HCI Fitness Outrigger Rowing Machine Review
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The HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger immediately stands out from the other rowing machines around today - but mainly for the wrong reasons. It just looks so outdated! Almost an antique even - although some might be more complimentary and say retro :0)
Let's start with the all important ease of use and comfort issue. First thoughts when sitting on the machine is that the seat is not good. Some may find it okay, but if you're just slightly above average size you'll most likely find the moulded shape uncomfortable - see photo on the right. The footrests are a little to close to the display unit and some reviewers commented that their legs brushed against it when rowing. We also think the velcro straps may need replacing on a regular basis because they don't look up to the job of holding your feet securely - essential for a good workout. Onto the resistance - if you're not sure what we mean by this, please see our guide here. The HCI Fitness sprint is a hydraulic rowing machine. Resistance levels are selected by turning a collar on the end of each piston. There are 12 to choose from which at least offers some variation to your workouts, but... an exact, matching resistance cannot be achieved on both sides due to the nature of this sort of piston. However, it's close enough for most not to notice the difference and is a feature of all piston rowing machines. One disadvantage of hydraulic pistons is that they can be noisy for the first 15 to 20 minutes until the fluid inside heats up. But once this happens you may find the resistance drops, but usually not by the same amount on each side. So this can be annoying as you'll have to stop and adjust the settings to find an even match. If you don't intend to do workouts over 20 minutes this won't be a problem for you. So now to something many reviewers have mentioned, and that is faulty parts. A number came with broken parts or cracked housings. Some may have been due to poor packaging or transit, but you just don;t hear about this sort of thing with the quality rowing machines. HCI FItness do have a good reputation for customer service and are in the main quick at replacing them, but again it's a hassle you could do without. And if parts break after you've started to use it, waiting for even only a few days for replacements will mean you're not able to train - not why you bought one eh! The Console/ Monitor
You're never going to get a hi-tech, PC-compatible console with a machine costing just a few hundred bucks. But what you get is a perfectly readable and easy-to-use monitor that will tell you the basic workout data such as calories and strokes. But most of this information is not really that useful (and we'd question its reliability). It does also have 4 built-in programs that can set targets based on calories burned or number of strokes. These are basic programs, but still quite useful if you like to set yourself targets when training. Summary:
The decision to buy this type of rower comes down to whether you want to row with this type of action. Yes it does replicate the action of using a real scull - although pistons won't give the same feel as an oar through the water. But you don't need to row like the real thing to get fit. If you're more than average height, well-built or are looking for a challenging workout (or all three) this one isn't suitable. And we'd also question the build quality as a number of users reported problems with the pistons and other parts coming loose.
HCI Fitness Sprint:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge  HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger 
The odd-shaped seat
The large LCD display
Piston resistance
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Also worth a look:
If you want an outrigger, the Kettler Favorit is a better machine for not too much more. Or if you have the budget, the Kettler Outrigger is even better still.
Other HCI Sprint user comments
"We got this rowing machine for us both to use, but my husband who is 6' says the seat hits the end of the rail before he's finished the stroke, and I find it hard to pull even when it's at the lowest setting. It also makes a lot of noise." Rachel E. (owners for 4 months)
"Took only 15 minutes to unpack and assemble. Has some good features. Like the seat and large display. Hate the handles (one broke in six weeks) and its noisy and creaks." Kevin P. (had his machine for 4 months)
"So far so good. I got this for my father who is in his 70s and wanted to do light exercise following problems with a heart condition. He uses it every day for 15 minutes and he seems quite pleased with it." Freda (father owned it for 3 months)
Do you own this model? Any comments you'd like to add?
"Took only 15 minutes to unpack and assemble. Has some good features. Like the seat and large display. Hate the handles (one broke in six weeks) and its noisy and creaks." Kevin P. (had his machine for 4 months)
"So far so good. I got this for my father who is in his 70s and wanted to do light exercise following problems with a heart condition. He uses it every day for 15 minutes and he seems quite pleased with it." Freda (father owned it for 3 months)
Do you own this model? Any comments you'd like to add?
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