The rowing machine is an increasingly popular exercise tool that effectively activates all major muscle groups in the body. Rowing training strengthens both heart and lungs and is very energy-intensive, which burns lots of calories. Therefore, the rowing machine is not just an excellent training machine for building muscle. It is also suitable for those who want to lose weight.
The rowing machine also offers fantastic cardio training, which means that many people today use it at home instead of a treadmill because it generally has a lower price tag and is more surface efficient. The rowing movement is also unique and enables hard training that is at the same time gentle on joints and knees.
The rowing machine is often part of a home gym with other exercise machines and other exercise equipment, such as dumbbells and barbells. However, it also fits perfectly alone, and many prefer the rowing machine over other exercise machines such as cross-trainers. Exercise bikes and treadmills. Not least because it more than these other training tools, has properties that involve more muscle groups and is also relatively inexpensive.
Master Fitness R6040
R6040 is an exclusively designed premium model from Master Fitness, and its very high price value makes it named the best premium choice. The rowing machine is large and robust, with a solid aluminum frame that provides good space, even for tall users. The pedals are excellent, with good foot grip and many adjustment options.
The aluminum construction gives an unexpectedly low machine weight and, together with the transport wheels, makes the R6040 an unusually easy-to-move professional model. The backlit color display is relatively large and can thus be read throughout the rowing movement. The R6040 has a mixture of air and magnetic resistance, and the years generate an airflow that drives a fan.
The airflow is thin but gives some coolness, and the fan can be stopped if it irritates. The resistance is controlled via the training computer and can be varied from light to very strong. A wireless heart rate belt is included. The training computer is advanced with coveted heart rate control. The user interface could have been more intuitive but still understood thanks to the detailed manual.
Master Fitness R6030
Master Fitness R6030 (also sold as Bodymax R90) is a Concept-inspired rowing machine with a recommended price in the professional class but a prevailing lowest price in the upper-middle class. The design is undeniably tasteful and perhaps even the most admirable rowing machine we have seen after Concept.
The R6030 has a high build quality with a robust, high and long aluminum frame with the same sliding length as the reference model Concept E. The seat feels reasonably complex and slides forward almost frictionlessly. The R6030 has a combined air and magnetic resistance, and the maximum resistance is more than enough for even the most substantial users. All this enables excellent rowing movement for both short and long. The color display is relatively large and clear and is visible throughout the rowing movement.
The training computer is advanced for a rowing machine and gives the impression of belonging to a cross-trainer. This makes the training computer a bit overcomplicated considering the type of training program you usually see in a rowing machine. At the same time, the measurement of speed, time, and distance is far from accurate. These values do not even internally agree with each other.
The R6030 has an exemplary manual with precise assembly and user instructions as well as plenty of illustrations. The rowing machine is easy to fold, and with four transport wheels, it is also easy to move. R6030 currently has a lower price than ever and is named the best middle-class choice.
Master Fitness R610
Master Fitness R610 is a simple but affordable rowing machine in the budget class. Thanks to the ongoing price war, it is currently incredibly price pressured and is therefore named the best budget choice. The training computer is of a more straightforward cut, and the display is simple but at the same time clear and easy to understand.
The R610 is magnetically braked, and the flywheel delivers a maximum natural resistance that manages to give even well-trained users a challenging workout. The resistance is easily regulated with a steering wheel. The footplates are movable, but you can not adjust the foot and according to the foot length.
The handle is excellent, and so is the seat, which is also broad to fit even wider backs. The footrest is angled so that the feet follow the pulling movement. Although the traction cable is made of durable fiber, metal would have been preferable. The slide rail has a good length, especially for a budget model.
Titan Life Rower Trainer R22
Titan Life Rower Trainer R22 is a price-pressed compact rowing machine for home with water resistance. It gives a genuine and gentle rowing motion with a sound that gives you a feeling of rowing in the water.
Compact design with the first-class seat
R22 is made of plastic and aluminum, which gives it a low machine weight and a cheap impression. The heaviest on the rowing machine is the water-filled container in the front. Fortunately, the transport wheels are also located there, which makes it uncomplicated to roll around. You can quickly assemble the R22 by changing places on a screw and folding up the slide rail. When folded up, it takes up some space.
The seat is soft and unusually comfortable to sit on, even during really long sessions. The R22 is compact without compromising on the glide length. With the right technical design, it is long enough even for those who are taller than average. It requires continuous maintenance and cleaning of the wheels and slide rail for the seat to slide entirely frictionlessly.
Quiet and uncomplicated
Unlike rowing machines with air resistance, the R22 is much quieter. The muted sound of the water provides an almost meditative experience. The rowing machine is equipped with a simple training computer which unfortunately does not have any pre-programmed training programs. We are also asking if the values for speed and distance are correct as they differ significantly compared to the models that are approved as competition machines. If you only use this rowing machine, it does little. Unfortunately, the display is not backlit, which means that it cannot be read if the room is not lit.
High price value
Titan Life Rower Trainer R22 is excellent for you looking for effective but gentle heart rate and strength training at a low price tag. The water resistance contributes to a pleasant soundscape, and it gives a realistic rooting.
First Degree Apollo Hybrid AR
Apollo Hybrid AR from First Degree Fitness is an exclusive elite class model with something unusual as water resistance. Many people prefer water resistance to air resistance because it gives a more genuine water rowing feeling in the draft. Also, the sound of water resistance is perceived as more discreet and pleasant. It is also fantastic to see the water dizzy in the transparent container of the resistor.
The water resistance also contributes to a relatively high machine weight, which, together with rubber-coated footrests, the rowing machine stands very stably on smooth floors. Therefore, Apollo Hybrid AR does not slip during intense rowing, which is otherwise very common, even among elite class models. The seat is comfortable and is kept firmly fixed to the frame with wheels both vertically and horizontally.
The glide is excellent, and the frame’s glide length is sufficient even for long rowers. The footrest is of high quality with excellent foot fixation and smooth adjustment. The water resistance is adjustable, but adjustments have – unlike air resistance – a delay of a few strokes. Apart from water resistance, the most noticeable strength of the Apollo Hybrid AR is its tasteful and discreet wood design. Also, it can be easily set up vertically against the wall. This makes it fit better in the living room than perhaps any other rowing machine.
Although the Apollo Hybrid AR, on the whole, has a build quality on par with its high price, some features are hardly elite class. It has a nylon belt, which is maintenance-free, but at the same time, they wear out faster than chains. The seat wheel is made of plastic, and it rolls on a plastic rail.
With long-term use, these can be worn out. The training computer is mediocre with a not backlit display, which means that it cannot be read in the dark. The manual is only available in English, but the assembly instructions are exemplary with clear pictures. Overall, despite its juicy price tag, the Apollo Hybrid AR is very affordable for those who appreciate tasteful design and water resistance.
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