Stamina 1110 Rowing Machine Review

Stamina's 1110 (pronounced 'eleven-ten' to be correct) is one of the smallest magnetic rowing machines I can recall sitting on. It also happens to be one of the cheapest machines using magnets to provide the resistance - more later. 

So if you're looking for an affordable rower to get fit, does this do the job? Of course you get what you pay for so you can't expect much from a model costing under $200, but the Stamina 1110 has just about enough features to make it worth a look.

But... before you continue, because this is a compact machine I wouldn't recommend it if you're over 5' 10" and/ or already in good shape. The short beam just doesn't allow for a full stroke and would limit the benefits. And if you're fit and looking for a rower for use at home this wouldn't deliver the sort of workout you need. If you fall into those two categories check out the 'Also worth a look' section below.

If you're still reading let's get on to the nuts and bolts. Assembly is simple enough and shouldn't take you longer than 45 minutes. 

The first thing that caught our eye is the low beam and seat. Many budget rowers have a similar height but if you have issues with your back or knees it can be difficult getting on and off - especially if tired after a good session.

However, once on it the seat is surprisingly comfortable for a cheap machine. The footrests are wide and pivot to give a full range of movement, and the foam padded handle allows for a good grip. So all-in-all, apart from the low seat it's an otherwise reasonable rowing position.

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As mention earlier, this is possibly one of the lightest rowing machines we've reviewed on this site. While this may be a bonus if you're slightly built, it's definitely a big no-no if you're the sturdy, solid type yourself. Because while the Stamina 1110 comes with good supports to protect your floor, if you're over 190lbs you're going to feel the machine straining to deal a high stroke rate beneath you.

The resistance mechanism is magnetic which also means it's quiet, in fact this one is very quiet thanks to the fabric strap on the handle (no noisy or messy chain here), and also the seat rollers which are actually pretty good for a budget machine.

A knob beneath the display lets you select one of eight resistance levels but if you're used to rowing on the water in a real boat, this will feel nothing like that! Magnetic resistance machines cannot replicate that feel - if you want an authentic rowing experience you'll need an air machine. But it doesn't need to feel real to get you fit.

Note: while this technically isn't a folding rowing machine, it's so compact and light you can just tilt it up on its end and wheel it away to be stored vertically out of the way.

Display and console
It's a budget machine so this is a basic display. It will tell you how long you've been rowing, how many strokes you've done and give you a very rough estimate of how many calories you've burned.

But annoyingly, it shows distance in miles and not meters. If you're not a rower this won't bother you, but seeing as all rowing events are done over meters, it seems odd to show miles..

Summary:
As one of the cheapest magnetic rowing machine around, the Stamina 1110 is not to be sneared at. It's compact, quiet and easy to use and the price means many could see this as an option for their home gym. And if you're 5' 10" or under, on a tight budget, not particalulary fit and looking for a machine to supplement existing gym kit, then this is worth considering. 

But if this is going to be your only piece of kit at home you'll have to spend more to get a sturdy rowing machine that will deliver.

Stamina 1110: Rating 4.5/10

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We Like...

• The price.- good value for the money
• Compact - takes up very little space
• Easy to store away after use
• Comfortable seat
• Quiet
• Space for your water bottle
• Good warranty on the frame (3 years)
• Very little maintenance required

We Don't Like...

• It's dull
• Low seat position
• Very light - doesn't feel solid
• Distance is measure in miles (not meters)
• Foot straps a too wide in our view - not easy to get on or off
• Monitor beeps a lot for some reason
• Limited workout data
• Not suitable for user over 5' 10"

 

Technical specification: 

Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Magnetic
250 lbs
57" L  x 22" W x 27" H
45 lbs

Warranty:
3 years on frame.
3 months on parts.

QUICK REFERENCE

Click images to enlarge

Stamina 1110 Magnetic Rower

  

Comfortable seat

Pivoting footrests and a space for your water bottle!

 

The display is sort of okay...

 

Also worth a look:
For not too much more the Sunny SF-RW5515 is a better machine in our view. Or if you want heart rate and fat-burning programs, Stamina's 1130 has a lot going for it. If on a tight budget, the Xterra ERG200 has a little more to offer but does have its faults.
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