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 Converion II Bike & Rower Review


We don't normally review multi-purpose machines, either it's a rowing machine or it's not in our view. Plus, you often get comprises when designing a piece of kit to do the work of two. But after getting many emails requesting we review it, we decided to make an exception. So here's our thoughts.

Please note most of this review is for the rower and not it's other incarnations. And also, if you do decide to order one of these you need to have two people at home on delivery. The machine itself weighs over a whopping 100 pounds (104 lbs shipping weight) so it's heavy. If you intend to use the machine upstairs you may want to consider how you'll get it up there, or assemble it in parts and transport it separately. However, once in place the transport wheels make it easy to move when folded.

You may find it can take anything up to 2 hours to assemble the device depending on your DIY skills, And a number of our reviewers told us they had parts missing or different to the instructions in the box.

So,onto the actual rower. First impression when sitting on the seat is that it's not that comfortable. This is important if you're going to sitting on it for 30 minutes or more, so it's not encouraging to discover it's not what it should be. You could add a thin layer of foam or a cushion but this shouldn't really be necessary when spending around $800.

The magnetic resistance mechanism is quiet and reasonably smooth. It has 8 levels of difficulty but one reviewer felt the highest level wasn't challenging enough. The resistance is changed by turning a knob beneath the display unit. The rowing handle is okay, if a little thin for those with larger hands. But instead of a chain, it has a fabric strap. This helps to restrict noise and is fine for the light to moderate user, but if you're intending to use the machine for regular, vigorous workouts, these so-called heavy duty fabrics can soon start to wear out.

The action is okay, but if you're over 190 lbs you may find it gets a little bumpy. And if you're taller than 5' 10" may also find the rail is too short and you won't get a full extension at the finish of the stroke. At higher stroke rates the machine feels sturdy and doesn't move - although you'd expect this for a model weighing as much as this one does :0)

Some of our users reported plastic parts developed cracks after a few months (and as luck would have it, after the 90 day warranty period!) Although others say their machines are still operating without fault after 6 months.

The footrests are large, in a good position and the straps will hold your feet nice and secure for rowing. It's surprising how many rowers are let down by the foot restraints, especially when you consider it's an integral part of the machine - it's impossible to row if your feet come loose!

​The Display/ Console
The display screen and digits are large and easy to read even in low light. It displays all the usual stuff you need to know - see our guide to workout data here.

​The controls are straight forward and can be figured out without referring to the manual. It does display your pulse rate but only when using the handles on the saddle for the recumbent bike and not while rowing.
​Summary:
Hats off to Stamina for attempting to bring budget fitness equipment into the home. The Conversion II is an okay sort of machine for the home gym user with limited resources. It will give you a combination of cardiovascular and resistance workouts and help to get you toned up and maybe lose a few pounds. But as a rower it has its limitations and doesn't offer much for the price tag. ​

One big disappointment is the 90 day warranty on all parts - this is no where near as long as it should be for something costing this much. See our guide to what to expect for warranties here.

​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 Conversion II: 5.0/ 10 5.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

check best online price >>

 
rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Clever design
  • Multi-exercise machine for good price
  • Quiet magnetic resistance mechanism
  • Easy to use
  • Large LCD display for workout data
  • Folds up and easy to move with built-in transport wheels
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Neither a great rowing machine or recumbent bike
  • Fabric rowing strap - never as good as a chain
  • The seat could be better padded.
  • The warranty is very short for a machine costing this much
  • It weighs over 100lbs!
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 

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


Magnetic
250 lbs

74.5" x 25.5" x 10"
102 lbs


Picture
Warranty:
2 years on frame.
3 months on all other parts.

QUICK REFERENCE
StaminaConversionRef
Click image to enlarge
  
The Stamina Conversion II recumbent bike and rowing machine
Combined recumbent bike and rower



Stamina Conversion's adjustable multi-purpose seat
Adjustable multi-purpose seat


​


Stamina Conversion II Display
Conversion II display and console


​


Stamina Conversion II in folded position
Folds up for easy storage


 

Also worth a look:
If it's a rower/bike combination you're looking for, the ProForm Dual is a much better model in our view - and it cost less! Or for around the same price you can choose from two great rowers - the LifeCore R88 also a magnetic rower, or a great rower in the First Degree Neptune which is a water resistant machine - are far better rowing machine and will do more to get you fit!

Conversion II user comments

"I wish I had bought a rower only and not something that is only an average bike and a poor rowing machine - I have wasted my money." Jon H. (owner for 6 months)

"To get a bike and rower for under $800 was a pretty good deal. It's ideal for the home as takes up little space and gives you two types of kit to train on. After a few problems putting it together we've had no problems. Very pleased with it." Ron J. (6 months)

"Had to contact Stamina to replace a broken part when we took it out of the box. To be fair, they responded quickly and we got it with 3 days. I use it mainly as a bike and only use the rowing bar for upper body work." Alison (4 months)

"I originally intended to use this machine for daily workouts but after only a few months I have had so many things go wrong that I dismantled it and got rid of it. I bought a recumbent bike for another $100 and find it is much better." Patrica C.

Do you have one of these? What are your thoughts?

You are here: Home | Rowing Machine Reviews  | Stamina Conversion II 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