Stamina X-Air (2) Rowing Machine Review
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If it's not too much to ask, why couldn't Stamina have given this model a different name? There's already a Stamina X Air Rower on the market, and that popular workhorse has been around for some time. This model looks to be a compact air resistance rower that's had a makeover compared to the older machine - it also cost less.
So what's been sacrificed to lower the price? For a start, the monitor seems to be one place where a few pennies were saved - but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet, more on this later. From the top, this is a pretty easy machine to unpack and assemble taking around 25 minutes from start to finish. But note. the fan cover wasn't the best of fits so we had to glue the parts together. This didn't effect the operation, but it's something that doesn't create a good first impression. So onto the actual rowing. The position is good and the well-padded seat is comfortable and allow your butt to cope with a long workout session. For a budget model, the action is quite smooth as it rolls up and down the rail. The handle is thick enough to get a good grip and shouldn't cause any hand blisters with regular use. The all-important footrests are wide and the straps seem up to the job of holding your feet in place when pumping up and down the beam. This is an air resistance machine but does not have a damper to change the resistance level. However, this doesn't mean the resistance stays the same, because as with all air machines the harder you pull the more it pulls back. However, the resistance level may not be challenging enough if you're already fit. And also in common with other air rowers it is noisy. This may not be a problem as some love the whoosh of the fan, and as they row harder it gets louder. But if you live in an apartment it may be worth considering a magnetic machine - see 'Also worth a look' below. 
Summary
If you're new to indoor rowing or taking up a fitness routine after a break from physical activity, the Stamina X would be a good place to start if on a budget. It won't win any prices for innovation and you may find you outgrow it before long, but for the price you get quite a reasonable rowing machine. Note: the good folks at Stamina seems to be keen to engage with their customer and a few users who reported problems said they felt the customer service was good.
Stamina X Air:
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QUICK REFERENCE
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Stamina X Air Rowing Machine
A well-padded seat
Good support from the foot rests
What can we say? Basic at best
Folds up into a very small footprint
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Also worth a look:
For around $100 more the older version is a better buy in our view - see here for details.
For around $100 more the older version is a better buy in our view - see here for details.
Users comments
"I love it. Great price and does what I need it to do which is to keep me fit.." Gemma H. - Owner for 4 months
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