Lifespan RW1000 Rowing Machine Review
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The LifeSpan RW1000 is in the mid-range price bracket. It's neither a budget model nor top of the range machine - and that makes it a difficult rower to assess in our view. If you're on a budget, this isn't a model we can recommend. For around $180 less you'll get a reasonably good machine - see the Stamina Air Rower for example. But if you're a serious rower and have the money to spend, you're far better off with the Concept2.
So what if you fit in the middle? Let's start with the positives. This rower is quiet - even when you up the stroke rate and resistance. So if you'll be using it in an apartment, or your home where you don't want to disturb your family, or watch TV when rowing, it's a good choice. It's also smooth and easy to use. The seat is comfortable, even when rowing for 30 minutes or more, and it folds up into a compact size for storing away when not in use. It's quite a sturdy machine and will support a user up to 300lbs. However, some of our reviewers found the rower did move a little and we put this down to their rowing technique. With a smooth technique, it feels fine. But if you have a slightly jerking action, or don't pull the handles at a horizontal level, it does seem to move. Okay, that's the good stuff. What about the not-so-good. The foot holds are shallow and again if you have bigger feet, you may find they don't hold as well as they should. We did find the foot straps had a tendency to come undone for people with bigger feet. This is a real pain if you're right in the middle of a challenging session. It's impossible to row if your foot comes loose, so you have to stop, strap in your feet and start again. The pull chain is fabric and whilst it may contribute to the quiet operation, it will wear down and need replacing at times. The biggest problem with the RW1000 in our view is the display data - see below. Whilst for many, the accuracy of the data may not be an issue (after all, it doesn't stop you getting a good workout) we feel with a machine costing this much, you'd expect more.
Summary:
For light to medium usage this machine is up to the task and offers good value for money. It's neither a budget model, or a mid-range - it's sort of in the middle and will disappoint if you're expecting more. If you're intending to train 5 times or more a week, this isn't suitable. You'll have to spend more - see all our reviews here. If you only have time to use it no more than three times in a week, and your budget is limited, this could be a good buy for you.  Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge  LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 
LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Console
Generic rowing seat
LifeSpan Fitness RW100 Folded
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Also worth a look:
The Kettler Kadett is a worthy competitor in this price range, or for a little extra the Stamina Air rower is good value.
The Kettler Kadett is a worthy competitor in this price range, or for a little extra the Stamina Air rower is good value.
Other RW1000 owner's comments
"I guess you could say it's functional but doesn't really inspire. It has a good action and I use it most days, but my partner struggled with the foot straps with his big feet." Jody (user for 8 months)
"I really wanted a Concept2 but couldn't afford one so went for the RW1000 after a recommendation from a friend. I paid just over $400 which is just under half the price of a Concept, so I was expecting half the rower :0) And that's what I got. I use it 4 or 5 times a week and feels solid but I feel I could do with a bit more resistance as the highest level doesn't seem hard enough." Zack (user for 5 months)
"Great value! Both my wife and I use it everyday for about 30 minutes and get a good workout. We've had it for just over six months and had no problems so far and are pleased with our choice." Robert F. (6 months)
Your thoughts?
"I really wanted a Concept2 but couldn't afford one so went for the RW1000 after a recommendation from a friend. I paid just over $400 which is just under half the price of a Concept, so I was expecting half the rower :0) And that's what I got. I use it 4 or 5 times a week and feels solid but I feel I could do with a bit more resistance as the highest level doesn't seem hard enough." Zack (user for 5 months)
"Great value! Both my wife and I use it everyday for about 30 minutes and get a good workout. We've had it for just over six months and had no problems so far and are pleased with our choice." Robert F. (6 months)
Your thoughts?
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