First Degree Apollo Pro 2 Review

The First Degree Apollo Pro 2 (or written as 'II' in some places) is one of those rowing machines that catches the eye right away. Yes it looks like a WaterRower with it's choice of materials for construction - but who doesn't love natural wood!

It's been a while since I've reviewed a rowing machine that;s not at the budget end of the market - so this was something I was really looking forward to getting on and putting it to the test. And I wasn't disappointed.

First Degree are one of those brands that deliver quality with the majority of their models. From the top commercial machines that cost several thousand, to models aimed at the home user, you know you're getting a good rower. The Apollo Pro 2 is actually a commercial-grade machine that also slots nicely in at the top end of the home equipment range - and it's a beauty.

First impressions? Well it's obvious - constructed with hand-lacquered, sustainable American ash on a high-quality steel frame it's built to last. .Does it perform as well as it looks? Hell, yes. And all with a pretty reasonable price tag.

So on to business. The rowing position is good with the seat at a good height and comfortable for those long sessions. It slides smoothly and quietly up and down the solid beam and with a maximum user weight of 330 pounds, feels rock solid even at those lung-sapping high stroke rates.

The handle is great, well-padded and fits snug into the hand to prevent slippage and hand blisters. My only beef is the same as with other models such as WaterRower with the position of the footrests. If you have muscly legs like me (some would say chunky) then I find having the feet side-by-side a little uncomfortable - if your legs are slender, then this won't be an issue. Personally, I prefer the footrests locations used by Concept2 with about four inches in between the left and right.

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The Pro uses water for resistance and has the great feature of a resistance level selector. Some lower priced water machines require you to add or remove water to alter resistance. This isn't difficult but can become a chore - especially if more than one person is using the rowing machine. The addition of the selector (see photo right) makes it a heck of a lot easier. But note, if you want a rower that can automatically set the resistance during a workout (used with heart rate and interval training) you'll have to go for a magnetic rower like the LifeCore R100.

The Apollo Pro uses what First Degree call a 'rapid recoil system' that delivers an authentic experience of rowing on open water - especially at a high stroke rate. Another plus is the design of the impeller (the blade inside the water) catches the resistance fast so avoids the awful dead spots where you find you're pulling against nothing - the bane of the budget rower. Ironically most 'real' rowers will say an air resistance machine feels more like real rowing on water.

When you're done, the Pro can easily be tilted up, wheeled across the room and stored vertically out of the way, taking up far less space than a folding machine. So if space is at a premium at your place, this could be what seals the deal. Although it has to be said, it does look like a guillotine - see below right.

Monitor/ Display
If you're the techie type you'll love some of the features offered by the USB port - more in a moment. Firstly, the LCD screen displays time of workout, distance, 500 meter split time, strokes per minute, calories per hour, and watts - essential for Tabata workouts. A number of pre-set programs include interval and heart rate, but note while it has a pulse receiver it doesn't come with a chest strap.

So now onto the whistles and bells. The USB port lets you plug in and use online apps including racing against other online users, row in 3D virtual reality scenes, and keep tabs of your progress - a great innovation used by more and more of the quality brands that makes a change from looking at the same wall all the time :0)  ​

​Summary:
A great-looking machine with some great features at a great price that should last for many years. If you want a water machine (and don't have big legs) it's difficult not to recommend this model.

Update: Sept 2019 - at the new lower price this looks an even better bet.

​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.

First Degree Apollo Pro: Rating 8.5/10

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We Like...

• Excellent build quality
• Very sturdy - solid feel
• USB Port on monitor for added features
• Resistance level selector - no need to alter water levels
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Superb look
• Smooth seat action - also comfortable
• Extensive warrany for peace of mind
• Great value for money

We Don't Like...

• Some may not like footrests being close together
• Not much else to dislike

 

Technical specification:

Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Water
330 lbs
84"(L) 22"(W) 23"(H)
85 lbs (inc water)

Warranty:
​10 years on frame.
3 years on tank
2 years on parts and monitor

QUICK REFERENCE

The First Degree Apollo Pro

Good seat, great position

    

Some may not like the close foot positions

  

Resistance Selector

Display and monitor

   

Stores vertically

Also worth a look:
If you're in the market for a water-resistant machine then the Waterrower Natural is an obvious contender. For less you could take a look at First Degree's other fluid machine such as the Neptune.

Other Apollo owners comments

"Excellent machine. Feels great, very well made and better than a Waterower IMO." Pete (user of 4 months)

Do you own am Apollo Pro? Please let us know what you think:-

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