Echelon Smart Rower Review
ECHELON BACKGROUND
The Echelon wins the prize for how many different ways this brand can be pronounced. I've heard 'ekelon', 'eachelon', but apparently it should be 'esh-uh-lon', as in the rank, such as 'she ranks in the top echelon.' So now we have that sorted, what about the Echelon brand and this particular rowing machine?
Echelon Fitness are relatively new to the fitness world, starting up in 2015. But in that time they've gained quite a reputation globally for their smart brand of bikes, treadmills and rowing machines. They came in at the start of a big push to 'smart tech' on fitness equipment and have fully embraced it. Echelon are now one of a dozen or so brands that offer on-demand and live fitness classes for all types of machine.
So, let's have a look at their rower.
Echelon Fitness are relatively new to the fitness world, starting up in 2015. But in that time they've gained quite a reputation globally for their smart brand of bikes, treadmills and rowing machines. They came in at the start of a big push to 'smart tech' on fitness equipment and have fully embraced it. Echelon are now one of a dozen or so brands that offer on-demand and live fitness classes for all types of machine.
So, let's have a look at their rower.
ECHELON ROW
8.2
Echelon Smart Row
THE HARDWARE
The Echelon Smart Row won't win many prizes for its looks, but let's just say it's sleek and functional. The build quality is excellent, consisting of an aluminum frame and alloy steel parts. It's sturdy and will support a user of up to 300lbs, and you get the impression it's built to last.
The seat is a standard, generic one you'll find on many rowing machines, and that's because it's comfortable and long-lasting. The height of the rail is not too low for those with bad knees, and is around the same level as those of a commercial gym rower.
The rail is a good length which makes it suitable for the taller users.
The seat is a standard, generic one you'll find on many rowing machines, and that's because it's comfortable and long-lasting. The height of the rail is not too low for those with bad knees, and is around the same level as those of a commercial gym rower.
The rail is a good length which makes it suitable for the taller users.
The resistance mechanism is magnetic which means it's both smooth and quiet. The traditionalists don't like magnetic as it doesn't give the feel of rowing on water, but if you're an indoor rower using it for fitness, it really doesn't matter. One nice touch is the ability to select one of the 32 resistance levels by using the toggle on the handles. This means it's easier to ramp it up, or cool it down without breaking your rhythm.
Note, this is a folding machine so once you've finished your workout it can be stored out of the way taking up a little less space.
Note, this is a folding machine so once you've finished your workout it can be stored out of the way taking up a little less space.
Echelon Smart Row Monitor
DISPLAY CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE
So this is where it gets interesting. But before I continue, please note the Echelon does not come with a display console. The machine is comes with a flip rotation tablet mount, for use of up to screen size of 12.9" using Bluetooth connectivity - see above. But once you're connected, a whole new world is at your fingertips.
Okay, that's a little dramatic, but the Echelon Fit App has literally thousands of workouts including live and on-demand to suit all types of training. Plus, with the app, you get access to many off-rower workouts. And note, the App id compatible with FitBit, Apple Health and many other fitness apps. And one of my favorites... you can compete against other rowers on the Echelon Leaderboard. This is great to get you coming back again and again to climb up the table - especially if you find another user of similar ability.
Echelon offer a premium membership option starting from $20 a month. Benefits include unlimited access to all the online classes, up to 4 household user profiles, full access to all the Fitness App, extended warranties etc. The machine can be used without these plans but with limited features.
Okay, that's a little dramatic, but the Echelon Fit App has literally thousands of workouts including live and on-demand to suit all types of training. Plus, with the app, you get access to many off-rower workouts. And note, the App id compatible with FitBit, Apple Health and many other fitness apps. And one of my favorites... you can compete against other rowers on the Echelon Leaderboard. This is great to get you coming back again and again to climb up the table - especially if you find another user of similar ability.
Echelon offer a premium membership option starting from $20 a month. Benefits include unlimited access to all the online classes, up to 4 household user profiles, full access to all the Fitness App, extended warranties etc. The machine can be used without these plans but with limited features.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The Echelon Smart Row can hold its head up against much of the competition in this growing part of the fitness market. It's not as advanced as some of the other new techies out there - see ALTERNATIVES below, but then it is easily half the price. For your money, you get a sturdy and durable machine that has some great features. There are a number of options
You can buy with peace of mind as it comes with a 30-day risk-free policy so you can return within a month if it's not for you.
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.
You can buy with peace of mind as it comes with a 30-day risk-free policy so you can return within a month if it's not for you.
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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Great build quality |
Sturdy model - should last for years |
Has 32 resistance levels - can be selected from the handle |
The long rail means it suitable for taller users |
Echelon Fit App has a good choice of on-demand and live workouts |
Online competition which is a great motivator |
xxxxx |
Good value for money |
CONS |
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Access to all the features requires a monthly sunscription |
Otherwise, not too many other cons :0) |
| Resistance Type | MAGNETIC |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 120 lbs |
| Length | 85 in |
| Height | 44 in |
| Width | 20 in |
| Warranty | 12 months on limited parts and labor |
ALTERNATIVES
If you've got deeper pockets, the Hydrow and Ergatta are on the next level. Or if you're just looking for a workhorse without all the technical add-ons, the trusty Concept2 Model D is a safe bet.
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