2 comments about New 2008 Daytona Exercise Glider Rower Rowing Machine.

1. ...lasted about 3 months. First, the seat mechanism destructed. Luckily I could fix it myself as it only turned out to be a bolt that had come loose and fallen out. Second, a mysterious bolt appeared but didn't seem to affect performance. Third, now the strap re-coil has broken. Taking apart the housing to see if I could fix it, I now find where the mysterious bolt came from. I replaced it but this had no effect on the re-coil unit which seems to be permanently broken. Yes, this is an inexpensive unit and I guess you get what you pay for. But 3 months??



2. I've had this rower for over a month now, and all things considered, it's a good value for the money. Construction seems solid, and the rowing motion (with the single bar) is smooth and sufficiently taxing. One design flaw: the steel frame curves upward to mount the electronics and main mechanism. It should bend upwards another 6-8 inches to make the rowing motion more natural. As it is, you have to reach down between your knees to grasp the rowing bar. However, all in all a decent machine.

5 comments about BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine.

1. I bought this rowing machine as my New Year's resolution to get back in shape and I hate jogging. I read lots of reviews. I needed something small and well built, but not too expensive. This was the perfect machine.
   
   I keep it in my basement and even with the fan blowing, I can still hear my TV set 20ft away - and it's not blaringly loud. The seat slides smoothly on the rails. the pull in nice and even, and the computer works well, though I found that I sometimes had to push the connection back in to the back of the computer - guess it ocassionally vibrated out - that's the only comment even close to negative I'd have for this. After more than 100 hours on this machine, it still rides like the day I bought it and I still get a good workout and am not even at level 6 in intensity yet. (I'm a 50yr old woman who was in avg shape to start).
   
   A few other pleasant surprises -
   
   I only wear a size 6 shoe and the foot holders actually hold my feet down - though the strap does come over my toes and not further down. I tried other rowers and my feet were too short. My husband, who wears a size 10 !/2 shoe also had no problem.
   
   Both of us get a good range of motion and workout - he at 5'10" and me at 4'11" - again, not something we usually find easily.
   
   I didn't spend the money for the heart rate monitor. A few months after I purchased this machine, Costco was selling the Nike Women's heart rate monitor and watch for $50. I bought it, thinking I'd use the watch and monitor. To my surprise, the monitor was automatically discovered by the rowing machine computer and I see all my vitals right in front of me - I didn't have to do any setup.
   
   There are no programming settings, so you're on your own for a workout, however, if you want a decent aerobic workout without putting on your shoes and heading out the door, this is a great find.



2. Like Bodycraft stuff--a good product for the home. Not really built for commercial use but clearly does the job at home. The build is good enough neither creaky nor rock solid--the front end plastic--is just that plastic. The machine is not quiet--no unhealthy grating sounds, just a lot of wind noise. Computer is iffy--heartrate monitor doesn't work with the exercise--too much chest motion.
   
   Still, unless you're some type of superathlete--this machine will do a very respectable conditioning job; of course you have to hold up your end of the bargain. I don't know if I can beleive the calorie count but I can burn 800 in 30 minutes at 45 strokes a minute--and machine recommends 60 to 70 strokes a minute.
   
   So a reasonable machine for around the house. Not superb but very good.



3. I needed a low impact workout that will still challenge me, that I can vary in intensity. A friend recommended this machine, and I'm thrilled with it.
   
   Opening the box was daunting. The instructions include an exploded parts view with many, many parts that made the machine look very complex. In reality, though, it took about half an hour to assemble, I did it by myself, and the instructions were clear and simple so that I never had to back up and do something over again. All the tools were included.
   
   If you're not in shape, get someone to help you move the box. It's big and clumsy, and one end is heavier than the other. Getting it in and out of the car, and up the steps was challenging. The box weighed about 75 pounds, I think. But the individual pieces are very manageable and easy to assemble.
   
   Once together, this thing is a dream! The movement is very smooth, operating it is simple and straightforward, and the display is obvious. It's solidly built - doesn't rock, or move around on the floor, and is very quiet despite the fan. The fan is perfectly positioned to help keep you cool. The seat is comfortable and glides easily, and the pull is smooth and firm. Intensity adjustment is simple, obvious, and fine enough to accommodate varying fitness levels.
   
   This piece of equipment is very near the gym quality machines I've used at a much lower price. I'm pleased, and will put this manufacturer at the top of my list when I'm looking for other pieces of equipment.



4. This thing is solid. Ignore the comment from one reviewer saying that the front lifts off the ground. When properly set up for rowing, the middle leg is locked in place above the ground. There's no way the front could lift when only the front and back legs are touching the ground. The middle leg is only used when the rower is folded for storage.
   
   I'm 6'2" with longer legs and there's plenty of room left on the slider when my legs are fully extended. (I used to hit the end of a piston rower.)



5. This machine is well-built, easy to assemble and provides a great overall workout. It is a solid machine and it appears to be one that will last for years.

No comments about New 2008 Daytona 40" Semi Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine.

5 comments about Stamina 35-1400 ATS Air Rower.

1. I'm a competative collegiate rower, I got this erg in order to keep in shape over semester break. The noise and the difficult assembly didn't bother me. The two main problems with this machine are the lenght and the monitor. At 6' I'm not very tall for a rower and I'm not getting anything close to full extension, I'm barely half an inch away from the end of the slide on my drive and I can't pull the handle all the way in, and when I come up to the catch I can still stretch my arms almost past the fan assembly. The monitor displays distances in miles and speed in mph instead on meters and 500m split, making it extremely difficult to keep track of my performance. The seat is less comfortable the solid plastic seats in shells and the concept 2. In sumation this machine is fine for the casual rower, but not for anyone seriously invloved in the sport.



2. I've had this rower for almost a year now and it has held up well. There were a few issues locking down the resistance fan housing on the front of the rower. It took some effort and force but I finally got it secured.
   
   The idea that resistance is generated by increasing the speed of the rowing motion is sound, but it does reach a point of diminishing returns. You are going to go anaerobic (or catatonic) trying to get enough true resistance by speeding your stroke pace.
   
   It's not great but it is a good introduction to rowing. It was good enough to get me hooked on rowing as an addition to my aerobic home gym stockpile (along with the Treadclimber, Airdyne Bike, and ellipticals). But, I will be finding a new rowing machine that will allow me to set a static resistance instead of the dynamic air driven kind.



3. I've owned a Stamina 1400 for about 2 years. I use it religiously twice per week for a half hour per session. So that's 52 hours per year or about 100 hours so far.
   
   The electronic counter worked correctly for about a week. The timer function still works and that's been good enough for my purposes, but not what I paid for.
   
   The foot strap buckles slip sideways. I finally just replaced them with some wide velcro straps that work ok. Again, not what I paid for.
   
   The machine is now making some very loud metallic scraping sounds from within the chain housing which is impossible to get into. Based on other reviews I'm fully expecting a complete meltdown soon.



4. The initial assembly wasn't too bad, though there are a couple of connections that were tedious and difficult. The first impressions were very favorable. Everything worked smoothly and quietly. That changed abruptly after about two weeks. That's when the high pitched scraping/rubbing noises started from the fan housing. Then I started noticing a black "powder" that was starting to coat one side of the fan that resembled greese. Then I'd find a spot of greese on my face after a workout. The noise became VERY loud and the rowing effort just about doubled! I could no longer hear my mp3 player without turning it up too loud! Stamina cust service sent me a whole new fan assembly that I had to install, and that started making noise after another two weeks. Finally, the straw to break my back nearly injured my back when after about ten weeks of use (admitedly, heavy use - by one 57 yr old 145 lb man)something snapped underneath and about 30 inches of slack pull chain came out and woudn't go back. It had died.
   When I called Stamina cust service, intending for them to take it back and get my money back, they wanted to send another part, but couldn't because I could not tell tham WHAT had broken! They wouldn't entertain the idea of taking it back, so I had to call the seller and after much effort to get to the right listener, it was picked up. Fortunatly I had a box from a new rower - a different make - that I could fit this junk into.
   This is NOT made for anyone even mildly athletic! Buy it if you're going to use it once a week for 20 min at a time, it might be worthwhile. If you're serious about improving your fitness, do what I did (now) and spent about $1,000 for something that has a proven record, and is used by professionals and intituions.



5. Easy assembly (4 bolts) and simple adjustment. Good action, but a tad easy on the resistance. Overall good value. Two complaints - sensor wire can cut out on speed and distance, and speed and distance should be in meters, not miles.

3 comments about Kettler HKS Coach LS Rowing Machine.

1. I have always sort of preferred the Kettler's that actually simulate the rowing with separate arms. This is so smooth it's like a dream come true my friends. I got so excited I rowed my little heart rate monitor silly. I did not have trouble with the pulse meter, but I use my own heart rate monitor because I'm just used to using it. So I can't be a good judge on it's reliability.
   
   I wish this machine was mine, I've been using a friend's, but it's really smooth and it will grow with your skill. Once you use a Kettler you may never go back.



2. Used it for about 6 month. Totaly satisfied. I don't use the fancy heart monitor, I just use it to work out and it's exactly what I need. I am in the decent shape and it has enough strenght setting for me not to worry about outgrowing it.



3. this is a great rowing machine - its smooth, well-built and easy to use. There are two things about it that bother me: 1) the pulse meter does not work, I've tried everything, and the computer does not pick up the signal of the meter that sits on your chest while rowing. 2) the computer that is represented in the photo on Amazon is not the computer that you receive. Amazon misrepresented the higher-end Kettler Rower (Ergo). I told them so, and sent my first one back, but lo and behold they sent the same darn rower. So I won't say I'm stuck with it, although that's pretty much the case. Its great to use, regardless, but the shopping experience in this case was poor. Its a $1000 investment, not a CD or a book. Make sure that the image used is CORRECT!!!

No comments about ProRower H2O RX-850 LTD Series Rowing Machine.

No comments about ProForm Cardio Glide Plus Rowing Machine.

2 comments about WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor.

1. I checked out many models and settled on this one. I know the "Concept" models are the benchmark however the experience of rowing on them is too mechanical for me.
   
   The WaterRower gives you the very pleasant sound of water swooshing about with each stroke and the resistence is very life-like. They have a much better performance monitor now although I use virtual racing software (NetAthlon) that makes for an incredible experience. Nothing like seeing your own boat, the oars moving in conjunction with each pull while the scenery goes by.
   
   As for losing weight? I can't figure out why but it seems to beat running and you sure exercise more muscle groups...
   
   1 Month Running 30 Mintues Per Day (every day): Lost 6 lbs.
   1 Month Rowing 30 Mintues Per Day (every day): Lost 24 lbs.
   
   A very solid rowing machine, excellent warranty and a pleasure to look at, also stores in a closet quite easily.



2. When ordered, the customer servce says this is a specialty item and takes a couple of weeks. Paid for 10/11, anticipated ship date 10/26...

1 comments about Schwinn Windrigger Rowing Machine.

1. Superb quality material. Easy to adjust tension. The fan really keeps you cool. I recommend it without qualification

2 comments about WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor.

1. I've enjoyed my WaterRower for the past three years, and have averaged 5 hours per week of fairly vigorous rowing, with the tank filled to the maximum recommended level. Recently, however, the plastic tank has begun to leak. The two halves of the clamshell-like tank fit together with only about half an inch of overlap, sealed with an epoxy-like adhesive. There is no easy way to repair the joint once it begins to leak. I've tried taping it and clamping it, but it still leaks. I'm planning on replacing the unit with another model of rowing machine, not the WaterRower. It was nice while it lasted, but it should have lasted longer at that price.



2. I used to row for USC Crew Team back in 1992, and we used to train on the wind based rowing machines, I don't remember the brands, but they were very basic in comparison to the modern machines with there awesome computers. I've recently tried the Concept 2, and it was great, and seems to be to the standard workout equipment for serious crew members, but it's big and bulky, and not as easy to store, unless you have a dedicated gym room in your home.
   
   The WaterRower, on the other hand, is easy to flip up and put in the corner of my bedroom. I roll it out on my balcony in the morning to enjoy the cool breeze while I row. I try to fit my workout in the morning before the baby wakes up, and I have no problem hearing him over the whoosh of the water. The WaterRower S4 computer isn't as feature rich as the PM3/4 on the concept 2, but it has all that I need, since I just like to do basic 10km or 45 min sessions with a heartmonitor. I really do enjoy the sound of the water, it does remind me of hearing the water run up against a fiberglass hull of a boat, and the dripping of water between each stroke.I haven't been in a crew boat is years, but the memories come back when I'm on the waterrower, and not so much on the concept 2.
   
   I would consider myself a intermediate athlete, and this machine truly challenges me. I expect I'll get many years of use out of it. It is made of very good quality components, and looks great.
   
   I highly recommended rowing to anyone looking for a very aerobic workout that uses more than 80% of your body's muscle groups. If you're not getting an awesome workout, you're probably not rowing right. Try join a rowing club for a few months to perfect your technique, then you'll be set for working out at home.
   
   Though it is pricey, I think it is worth the investment, since the experience is so much better then the piston or wind based machines, which makes me look forward to the next workout.