MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Review
MAXKARE BACKROUND
This is one of the latest in a line of budget water resistant rowing machines. Since reviewing the first budget machine in this category in 2017, it seems like another arrives every few months - which is to be welcome. This offering from MaxKare is based on a similar frame to other brands - the decider is the components such as seat, monitor and footrests chosen for this brand.
So how does it compare to its direct competitors? Well the first thing you notice is the price. At under $350 it's the cheapest (at present) water machine out there. But apart from a pretty disappointing seat, the rest of the machine appears comparable to others in this price range.
Assembly isn't too complicated if you're handy. If you're DIY-challenged it might take a little longer than the 30 minutes it took us, but the instructions are clear and shouldn't be beyond the skill of most :0)
So how does it compare to its direct competitors? Well the first thing you notice is the price. At under $350 it's the cheapest (at present) water machine out there. But apart from a pretty disappointing seat, the rest of the machine appears comparable to others in this price range.
Assembly isn't too complicated if you're handy. If you're DIY-challenged it might take a little longer than the 30 minutes it took us, but the instructions are clear and shouldn't be beyond the skill of most :0)
MAXKARE WATER
8.0
MaxKare Water Rower
The rowing position is probably the most disappointing part. It's at a lower height than the Sunny Obsidian's seat (see 'Also worth a look' section below). If you suffer from knee problems, or lower back pain, a low seat may lead to some discomfort. The seat itself could do with a little more padding, and a shaped/ sculptured cushion that prevents slippage and promotes comfort on long workouts.
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The footrests are wide and hold your feet securely in place - essential when rowing as there's nothing more annoying than having to stop and re-tie the straps. There's also a useful bottle holder between the footrests - a nice touch.
The handle has a good diameter, and the padding makes it easy to grip and shouldn't move in your hands, thus prevent blisters. The monitor sits on a long, adjustable arm making it easy to find a good position for ease of use and reading - see more below on monitor functions. The steel frame seems well-made, and thanks to the stabilizers under each foot it has a sturdy feel when rowing at high stroke rates. Note, the MaxKare can support a user of up to 264 lbs, and also note, you may invalidate the warranty if you exceed this weight - although the warrant isn't great, and who is going to come a put you on the scales to check? |
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As mentioned earlier, this is a water machine which means the resistance mechanism consists of a fan being pulled through the water in the tank. To set the resistance level, you need to add or remove water to find your optimum level. Then the harder you pull, the more the water resists you. Higher priced water resistant rowers use a clever mechanism that enable you to change resistance level by sliding a lever, rather than messing about with the water levels - for example the First Degree Newport has this feature, plus more, but costs a few hundred more.
Some are put off by water machines thinking they require more maintenance, but in reality it only requires a water purifier added every 2 months, and maybe replacing the water completely every 4 to 6 months. But the satisfying swish of the water as you row makes it all worthwhile.
Some are put off by water machines thinking they require more maintenance, but in reality it only requires a water purifier added every 2 months, and maybe replacing the water completely every 4 to 6 months. But the satisfying swish of the water as you row makes it all worthwhile.
Good LCD display and console
DISPLAY CONSOLE
The monitor is very similar (if not the same) as the one used on the Sunny Obsidian Surge - and it's a pretty good one for the price.
Workout data displayed includes 500 meter split times, strokes per minute and calories you've burned - this is an estimate.
The LCD screen is a good size and easy to read when rowing. It's also heart monitor compatible so you can see your pulse, but it doesn't come with heart rate programs as you'd find on more expensive models.
Workout data displayed includes 500 meter split times, strokes per minute and calories you've burned - this is an estimate.
The LCD screen is a good size and easy to read when rowing. It's also heart monitor compatible so you can see your pulse, but it doesn't come with heart rate programs as you'd find on more expensive models.
One feature we like is the human vs boat program. You set the goal and then race against the computer! There's nothing like a bit of competition to motivate, eh :0) The monitor sits on an adjustable arm and can be tilted for ease of reading depending on your height.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
As one of a growing number of water rowing machines in the under $500 price bracket, this model stands out as one of the cheapest. While the frame, tank and monitor are similar to its competitors (see below), the seat lets it down a little. But at $50 less (as at Nov '19), you have to decide if it's worth the saving.
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.
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.
PROS:
- The price - good value for money
- Feels stable at high stroke rates
- Good monitor for a budget machine
- Good beam length - suit rower up to 6' 2"
- Has a handy bottle holder
- Can be stored vertically (without emptying the tank)
CONS:
- Not the easiest machine to assemble
- The seat is rather basic
- Not a fan of the nylon strap on the handle
- Not a great warranty
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Water
264 lbs 79" x 22" (W) x 34" (H) 80 lbs 3 months on frame and parts |
ATERNATIVES
Other comparable models include the Sunny Obsidian and Merax Water. Very similar machines for a similar price that share many of the same components. If you can stretch a few more dollars, the Sunny Phantom Hydro is an impressive option.
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