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

Editor's picks

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  Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine

  Sports (Lifecore Fitness)
  

  Rating (22 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Solid unit, great workout

  Overall an excellent unit that I feel is worth its steep price. I've owned a couple rowers and a skier for years and after 3 weeks this is now my cardio workout device of choice. It's quiet, comfortable and the computer controlled workout options are nice. At first I thought things like "whitewater" rowing were a bit goofy but the variable resistance programs make a real difference. The fan does make a bit of noise but far less than my skier and I can easily watch TV over the top of the resistance unit.The stats and options in the computer unit are top notch. The only gripe I have here is at full extension it sometimes loses the signal of my heart monitor (new Polar unit) - I'm 6' 3" - I tested the Polar watch and it, too, tends to lose the signal at that range so I suppose it's to be expected. I just wear the watch on my wrist to keep track of my actual heart rate (which is normally pretty close on the rower computer anyway) and use the computer stats for tracking... 5/5 Jeff Lindborg (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews, February 22, 2007

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  I'm very satisfied with my R100

  After looking at several manufacturers and models I settled on the R100 because it has magnetic as well as air resistance. I'll admit I was a bit reluctant because of the price but after using it for three weeks now I'm extremely satisfied with the R100. It works like a dream. The flywheel isn't too loud and the seat glides very smoothly. It takes a bit of assembly but the allen wrench that comes with the R100 works just fine. When I placed my order I received notice that it would be delivered in 3-4 weeks but I had it in my house in one week! I've read some negative comments about Mercantila but I had no problems. If you're considering a rowing machine I highly recommend the R100. But if you've never used one before, see if you can test a few different types to experience air vs magnetic resistance. Possibly at a gym or spa if they allow single day or guest memberships for a day. 5/5 D. Mengle (Central PA) - See all my reviews, November 3, 2006

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  Great Machine

  I tried every rower I could find before buying one, and the Lifecore R100 is by far the best of the bunch. I only gave it 4 stars because there are little things that I think can and need to be improved, such as the screen tends to lower itself gradually when working out, to the point where you need to let go of the handle bar and raise it, yea I am sure it just needs to be tightened up, but on a brand new machine, one should not have to do anything. I also think they could have made a longer, and beefier cord to plug this thing in, the little short cord is just not long enough.The thing glides smooth, rows nice, and is a good rower. It goes together very easy, took me maybe 5 min to put together. I also spoke to the owner of Lifecore when researching these things, and the guy really knows a lot about rowing machines, and you can tell that he spent a lot of time refining this machine, and he cares about his product. Bottom line, good product, and this is defiantly on... 4/5 SpeedRacer (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine (Sports) I tried every rower I could find before buying one, and the Lifecore R100 is by far the best of the bunch. I only gave it 4 stars because there are little things that I think can and need to be improved, such as the screen tends to lower itself gradually when working out, to the point where you need to let go of the handle bar and raise it, yea I am sure it just needs to be tightened up, but on a brand new machine, one should not have to do anything. I also think they could have made a longer, and beefier cord to plug this thing in, the little short cord is just not long enough.The thing glides smooth, rows nice, and is a good rower. It goes together very easy, took me maybe 5 min to put together. I also spoke to the owner of Lifecore when researching these things, and the guy really knows a lot about rowing machines, and you can tell that he spent a lot of time refining this machine, and he cares about his product. Bottom line, good product, and this is defiantly on... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 1, 2007

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  List Price: $1,599.00
  Price: $1,299.00
  You Save: $300.00 (19%)

  Measures 92 x 19 x 36 inches unfolded; 600-pound weight capacity

  Commercial-grade, folding rowing machine with 16 levels of magnetic resistance

  15 preset programs and 4 heart rate control programs compatible with Polar HRM products

  Ergonomically designed seat and handles; angled footrests with pivoting heel supports

  Warranty: 5 years parts/1 year labor for residential; 2 years parts/1 year labor for light commercial; 1 year parts for full commercial

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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%)

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

  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

  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

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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%)

  Large LCD console display; 300-pound maximum user weight

  Eight levels of push-button resistance; racing program

  Lifetime warranty on frame; 2 years on parts

  Recovery program works with optional heart rate chest strap

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

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  Lifecore R99 Rowing Machine

  Sports (Lifecore Fitness)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  Great Rower!

  After a lot of research I chose to go with the Lifecore R99 because of the computer controls on it and the small footprint it has when folded up. After using it I am even more impressed! It has 12 built in standard programs, (not counting the heart rate programs or the custom user programs you can set up), but what is so neat is how you can change the time, level and distance of each program before you even start it, which makes it seem like you have literally hundreds of programs. On all of my other fitness equipment once you master a program you move on to the next, only being able to over-ride as needed while running the program.I guess I should back up here a bit, the assembly was also very easy, no problems, all parts were there and it was packaged nicely so nothing was damaged. It was a breeze.The heart rate strap that came with it works so much better than my Polar strap that I have. As soon as I put on the new strap it instantly showed up on my... 5/5 T. Whiting (Wentzville, MO) - See all my reviews, January 7, 2010

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  It Works!

  I have several types of work out equipment but was not getting the overall workout I wanted. This rower fits the bill for what I was looking for. I enjoy the upgraded computer and recomend getting this feature. It makes the workout better by using the programs. It is well built, structually sound, good smooth operations of the flywheel 5/5 Robert D. Webb - See all my reviews, January 21, 2010

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  Very pleased, product great, service better

  I will keep my comments brief on the rower. I have used all the premium rowers, and the Lifecore for the compactness it offers, is a great machine. Designed well, variable resistance does the trick, and well made. It is right for the price, and I recommend it without reservation. Put it on your short list to assess.Where I would like to expand, is on the great service I received. In particular, I wish to cite Jimmy Redding, a service/tech rep who assisted me over the last few months.It was apparent out of the box that the heart rate monitor was not functioning properly. It was a factory issue, and since my purchase, Jimmy (and the CEO Roger Bates) have been there every step of the way troubleshooting with parts, timely emails, and various amends.The problem is finally solved, and I wanted to publicly acknowledge their efforts and desire to back their company promises--mainly, to make things right.You want to support a company who... 5/5 Brad F - See all my reviews This review is from: Lifecore R99 Rowing Machine (Sports) I will keep my comments brief on the rower. I have used all the premium rowers, and the Lifecore for the compactness it offers, is a great machine. Designed well, variable resistance does the trick, and well made. It is right for the price, and I recommend it without reservation. Put it on your short list to assess.Where I would like to expand, is on the great service I received. In particular, I wish to cite Jimmy Redding, a service/tech rep who assisted me over the last few months.It was apparent out of the box that the heart rate monitor was not functioning properly. It was a factory issue, and since my purchase, Jimmy (and the CEO Roger Bates) have been there every step of the way troubleshooting with parts, timely emails, and various amends.The problem is finally solved, and I wanted to publicly acknowledge their efforts and desire to back their company promises--mainly, to make things right.You want to support a company who... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 30, 2011

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  List Price: $999.00
  Price: $899.00
  You Save: $100.00 (10%)

  Stores data for up to 4 users; 300-pound maximum user weight

  Lifetime warranty on frame; 2 years on parts; 90 days on labor

  Blue back lit monitor with readouts for speed, RPM, strokes, race function, calories and program

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

  16 levels of push-button resistance; 12 preset programs and 4 Polar-compatible heart rate programs

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  Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine

  Sports (Concept2)
  

  Rating (18 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  A Great Rower

  I ride dirt bikes, and this machine offers the perfect workout for the areas I need help with most. Shoulders, Back and Arms. Some people say the legs get a good workout as well, but I would say that is not the case. Very little benefit to the legs, but it is easy on the knees.Overall the Concept2 Model E is a great machine. I am glad I chose this over the Model D just for the higher stance, PM4 and maintenace free (except for oil) chain. The machine came delivered in two boxes, both of which were pretty beat up when they arrived, but nothing was damaged.Putting the machine together took me about 30 minutes, and the instructions were OK. For the money I paid for this machine, I was hoping for a little bit better overall quality. Some of the screws did not line up really well with some of the holes for assembly. I may have even stripped one trying to get it in there, but it seems to be holding on ok. Also there is more plastic than I thought there would have... 4/5 J. Pope - See all my reviews, October 19, 2009

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  Best rower in the world

  I have owned two Concept 2 rowers, the Model C and now the Model E. I donated the Model C to my parents when I "ascended" up to the Model E. Without doubt, Concept 2 has produced the world's best rower. It's built to last a lifetime of private use. And if parts are ever an issue, Concept 2 still has parts (quite cheap) for all their rowers, even the Model A! If you seriously plan to row for exercise or sport, the Model E (or any model, for that matter) will be your best investment. 5/5 Randall J. Pederson "sputnik" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews, December 5, 2009

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  Best Investment in Aerobic fitness

  I have had the Concept2 model C for over 6 years and still use it 3 to 4 times a week. My company recently got the model D in the office gym and it does have some improvements. Most noticeably the machine is a bit quieter and the electronics are more advanced (although, as has always been the case with concept2 rowers, the electronics can be upgraded to the latest for a reasonable fee).While I don't see a need to run out and upgrade my home machine I do think the new model is an improvement.In addition to being a great product, it is backed by a great company. They go out of their way to make rowing safe, and fun, with informative newsletters, regular chalenges and competitions, excellent support, online rowing logs, rankings, and races. 5/5 0, April 10, 2004

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  List Price: $1,260.00
  

  Requires footprint of 9 x 4 feet; 500-pound capacity; 5-year frame warranty

  Flywheel is designed to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water

  Indoor rowing machine with sliding seat for complete total body workouts

  Separates easily into two parts for transport and storage. Caster wheels make it mobile

  PM4 Performance Monitor accurately measures performance and heart rate, includes chest belt HR transmitter

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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%)

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

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

  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

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

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