Phoenix 98900 Rowing Machine Review
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We really wish brands could think of better names than a set of numbers. Phoenix is a good start - it gives you the impression that you can rise from the ashes of being overweight and unfit, and rise to a healthier fitter person. But what's with the 98900? And we're not sure why they add 'power rower' as it really doesn't appear to be related to this particular model.
But's that enough of us ranting - what about the machine? As we say so many times when reviewing other budget rowers, you won't get a machine like what you may have sat on in a gym. A commercial model will set you back over a thousand bucks (and many much more than that!) So what do you get for just $250. This is a magnetic resistance model and offers 5 levels that can be altered by a knob beneath the display. If you've rowed much before, you may find even the hardest setting is not much of a challenge. This doesn't mean you won't get a good workout as the main cardio-vascular benefits come from the activity and not just the resistance. However, it would limit the number of different workouts you can add to your regime. One of the vital parts of a rowing machine is the seat. You could be sitting on it for up to an hour at a time so it has to be comfortable. Of course, butts come in all shapes and sizes so one seat won't suit everyone. The seat is actually quite comfortable and probably one of the best in the low-cost models we've tried. But there's a problem with the glide. Some of our heavier reviewers found it didn't slide as smoothly as it probably should. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it took the gloss off their enjoyment. It also suggests a possible breakage at some point. Now one more thing that we think is wrong - the footrests. We can't recall another machine that has them spread quite so far apart. They may be only 2 or 3 inches wider but it felt wrong to have your feet spread this wide. Perhaps if you've never used a rower you wouldn't notice this, but if you have it could take a while to get used to it. So what about the warranty? Again without wanting to repeat ourselves, you wouldn't expect a lifetime warranty on the frame of three on the parts.but this one really doesn't cut it for us. Three months on the parts isn't great but sort of what you'd get at this price - it's the one year on the frame that stinks. Most rowers we've tried in this price range come with at least two years on the frame, some even have three! So this does seem a bit mean - especially when the seat doesn't roll smoothly and it creaks a lot when in use. See more information on warranties here. The Console/ Display
Update: (7/3/2013)
A number of users who contacted us said they had issues with the standard of packaging and found parts had been damaged in transit - similar comments are made by reviewers on Amazon. This seems to have been resolved as no purchasers have reported the problem to us since June 2013. Summary: As one owner says below, 'it ain't the best rower in the world', and of course it wouldn't be for the price. But as we've said many times before, it's still a few hundred dollars out of your pocket that you wouldn't want to waste on a piece of junk. This certainly isn't that bad - we have seen worse - but it have its limits. It's fine if your training goals aren't too ambitious but you'll have to spend more if you want to achieve more. Please see our other recommendations below for a better deal in our view.
 Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge  The budget Phoenix 98900 Power Rower 
The seat is not bad for a budget model
 Not the best positioned foot rests
 The display/ console 
Folds up nice and neat
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You may want to consider:
The only other magnetic model we've tested for under $250 is the Confidence Fitness - although it's not as good as the Power Rower in our view. Other alternatives for around the same price include the Stamina 1215 or for another $150 or thereabouts, the Kettler Favorit is worth a look.
Other owner's comments
"It ain't going to be the best rowing machine in the world at around £200, but while it has it's faults it's done me fine for over a year now so I guess I can't complain. I had a few parts come loose or fall off but it didn't take too much to fix. All in all a pretty good rower for the price." Alan J. (owner for 14 months.
"Not bad for the price. I don't use it much but when I want a quick workout indoors the Power Rower is just what I need. The only thing that I don't like are the pads to strap my feet. The angle doesn't feel right but it doesn't stop me using it." Joan T. (4 months)
"After never having owned a rowing machine before (or any type of fitness machine) I didn't really know what to expect for the price I paid - $246. After a few months I think it's okay but sure there are better models out there if I was prepared to pay another $100 or more. I row about 4 times a week and I can see a difference. It makes a lot of noise and creaks and squeaks when I row fast. Perhaps I'll stick with it for a few months more and then if I'm still enjoying my rowing I'll get a better one." Larry J. (after 3 months)
Do you own one? What's your view?
"Not bad for the price. I don't use it much but when I want a quick workout indoors the Power Rower is just what I need. The only thing that I don't like are the pads to strap my feet. The angle doesn't feel right but it doesn't stop me using it." Joan T. (4 months)
"After never having owned a rowing machine before (or any type of fitness machine) I didn't really know what to expect for the price I paid - $246. After a few months I think it's okay but sure there are better models out there if I was prepared to pay another $100 or more. I row about 4 times a week and I can see a difference. It makes a lot of noise and creaks and squeaks when I row fast. Perhaps I'll stick with it for a few months more and then if I'm still enjoying my rowing I'll get a better one." Larry J. (after 3 months)
Do you own one? What's your view?
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