BodyCraft VR500 Rowing Machine Review
VR500 BACKGROUND
The VR500 is the top of the range from this brand who also bring you some pretty impressive gym equipment. Unfortunately, we weren't too keen on their entry-level model, the VR100 (now hard to find anyway), but the VR500 is top-dog for a reason - it's a great rowing machine!
But it has to be at this price - around $1,500! This puts it in direct competition with the long-established market leader, the Concept2 Model E, and even up there among the commercial machines from the top brands First Degree - see below. In fact, the VR500 is several hundred dollars more than a number of rowers in the commercial/ top-end home market.
So what do you get for your money? Does it deserve the 'commercial' tag? In short, a lot and yes :0)
So let's get onto the nuts and bolts. Firstly, the rowing position is great. The high seat at 19" certainly gives it the feel of a gym-quality machine, and the smooth action of the seat up and down the beam makes it a pleasure to row. The seat at first look doesn't look as if it will be comfortable, but looks can be deceptive and it's actually a very well-designed seat.
But it has to be at this price - around $1,500! This puts it in direct competition with the long-established market leader, the Concept2 Model E, and even up there among the commercial machines from the top brands First Degree - see below. In fact, the VR500 is several hundred dollars more than a number of rowers in the commercial/ top-end home market.
So what do you get for your money? Does it deserve the 'commercial' tag? In short, a lot and yes :0)
So let's get onto the nuts and bolts. Firstly, the rowing position is great. The high seat at 19" certainly gives it the feel of a gym-quality machine, and the smooth action of the seat up and down the beam makes it a pleasure to row. The seat at first look doesn't look as if it will be comfortable, but looks can be deceptive and it's actually a very well-designed seat.
BODYCRAFT VR500
9.0
BodyCraft VR500 Rower
The build-quality is excellent and you get the impression this is a machine that will go on for years. The maximum user weight of 350 pounds, and the generous warranty period, back up the makers faith in the lasting power of this model.
The VR500 uses a combination of air and magnets to provide the resistance. This combo gives the advantage of air - a realistic rowing feel of increasing resistance as you pull harder, with the functionality of a magnetic mechanism, that is, the ability for the computer to change the level of resistance - very useful for heart rate programs (see below).
The VR500 uses a combination of air and magnets to provide the resistance. This combo gives the advantage of air - a realistic rowing feel of increasing resistance as you pull harder, with the functionality of a magnetic mechanism, that is, the ability for the computer to change the level of resistance - very useful for heart rate programs (see below).
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Other innovative features include the buttons on the handle (see photo on the right) to change the resistance level. While 'remote' controls are common on treadmills, this is the first time we've come across this feature on a rowing machine. You still have to adjust your grip to use the buttons, but at least you don't have to stop mid-workout if you feel like pushing yourself harder, or letting up if you're getting tired. Of course, many rowers have this sort of function with pre-set programs that control resistance - but this has the added advantage of doing it during any session.
But beware, the VR500 is a monster - it's huge and heavy, and takes up an awful lot of space. This is great if you're tall or on the large side - it will suit anyone up to 6' 6" and support a user up to 350 lbs. One of our reviewers has a 37" inseam and still has room to spare at the end of the stroke! But if you're short on room in your home you'll need to think twice. Be sure to check out the footprint dimensions below. |
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Console is packed with features
DISPLAY CONSOLE
The display is easy to read and well-positioned. It displays everything you'd expect, plus useful data such as Watts (the amount of energy you're generating and great for Tabata workouts).
But where the VR500 really scores well is its 12 pre-set programs and the ability to store up to 4 separate user profiles - great if more than one person will be using the machine.
The programs include 4 race boat (you can compete against another boat where you set the targets; heart rate - an excellent to get the most from a training session, especially for fat-burning.
But where the VR500 really scores well is its 12 pre-set programs and the ability to store up to 4 separate user profiles - great if more than one person will be using the machine.
The programs include 4 race boat (you can compete against another boat where you set the targets; heart rate - an excellent to get the most from a training session, especially for fat-burning.
But note, the chest strap to measure your heart rate is not included - seems a but disappointing that it couldn't be included when you look at the prices.
There's also the option of goal programs where you can set time and distance targets and row your butt off to achieve it :0) While it may look a little complicated it's actually quite easy to use with it's one-touch buttons and selectors.
There's also the option of goal programs where you can set time and distance targets and row your butt off to achieve it :0) While it may look a little complicated it's actually quite easy to use with it's one-touch buttons and selectors.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The BodyCraft VR500 has some great features and innovations. It has that distinctive feel of a commercial rower and is a solid machine that will give you very challenging workouts, but is also suitable for a beginner who is serious about getting fit with a rower. The great selection of pre-set programs will help to prevent boredom with its variation. Our only beef is the price - perhaps at a few hundred dollars less it would be a very difficult model to beat.
The VR500 has some great features and innovations. It has that distinctive feel of a commercial rower and is a solid machine that will give you very challenging workouts, but is also suitable for a beginner who is serious about getting fit with a rower. The great selection of pre-set programs will help to prevent boredom with its variation. Our only beef is the price - perhaps at a few hundred dollars less it would be a very difficult model to beat.
But don't let this put you off - for the current price you get a fantastic machine that would easily get the whole family fit. The last time we checked it was going for $1,599 on Amazon, but it does change on a regular basis.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
The VR500 has some great features and innovations. It has that distinctive feel of a commercial rower and is a solid machine that will give you very challenging workouts, but is also suitable for a beginner who is serious about getting fit with a rower. The great selection of pre-set programs will help to prevent boredom with its variation. Our only beef is the price - perhaps at a few hundred dollars less it would be a very difficult model to beat.
But don't let this put you off - for the current price you get a fantastic machine that would easily get the whole family fit. The last time we checked it was going for $1,599 on Amazon, but it does change on a regular basis.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
CATEGORY |
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PROS |
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Sturdy and solid - suitable for large users |
Basic, but good display - informative and easy to use |
It has 4 user profiles - the whole family could use it! |
Long beam makes it suitable for users up to 6' 6" |
Resistance controls on the handle are a nice touch |
It's very quiet - good for confined spaces |
Smooth action - feels like a gym machine |
Good warranty period |
CONS |
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It's price - looks over-priced now when compared to the competition |
No online features |
Its size - it's huge and heavy (see below) |
| Resistance Type | AIR + MAGNETIC |
| Max User Weight | 350 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 101 lbs |
| Length | 99 in |
| Height | 39 in |
| Width | 20 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime on frame / 5 Years on parts / 2 years labor |
ALTERNATIVES
For a similar price, the Assault AirRower Elite is a worthy machine. The Concept2 is always going to be worth considering. If you have the money and prefer something completely different, you have to see the new Hydrow - you won't be disappointed. Or if you're looking for something a little different, take a look at the Teeter Power10.
OWNERS' COMMENTS
"We thought long and hard between buying a Concept2 which we'd come to love by using at the gym, or a VR500 which we'd tried at the store. After much debate we went for BodyCraft because of all the programs and that is so very quiet. We love it!" Geoff and Janet (owner for 5 months)
"Wow. what a beast! You can punish this beauty and it will take everything you can give it." Alistair (8 months and counting)
"Wow. what a beast! You can punish this beauty and it will take everything you can give it." Alistair (8 months and counting)