Home Rowing Machine Reviews 2023
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer

Stamina Avari Magnetic Rowing Machine Review


The Stamina Avari magnetic rower is close to the top end of the Stamina range. The brand is well known for their commendable budget models, so what about this one? It's over the twice the price of the rest of the range, so is it worth a look?

Our first impression was... meh. It just doesn't look that good, in fact, we'd say it looks dull. Okay, so you don't buy fitness equipment just to look at it, but looks can be important. Take the First Degree Evolution range or Waterrowers for example - you can't walk passed them without wanting to get on and take them for a spin. But the Avari just looks... well, functional and certainly not 700 dollars worth of kit.

Anyway, enough of what it does to the eye and onto the experience. On the plus side, it's incredibly easy to assemble (unlike many other rowers we've tried) as it comes in three parts that take less than fifteen minutes for even the novice to put together. So in theory, you could be rowing quite soon after it's been delivered.

We said earlier that it looks functional, and it most certainly is. It's easy to use and has a pretty good action. However, if you're six foot tall or over stop reading now. Two of our reviewers felt the track just wasn't long enough to get a good workout. If you're under this height, this is a positive as it's a compact rower with a small footprint that will take up little room in your home. It also folds easily and has wheels for moving it out of the way when not in use.

The molded seat looks comfortable, but after around 20 minutes into a workout you may find your butt starts to get a bit sore. This depends on how much 'natural' cushioning you have down there, but if you use the great heart rate training program (see below) your padding may soon be disappearing :0)

If you're new to rowing machines, you may be wondering what the 'magnetic' in the model name means. No, you can't stick it to the refrigerator, it refers to the resistance mechanism. You can read more about the different types here, but briefly, this model uses magnets for you to pull against when rowing. The level of resistance can be altered by changing the position of the magnets - this is done easily enough by pressing a button. Magnetic rowers are much quieter than other types of rowers, making them a g0od choice if you live in an apartment.

The handle is well cushioned but some of our rowers with smaller hands thought it could be thinner to help get a better grip. The fabric belt lets the machine down in our view (a chain would have been better) but it looks strong enough and up to the job of years of service. 

The Display/ Console
While we think other rowers in the same price range are perhaps a better buy (see below), where the Avari scores is with its display and console. As far as we know, the 12 pre-set programs are unique to a model costing under £1,000 - please let us know if you know different. The display could be a little brighter, but the inclusion of a heart rate program (chest strap included with most retailers but we suggest you check first) is a great addition. By training with the chest strap, the console will alter the resistance level by monitoring you pulse and keep you in the optimum 'fat-burning' zone.

The control panel is very easy to use and is self-explanatory (see diagram on the right). It displays all the usual workout data such as distance, time, stroke rate, pulse, calories etc - see what these all mean here. 

The pre-set programs let you select from cardio or your own customized programs and control the resistance level or set a target stroke-rate or distance. This saves you having to pause and change the settings during a workout and also sets a challenging training session to get maximum results 

Summary:
I guess this is the Volvo of rowing machines - it's not going to see the world alight, but it does what it promises and if you stick to a program it will help you get fit and lose weight. There are better quality rowers available for a similar price, but then this does have quite a few interesting features.
These include the pre-set programs and heart rate programs which can go along way to helping you get fit.

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.
Avari Magnetic: 6.0/ 10 6.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

check best online price >>

 

rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Easy to assemble
  • 12 programs for variation
  • Heart rate program
  • Chest strap included :0)
  • Magnetic resistance - so its quiet
  • Its sturdy
  • Folds easily for storing away
  • Compact machine - although too compact if you're 6' or over
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Short warranty period on moving parts
  • The sculptured seat - needs more padding
  • The strap - a chain would be better
  • Action not as smooth as competitors
  • It looks dull and uninspiring 
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification:
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:
Storage space:
Magnetic
275 lbs

81" x 20" x 24.5"
76 lbs
36" x 20" x 54"


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

QUICK REFERENCE
StaminaMagneticRef

Click images to enlarge
  
The Stamina Avari Magnetic rowing machine
Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower


​

​


Stamina Avari molded seat
The molded seat could be better


​

​

Foot rests on Stamina Avari magnetic rowing machine
Foot rests - could be a little bigger


​ 


Stamina Avari Display and console
Display and console - easy to use



 

Also worth a look:
If you want some different, such as a water resistance rower, the Sunny Obsidian or First Degree Neptune may tempt you, again for a similar price.

Avari user comments

"So easy to assemble. I own an elliptical trainer and bike and must have spent nearly an hour unpacking and putting them together. I think this is good value for money and the 12 programs are a real bonus in my view. I also like the fact that it comes with a chest strap that can be used with a heart rate training program. I'm not sure how long the strap will last with regular use, but for a small machine it feels solid and sturdy even when rowing hard." Pete Mills (user for 3 months)

Do you have an Avari? What do you think of it?

You are here: Home | Rowing Machine Reviews  | Stamina Avari Magnetic Review

 
Please read our Disclaimer
Copyright 2010 - 2023 RowingMachine-Guide.com
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer