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Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine Review


We've received quite a few emails requesting a review of the Harvil Magnetic, so here we go. This is not a brand we've come across before so we were keen to take a look. So what did we make of it?

First of all, it was pretty easy to assemble taking around 20 minutes with nothing too difficult to challenge those who aren't too handy with a spanner. So then you step back and take a look, and... did not like the color. Of course, it's a personal thing but a turquoise sort of light blue is not a color that make me want to get on and train - I apologize if that's the same color as your team.

Appearances aside, what does it feel like to sit on? Well the seat is not padded but seems adequate for a long session. The handle is padded and feels good in the hands as it's thick enough to get a good grip. The foot rests are very wide and should suit even the largest foot, however, they lack shape and some with smaller feet may find they slip around a little when rowing.

The seat rollers are quiet on the beam, and combined with the magnetic resistance mechanism makes this a very quiet rowing machine to use - maybe a factor if you share your accommodation with others, or you live in an apartment. The handle is attached to a nylon strap which means no maintenance, but other models using the same type of trap have been know to fray, or even snap with heavy use. 

The Harvil has eight levels of resistance supplied by magnets and a flywheel. As mentioned above, this does make for a quiet machine when compared to air resistance. The level of resistance is selected by a knurled knob (don't you just love that word) beneath the monitor. However, the difference between level 1 and level 8 isn't really that great. But do bear in mind, the level of resistance isn't the most important factor in the effectiveness of a workout - read more on this here...

The suppliers of the Harvil, Dazadi, offer a very reasonable six month warranty on this budget model, plus they offer to ' ship new replacement parts or an entire item for free in the event of defect or damage. If you still aren’t satisfied, you’ll get a full refund.' If they are happy to put their money where they mouth is, then they must be confident in its durability. 
Display Unit
On a rowing machine costing as little as this, you really can't expect to get too much when it comes to the display monitor - and they don't disappoint.

The LCD screen displays the basic workout information such as time, row counts, distance, and calories burned (estimated), and that's all folks. But as monitors go on budget machines, it ain't that bad - I've seen much worse.
Summary:
For the price you get a neat, compact rowing machine that should help you on the road to fitness and it won't annoy the neighbors. But if you're already fit and need something more challenging, move along, but you'll need to be prepared to spend double.

​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.
Harvil Magnetic: 4.5/ 10 4.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • The price - very low price model
  • Quite a reasonable warranty for a budget machine (6 months)
  • It's very quiet
  • Wide foot rests
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Build quality reflects the price - okay, but not brilliant
  • Little difference between high and low resistance levels
  • The monitor has very limited function - basic information only
  • The insipid color - yuck
  • Nothing to mark it out above it's direct competitors.
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification:
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Magnetic
246 lbs

63" x 20" (W) x 26" (H)
46 lbs



Picture
Warranty:
6 months frame and parts
QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine seat
The generic seat is up to the task
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine footrests
Wide and pivotal foot rests
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine display
As basic a monitor as they come
Harvil Magnetic Rowing Machine resistance selector
8 levels of resistance
Also worth a look:
For a few dollars more you can get the slightly better rower, the Sunny RS5515. But if you're looking for a machine that will stand the test of time and a vigorous workout you'll have to spend more on something like the Schwinn Crewmaster.

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer