Diamondback 910R Rowing Machine Review
910R BACKGROUND
Diamondback are better known for their outdoor bikes and range of fitness equipment such as their elliptical trainers and exercise bikes. These have a good reputation for their build quality and innovative features. However, we have to admit we didn't know they had a rowing machine until we received an email asking what we thought of them.
So we thought we'd better get out there and get our hands on one not wishing to appear ignorant:0) And we found the 910R which, at the time of this review, was the only rower in their range.
The first thing that caught our eye was the $1,000 price tag. This puts it in direct competition with some quality and very well-established machines - a number of these have been around for over a decade. So either Diamondback have great faith in their one and only rower, or they're calling everyone's bluff and trying to convince us it's as good as its competitors.
So which is it? We feel it's a combination of the two. Yes, it has some good qualities, but no, we don't think it's worth the price they're asking.
As always with our reviews, we'll start with the rowing position. The seat is quite low compared to others. This is rarely a problem, but if you're recovering from an illness or injury, or suffer from knee pain, you could find it a little difficult to get on and off this rower. The seat itself is a big disappointment. This is an important part of the design because you could be spending up to an hour (or even longer) sitting on it - so it has to be comfortable. But this one isn't. In fact, we've seen better seats on rowing machines costing less than half the price of this one. Shame, because first impressions stick.
It also doesn't roll quite as smoothly as most other rowers we've tried in this price range. We felt it need two rollers beneath the seat to keep it securely in place when sliding up and down the beam.
On the plus side, the footrests are well-positioned and we found they held our feet securely in place. This is vital for a good session - if they slip, you can't row. The pivoting mechanism worked well, allowing for a good rowing experience.
So we thought we'd better get out there and get our hands on one not wishing to appear ignorant:0) And we found the 910R which, at the time of this review, was the only rower in their range.
The first thing that caught our eye was the $1,000 price tag. This puts it in direct competition with some quality and very well-established machines - a number of these have been around for over a decade. So either Diamondback have great faith in their one and only rower, or they're calling everyone's bluff and trying to convince us it's as good as its competitors.
So which is it? We feel it's a combination of the two. Yes, it has some good qualities, but no, we don't think it's worth the price they're asking.
As always with our reviews, we'll start with the rowing position. The seat is quite low compared to others. This is rarely a problem, but if you're recovering from an illness or injury, or suffer from knee pain, you could find it a little difficult to get on and off this rower. The seat itself is a big disappointment. This is an important part of the design because you could be spending up to an hour (or even longer) sitting on it - so it has to be comfortable. But this one isn't. In fact, we've seen better seats on rowing machines costing less than half the price of this one. Shame, because first impressions stick.
It also doesn't roll quite as smoothly as most other rowers we've tried in this price range. We felt it need two rollers beneath the seat to keep it securely in place when sliding up and down the beam.
On the plus side, the footrests are well-positioned and we found they held our feet securely in place. This is vital for a good session - if they slip, you can't row. The pivoting mechanism worked well, allowing for a good rowing experience.
DIAMONDBACK 910R
7.5
The Diamondback 910R Rower
|
The resistance mechanism uses a combination of air and magnets. This has the benefit of providing a smooth, realistic rowing action while using electronic control to alter resistance levels by positioning magnets closer to the flywheel. This means programs can automatically change the resistance levels (16 in total) during a pre-set program for interval or heart rate training - see the section below on the console for a more information. Or for more details on resistance types, please see here. Note that air rowers are noisier than other types and may not be a good choice if you live in an apartment.
This is a folding model which is always a benefit. If your space is limited at home, it's very easy to fold it into an upright position and wheel it away for storage. Onto the all-important warranty. The lifetime on the frame and 3 years on the parts and electronics helps with your peace of mind. |
|
A console that has a lot to say!
DISPLAY CONSOLE
Possibly one of the most difficult monitors to use in our experience - not helped by the poor instructions. However, after a few workouts you'll get the general idea.
The large LCD screen is easy to read mid workout and it will tell you all you need to know about your performance. Yet, many rowers in direct competition with this one, have either PC compatible consoles with performance software so you can download your session data, or even the feature of being able to race other rowers online.
But one saving grace is the number of programs - this comes with 19 which is very generous. These include interval, heart rate controlled, and a race boat which gives you the opportunity to challenge the computer - see here for details of types of workouts you can expect.
Please note, the console has a heart rate receiver that's compatible with most of the popular makes of chest strap, but the strap itself is not included.
The large LCD screen is easy to read mid workout and it will tell you all you need to know about your performance. Yet, many rowers in direct competition with this one, have either PC compatible consoles with performance software so you can download your session data, or even the feature of being able to race other rowers online.
But one saving grace is the number of programs - this comes with 19 which is very generous. These include interval, heart rate controlled, and a race boat which gives you the opportunity to challenge the computer - see here for details of types of workouts you can expect.
Please note, the console has a heart rate receiver that's compatible with most of the popular makes of chest strap, but the strap itself is not included.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
While Diamondback have some excellent exercise bikes and cross-trainers, the 910R rower looks a little like a poor relative. But the 910R does have some good features such as the pre-set programs including one of our favorites, namely a race-boat function.
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.
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.
PROS:
- Sturdy and solid model
- Wide choice of programs (19 in total)
- Heart rate control program
- 16 levels of resistance
- Race boat feature - always a good motivator
- Good value for your money
- Good Warranty
CONS:
- The seat didn't feel secure on the beam/ rail
- Be nice if a heart rate chest strap was included
- Noisy - but so are all air rowers
SPECIFICATION
|
Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Magnetic/ Air
300 lbs 102" L x 18" W x 24" H 87 lbs Lifetime on frame / 3 years on electronics |
ALTERNATIVES
An obvious alternative is LifeCore R100. The R100 costs around $200 more but is a better machine in our view and worth the extra. If you're not looking specifically for a magnetic rowing machine, the far superior Concept2 Model D is a much better buy at around the same price.