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

Editor's picks

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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%)

  Recipient of the 2008 Gear Awards Seal of Excellence

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

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

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

  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

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  Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine

  Sports (Stamina Products, Inc.)
  

  Rating (339 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Demo of Stamina Rower

  Customer Video Review Length:: 1:16 MinsSo far, so good. I was a little upset that there weren't any video reviews for this product, (youtube, from the company itself etc.) so I promised myself that I'd make a video demonstration for others to judge.The basic stuff you need to know: There are 12 levels of resistance (I was using resistance level 8).The computer tells you how many complete rows you have performed, time performed, calories burned or you can scan through all three (My computer didn't work when it first arrived, but after a solid punch it woke up and started working). The resistance is nice. You'll get a good workout with this inexpensive machine. Storage is convenient, but don't be fooled, 35 pounds is heavy to move around from room to room. Keep the machine close to where you plan on using it. Finally, the footstraps were a major complaint. My complaint about the footstraps is that it doesn't hold your feet securely against the footrests. The clicking noise you hear in... 5/5 Louie Lefkowitz "Lou da Joo" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews, September 25, 2010

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  A fantastic rower for this price!

  .PROS:a. Real rowing (oar-like) action, rather than just pulling on a single T-bar.b. Comfortable even with tall people (I'm 6'1').c. Adjustable rowing tension.d. A very sturdy, rigid, and well-built frame.e. Easy to assemble.f. Takes little room to use.g. Very low cost (one hundred twenty dollars).CONS:a. The seat is not well padded.b. The unit creaks and squeaks a bit until it is warmed-up.c. No instructions explaining how to actually row properly. (I found some great videos and info on the Web, however, that instruct as to how to use rowing machines).You simply cannot beat this Stamina Body Trac Rowing Machine at this very low cost -- it is an amazing deal! 5/5 Linda (United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine (Sports) .PROS:a. Real rowing (oar-like) action, rather than just pulling on a single T-bar.b. Comfortable even with tall people (I'm 6'1').c. Adjustable rowing tension.d. A very sturdy, rigid, and well-built frame.e. Easy to assemble.f. Takes little room to use.g. Very low cost (one hundred twenty dollars).CONS:a. The seat is not well padded.b. The unit creaks and squeaks a bit until it is warmed-up.c. No instructions explaining how to actually row properly. (I found some great videos and info on the Web, however, that instruct as to how to use rowing machines).You simply cannot beat this Stamina Body Trac Rowing Machine at this very low cost -- it is an amazing deal! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 20, 2006

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  Great Rower For The Money

  I have had this rower for a week now and it has been working great. The first rower I bought (a different brand of rower) broke down after 15 min of use, but the Stamina Body Glider is well built and very easy to use. The instruction booklet is very clear. It only took a few minutes to put the machine together.The amount of resistance is adjustable and the machine is very quiet. The only noise you hear is from the shock absorber type device which provides the resistance. It looks and feels like a more expensive piece of equipment, but provides the same type of workout that those higher priced models provide. Relatively lightweight, the Stamina Body Glider comes in at around 35lbs. The light weight makes it easy to move the machine around. I am thoroughly satisfied with this machine so far and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a rower. 5/5 R. Rose - See all my reviews, April 17, 2006

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  List Price: $230.00
  

  Sturdy, steel frame construction

  Folds for easy storage

  Home rowing machine with compact footprint--23.5 x 46 inches

  Adjustable gas-shock resistance

  Monitor shows time, stroke count, and calories burned

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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%)

  Folds for storage; wheels for easy portability

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

  Comfortable foam padded molded seat slides easily on ball bearing rollers

  Over-sized chrome seat rail for smooth sliding seat

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

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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

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

  Comfortable seat with smooth rollers and large aluminum rowing beam

  Supports 16 upper body exercises; folds vertically for easy storage

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

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  BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine

  Sports (BodyCraft)
  

  Rating (21 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  It works and looks like a much more expensive rower.

  After having purchased an inexpensive piston rower (which was not so bad,by the way) I tried in a fitness shop some magnetic rowers and I found them much better. So I shopped around and I tried the Tunturi R30, The Kettler Coach, the Fitness Quest Integrity 3000, the Water Rower,the Lifecore R900, the Life Span and the Body Craft VR 100. I found that the Body Craft has the best value for money ratio. It is built very well, its ergonomics are handsome, the workout is fantastic, and the price is very acceptable.I particularly like the position of the footpedals and of the handle-bar,which I think is perfect.It also looks like it is very durable and it will last forever. I am very much satisfied, and would recommend it to everyone looking for a classy rower at a very honest price. 5/5 Gerardo Piero Pavone (Troy, Michigan) - See all my reviews, January 23, 2007

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  This rowing machine ROCKS!

  I was/am a runner who constantly was sustaining leg injuries of one type or another. I finally yielded to the fact that I needed to seriously cross train and reduce my running. I decided to row, however I abhore having to spend tons of cash on exercise equipment to work out indoors when running is virtually free outside. I originally wanted to spend only a few hundred dollar so at least I could get my work outs in and see if I really liked rowing. After reading every review I could find, I decided that it may be in my best interest to spend more than a few hundred dollars. When I chose the Body Craft VR100 rower I figured that I would still be compromising quality since it was a mid-priced unit. I didn't want to listen to things click and clack, and have to tighten things that would loosen over time. Much to my amazement, this rower Rocks! It was really easy to put together, the parts are high quality, and the important thing is when you row you don't even think about the fact... 5/5 T. Popper - See all my reviews, March 8, 2007

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  I know I'm going against the grain, but it's really worthless

  Don't be fooled by its slick appearance: Whoever designed this machine has no clue about rowing.To row the standard 2000m distance on the BodyCraft VR100 takes EXACTLY two hundred and twenty strokes. It does not matter if you take 220 long, powerful strokes or 220 stunted, one-foot strokes; the computer always displays 2 km. Nor is it responsive to resistance. 220 strokes at the highest resistance level gives you 2 km, as it does at the very lowest resistance level. Also, according to the computer, you burn .6 calories for every stroke; it does not matter if they are long and laborious or short and effortless. Clearly, the manufacturers installed a dummy computer to fool unwitting buyers - in no way does it measure power, like a real ergometer.Thus, the exerciser has ALMOST NO CLUE about his performance and fitness. The computer is nothing more than a stroke counter and a clock. (The "stroke rate" indicator is fickle and nearly useless, and the "speed" is also... 1/5 Rowist - See all my reviews This review is from: BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine (Sports) Don't be fooled by its slick appearance: Whoever designed this machine has no clue about rowing.To row the standard 2000m distance on the BodyCraft VR100 takes EXACTLY two hundred and twenty strokes. It does not matter if you take 220 long, powerful strokes or 220 stunted, one-foot strokes; the computer always displays 2 km. Nor is it responsive to resistance. 220 strokes at the highest resistance level gives you 2 km, as it does at the very lowest resistance level. Also, according to the computer, you burn .6 calories for every stroke; it does not matter if they are long and laborious or short and effortless. Clearly, the manufacturers installed a dummy computer to fool unwitting buyers - in no way does it measure power, like a real ergometer.Thus, the exerciser has ALMOST NO CLUE about his performance and fitness. The computer is nothing more than a stroke counter and a clock. (The "stroke rate" indicator is fickle and nearly useless, and the "speed" is also... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 14, 2009

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  List Price: $840.00
  Price: $699.00
  You Save: $141.00 (17%)

  Adjustable (height and angle) console tracks your time, distance, strokes, calories burned, and heart rate

  Contoured ergonomic seat glides along precision-bearing rollers to ensure smooth performance

  Aircraft-grade aluminum and steel frame; 44 inches of travel from pedals to accommodate different heights

  Folds up for easy storage; measures 17 x 22 x 68 inches (W x H x D); lifetime frame warranty

  Sturdy rowing machine with 6 resistance levels (1 air resistance and 5 air and magnetic resistance)

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  Sunny Rowing Machine

  Sports (Sunny Health & Fitness)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  It burns so Good

  Delivery time: ExcellentMinor assembly required, but quick & easy.Really like the Calorie burning counter :)Function: very smooth movement.Works very well, 1st three times using it - kick my butt!!This product is great!I have a one BR apartment, futon as couch, rowing machine slides right under the futon!!! Excellent space saver = double plus Good!! 5/5 Tamybyte - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sunny Rowing Machine (Sports) Delivery time: ExcellentMinor assembly required, but quick & easy.Really like the Calorie burning counter :)Function: very smooth movement.Works very well, 1st three times using it - kick my butt!!This product is great!I have a one BR apartment, futon as couch, rowing machine slides right under the futon!!! Excellent space saver = double plus Good!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 1, 2012

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  Poor excuse for a rower

  This is a sorry excuse for a rower.If you are shorter than 5'5" (which the features or description fails to mention) this is no good.Because your legs are short you can not reach the device that allows for you to record your time, distance, or calories burned.The seat will not push back far enough.Also being 5'1" as I am the handles are to high to be comfortable to use and you can not row with both arms at the same time. Which causes pain .The bar that the seat sits on should be adjustable so that any height person can properly use it as well as the handles for rowing. My husband is 5'10" and the rowing handles are a little high for him.The whole rower had to be taken apart and put back together as it was not put together properly at the manufactures.I'm sorry I bought this. It is a disappointment.I would not recommend this to anyone and only give it a 1 star.I can not afford to send this back due to shipping costs and I am... 1/5 Mary Barrett "mary" (ohio) - See all my reviews, January 30, 2012

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  List Price: $159.00
  Price: $124.38
  You Save: $34.62 (22%)

  Two hydraulic cylinders for resistance force

  Pivoting foot plates for added comfort

  Unique, full range of motion rowing

  Adjustable tension controls & footstraps

  Electronic monitor displays: time, distance, count, total count, calories burned, scan.

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  Phoenix 98900 Power Rower

  Sports (Phoenix)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (3.1/5)

  

  Good deal for price

  We were looking for a reasonably priced rowing machine and the MR 900 was one of the few reviewed. It has a tension adjustment knob at the base, so that you can increase your workout. The seat slides easily and the handlebar pulls back fine. As a smaller woman, I find the footpedal position a bit awkward and despite the velcro strip, I can't quite get the right fit. The other review that I saw for this machine also mentioned that the footpads were not as well placed as they might be. Phoenix could really improve their machine by allowing some adjustment in height and better width grip on this feature. The display is fine, but the calorie count seems off--either that or I'm just not working as hard as I think I am. I don't think it accounts for the quickness with which you pull or your body weight and might just be taking into account the tension, time, and number of pulls. Overall, I'm really pleased. My stomach, legs, and arms get a nice workout. I guess the trick is to... 4/5 S. C. Watson (WA) - See all my reviews, October 3, 2005

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  Phoenix 98900 Power Rower - Gotta Love It!

  The Phoenix 98900 Power Rower is my first rowing machine and I am thinking that it is an near excellent choice for anyone seeking an entry-level rowing machine. The actual magnetic resistance rowing action on the Phoenix 98900 provides a constant movement that can be adjusted to accommodate differing levels of endurance and strenght (core and upper body), and the seat action guides almost silently on a silicon wheel carriage.Subjectively, I also think that the Phoenix 98900 is of a sleek-looking design and it easily folds up to reduce the footprint size when it is not in use.I now tend to use my Phoenix 98900 five days a week for 30+ minute sessions at the highest resistance setting (averaging 4 miles per hour and burning 110 calories per session and I can see the improvement to my abs and reduction of my "love handles") and I can honestly say that I look forward to using my Phoenix 98900 rowing machine.The minor issues that I have with the Phoenix... 4/5 Watauga RIver - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Phoenix 98900 Power Rower (Sports) The Phoenix 98900 Power Rower is my first rowing machine and I am thinking that it is an near excellent choice for anyone seeking an entry-level rowing machine. The actual magnetic resistance rowing action on the Phoenix 98900 provides a constant movement that can be adjusted to accommodate differing levels of endurance and strenght (core and upper body), and the seat action guides almost silently on a silicon wheel carriage.Subjectively, I also think that the Phoenix 98900 is of a sleek-looking design and it easily folds up to reduce the footprint size when it is not in use.I now tend to use my Phoenix 98900 five days a week for 30+ minute sessions at the highest resistance setting (averaging 4 miles per hour and burning 110 calories per session and I can see the improvement to my abs and reduction of my "love handles") and I can honestly say that I look forward to using my Phoenix 98900 rowing machine.The minor issues that I have with the Phoenix... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 20, 2010

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  Broke on day 91

  No chance we'd buy this product again! On day 91 of ownership, the tension spring that retracts the cord snapped. And we weren't using the machine any harder than normal. Our Concept 2 is on the way. 1/5 Matt - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Phoenix 98900 Power Rower (Sports) No chance we'd buy this product again! On day 91 of ownership, the tension spring that retracts the cord snapped. And we weren't using the machine any harder than normal. Our Concept 2 is on the way. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 30, 2010

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  List Price: $349.99
  Price: $188.99
  You Save: $161.00 (46%)

  Easy-to-use resistance dial; molded polyurethane seat for long-term comfort

  46-inch slide length; foldable frame with casters rolls away for easy storage

  Measures 81.5 x 26.4 x 24 inches (W x H x D); 1-year frame warranty

  4-window LCD display tracks your workout time, distance, speed, and calories

  High-quality rowing machine with belt-driven magnetic resistance system

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  Performance Fitness Systems R80APM Rower

  Sports (Performance Fitness Systems)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (3.5/5)

  

  Happy Rower

  I've had the rowing machine for three weeks now and I've been happy with it from the moment I got it. It has a smooth glide and is not very noisy. It was easy to put together although the instructions could be clearer, especially when it comes to installing the seat. The seat must go on before the back legs and the instructions never say that. The manufacturer was very helpful, since mine came without the instructions. I called and they immediately emailed me a pdf version. After assembly I let them know about the seat installation issue and since they were so pleasant and responsive I would not doubt that this will be corrected shortly. Other users have said that they do not like the air vent that blows air on them while rowing. I was prepared to dislike that feature since I'm always cold, but I find I like it and it feels very nice after you've built up a sweat. I highly recommend this rower. My only disappointment is that I don't seem to have lost any weight yet, but then I can't... 5/5 B. Gordon - See all my reviews, April 7, 2010

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  R80 APM rower

  I'm happy with it. Is it a Concept 2? No, but it's not a thousand bucks either. Unless you're a mea culpa fitness fanatic, then this should be plenty of machine for you. It has a heart rate monitor and a comprehensive display; the only modification that I did was to block the upper portion of the fan so it just hits me from the neck down. I found the fan blowing in my face was a bit too much, but someone else might find that refreshing. 4/5 Brian Hogarth (New Providence, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews, April 11, 2009

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  Horrible Rower

  After 6 months, I've had two of these rowers break on me. Its durability is completely horrible, and you should completely avoid buying this product. Look for a more credible brand name that you can trust instead of this crap. 1/5 AH - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Performance Fitness Systems R80APM Rower (Misc.) After 6 months, I've had two of these rowers break on me. Its durability is completely horrible, and you should completely avoid buying this product. Look for a more credible brand name that you can trust instead of this crap. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 25, 2011

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  Folds and Rolls for Easy Storage

  8 Levels of Intensity

  FACTORY DIRECT to YOU!!!

  FREE SHIPPING!!!

  Air Resistance Plus a Patented Magnetic Resistance System

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  SmoothFlow R80 Rower

  Health and Beauty (PFS)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Very good value for money!

  We bought this rower direct from PFS (go to their web pages) and are extremely pleased with it. It took 20 minutes to assemble (no manual needed unless you are not that keen on anything logical..(-; ) and folds up very nicely for small storage. This rower is very good value for money and fits our whole family from my 10 year old daughter to myself (6'7") and some 200+ pounds. The seat action and resistance settings are very smooth - not a single squeak or sign of weakness yet! It feels rock solid! The heart monitor is somewhat cumbersome and we do not use it, but then again a more serious exerciser might find it valuable information. 5/5 S. Vitus "SVitus" - See all my reviews, October 17, 2006

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  Reluctant Rower

  I bought this SmoothFlow R80 Rower sight unseen. It is a terrific deal for the price.The seller sent it very quickly. The instructions for assembly were good enough. I almost damaged the seat glider support because I did not understand how to add the seat to the slider bar.Positive: Seat slides smoothly; Digital read-out is large and easy to see; cushion handle grip is comfortable; the overall feel is solid/strong; good price; it works off twice the calories of an elliptical.Negative: My niece let the handle pop loose from her grip and it broke off one of the plastic vent fins, which is probably the weakest part of the machine; you have to remember to reset the digital display for each session, otherwise it just adds to what it remembers that you did last time; the resistance dial only gives you fixed settings to adjust to 1, 2, 3, etc., and they seem like big jumps in level of difficulty; I still have not figured out how to get it to fold up.I was losing 3... 4/5 CiggyRN "momx3" (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: SmoothFlow R80 Rower (Health and Beauty) I bought this SmoothFlow R80 Rower sight unseen. It is a terrific deal for the price.The seller sent it very quickly. The instructions for assembly were good enough. I almost damaged the seat glider support because I did not understand how to add the seat to the slider bar.Positive: Seat slides smoothly; Digital read-out is large and easy to see; cushion handle grip is comfortable; the overall feel is solid/strong; good price; it works off twice the calories of an elliptical.Negative: My niece let the handle pop loose from her grip and it broke off one of the plastic vent fins, which is probably the weakest part of the machine; you have to remember to reset the digital display for each session, otherwise it just adds to what it remembers that you did last time; the resistance dial only gives you fixed settings to adjust to 1, 2, 3, etc., and they seem like big jumps in level of difficulty; I still have not figured out how to get it to fold up.I was losing 3... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 18, 2009

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  List Price: $600.00
  

  Super smooth rolling action

  Includes Wireless Heart Monitor

  8-Level resistance system

  Aluminum beam construction with adjustable angle

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  Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine

  Sports (Lifecore Fitness)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Simple Machine that Provides a Great Total Body Workout

  Background: I have severe arthritis in my knee and can no longer perform exercises that impact the joint (even lengthy walks) without experiencing considerable pain. After using Lifecore Fitness' excellent 900 RB recumbent bike for the past 8 months, for a low impact good cardio workout, I recently purchased the company's R88 rower to exercise upper body muscles and provide an alternative to the bike. The rower was easy to assemble and took approximately 1/2 hour. The instructions are clearly written and well illustrated.Using the Rower: This machine is very easy to use. The first two days I limited my moderately paced workouts to 20 minutes on resistance setting #2. (Note: Most product descriptions -- including Amazon's -- state that the R88 has 8 resistance settings but this model only has 6 resistance settings, which is clearly specified on the shipping box and manual.) After two days I felt a pleasant soreness throughout my body (legs, abdomen, arms, chest, shoulders,... 5/5 George Miller - See all my reviews, October 23, 2009

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  Pros and cons, overall good machine

  Pros, really get a good heart pumping workout. It is small and stores very well.Cons, it is noisy. I don't notice it as bad when I am using it, but when someone else is using it in our house it is loud. I do not like the manual tension dial, wished it was automatic.Over all it is a good machine, just not sure about the price. Wished it had been a little cheaper. 4/5 Marilyn (Iowa) - See all my reviews This review is from: Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine (Sports) Pros, really get a good heart pumping workout. It is small and stores very well.Cons, it is noisy. I don't notice it as bad when I am using it, but when someone else is using it in our house it is loud. I do not like the manual tension dial, wished it was automatic.Over all it is a good machine, just not sure about the price. Wished it had been a little cheaper. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 2, 2009

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  R88 Rowing Machine: Good Workout

  The R88 is the best choice for rowers under $1,000. The combination of air and magnetic resistance is a great design. There are six resistance selections on the R88, not eight as described. The first and lowest selection is air resistance only, and the air coming through the vent will keep you cool. The display could be updated as the background screen is a dull gray. Initially, my rower wasn't counting the strokes or distance (you can set it to count the strokes down from a set number or count up). I called Lifecore tech support and they said the sensors (there are two) near the fan wheel probably got loose during shipping. They suggest I pop the outer shell loose to check the sensor, and I did. The wires and sensor seemed secure but whatever I did made it work. The only critique I have is about the way the foot pads are mounted; I wished the foot pads would be almost level with the frame instead of lower. You are more in a sitting position than a laying position when in the... 4/5 ongobo - See all my reviews This review is from: Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine (Sports) The R88 is the best choice for rowers under $1,000. The combination of air and magnetic resistance is a great design. There are six resistance selections on the R88, not eight as described. The first and lowest selection is air resistance only, and the air coming through the vent will keep you cool. The display could be updated as the background screen is a dull gray. Initially, my rower wasn't counting the strokes or distance (you can set it to count the strokes down from a set number or count up). I called Lifecore tech support and they said the sensors (there are two) near the fan wheel probably got loose during shipping. They suggest I pop the outer shell loose to check the sensor, and I did. The wires and sensor seemed secure but whatever I did made it work. The only critique I have is about the way the foot pads are mounted; I wished the foot pads would be almost level with the frame instead of lower. You are more in a sitting position than a laying position when in the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 3, 2011

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  List Price: $899.00
  Price: $699.00
  You Save: $200.00 (22%)

  Lifetime warranty on frame; 2 years on parts

  Folding rowing machine for the home with combination of air and magnetic resistance

  Eight levels of push-button resistance; racing program

  Recovery program works with optional heart rate chest strap

  Large LCD console display; 300-pound maximum user weight

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