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Best value rowing machine
With the best value rowing machines, staying fit, burning calories, and strengthening your muscles is now as easy as can be. You can work almost every part of the body without having to worry about the impact on your joints, hips, and knees. Whatsmore, you don’t need to have access to a large water body to do it. Its convenience in the comfort of your own home. Deciding on the best rowing machine involves long hours of research looking through customer reviews and ratings. Instead of reading about the different resistance types, use our list of the best value rowing machines. This list has it all, whether you’re looking for a commercial-quality multi-user rowing machine or an entry-level machine for a beginner.
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If you’re curious or in a hurry:
Best value rowing machine
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
- SH & F SF-RW5515 Folding Rowing Machine
- SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine
- Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine
- Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
- SH & F SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine
1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Promising review; “The Concept 2 Model D is the best rowing machine money can buy.”
Specifications;
- 500 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Adjustable 10-level resistance.
- PM5 monitor
- Air resistance.
What we like;
- High-weight bearing capacity
- Collapsible.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Long-lasting.
What we didn’t like;
- Seat is uncomfortable
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is the most popular rower for good reasons. It’s a powerful cardio machine used by elite athletes, and you’ll find it in gyms and health clubs. It’s for use by multiple users, and it makes a great addition to any home gym. Besides, it’s also the best air rowing machine. It’s an ideal choice for seasoned rowers looking to get professional-quality training in the comfort of their own homes. It comes with a rock-solid build with a heavy-duty frame that supports an impressive 500 lbs weight. Assembly is a breeze, and all the tools needed are included. The sliding rail is long when assembly and accommodates taller users comfortably.
It does not rumble, and the rowing action is as smooth as a Cadillac. It’s also quiet, the only noise you hear is that of the fan, even so, it’s not a disturbance. The seat is firm, not the best for long workouts, but it glides very smoothly. With 10 levels of resistance, you never have to worry about outgrowing the resistance on the Concept2 Model D Rower. The performance monitor is one of a kind and keeps a good track of all your workout metrics. Also, it comes with multiple pre-programmed workouts to help you make the most out of each session. Besides, the rower is compact and disconnects into two sections for easy upright storage. Store it against the wall/in a corner to save on floor space after each workout.
2. SH & F SF-RW5515 Folding Rowing Machine
Specifications;
- 250 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Adjustable 8-level resistance.
- Magnetic resistance.
What we like;
- Foldable design.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Quiet when in use.
- Reasonably priced.
What we didn’t like;
- Doesn’t track distance.
- The LCD monitor is difficult to read.
Looking for a low-impact cardio machine that will burn calories and work for different muscle groups, consider Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Folding Rowing Machine. It does everything you need it to without taking up too much of your space. Assembly is straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions. Fully assembled, the slide rail is long with plenty of room for taller users. It’s incredibly quiet, the only sound you hear is that of the seat as it glides back and forth. Even so, it’s minimal, not enough to disturb neighbors or roommates. The resistance on this machine is adjustable from 1 to 8. Its an ideal for beginners and intermediate users looking for a quick cardio workout that will get your blood pumping and muscles working. The rowing motion is pleasant, and the overall movement is very smooth. Besides, the seat folds for easy storage after each workout.
3. SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine
Promising review; “This is a great product that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a solid rowing machine but doesn’t have the budget for a Concept .”
Specifications;
- 300 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Water resistance.
- R2 fitness monitor
- 16-high density hydro blades.
What we like;
- Space-saving design.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Quiet when in use.
- Affordable.
What we didn’t like;
- Footrests swivel.
Sunny Health and Fitness have been in the business of making quality fitness equipment for years. With its SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine, you get a reasonably priced machine without having to compromise on performance. It’s an ideal choice for seasoned rowers and beginners looking for an intense cardio workout at home. Even though it looks like a lot of work, assembly is easy. You can put it together in 30-minutes or less. The instruction booklet is very clear, and all parts are well-labeled. The Obsidian Surge 500 comes with a tank that holds up to 3-gallons of water. Fill in the water to max level to make your strokes heavier or reduce it for lighter strokes. Also included is a pump and funnel to make this process easier.
The resistance feels very similar to that of high-end water rowers. 16- high-density hydro fan blades push against the water with every pull creating resistance as you row. The harder you pull, the higher the resistance. As a water rower, the resistance feels very natural like it would feel outdoors. Even though it’s almost completely silent, you can hear the water inside the tank. However, it’s a pleasant whooshing sound that is very soothing. The seat is comfortable enough to get a long hour workout without pain or discomfort. It can be stored upright to save on floor space. It also comes with rollers that make moving it around very easy.
4. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Promising review; “Would highly recommend, no other rower allows you to replicate the actual rowing experience so well. .”
Specifications;
- 250lb weight capacity
- Full motion rowing
- Hydraulic resistance
- Foldable design.
What we like;
- Compact
- Budget price.
- Sturdy
What we don’t like;
- Poor quality foot straps.
With Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine, you get a sturdy cardio machine with excellent craftsmanship. It’s well-built and will serve you well for a long time. This machine is an ideal choice for anyone who likes rowing with a full range of motion. It’s well-packed and easy to assemble. With this machine, your arms move out in circular motions. It feels just like outdoor rowing as you can position your arms in a wide range and flex back and forth. Just like you would on a small boat or raft. A great way to work your back, arm, and shoulder muscles. The rowing action is pleasant while the seat glides very smoothly. While it is not foldable, it is compact the arms lay flat to easy storage.
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine
Promising review; “10/10, Wasn’t expecting too much at this price but have to say I was pleasantly surprised.”
Specifications;
- 220 lbs weight capacity.
- Hydraulic resistance.
- 12-levels of resistance.
What we like;
- Small footprint
- Affordable price.
- Quick and easy assembly.
- Lightweight.
What we didn’t like;
- The resistance pump heats up quickly.
- The seat needs more padding.
Functional and practical are a few ways to describe Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for convenience. With this machine, you can burn calories while watching TV. It comes preassembled with a few add-on attachments such as; the handlebar, connecting the arm to hydraulic, and releasing the back bar. Even though it’s lightweight, the body is solid, well-built, and sturdy. Its compact design makes for easy storage in a closet or upright in a corner. With its arms fixed, it gives a good lower-body workout, and seniors can use it. It is a good option for those trying to strengthen their thighs, legs, and glutes muscles. After 30-minutes, you will feel the burn in your glutes. Overall, this machine is simple, effective, and comes at a pocket-friendly price.
6. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
Promising review; “I’m not easily impressed but this machine is impressive, it’s quiet and does its purpose. I would recommend it.”
Specifications;
- Recommended user height – 4’9” to 6’6”.
- 250 lbs weight capacity.
- 14-levels of magnetic resistance.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
What we like;
- Compact.
- Whisper-quirt when in use.
- Quick and easy assembly.
- Wide range resistance settings.
What we didn’t like;
- Long folding process.
- Inaccurate tracking data.
With Fitness Reality 1000 Magnetic Rower, you get more than just a full-body cardio workout, but also strength training. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to get back to shape. Assembly is quick and super easy. All tools needed are included, with all parts well-numbered. A feature that sets it apart from other machines on this list is its stabilizer pads that are multi-functional. Use them for strength training workouts such as bicep curls or tricep extensions.
In addition, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity. Use it to connect to apps such as MyFitnesss Cloud. The apps keep track of your progress and come with extra training programs to use. The pulling motion is smooth and almost dead-silent. The only sound you hear is that of the seat as it slides up and down the rail, and it’s barely noticeable. The resistance levels are 1 – 14 and range from easy to challenging. In addition, the Fitness Reality 1000 Magnetic Rower folds up with little effort and for easy storage in a corner.
7. SH & F SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine
Specifications;
- 350lb weight capacity
- 12-levels of adjustable resistance
- Hydraulic resistance
- Full motion rowing
What we like;
- Compact.
- Affordable.
- Quick and easy assembly.
- High weight-bearing capacity.
What we don’t like;
- Limited resistance.
Looking to burn calories at home to lose weight or looking for a light cardio workout machine? Consider Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rower. The Assembly process is a breeze as all parts are well-labeled, and the instructions are clear. This rowing machine perfectly mimics the outdoor experience with its full motion rowing arms. It will have you feeling the burn on your back and shoulders in no time. The rowing motion is smooth and almost completely silent when in use. Use it any time of day you want without fear of causing a disturbance. It comes with 12-levels of adjustable resistance. More than enough tension for beginners looking to get started with rowing.