline the setup process and save time at the beginning of your workout. Another way this monitor saves time is through its AutoStore function—it automatically saves the settings of your last rowing workout to reapply them to future sessions.
Who is this for?
The WaterRower is an excellent machine and well-worth the asking price. The solid construction of its frame and flexibility of the wood material will support even the most strenuous workouts, and hearing the sound of rushing water after reach row is a very attractive feature. The footrests might be a little bit narrow for those wearing wider shoes, and the fact that the performance monitor lacks a backlight may leave some buyers wanting. Even so, the disadvantages to this machine are few and far between compared to what it has going for it.
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Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
The Magnetic Rower by Velocity Exercise comes with as many feature and perks as you would expect from a high-end rowing machine, but at only a fraction of the price. The slim design of its frame and its smooth anodized aluminum finish make it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any workout room, yet the main selling factor of this machine is the type of resistance it employs.
A smooth, quiet rowing machine ideal for shared spaces
The magnetic resistance system of this rower provides a smooth but intense workout, without causing all the distracting background noise that’s produced with air- and water-based resistance. Resistance levels are adjusted through the digital monitor on the front of the machine, which also provides a dozen different program settings to suit individual needs and different fitness levels.
The performance monitor for the Magnetic Rower is large and easy to read, providing the usual information of distance, strokes per minute, calories burned and heart rate. The heart rate monitor itself, which just straps to your chest, comes included with the Magnetic Rower, which is a very nice bonus.
This rower is very comfortable. The formed saddle seat is molded with polyurethane and is heavily padded, keeping those glutes nice and happy during your longer, more intense workout sessions. The rowing handles are also worth noting for their comfort, being nicely padded for improved grips, and the footrests are adjustable to fit most body types.
The Magnetic Rower is relatively small in size, folds up easily and has a set of wheels for easy transport and storage.
Who is this for?
The Magnetic Rower is likely one of the quietest machines we have featured on this list. For those that value that Zen-like feeling of focus and concentration during your workout, this rower is worth checking out. The fantastic build quality and visual appeal of the frame make this machine nice to look at when you’re not using it, and the added extras such as the heart-rate monitor are an excellent bonus. The price of the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is about mid-range relative to its competitors, yet the quality of its design make it rival some of the higher-end machines on the market, making it a great purchase for your money.
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Kettler Kadett
The Kettler Kadett is one of the most unique-looking machines on this list regarding its frame design. This is because the handles (or arms) of the Kadett are designed for circular rowing motions. While most machines will feature two handgrips on a short bar attached to a line to create their rowing motion, Kettler has created handles for this machine that more closely resemble the way two rowing oars would look if you were sitting on a boat with them. This is a fantastic way to get a more authentic rowing experience from your machine, especially if some of the higher-end machines are beyond your price range.
A Rower That Actually Feels Like Rowing
The Kadett features a hydraulic resistance system, contained within two cylinders that are attached to each of the rowing handles. There are twelve levels of resistance that can be manually set via the performance monitor.
The performance monitor itself is relatively standard but comes with a unique heart-rate monitor that clips to your earlobe, a nice bonus feature for a mid-range machine. The performance monitor has some interesting program features as well, such as being able to set up goals to keep you motivated during your workout routine.
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Who is this for?
The most notable feature about this rower is its unique, realistic rowing motion. Those that have rowed boats in the past will enjoy how well this machine mimics these motions, even if the hydraulic resistance system doesn’t provide the most natural sensation of pushing through water. A major setback of the Kadett’s design, however, if the fact that the extended arm handles require a lot more space than most other rowers. It can also be a bit time-consuming to set up, the translated instructions being a bit unclear at times. Another issue that often crops up with this model is the fact that the Velcro foot straps often will come undone during workouts.
Kettler Favorit
There isn’t anything immediately outstanding about the Kettler Favorit, but that might just be its main appeal: well-rounded with solid features, for a very reasonable price.
One thing that is worth noting is that it is incredibly lightweight—although it can support a person weighing up to 250 lb, the Favorit only weighs a mere 50 lb. The frame is made of high-carbon steel and makes the entire machine easy to lift and move about your house when the need arises. While this improves ease of storage, unfortunately, the Favorit does not collapse or fold up like many other machines. This may not be an issue considering the Favorit is already fairly compact in size, and the raised handles can be folded down to make the machine flatter.
This rower comes with a training computer that features a high-resolution LCD screen that displays the usual workout data and statistics, as well as some unique ones like average stroke speed. The LCD screen is bright and very easy to read during a typical workout routine. Like the Kettler Kadett, the Favorit also comes with an infrared heart-rate monitor that clips onto your earlobe to monitor your pulse.
The Favorit features a hydraulic resistance system, taking the form of two cylinders attached to the handles. The range of resistance on the Favorit is quite impressive. While it only features about a dozen specific levels of resistance, the lowest setting is comfortable enough for even the weakest user, while the highest setting makes it difficult even to move the handles for the first row.
Who is this for?
The Favorit is a well-built machine that is compact enough to fit in most spaces despite its lack of foldability. The motion range of the arms is arched and feels quite natural, even if it doesn’t quite imitate the feel of rowing an actual boat as well as the Kadett does. The rowing motion feels very smooth, and the machine is very quiet when in use. Like Kettler’s other products the instructions are translated from German and can be a little difficult to follow, yet the machine itself is relatively simple to set up and shouldn’t be difficult.
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LifeSpan Fitness RW1000
The RW1000 by LifeSpan Fitness is another mid-range machine that has a fairly even mix of pros and cons, yet this award-winning machine is still worth a look for those seeking to purchase their first rowing machine.
This machine sports the more common “fixed head” style of a rower, which means the seat slides along rails during each pull of the handles. It has a very simple design and is remarkably easy to put together with the supplied tools. The internal wheel that retracts the handles is silent when the machine is in use, with tension holding steady and avoiding moments of slack. There are only five different levels of resistance for the RW 1000, which are selected by turning a knob below the display screen. Resistance cannot be adjusted when the rower is moving, unfortunately.
The display monitor for the RW1000 is powered by a single AA battery, displaying stats and information across three small LCD monitors. Unfortunately, the information may be a bit difficult to read during an intense workout session, and there is no way to save or record results for future review. This may make the rower less appealing to serious fitness enthusiasts, but will not likely be an issue for casual users. The display automatically shuts down after being idle for a few minutes, so you don’t have to worry so much about saving battery life.
Who is this for?
For a mid-range rower the RW1000 is very reliably built. Its steel frame is stable and sturdy, is easily foldable, and comes with wheels for convenient storage. The padded seat is extremely comfortable, and the rowing motion is smooth enough to limit potential joint strain. The functionality of the performance monitor is a bit lacking for a rower of this price, and the footplates can sometimes be prone to letting heels slip off the sides. This machine is more for the casual user, as many of the tradeoffs for the lower price may be too much of a sacrifice for those seeking a more intense workout experience.
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Stamina 1215 Orbital
If the price tags on all of the previous machines are making you feel a little light-headed, check out the Stamina 1215 Orbital. Likely being one of the most affordable rowers on the market, the Orbital has been designed from the ground up for those seeking a great workout without needing to fork over too much cash.
In addition to the price, one of the best things the Orbital has going for it is its full arc-range rowing motion, which is typically reserved for mid- to high-end models. This allows for a more natural rowing pattern that approximates rowing a real boat. The hydraulic resistance system is smooth and quiet when the machine is in use, so no need to crank up the workout tunes in order to drown it out.
The Orbital is also remarkably small and compact, making it ideal for those that don’t have a lot of extra space available. Unfortunately, this machine does not fold up, but due to its already small size, there isn’t a pressing need for such a feature.
The performance monitor is pretty low-end on the 1215 Orbital, but still displays basic information. While it may not include motivational games and other fancy features like on some of the higher-end models, the information provided is more than enough for most users.
Who is this for?
For its exceptionally low price, the Orbital offers a ton of great features. Its design is solid and compact enough for small spaces and simulates a realistic circular rowing motion better than some mid-range rowing machines. For such a small machine, it packs in quite a bit of resistance, though, as a drawback, even the lowest resistance setting may prove too difficult for some. It’s a great buy if you’re looking for a cheap, entry-level workout machine, but might be a little too low-end for fitness enthusiasts and professionals.
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Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
If you’re not sure that owning a rowing machine is right for you, and the price of the 1215 Orbital still seems a tad too high for what you’re looking for, the Body Trac Glider 1050 is the cheapest rowing machine we have on this list. While it is about as basic as you can get when it comes to a rower, it could be the perfect buy for those just looking to dip their toes into the world of rowing fitness.
Like other mid- to low-end rowing machines, the Body Trac uses hydraulic cylinders to provide resistance. Once again Stamina has taken a creative route in design, allowing for the arm handles to move in full circular motions. These handles are adjustable as well, able to be spread apart wider for those with longer arms.
Given that this is a low-end model, you shouldn’t expect much out of the performance monitor. The screen on the Body Trac will display the most basic information such as the number of strokes, burned calories and total time rowed. There are no games to be played, and it doesn’t come with a heart-rate monitor either, but that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Perhaps the best feature about the Body Trac Glider 1050 is its ease of storage. Not only is it compact to begin with when it is fully set up, but it also folds up small enough to be easily fit into a closet or a corner. This makes the Body Trac not only the cheapest machine on this list but also the most compact.
Who is this for?
Cost efficiency is the main appeal of the Body Trac. As an entry-level machine, you get a very realistic rowing motion, decent resistance, and a remarkably compact frame that would be suitable for even the most cramped apartment. Keep in mind, however, that because this is a low-end machine you won’t be getting every feature you might want. The seat isn’t very well padded and may not be suitable for extended sessions, and the hand grips are not exactly the most ergonomic. For the price, however, it’s very hard to find enough fault in this machine to make it seem anything less than a good deal.
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