HELP! I'm Thinking of Getting a Rowing Machine

Have you done all the homework?

WILL IT FIT IN MY ROOM? AM I TOO TALL OR HEAVY?
You've spend weeks researching rowing machines. You've check out the reviews, scoured the online forums and read the buyer's guides and made an informed decision to buy what you believe to be the best rower for your budget. You order and can't wait to start your training. A week later it arrives, you unpack all the parts, assemble it only to find... 

• it's too long for your room 
• it won't support your weight
• the rail is too short for your legs
• it's too noisy and your neighbors complain
• it's uncomfortable to row
• or you need a degree in science to operate the computer
• or.... all of the above.

How annoying would that be? But it's so easy to miss one small thing when you're dazzled by all of the other amazing features that the retailers boast about.

But fret no more, lose no sleep over your decision and order with confidence by using our table of all of those statistics and features you may have missed. If you think we've missed something vital, please contact us and let us know.

Find your preferred model below and check dimensions, weight restrictions and noise levels before you buy.

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WILL IT FIT IN MY ROOM?

The six shortest models - length rather than width and height is more likely to be the problem. But also consider that the smallest rowing machines are usually budget rowers that may not be suitable for your needs if you're looking for vigorous workouts. Plus, allow extra room for access to your machine.

MODEL:
​1. Stamina 1205
2. Kettler Favorit
3. Kettler Kadett
4. Stamina 1215 Orbital
5. Sunny Rowing Machine
6. Avari Easy Glide

LENGTH (INCHES)@
48"
49"
49"
50"
52"
53"

The short Stamina 1205 for those low on space

Kettler Favorit rower

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If you live in an apartment or will be using the machine upstairs, you'll have to consider if the floor will support the weight, or how you can get it into the room before assembly. You will also need to use a rowing machine mat to prevent damage to the floor or absorb the sound and vibration if you don't want to annoy your neighbors. 

MODEL (5 Lightest)
1. Confidence Space Saver
2. Avari Easy Glide
3. Stamina 1215 Orbital
4. Stamina Trac Glider 1050
5. Sunny
MODEL (5 of the Heaviest)
1. First Degree Vortex-3
2. First Degree Evolution E520
3. BH Fitness LK580
4.DKN R400

WEIGHT (lbs)
30
34
39
39
40

185
162
120
115

WILL THE MACHINE SUPPORT MY WEIGHT?

Many buy a rower to lose weight so if you're overweight do check the maximum weight the rowing machine will support. Note, the manufacturer's warranty will be invalidated if you exceed this limit - however, we're not sure how they could prove it :0) Commercial machines tend to support the heaviest users as it's a sign of a quality built machine which of course will cost more.

Here's the top eight weight-bearing models we've tested.

MODEL:
​1. LifeCore R100
2. Concept2 Model E
3. Concept2 Model D
4. First Degree Vortex-3
5. First Degree E520
6. H20 Seattle

MAX USER WEIGHT (lbs)
600
500
500
450
450
350

The rock solid LifeCore R100

  

ROWING MACHINES FOR THE TALLER USER

If you're tall you will need a model with a longer beam as you won't be able to complete the full technique and therefore not get the full benefit. Please note, our reviews also suggest if height maybe an issue for the shorter models.

The following are the six longest models suitable for anyone over 6' 3". -BodyCraft and DKN R400 models listed below will even suit anyone up to 6' 10"!

MODEL
1. BodyCraft VR500
2. Concept2 Model E

BEAM LENGTH
​99"
96"

The light commercial LK580 from BH Fitness

  

WILL THE MACHINE BE NOISY?

If you live in an apartment, or you don't want to disturb family or neighbors, you may want to consider a magnetic or combination of air and magnetic. Many also prefer the quiet whoosh of a water resistance rower. Here are some of the quietest models we've tried - note, this is a subjective judgement as we didn't have any equipment to measure decibels, until we realized you can now get an app for this sort of thing.

MODEL
​1. BodyCraft VR500
2. First Degree Evolution 512
3. LifeCore R100
4. First Degree Vortex-3
5. Bladez Cascade

RATING 1-10 (Low to High)
2.0
2.0
2.5
2.5
3.0

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