Stamina Air Rowing Machine Review
STAMINA AIR BACKGROUNDThe Stamina Air would suit a beginner for simply getting fit, losing a few pounds and into shape, but not if you already row or are considering taking it up as as sport. It comes in at under $500 which puts it in the top end of the budget range and when compared to other models costing around the same, it comes out pretty well.
So let's look at it in detail. It's called an 'air rower' because it uses a fan to create the resistance for you to work against - the basic principle to exercise. If your muscles have nothing resisting your movement, they don't get much of a workout. However, some of our reviewers felt the resistance didn't kick in early enough to give a 'proper rowers workout', that is, it didn't give our legs or back much to work against. This is known as a dead-spot and is something to be avoided on a rowing machine. For aerobic training this is okay and won't ruin your experience, but if you're looking for the all round benefits of rowing, this one isn't for you. Don't get us wrong, this is actually a good machine and gives value for money for an aerobic training regime. It also folds up into quite a compact size for easy storage, doesn't weigh too much, but also has quite a sturdy feel whilst rowing.
It's also quite straightforward to assemble and only took around fifteen minutes - others we've tried have taken much longer! The seat is good comfortable for the price and the action is smooth and compares favorably to other models costing more. Air rowers can sometimes be noisy for indoor use, but this one is quieter than most and therefore a good choice if you don't want to annoy your family or live in an apartment and want to stay on good terms with your neighbors. DISPLAY/CONSOLE The display is basic but easy to use and shows you speed, distance, time and estimated calories used. It doesn't have any preset programs, targets or PC-connectivity - but this is a budget model and so shouldn't be disappointed.
If you want these sort of features, be prepared to pay twice, and then some, of the cost of this machine. REVIEW SUMMARY:It's not a gym quality machine, but you shouldn't expect it to be for the price - they'll cost at least fiour times more! It is, however, a perfectly adequate rower of reasonable build quality for a very competitive price. We reckon you'd get several years use out of it if you're intending to use it daily for 20 minutes or so.
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Stamina Air Rower:
6.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
PROS:
CONS:
SPECIFICATION
ALTERNATIVES |
 Stamina Air Rower 
Well-cushioned seat is comfortable
Stamina Air Rower Display
Stamina Air Rower Folded
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There are few air rowing machines in this price range. Other similarly priced machines include the Kettler Kadett or Lifespan's RW1000. If you can stretch to another $100 the Stamina X Air Rower is a good bet.
USER COMMENTS
"Well it ain't pretty but it does a good job. I've owned it for nearly two years and row about 5 times a week for a light workout to stay in shape. Very pleased and easily worth the money." Janet R. (owner for 2 years)
"I don't have much time to exercise these days but wanted something that didn't take up too much space and choose the Air Rower because it looks strong and also folds up. I row vigorously for only 10 to 20 minutes a day and find it a sturdy and comfortable row machine to use. I've used gym machines and this is almost as good but without the fancy programs." William C. (4 months)
"It's okay I guess but I don't feel I'm getting a good workout as the resistance could be higher. Because of this I have to row for longer periods of sometimes up to two hours just to get a good aerobic workout. Oh, and it also has a dead spot." Francis (5 months)
"A pretty good machine on the whole. It has a comfortable seat and a solid feel but what let's it down is the dead spot, and it's quite a delay in the take up of resistance which spoils the overall action." Pedro (3 months)
"I don't have much time to exercise these days but wanted something that didn't take up too much space and choose the Air Rower because it looks strong and also folds up. I row vigorously for only 10 to 20 minutes a day and find it a sturdy and comfortable row machine to use. I've used gym machines and this is almost as good but without the fancy programs." William C. (4 months)
"It's okay I guess but I don't feel I'm getting a good workout as the resistance could be higher. Because of this I have to row for longer periods of sometimes up to two hours just to get a good aerobic workout. Oh, and it also has a dead spot." Francis (5 months)
"A pretty good machine on the whole. It has a comfortable seat and a solid feel but what let's it down is the dead spot, and it's quite a delay in the take up of resistance which spoils the overall action." Pedro (3 months)