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Assault AirRower Elite Review


When they called it the Assault AirRower Elite, they weren't kidding - this rowing machine is built like a tank and will take everything you can throw at it. Assault are based in California and is a division of LifeCore - their mission is to design and manufacture equipment to last and challenge even the fittest athlete. And judging from our first look at the AirRower, we'd say they've achieved their goal.

It's one of the sturdiest, strongest rowers we've tried - and also one of the heaviest. So bear that in mind if you order one. It's shipping weight is 145 lbs! So make sure you can handle it when it arrives.

When you can get the box into your home, the assembly is a little more challenging than your average rowing machine - but this isn't your average model. So, if you're not confident with your DIY skills, best get someone in to give you a hand.

Once assembled, just stand back and admire the design and engineering - it looks awesome with its powder-coated, charcoal finish, leaving no doubt this is a commercial-grade rowing machine. The steel and aluminium frame, and the build-quality, make this one stand out from the crowd. And it looks like it feels - solid and capable of taking a beating. 

When you sit on it, the high seat is very comfortable, the handle sits nicely in your palms, and your feet are held securely in place by the wide footrests.

But the real joy starts when you begin to row...
The seat slides smoothly up and down the long rail, and you can pull as hard as you like and you won't feel any lag or jerks on the handle. This is thanks to its dual-stage chain and belt drive ensuring the tension remains constant. This means you can perform your High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) without fear of snagging the chain - something we've found can happen with other rowers.

The large 19" steel fan than can deliver unlimited resistance, and by that, we mean the harder you pull, the harder it will resist. But don't worry if you're new to rowing. Whether you're a novice or an elite rower, the mechanism will provide something to work against - the fitter and stronger you get, the more the AirRower will challenge you back.

Another advantage of this model is that it requires no mains electricity so you can use it anywhere. Assault state it runs off human power alone :0)

But one thing to note, air resistance mechanisms can be noisier than magnetic and water machine - see types of rowing machine for more information.

Although the machine is on the heavy side, it doesn't take too much effort to tip it up on to the transport wheels at the front, and roll it away to store when not in use. 
The Console/ Display
So, now on to the display - see photo below. The long, angled arm and large LCD screen make it easy to read and use.

It displays all the data you'd expect to keep you informed of your workout: these include, time, stroke-rate, distance, calories and heart rate (it's compatible with most chest strap and heart rate monitors.)

​It's also ​BlueTooth® compatible so you can connect to your fitness apps on your phone.
The AirRower comes with 8 pre-programmed workouts. These include goal-setting programs where you choose your target distance, time, calories you want to burn, or heart rate you want to maintain. Once set, you press the button and row to your heart's content (get it?) and watch your progress to achieving your workout objective. 

The monitor does look quite basic when compared to others in this price range - see the Hydrow for an example of the complete opposite - but it does what it's supposed to do, just without the thrills.
Summary:
The Assault AirRower Elite has to be one of the most resilient and solid machines we've tried in the 10 years we've been running this website. You get the impression it will last years, no matter how hard and often you workout. You can hammer away on this model all day and it will happily take it.  Yes, the price looks a little high, but for that you'll get years and years of loyal service - in fact, we wonder whether it will outlive many of its owners :0)

Update May 2020: We've upgraded our score from 90% to 95% as more very positive reports come in from a growing number of users!
Assault AirRower Elite: 9.5/ 10 9.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

check best online price >>

rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Looks awesome
  • Incredibly strong and sturdy steel & aluminium frame
  • Commercial-grade machine - it will take some punishment!
  • Suitable for rowers up to 6' 4"
  • Supports rowers up to 350 lbs
  • Super smooth action
  • Very comfortable seat
  • Has 8 preset programs
  • Console is both heart rate monitor and BlueTooth® compatible
  • Stores vertically - front wheels for easy moving
  • No mains supply required
  • Great build-quality - built like a tank
  • Good warranty
  • Will last years
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • If space is limited beware - it's a little larger than most rowers, and it's heavy
  • It's an air rower so will be a little noisy
  • Monitor looks basic compared to others
  • Otherwise, there's not much not to like :0)
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Air
350 lbs

93" x 20" x 49" (H)
​125 lbs


Picture
Warranty:
5 years on frame.
3 years on parts
1 year labor


QUICK REFERENCE

Click image to enlarge
Assault AirRower Elite side viewAssault AirRower Elite



The seat on the Assault AirRower Elite
Great seat at a good height
The Assault AirRower EliteLCD displayIndestructible-looking display
     

Foot rests on Assault AirRower Elite
Well-designed footrests
Assault AirRower Elite air fans
Air Resistance Rower
Also worth a look:
The closest rower on the market is the Sunny Asuna Ventus, it may be cheaper but it really doesn't compare with the Assault. For a few hundred dollars less, the Concept2 Model D is the best-selling air rower, but if you have the cash, the Assault AirRower Elite is hard to beat. If you have more in your budget, the Hydrow Rower is the next level in rowing machines.

Assault AirRower owner's comments

We're waiting for owners comments to post here.

Do you own this model? What do you think?

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer