Echanfit Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
ECHANFIT BACKGROUND
Echanfit (no, we don't know how to pronounce it either!) have a rower, a bike and treadmill or two on the market. All are budget models and at first glance, appear to offer good value for money. This is the first of their growing range of home fitness equipment with tried, and straight up, it's a pretty good machine for the price.
It has the look of my more expensive machine, and amongst the budget models, it easily beats many for making a first impression. There are some good features, but it also lacks a few that might be a deal-breaker for some.
It has the look of my more expensive machine, and amongst the budget models, it easily beats many for making a first impression. There are some good features, but it also lacks a few that might be a deal-breaker for some.
ECHANFIT MAGNETIC
5.5
The Echanfit Magnetic Rower
Assembly is straightforward and shouldn't challenge most. A few basic DIY skills is all that's required, and much of the rower comes pre-assembled and should only take 30 - 40 minutes at most.
Now onto the all-important rowing position... and this is where some may be put off. The seat is wide and reasonably comfortable for a cheap machine. It's not too high off the floor as with many in this price bracket. If you have issues with your knees, you really should consider a higher seat as getting on and off may feel difficult. The handle is well-padded, the footrests are wide and hold your feet securely in place.
But... it's the positioning of the footrests that could be a problem. Especially if you're 6' or taller. Due to the location of the footrests (several inches in front of the handles) you'll find it difficult get into the catch position (see rowing machine technique). This is when you're in position and ready to pull, but because your feet are some way ahead of the handle, your elbows clash with your knees. You can use the machine without getting into the 'catch' and still get fit, but this does limit the full benefits unfortunately.
Now onto the all-important rowing position... and this is where some may be put off. The seat is wide and reasonably comfortable for a cheap machine. It's not too high off the floor as with many in this price bracket. If you have issues with your knees, you really should consider a higher seat as getting on and off may feel difficult. The handle is well-padded, the footrests are wide and hold your feet securely in place.
But... it's the positioning of the footrests that could be a problem. Especially if you're 6' or taller. Due to the location of the footrests (several inches in front of the handles) you'll find it difficult get into the catch position (see rowing machine technique). This is when you're in position and ready to pull, but because your feet are some way ahead of the handle, your elbows clash with your knees. You can use the machine without getting into the 'catch' and still get fit, but this does limit the full benefits unfortunately.
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The Echanfit is a magnetic rowing machine with a flywheel that spins between magnets to provide the resistance. Being magnetic means it's quiet (much quieter than an air rower you'll find in most gyms). The seat rollers are also pretty quiet as the seat goes up and down on the rail. So if you're concerned about noise and annoying the neighbors, a magnetic rower is a good option.
There are 16 levels of resistance that can be selected by a knob on the console. If you're strong and already fit, you may find even the highest level is not challenging. But if you're coming back to fitness training after a break or illness, then the 16 levels should offer you a good enough range for your workouts. |
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CONSOLE/DISPLAY
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Budget machines rarely offer much when it comes to the display and monitor - and this one fits in this category. The LCD screen is quite small, but readable.
It tells you the usual data you need to know about your workout. This includes distance rowed, calories (estimated), time of workout and strokes per minute. There are no pre-set programs, but if you want this feature you need to spend at least double. It does have a scan mode which means it will scroll through all the data every 5 or 6 seconds. REVIEW SUMMARY:The Echanfit Magnetic offers good value for money for those new to indoor rowing looking for a quiet way to get into shape. If you're athletic, tall and already fit, this isn't for you. But if you're overweight, recovering from injury or illness, this will help to get you back on the road to fitness at a low cost.
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. |
 Small LCD screen... about as basic as they come |
CATEGORY |
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PROS |
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Looks stylish |
It's quiet - suitable for small spaces |
16 levels of magnetic resistance - but see 'cons' below |
Has a bottle holder |
No mains electricity required |
Compact machine - not a lot of space required |
Folds up to a small footprint |
CONS |
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A very basic monitor |
No pre-set programs (but it is a budget model afterall) |
Limited range from the highest to lowest resistance setting |
Unsuitable for users over 6' 2" |
| Resistance Type | MAGNETIC |
| Max User Weight | 265 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 59 lbs |
| Length | 75 in |
| Height | 34 in |
| Width | 19 in |
| Warranty | 1 year on frame / 6 months on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
Other magnetic budget models worth considering include the ever-popular Sunny RW5515, or the Xterra ERG200, or for more dollars, the Stamina 1130
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