Rowing machines - http://www.rowingmachinez.com

Editor's picks

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  Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike / Rower

  Sports (Stamina)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Good Item. Poor company.

  To open this review I would like to explain the service and process I needed to go thru to get the equipment up and running, Then a product review.I purchaced this in the middle of march and it was delivered 4 days late in a box that looked very torn up. It was only being held together by the plastic bands, the box had been torn apart at both ends. Because I received it late I did not have time to assemble it for a week. When I began to assemble I noticed that I was missing screws, bolts, and the 'included' tools. So I went online to ask about this. On the Stamina website a form is provided for serial number to be included with any request. I went over every part included and every page of the manual and could not come up with a number. I found a place in the manual that told me where to look for the sticker with the number, but I did not have any such sticker. I sent the request anyway with my explination. After 2 weeks I had no response so I called their support number... 3/5 David J. Mcdowell (Spartanburg, SC United States) - See all my reviews, June 9, 2007

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  Two Great Machines for One Great Price!

  Don't hesitate to buy this bike/rower! It's an awesome product -- or should I say "two products in one." I couldn't find any reviews on this machine and am happy to be able to provide one to interested parties. Of course we wanted to see this product in person before we spent the money on it, and that took awhile where we live. We're glad we persevered. It was relatively easy to put together. The seat is very ergonomically positioned. As a bike it is easy to adjust not only where the seat is, but also the tension level on the biking. Biking is smooth and quiet. The knob to change from bike to rower is under the seat and therefore a little awkward to reach, but it couldn't be simpler to change the function. Just turn the knob and you've switched from rowing to biking or vice versa! The rower has the same easy adjustment on the tension and really smooth, quiet rowing action. It has several features on the electronic monitor, 'though I must confess I'm not really interested in that... 5/5 S. Webb (Kennewick, WA) - See all my reviews, December 11, 2005

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  Better than average; I expected better computer and foot guard

  I tried a few other rowing machine before this purchase. I rate this rowing machine as barely average, rowing machine alone 6 out of 10 because I like the seating and overall study structure. Rowing handle could be longer.- The computer is cheap with no programing option or upgrade from manufacturer, I give this 4 out of 10- The rowing machine foot rest was made for someone with foot size-9 and not larger. The strap does not secure properly and some what uncomfortable. In summary the foot guard for rowing machine is 2 out of 10.I like the bike and rate it 8 out of 10. The seat is comfortable, again the foot guard is poor.- The foot strap/guard could be better, I rate this as 4 out of 10.Summary: I like it, for $499 this product is average. I hope the manufacturer looks to improve and offer interchangeable parts and computer. 3/5 Andy "Engineer" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike / Rower (Sports) I tried a few other rowing machine before this purchase. I rate this rowing machine as barely average, rowing machine alone 6 out of 10 because I like the seating and overall study structure. Rowing handle could be longer.- The computer is cheap with no programing option or upgrade from manufacturer, I give this 4 out of 10- The rowing machine foot rest was made for someone with foot size-9 and not larger. The strap does not secure properly and some what uncomfortable. In summary the foot guard for rowing machine is 2 out of 10.I like the bike and rate it 8 out of 10. The seat is comfortable, again the foot guard is poor.- The foot strap/guard could be better, I rate this as 4 out of 10.Summary: I like it, for $499 this product is average. I hope the manufacturer looks to improve and offer interchangeable parts and computer. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 1, 2007

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  List Price: $699.99
  Price: $599.00
  You Save: $100.99 (14%)

  Multi-function monitor

  High-end, molded foam padded seat and seatback

  Smooth, quiet magnetic resistance

  Extruded aluminum rowing beam

  Heart rate sensors are built into the seat handles

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• 

  Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower

  Sports (Stamina)
  

  Rating (35 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Fantastic Piece of Equipment

  This is a great piece of equipment. If you are wondering if quality is compromised as a result of the 2-for-1 deal, you'll be very happy to know that it isn't. This is a smooth and quiet piece of equipment. I am very impressed with it. It is of very nice quality.It took me about an hour to put together because I was being very attentive to the directions and taking my time. At first sight, the instructions are slightly confusing but it only takes a few minutes of looking over everything to understand them.The monitor is of nice quality and has several different modes: time, speed, calorie, pulse, RPM and distance. It's actually built into the bike/rower with this model as opposed to being on top like a very similar model that currently goes for $100 less. To me, it looks better built in as it is with this model.Now that I've said that, what I specifically like about this bike/rower is that is really more like a 3-in-1 machine. You not only get the... 5/5 Tams - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower (Sports) This is a great piece of equipment. If you are wondering if quality is compromised as a result of the 2-for-1 deal, you'll be very happy to know that it isn't. This is a smooth and quiet piece of equipment. I am very impressed with it. It is of very nice quality.It took me about an hour to put together because I was being very attentive to the directions and taking my time. At first sight, the instructions are slightly confusing but it only takes a few minutes of looking over everything to understand them.The monitor is of nice quality and has several different modes: time, speed, calorie, pulse, RPM and distance. It's actually built into the bike/rower with this model as opposed to being on top like a very similar model that currently goes for $100 less. To me, it looks better built in as it is with this model.Now that I've said that, what I specifically like about this bike/rower is that is really more like a 3-in-1 machine. You not only get the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 20, 2007

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  Excellent Recumbent/Rower!

  I bought this because it was both a recumbent bike and a rower. I am very happy with this product because the quality is the best I have had with any fitness equipment I own. It is so quiet and sturdy and easy to use. I can go from bike to rower in seconds, making it easy to rotate every couple of miles if desired.The extra bonus is that you can use it for strength training by just pulling the resistant bar while standing. And a few other options are shown in the book that comes with it.I would recommend this product for the quality and ease of use. Easy to fold up if needed. 5/5 B. Oaks (Pequot Lakes, MN USA) - See all my reviews, January 20, 2008

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  Coincidence or poorly manufactured equipment?

  I ordered the Stamina Deluxe Conversion II, knowing that it would be an excellent addition to my home gym. After assembling it, I saw that the tension knob and the spring pin knob were cracked, making it impossible to use w/o taping it together (which I did, just to see how the unit worked). I liked the unit, but it was ridiculous to pay that much for something in order to "tape it together" so I contacted Stamina and they would not return my calls or e-mails. Amazon (from whom I had purchased it) graciously replaced it with a new one. When the new one arrived, I examined it thoroughly before the delivery person left. After assembling it, I started to work out and there was such a loud squeaking noise, it was impossible to use. I persevered, thinking that there was something that "needed to be worked out" but it got worse. Once again, Stamina would not return e-mails or voicemails, so Amazon (thank goodness I had bought it from them) allowed me to return it (their policy is to... 1/5 Ki "Ki" (NJ) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower (Sports) I ordered the Stamina Deluxe Conversion II, knowing that it would be an excellent addition to my home gym. After assembling it, I saw that the tension knob and the spring pin knob were cracked, making it impossible to use w/o taping it together (which I did, just to see how the unit worked). I liked the unit, but it was ridiculous to pay that much for something in order to "tape it together" so I contacted Stamina and they would not return my calls or e-mails. Amazon (from whom I had purchased it) graciously replaced it with a new one. When the new one arrived, I examined it thoroughly before the delivery person left. After assembling it, I started to work out and there was such a loud squeaking noise, it was impossible to use. I persevered, thinking that there was something that "needed to be worked out" but it got worse. Once again, Stamina would not return e-mails or voicemails, so Amazon (thank goodness I had bought it from them) allowed me to return it (their policy is to... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 16, 2008

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  List Price: $900.00
  Price: $749.00
  You Save: $151.00 (17%)

  Top bar for performing upper body exercises, such as bicep curls and tricep kickbacks

  8 levels of smooth, quiet magnetic resistance; hand-pulse sensor built into grips

  Electronic monitor with large LCD display tracks speed, time, calories, distance, and more

  Combination rowing machine and recumbent exercise bike for total body workouts

  250-pound weight capacity; measures 74.5 x 25.5 x 10 inches (W x H x D)

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• 

  Avari Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike & Rower

  Sports (AVARI)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Not Without flaws but basics are sound

  This is the new generation of the "Stamina Conversion II Recumbent / Rower". I purchased it because it was $100 cheaper than the Stamina. After assembly I can see no difference in the two except the shape of the housing around the pedal assembly and the separate pedestal for the computer.Pros:Both the bike and the rower work well. Good range of resistance, I dare you to set it on 6 or above and tug on it for an hour, however I started out weak as a fledgling with a setting of 3 and it didn't kill me.Folds up to be fairly compact...The bike and rower are both very quiet in operation.I removed the computer and re-purposed the computer mount with some help of a 3" piece of PVC from the hardware store. Now it holds my laptop so I can watch while I work out.I also like to unlatch the seat like it is used in the rowing configuration and then pedal the bike. It makes me use my gut and back to stabilize my position as I... 4/5 Critical Dave - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Avari Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike & Rower (Misc.) This is the new generation of the "Stamina Conversion II Recumbent / Rower". I purchased it because it was $100 cheaper than the Stamina. After assembly I can see no difference in the two except the shape of the housing around the pedal assembly and the separate pedestal for the computer.Pros:Both the bike and the rower work well. Good range of resistance, I dare you to set it on 6 or above and tug on it for an hour, however I started out weak as a fledgling with a setting of 3 and it didn't kill me.Folds up to be fairly compact...The bike and rower are both very quiet in operation.I removed the computer and re-purposed the computer mount with some help of a 3" piece of PVC from the hardware store. Now it holds my laptop so I can watch while I work out.I also like to unlatch the seat like it is used in the rowing configuration and then pedal the bike. It makes me use my gut and back to stabilize my position as I... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 27, 2011

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  List Price: $800.00
  Price: $599.00
  You Save: $201.00 (25%)

  Doubles as Both a Rowing Machine and Recumbent Bike †Simply Pull the Pin and Adjust the Seat. The Padded Seat Glides on a Ball Bearing Roller System for Smooth Rowing, and Adjusts to a Stationary Position to Fit Different Leg Lengths for Recumbent Biking.

  Rower/Recumbent Bike Assembled Dimensions: 74.5in L x 23.5in W x 34in H / Folded Dimensions: 34in L x 23.5in W x 56.5in H / Weighs: 102 lbs. / User Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.

  Features an Oversized Multi-Function LCD Screen: Tracks Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, and Pulse

  Adjustable 8 Levels of Magnetic Resistance Provides a Smooth and Quiet Workout †Adjust the Intensity and Resistance of Your Workout at Any Time with the Grip-Edged Dial Knob

  Quality Construction and Portable Folding Design: Sturdy Steel Frame, Oversized Aluminum Seat Rail for Smooth Gliding Seat, Folds Up for Storage, and Includes Wheels for Easy Portability

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  AVARI by Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Rower

  Sports (AVARI by Stamina)
  List Price: $750.00
  

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  Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower

  Sports (Stamina)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (2.2/5)

  

  DO NOT BUY THIS ROWER

  DO NOT BUY THIS ROWER! It has a major manufacturing and design flaw. I had the same problems as Lisa G. listed above. I got the run around from Stamina. I finally had a mechancially inclined friend fix it for me. Stamina was NO HELP WHATSOEVER. They told me to trash the first rower and then sent me a second rower with THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM--the chain gets caught! I have no idea how long the rower will last and I don't expect Stamina to do the right thing. The only reason I got any satisfaction was because the distributor intervened--they actually care about customer satisfaction. Save your money, don't buy this piece of junk, get a Concept 2. I wish I had. 1/5 Janet GK - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower (Sports) DO NOT BUY THIS ROWER! It has a major manufacturing and design flaw. I had the same problems as Lisa G. listed above. I got the run around from Stamina. I finally had a mechancially inclined friend fix it for me. Stamina was NO HELP WHATSOEVER. They told me to trash the first rower and then sent me a second rower with THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM--the chain gets caught! I have no idea how long the rower will last and I don't expect Stamina to do the right thing. The only reason I got any satisfaction was because the distributor intervened--they actually care about customer satisfaction. Save your money, don't buy this piece of junk, get a Concept 2. I wish I had. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 21, 2010

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  Stamina Air Rower 1405

  Today I'm happy with the procuct, but when I first got it, not so much. The machine itself isn't that bad, but the construction of it wasn't the greatest. Within the first week of use, the chain kept getting stuck... it would just sit there rather than being pulled back in. I figured out it was sliding off the wheel and getting jammed so I "fixed" that, but after another week the chain just came off the handle and got sucked in to the metal body. I managed to pull it out, unscrew the fan (which can't be removed), and used a very stiff wire to thread the chain back through the proper mechanisms. It was worth the trouble because it now works better than ever, but we'll see what happens next week. 1/5 Lisie Gonzalez "LisieMarie" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews, March 8, 2010

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  bad design and materials

  I bought this rower 4 years ago and each time I get into rhythm of using it frequently, after only 20 sessions a piece in the windmill gets spent and over the years have had to buy tens of replacements )and learn to be a mechanic to replace it and rebuild). Not recommended. Now I want to recycle this huge contraption. 2/5 patricia - See all my reviews This review is from: Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower (Sports) I bought this rower 4 years ago and each time I get into rhythm of using it frequently, after only 20 sessions a piece in the windmill gets spent and over the years have had to buy tens of replacements )and learn to be a mechanic to replace it and rebuild). Not recommended. Now I want to recycle this huge contraption. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 12, 2011

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  List Price: $500.00
  Price: $399.00
  You Save: $101.00 (20%)

  Multi-function electronic performance monitor displays speed, distance, time, and calories burned

  Comfortable foam padded molded seat slides easily on ball bearing rollers

  Measures 78 x 31.5 x 19.75 inches (W x H x D); weighs 73 pounds; 3-year frame warranty

  Over-sized chrome seat rail for smooth sliding seat

  Folds for storage; wheels for easy portability

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  Crescendo Fitness Folding Mag Resistance Power Rower

  Sports (Crescendo Fitness)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Pretty good workout

  I've never had a rower before and when running was tearing up my joints, I decided to try something else. The low impact on your body is great, although I'm a bit disappointed about the calorie count. It's about a quarter of what I used to burn when running, but that makes sense, as you're not exerting as much energy. My settings are at maximum, but I could still use more. Overall, the machine does what it's supposed to do and I'm happy with it so far. 4/5 Sam Hughes Jr. "Sam" (Norfolk, VA USA) - See all my reviews, April 14, 2011

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  Crescendo power rower

  The foot pedals are not adjustable and that makes it difficult for a 5'4" ot shorter person to reach the pedals while rowing. I have to adjust by placing my shoes on the bottom of the pedals and pushing off. Other than that it is a fairly gool piece of equipment. Value may be a little over priced for the way it is made. 4/5 cheychey11 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Crescendo Fitness Folding Mag Resistance Power Rower (Sports) The foot pedals are not adjustable and that makes it difficult for a 5'4" ot shorter person to reach the pedals while rowing. I have to adjust by placing my shoes on the bottom of the pedals and pushing off. Other than that it is a fairly gool piece of equipment. Value may be a little over priced for the way it is made. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 23, 2011

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  I would recommend for beginner only

  This is a good machine for beginners which I am. The cost was worth it for me. The timer and count is cheesy but it serves it's purpose. Despite the instructions saying it will take 2 people 40 minutes to assemble, I did it myself in 20 minutes. However, I will note that you'll need to be a little mechanically inclined. The assembly instructions was on one page and half of it I had to make an educated guess on how to assemble it. But I think most adult can figure it out. 3/5 Jamie K Ono - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Crescendo Fitness Folding Mag Resistance Power Rower (Sports) This is a good machine for beginners which I am. The cost was worth it for me. The timer and count is cheesy but it serves it's purpose. Despite the instructions saying it will take 2 people 40 minutes to assemble, I did it myself in 20 minutes. However, I will note that you'll need to be a little mechanically inclined. The assembly instructions was on one page and half of it I had to make an educated guess on how to assemble it. But I think most adult can figure it out. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 6, 2011

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  List Price: $899.99
  Price: $349.99
  You Save: $550.00 (61%)

  Folding magnetic-resistance rowing machine with 15.43-pound flywheel

  Built-in 5-function computer tracks time, stroke count, and calories burned

  Measures 76.8 x 23.6 x 22.8 inches (W x H x D); weighs 81.6 pounds

  Supports 16 upper body exercises; folds vertically for easy storage

  Comfortable seat with smooth rollers and large aluminum rowing beam

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• 

  LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine

  Sports (LifeSpan Fitness)
  

  Rating (21 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Not meant to actually be used

  I loved this rower at first, although if you have small feet, it's difficult to keep them from pulling out of the pedals while rowing. 6 broken straps, several emails to Lifespan (they did replace them for me), a change to a different type of shoe, and that problem was finally fixed. Then the pulleys started to break. Ordered a new set and replaced those (those I had to buy). Now the flywheel will not recoil. Took it apart...I would have to replace the magnetic wheel assembly. It's time to give up, it just wasn't made to be used. I used this rower for 2 1/2 years. My last rower was a cheap old piston type, it lasted 12 years. I finally broke the frame. I used the rower 4 times a week, this one just couldn't hold up. And, no, I'm not some 350 pound body builder...I barely make it over 5 feet and am under 135 pounds. I don't think I should be killing rowing machines. 1/5 T. J. Stewart (Burnsville, MN, US) - See all my reviews, March 5, 2010

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  Good rower, not the best

  I bought my LifeSpan rower about a year ago and have used it a lot with no major problems. It does the job and seems to be a good value for the money, but it definately is not a performance rower.PROS:CheapCompactFolds EasilySimple Digital Display lasts a very long time one one batteryCONS:No chain, the pull mechanism is a strap of fabric.Plastic wheels support the seat and pull movement. Mine have note worn out yet but they're not that smooth and they do feel as if they have worn down significantly during the year that I have used my rower.The pull movement creates no momentum as with a fan or water resisting model, so you really cant build up much inertia and each pull feels like you're starting from a stp, which is not mych like real rowing.All in all it's a good unit but if you're looking for something that will really take a beating and last a long time and also emulate the feel of rowing much better,... 3/5 James D. Strawn "Problem Finder" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews, May 12, 2010

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  Great Product; be careful with shipping!

  We ordered this product to help in a revamping of our exercise program, and it is absolutely great in that mission. The device assembles very easily and quickly; 15 minutes or less if you lay the parts out. There are two major assemblies, and you just attach the seat and put the two pieces together. In action, the device is smooth and quiet, and it can give you a very good workout in a relatively short period of time. The electronics package is good; the only issue some may have is that changing rowing resistance doesn't appear to change the calorie count.The only problem we had was with Amazon in shipping. This is shipped in two boxes but for some reason Amazon seems to lose sight of that fact on its own tracking. If the two boxes become separated (which ours did) and only one is delivered, they show status as "delivered". I called customer service to try to get them to help with the other box and they continually insisted that the order was one box and was... 5/5 T. Nolle "NetTraveler" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews, December 13, 2009

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  List Price: $699.99
  Price: $499.99
  You Save: $200.00 (29%)

  300-pound maximum user weight; five-year frame warranty, two-year parts warranty, and one-year labor warranty

  Folds to 34 by 19 by 64 inches (L x W x H) for easy storage

  Solid steel frame; assembled dimensions measure 87 by 19 by 23 inches (L x W x H)

  Features a smooth and quiet eddy current drive system with a 16.5-pound flywheel

  Three-LCD console provides distance, calories, time, strokes, and strokes per minute workout feedback

  Recipient of the 2008 Gear Awards Seal of Excellence

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