Fitness Reality 2000F Magnetic Rower Review
FR 2000F BACKGROUND
The Fitness Reality 2000F is a budget magnetic rower that has just enough features to catch your eye. It may not win any prizes for its looks, but you don't buy fitness equipment just because it looks good... well maybe some do!
This is the third rower we've tried from the Fitness Reality brand, and we've found them to be great value for money and good quality machines for the price. So what about the 2000F? Does it follow in the same tradition? Short answer... YES.
When it comes to the assembly, this is must be one of the easiest rowing machines to put together. The tool kit is provided, and even the most ham-fisted DIYer shouldn't take longer than 20 minutes to finish.
This is the third rower we've tried from the Fitness Reality brand, and we've found them to be great value for money and good quality machines for the price. So what about the 2000F? Does it follow in the same tradition? Short answer... YES.
When it comes to the assembly, this is must be one of the easiest rowing machines to put together. The tool kit is provided, and even the most ham-fisted DIYer shouldn't take longer than 20 minutes to finish.
So, in no time at all, you're ready to go.
The seat is comfortable, and the rail is a reasonable height off the floor making it easier enough to get on and off. Some machines have low seats that some with knee or back problems find difficult to negotiate. The footrests are deep and wide, holding your feet securely in position with wide Velcro straps so they don't slip while rowing hard. The handle has thick padding and is long, allowing for a wide grip, even for the big-shouldered guys!
The rail is a good length making this a suitable rowing machine for users up to 6' 6". It's also a sturdy model that will support a 250 lb rower.
One of the big positives for the 2000F is the magnetic resistance system. The 12lb flywheel provides a smooth action, plus the 14 levels of resistance have a wide range between the highest and lowest settings. The lowest allows for a fast, cardio workout without straining your muscles. In contrast, level 14 is really quite a challenge, giving you something to work hard against. A number of budget magnetic machines we've tried fail on the top resistance settings by not being tough enough, but the 2000F certainly delivers where others fail!
And when you're done, you can pull the knob in the middle, fold it up, and wheel it out of the way.
The seat is comfortable, and the rail is a reasonable height off the floor making it easier enough to get on and off. Some machines have low seats that some with knee or back problems find difficult to negotiate. The footrests are deep and wide, holding your feet securely in position with wide Velcro straps so they don't slip while rowing hard. The handle has thick padding and is long, allowing for a wide grip, even for the big-shouldered guys!
The rail is a good length making this a suitable rowing machine for users up to 6' 6". It's also a sturdy model that will support a 250 lb rower.
One of the big positives for the 2000F is the magnetic resistance system. The 12lb flywheel provides a smooth action, plus the 14 levels of resistance have a wide range between the highest and lowest settings. The lowest allows for a fast, cardio workout without straining your muscles. In contrast, level 14 is really quite a challenge, giving you something to work hard against. A number of budget magnetic machines we've tried fail on the top resistance settings by not being tough enough, but the 2000F certainly delivers where others fail!
And when you're done, you can pull the knob in the middle, fold it up, and wheel it out of the way.
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DISPLAY MONITOR
For a budget model, the monitor came as a pleasant surprise. The only issue we have is the screen has no backlight, making it difficult to read in low light. However, this is easier enough to resolve - turn the light on :0)
So, once the screen issue is sorted, you'll find a set of useful workout data at your fingertips. The usual stuff such as distance, time, calories, strokes and your split times (500m) are displayed. But one good addition is watts - this is the amount of energy you're converting during a workout - you can think of this as intensity. Wattage workouts, also know and Tabata Workouts, are a great way to improve fitness fast.
So, once the screen issue is sorted, you'll find a set of useful workout data at your fingertips. The usual stuff such as distance, time, calories, strokes and your split times (500m) are displayed. But one good addition is watts - this is the amount of energy you're converting during a workout - you can think of this as intensity. Wattage workouts, also know and Tabata Workouts, are a great way to improve fitness fast.
The monitor is Bluetooth enabled, but one of our reviewers found it didn't work with myCloudFitness, but others had no issues.
The screen is powered by 4 x AA batteries, so mains power is not required.
The screen is powered by 4 x AA batteries, so mains power is not required.
FR2000F REVIEW SUMMARY:
The Fitness Reality 2000F is a good magnetic machine for the price. It has some great features you'd expect to see on a higher priced model, but sadly no heart rate monitor. The 14 levels of resistance provide a good range for cardio and strength workouts. If you're on a budget, and live in an apartment where noise is an issue, the 2000F is well worth a look.
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.
Fitness Reality 2000F:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
FR2000F PROS:
- Good price
- 14 levels of magnetic resistance
- Quiet machine
- Good monitor
- Goal-setting programs for motivation
- A sturdy model despite its light weight
- Folding model with a small footprint
- Bluetooth enabled - but see below
- Good seat - smooth action on rail
- Long rail - suitable for the taller rower (up to 6' 6")
- Batteries included - no power adaptor required
FR2000F CONS:
- Has no pre-set fitness programs
- Not all fitness apps work with monitor, including myCloudFitness
- No heart rate monitor, or pulse readouts
- No backlight on screen - can be hard to read in low light
SPECIFICATION
Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Magnetic
250 lbs 80" x 23" (W) x 29" (H) 74.3 lbs 1 year on frame and parts |
ALTERNATIVES
Similar magnetic rowers include the Stamina DT397 and Stamina 1130, or for $200 more the Velocity Fitness has a heart rate monitor.
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