Rowing Machine Reviews and comparison 2017
Are you looking for Best Rowing machine? Quality Rowing Machine Reviews are few and far between, so in this site we aim to give you quality reviews of the most popular and best rowing machines out on the market today. As far as exercise equipment goes rowing machines are one of the most beneficial machines on the market today. Rowing machines will help improve your muscle strength and give you a good cardiovascular workout without damaging your joints like other machines on the market.
Look throughout our site and you will find in depth reviews of the most popular and sought after rowing machines of today, and you can make the choice that is right for you. we’ll try and brush some of the main benefits of a few of the most popular models such as the concept 2 rowing machine and the kettler rowing machine as well as give you a basic understanding of the different types of rowing machine exercise equipment.
There are four distinct types of indoor rowers: The hydraulic rowing machine piston or cylinder based rowing machines, Water Rowers, magnetic resistance indoor rowers, and flywheel rowers.
Hydraulic Rowing Machine
If you are looking for an economical option or you are living in a space that is limited in size the hydraulic rowing machine can be a wise choice. This machine gets its resistance from the air and fluid that is being compressed with a cylinder inside that can be adjusted by the user. The problem with these machines is they do not allow you to pull in a straight line and you therefore are unable to perform a natural stroke row stroke.
Water Rowing Machines
The Water rowing machine is the best rowing machine out there in my opinion because it emulates the motion, feel, and resistance of being in a true row boat because of its patented water flywheel design. The water rower rowing machines gain resistance by dragging through water just like your performing outdoors. They have a tank of water that the machine moves through so the resistance is similar and the sound is almost silent. You do hear the movement of water but with most water rowers it is ever so slightly.
Most water rowing machines are made of wood but there are a few commercial models that are mostly constructed of metal. But both have the same effect and are reasonably quite due to the patented water resistant design.
Magnetic Rowing Machines
Magnetic resistant fitness rowing machines are very popular due to their silent stroke and smooth resistance. These machines use magnetic resistance and are very functional and popular in the rowing world today. Because they use magnetic resistance there is no friction and this no sound out of the machine.
A magnetic resistance fitness rowing machine is known for being virtually silent and providing a smooth rowing stroke. Unlike flywheel based indoor rowers which receives its resistance from the wind, magnetic rowing machines utilizes a magnetic brake system.
Flywheel or Air Rowing Machine
The Flywheel Rowing Machines are often referred to as an air rowing machine and can usually aim to give you a feel like outdoor rowing. The air rowing machine uses a flywheel that is spun from the pulling motion. This flywheel then spins blades from a fan that puts out wind. The resistance is increased the faster you pull on the rowing machine because the faster you go the faster the blades spin and this creates more resistance.
These machines are also popular because they can resemble an actual outdoor boat stroke with the most popular Flywheel machine are the Concept 2 rowers. Below you will find a few rowing machine reviews, but for an in depth review of the most popular rowing machines, have a look throughout the site,
Concept 2 Rower
The Concept 2 rowers are known for their high quality and silent stroke. The Concept 2 rowing machine is extremely popular and used by many health clubs and fitness enthusiast around the world. It is also popular in rowing competitions such as the Crash B World indoor Rowing Championships as well as others. It is reasonably priced and manufactured well and this is what makes the concept II rowers one of the most popular and sought after machines in the world today.
Kettler Rowing Machines
The Kettler Rowing Machine group is moderately priced at around $900. The most popular is the kettler kadett rowing machine which is around the same price. These machines aim to replicate the natural rowing motion and have adjustable levels up to ten different settings. Because there are so many options the kettler rowing machine is also a very popular model.
The Kettler machines are known for their perks, quality, and weight capacity. They can take up to 300 pounds and come with a computer that takes notes of your progress. It records the number of strokes you take per minute, your heart rate recovery patterns, your energy consumption and the total distance performed.
So it is a pretty smart machine to say the least.
The kettler kadett rowing machine also comes with a high quality comfortable padded seat as well as foot and strap adjustments to adjust to every body type and also comes with anti slip floor pads to keep the machine in place while you row.
This was just a glimpse at the benefits of the concept 2 rowing machine, the Kettler rowing machine as well as the various types of machines out there. You will find in depth reviews throughout the site so have a look now.
Ranking Criteria
Our one of the most important criteria for ranking these rowing machines is what others think of them – i.e. their average rating. Our experts opinion is all very good and well, but when there are dozens, and sometimes hundreds of users who have given their thoughts on the rowing machine, it gives you an even better idea of the model’s strengths and weaknesses.
We consider rowing machines that offer the best value for money to retail for under $400. While these rowing machines don’t come equipped with as many technological features, and the rowing motion isn’t as smooth as more expensive models, they are reliable, and are perfect for people who just want to stay in shape or lose a bit of weight.
Best Value for Money – Best rowing machines Reviews
4.3 – Phoenix 98900
4.3 – Stamina 1215
+++ Top gear +++
4.1 – Kettler Favorit
4.1 – Stamina 1205
4.0 – Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
4.0 – HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger Scull
3.8 – Stamina Air Rower
3.5 – Body Solid GSRM40
Mid-Price Rowing Machine Reviews
Mid-priced rowing machines ($400-$999) is where things start to get interesting. Typically, these rowing machines come with more technological features, such as more programs, as well as the ability to measure your pulse, than lower-priced models.
Furthermore, the rowing motion is smoother, and there are more resistance levels to choose from, which is something that those who want to continuously be challenged are sure to appreciate.
5.0 – Stamina Avari Rower
4.8 – WaterRower A1
4.8 – First Degree Fitness Newport Rower
+++ Top gear +++
4.6 – First Degree Fitness PACIFIC Challenge AR
4.5 – Velocity Fitness Magnetic Rower
4.4 – First Degree Fitness WR-N Neptune
4.4 – ProRower H2O RX-750
4.1 – Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower
4.0 – LifeSpan Fitness RW1000
4.0 – Proteus PAR-5500
3.9 – Lifecore R88
3.7 – BodyCraft VR100
N/A – Kettler Stroker Rower
The Best of the Best Rowing Machine Reviews
The following rowing machines are the best the industry has to offer. When you’re paying over $1,000 for a rowing machine you want your expectations to be exceeded.
All of these rowing motions are very well-constructed; if using a magnetic resistance system, they offer a wide array of programs; if not, then the resistance system is usually water-based, to deliver the most true, lifelike rowing experience possible – or in other words, it feels as if you are rowing on the water.
WaterRower Oxbridge
First Degree Fitness Viking Fluid Rower
Kettler Coach E
+++ Top gear +++
4.9 – Concept2 Model D
4.8 – ProRower H2O RX-950
4.6 – Concept2 Model E
4.6 – BodyCraft VR500
4.5 – Lifecore R100
4.5 – WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor
4.2 – H2O Fitness Seattle WRX-1000
N/A– First Degree Fitness E-520 Fluid Rower
How to Use a Rowing Machine With Correct Technique
By far the most important factor that determines the effectiveness of your workout on a rowing machine is your technique. It really doesn’t matter how fast you’re rowing, how high the resistance level is, or how much effort you’re putting in- all that matters is using the correct technique.
The first thing most people do when using a rowing machine for the first time is pull the bar back as hard as they can, in the belief that the more noise and sweat they make the more effective the workout. However, this is plain wrong.
Correct technique is all to do with using a smooth motion, and there are three components to every rowing stroke; the finish, the slide and the drive, all of which must be executed perfectly, or as close to perfectly as possible.
Finish
Keep the handle drawn to your body, legs flat, and then lean back slightly. While keeping your forearms horizontal, extend your arms and rock your body forward from the hips.
Slide
The moment the body has rocked forward and the arms have extended, slide forward. However, make sure to maintain the same arm and body position.
Drive
Your shins must be kept vertical with your body pressed up to the legs. Make sure you keep your arms straight and relaxed. If you’re doing it right, this position feels smooth and comfortable.
While this technique may feel unnatural at first, after a few sessions it will soon become second nature, and your body will thank you for it.
Best rowing machines, Best Rowers for 2017