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Stamina 1130 Rowing Machine Review

STAMINA 1130 BACKGROUND

The 1130 (pronounced 'eleven-thirty') continues the compact magnetic rowing machine range from this well known budget brand. It's pretty sleek, very quiet and can easily be stored away once you've finished your workout.

So on the face of it, it has quite a lot going for it. And when you look at the low price, surely it's a no-brainer. But before you press the button and buy one, there's a few things to consider. Please read on.

ASSEMBLY

This is a very easy machine to put together and shouldn't take most more than 25-30 minutes to complete the task. The rowing position is better than many budget rowers because of the height of the beam - getting on and off a low seat can be a problem for those with knee or back problems. 

THE HARDWARE

The footrests are a good size and can be used while wearing trainers. However, the Velcro straps feel a little cheap and seem out of place on an otherwise well-made rowing machine. The seat is comfortable and should suit all but the larger butt! The foam handle has a good diameter and is easy to hold firm without slippage.

​So far, so good, but as with it's younger brother, the 
Stamina 1110 - because it's a compact model the beam will feel too short if you've long legs or over 5' 10".as you'll not get the end of the stroke. It's also a light machine which means it may not be for you if over 180 lbs. The manual says it will support up to 250 lbs but once you get the stroke rate up, you may find it starts to move a little.

The 1130 comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance and has a reasonably good range - some budget machines suffer from having little difference between the top and bottom levels, but not this one.

It's also very quiet as it uses a strap in place of a chain connected to the handle. In the past we've found straps are liable to fray but Stamina insist the hard-wearing nylon should last years. Note, this is a magnetic only machine which while it means it's quiet, it doesn't feel like rowing on water - however, this doesn't stop you getting a good workout.

The front has built-in wheels so once finished just tip it up, wheel it away and store it vertically - see photograph below.

DISPLAY/CONSOLE

The back-lit LCD monitor is easy to read and easier to use and for a machine under $300 is actually pretty damn good.

It comes with 9 pre-set and 4 personalized programs - again quite unusual in a budget machine. These include interval and fat-burning workouts plus one of our favorites, a target heart rate program. And one more surprise - the chest strap is included that's compatible with the in-built pulse monitor.


The usual data is displayed such as number of strokes, distance, time and calories. ​
But both the calorie and watt display are estimated and probably not too accurate - but still fine to use for comparing your progress.

REVIEW SUMMARY:

If you're not the tall, burly type and on a budget, the 1130 could be an excellent choice. It has a number of features you wouldn't normally find on rower in this price-bracket, namely heart rate programs and a chest strap.

Nice one Stamina!

​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.
Stamina 1130: 6.0/ 10 6.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

check best online price >>

PROS:

  • Very quiet
  • Surprisingly sturdy for a light machine (if you under 180 lbs)
  • Quick to assemble
  • Good build quality for a budget machine
  • Reasonable range of resistance levels (16 in total)
  • Heart rate monitor compatible (strap included)
  • Good value for money

CONS:

  • Short beam - not suitable if over 5' 1o" in our view
  • Not the best foot straps - seems a bit cheap
  • Short warranty on parts (only 3 months)
  • Starts to wobble a little at higher stroke rates
  • Calorie and watts reading not too accurate.
  • Magnetic only resistance doesn't replicate real rowing action

SPECIFICATION

Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:
Magnetic
250 lbs

56" L  x 22" W x 27" H
60 lbs

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

ALTERNATIVES

Stamina 1130 magnetic rowing machine
Stamina 1130 Magnetic Rower


The seat on Stamina's 1130 rowing machine
Stamina's generic seat


Footrests on Stamina 1130 rowing machine
Pivoting footrests with space for cup/ bottle
 


Stamina 1130 display and monitor
Pretty good display/ monitor
 
Stamina 1130 vertical stored
Stores vertically
For a little less, the Sunny's SF-RW5623 combines  air and magnetic resistance for a more authentic feel - but note it doesn't come with heart rate programs.​ Or if you can go for a couple of hundred bucks more you can't go far wrong with the Kettler R220.

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer
  • About Us