Circuit Fitness Deluxe Magnetic Review
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Circuit Fitness named this model 'Deluxe', so is it superior? Or are we going to be disappointed? In short, for the price, it's actually a pretty superior model compared to others under $500. Obviously it's not going to compete with the likes of a Concept2 , but it's definitely up there with our other favorites in this price bracket - see below.
As with all our reviews we'll start with the assembly. Pretty straightforward and doesn't require DIY expertise beyond the normal household skills. Plus, it shouldn't take more than 30-40 minutes for one person to assemble. Once you've done with the assembly and stand back to admire your work, you'll notice it's a tidy, compact looking rower with a fancy yellow circle so you can find it in the dark :0) The rowing position is good with the seat being around one foot off the ground. The footrests are wide and capable of holding your feet nice and stable while you're sliding up and down the angled beam. The handle sits nicely in the hands so you shouldn't end up with blisters even after a long workout. Once you start to row you'll find it's a sturdy model at 90 lbs (it's heavier than it looks), so shouldn't move around when you're cranking it up to 40 strokes per minute! And it can support a user up to 300 lbs. The resistance mechanism is magnetic meaning it's nice and quiet so shouldn't bother your neighbors or others in your household. It has 8 levels of resistance that are selected using the rather fancy-looking stick-shift on the central column. The hefty 11 lb flywheel (the part that spins against the magnets) is a good weight that results in a smooth action at high stroke rates.
It is quite long measuring in at 91 inches, great if you're tall, but not so great if space is limited. The dimensions are listed below, so check it will fit before you buy. This is a folding model and comes with wheels on the front making it easy to move out of the way once you're done with your workout. Note, the warranty is a two-year limited one. But check with the manufacturer what they mean by limited. Some manufacturers may require you to pay postage for any replacement parts that are shipped to you - plus you may have to fit it yourself. It is after all a budget machine.
If you select maximum pulse as your goal, it will beep if you go above it, But of course you'll need to have purchased a chest strap to do this one.
Additionally, you can choose between two modes: manual or race. We particularly like the race mode. You select a level of difficulty (15 to choose from), and then race against the computer - a great touch on a model at this price. However, there are no heart rate programs and the resistance level is controlled only by the stick-shift lever and not by any programs on the console. Unusually, for a rowing machine it also has a thermometer and a clock! Summary:
For a rowing machine coming in at around $400 you get quite a lot of features. The base is stable, the resistance mechanism quiet and smooth. The real big plus in our view is the monitor and display. While it can't control the resistance level like other magnetic rowing machines in higher price brackets, it does have some good goal-setting options and the great race boat feature where you can compete against the computer. All-in-all, it's a good machine that's well worth considering. Note, the full model name is Circuit Fitness AMZ-986RW Deluxe Magnetic.
Circuit Fitness Deluxe:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge  Circuit Fitness Deluxe Magnetic
Shaped seat is comfortable
 Fancy knob to change resistance
Good display and console
Folds when not in use
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Also worth a look:
For a similar price the water rowing machines from Sunny and Xterra provide a good alternative. If you're wanting magnetic, then the Schwinn Crewmaster is a comparable model.
For a similar price the water rowing machines from Sunny and Xterra provide a good alternative. If you're wanting magnetic, then the Schwinn Crewmaster is a comparable model.
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Do you own this model? What do you think?
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