Assault AirRower Elite Review - it's a bit of an animal!
AIRROWER BACKGROUND
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...
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...
ASSAULT AIRROWER ELITE
9.5
Assault Airrower Elite
THE HARDWARE
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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. |
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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.
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.
Indestructible display :0)
DISPLAY
So, now on to the display - see photo on the right. 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.
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.
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.
REVIEW SUMMARY
The 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)
IS THE AIRROWER FOR YOU?
YES: If you have money and looking for a machine you plan to use often.
NO: If you're on a budget and will only use it a few times a week.
IS THE AIRROWER FOR YOU?
YES: If you have money and looking for a machine you plan to use often.
NO: If you're on a budget and will only use it a few times a week.
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!
CATEGORY |
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PROS |
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Looks awesome |
Very strong steel and aluminium frame |
Commercial-grade machine - it will take some punishment! |
Suitable for users up to 6'4" |
Supports users up to 350 lbs |
Super-smooth action |
Very comfortable seat for long, punishing sessions |
Has 8 pre-set programs |
Console is both heart rate monitor and and BlueTooth® compatible |
Excellent build quality - built like a tank! |
Good warranty |
The Assault Airrower will last for years |
CONS |
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If space is limited beware as it's larger than most rowers |
And also note, it's a heavy machine weighing in at 125 lbs! |
It's an air resistant rower so it's noisy |
Monitor is basic compared to hi-tech machines |
| Resistance Type |
AIR |
Max User Weight |
350 lbs |
Machine Weight |
125
lbs
|
Length |
93
in |
Height |
49
in |
Width |
20
in
|
Warranty |
5 years frame / 3 years parts |
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|---|
ALTERNATIVES
For a few hundred dollars less, the Concept2 Model D is the best-selling air rower, but if you have the cash, the AirRower Elite is hard to beat. If you have more in your budget, the Hydrow Rower is the next level in rowing machines.
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