Proform 550R Rowing Machine Review
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ProForm has built a pretty good reputation in the last ten years in the low to mid-price range of home fitness equipment. About a year ago we tried their first rower and we're quite impressed with the build-quality for a budget mode - see Proform 440R for that review.
So for a little under twice the price of the 440R we were keen to see what you'd get with the 550R. Our first impression was a good one. It looks the part, has a little bit of styling, feels nice and sturdy and has a much better handle than the 440R. After a few hours use the word, 'workmanlike' comes to mind. It certainly seems up to the job of delivering a good workout, the build-quality is respectable for an upper end budget machine, the rowing position will suit all but the tallest (or heavier) user and for the price we couldn't complain. But... at the end of the day it's just a bit dull. Now we're happy to admit we may have been spoilt lately with some of the top models we've been using, but as consumer expectations rise for home fitness equipment, even the budget models are going to have to raise their game. But back to the 'nuts and bolts'. The ProForm 550R is quite straightforward to assemble if you have experience of flat-pack furniture. If you don't, we suggest to get someone to help. The seat is fine unless you're overweight, but this is the same for most models under $700. But as you get fitter and lose weight this becomes less of a problem :0) The handle is well-padded and one heck of an improvement on the 440R and should prevent the bane of rowers, the dreaded hand blisters. The footrests hold your feet firmly in place so you don't have to keep stopping and re-fitting the straps - something that is a real pain when you're trying to work up a sweat. The resistance mechanism is air which means it will be noisy at high stroke rates/ resistance levels. This is something to bear in mind if you have to share your house or live in apartment where noise could be an issue. This is a folding model and thanks to a handle and wheels, it's easy to move. It folds up into a small footprint and, thanks to a folding beam, it doesn't need six foot of height to store away.
Summary:
A sturdy model with a reasonable rowing position. It will no doubt help you get into shape and be up to the job for most users. But it has to be said, it just didn't excite us at all. If you're looking for a no-nonsense machine for a reasonable price then this will do the job. But if you need something to inspire you to train day-in, day-out then you'll need to consider spending a few hundred dollars more to get a machine that has what it takes to get you on it. We think the ProForm 440R is a much better option.
Update Feb 2016: We've heard from a user who's had problems with the seat rollers after two months of use. These have been replaced but it took two weeks to get the parts.  Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
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The Proform 550R Rower
The seat is not great, but okay
Basic but adequate
The 550R folds up neat
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Also worth a look:
For a few dollars more (isn't that a movie?) you could get the better Lifespan with a few extra features. Or another option is the Stamina's workhorse the X Rower.
Other ProForm Rower owner's comments
We've yet to hear from other users of this model.
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