Fitness Reality 3000WR Rowing Machine Review
FR3000WR BACKGROUND
The 3000WR sits right in the middle of the over-crowded, mid-range water resistant rowing machine category. But this one has a few features that makes it stand out from most - although be prepared to pay $150 more for the pleasure. This is the fourth model we've tried from Fitness Reality, and so far we've been pretty impressed by this mostly underrated brand.
So onto 3000WR, which as the name suggests is a water resistant rowing machine. This means it uses a fan spinning in a tank of water to provide the resistance for your muscles to work against.
Assembly couldn't be easier and shouldn't take most more than 30 minutes. The build quality is good with all the components well-made and fitting together nicely. When you sit on it, the rowing position feels good with the seat being 17" off the ground which makes it easier on your knees :0) The machine has the look of a compact model owing to the angled water tank, but the rail is a good length making it suitable for users of up to 6' 6".
So onto 3000WR, which as the name suggests is a water resistant rowing machine. This means it uses a fan spinning in a tank of water to provide the resistance for your muscles to work against.
Assembly couldn't be easier and shouldn't take most more than 30 minutes. The build quality is good with all the components well-made and fitting together nicely. When you sit on it, the rowing position feels good with the seat being 17" off the ground which makes it easier on your knees :0) The machine has the look of a compact model owing to the angled water tank, but the rail is a good length making it suitable for users of up to 6' 6".
FITNESS REALITY 3000WR
8.0
Fitness Reality 3000WR Rower
The angled water tank not only saves on space, but ensures resistance as soon as you pull on the handle. Some rowers have an annoying dead spot, that is, when you pull you can feel a slight delay in the resistance mechanism, but not with the 3000WR.
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However, some larger, stronger rowers may find the highest level (a full tank of water), may not provide enough of a challenge.
The resistance level can be adjusted by add or removing water - this may sound a bit of a pain, but it's really easy to do. If you're prepared to pay $350 extra, you can get a water rowing machine with a lever to change resistance - see First Degree Newport AR. Once you ramp up your stroke rate, you'll appreciate just how sturdy and well made this machine is. It sits rock solid and appears capable of taking some punishment. The seat slides quietly on its rollers up and down the beam, and the water sloshes in the tank with a satisfying swish. And note, it will support a user of up to 300 lbs. |
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 A pretty useful monitor |
 Angled water tank |
DISPLAY CONSOLE
The 4.5” LCD pivots for best viewing. It displays distance rowed, duration of workout, calories burned, stokes rate, total stokes, split time, and watts (one of the lowest price machines to use watts). Watts measures your work rate and is the basis of Tabata Workouts - these help you to achieve maximum benefits efficiently. For more information on this type of training click on the link above.
The Bluetooth enabled monitor has a Smartphone/tablet holder for a better display of your workout stats, plus for viewing training videos and online sessions - see below.
The Bluetooth enabled monitor has a Smartphone/tablet holder for a better display of your workout stats, plus for viewing training videos and online sessions - see below.
You have the option of a subscription membership with access to trainers, on-demand fitness sessions, and a good choice of workout videos. But if you choose to use the free service, you can still store your workouts to monitor your progress. When you've finished your training, your statistics are displayed in a number of formats so you can track of your performance. This is great for motivation and encouraging you to keep at it to achieve your fitness targets.
There is a good selection of pre-set programs including 3 Customizable HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Interval training, plus 5 workout goal workouts for time, distance and calories burned, and one of our favorites - race options where you can race against a pre-set time over your chosen distance.
One disappointment was the accuracy of the distance measurement appears rather generous. We reckon (using time rowed) that it may be as much as 10% over-estimated. But if it's consistent, you still get a constant to measure your progress over time. But also note, the majority of machines under $1,000 are not accurate. In fact, you'll have to spend several 1000s to find one - the most accurate on the market is the Life Fitness Heat Row (but it's $3,000!)
There is a good selection of pre-set programs including 3 Customizable HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Interval training, plus 5 workout goal workouts for time, distance and calories burned, and one of our favorites - race options where you can race against a pre-set time over your chosen distance.
One disappointment was the accuracy of the distance measurement appears rather generous. We reckon (using time rowed) that it may be as much as 10% over-estimated. But if it's consistent, you still get a constant to measure your progress over time. But also note, the majority of machines under $1,000 are not accurate. In fact, you'll have to spend several 1000s to find one - the most accurate on the market is the Life Fitness Heat Row (but it's $3,000!)
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The Fitness Reality 3000WR is a well-made, sturdy rowing machine with many good features. It stands out from many of the competitors in this crowded sector. The programs on the mycloudFitness app add a great dimension to an already decent rower. All-in-all, a good choice for the price that should help you get into shape.
CATEGORY |
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PROS |
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Good, sturdy model - suitable for users up to 300lbs |
Compact machine but has a long beam |
Suitable for users up to 6' 4" |
Good range of pre-set programs |
Bluetooth connectivity |
Good size LCD screen |
Display Watts - see 'Display Console' above |
Can be used with tablet or Smartphone |
Angled water tank means no 'dead spots' |
Seat is a good height - suitable for back pain sufferers |
Very good value for money |
Angled water tank is a space saver |
Can be stored vertically |
Good warranty |
CONS |
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Stronger rowers may find the maximum resistance level sufficient |
The accuracy of 'distance rowed' is questionable |
Otherwise, not a lot not to like |
| Resistance Type | WATER |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 72 lbs |
| Length | 77 in |
| Height | 34 in |
| Width | 20 in |
| Warranty | 3 years on frame / 2 years on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
For a little less outlay, the Sunny Obsidian or Xterra 600W are a good option. Or another option from this brand is the Fitness Reality 5000X.
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