Stamina X Water Review
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The Stamina X Water is one of the smallest water resistance machines on the market - as at the time of this review in September 2018. But is functionality or quality compromised when you got small? Please read on.
It seems like every brand now has a water machine in their line-up. Not too long ago only First Degree and WaterRower offered this type of machine. So what does this model have that could make it stand out from the rest? Well perhaps just its size. If you've not got a lot of room at home then this will fit into most spaces without too much trouble. Before you read on, please bear in mind, this is a compact model so the beam is not long. If your 5' 10" or above you may find you can't get a full stroke which will reduce the effectiveness of your workout - for a similar price Stamina have another water machine with a longer beam called the Wave. As for the rest of the features, it has a few that may tempt you, but at its current price we're not sure if it can hack it with the direct competition from non-water machines such as the Bladez Cascade. Assembly takes around 30 minutes and is not too challenging if you have basic DIY skills. Then of course you have to add the water - more on this below. Stamina's generic seat is supportive where it needs to be and comfortable for a long workout. The height of the seat is great especially if you struggle to get in and out of low chairs. The water tank is located beneath the seat rather than in front, hence the compact frame. The handle and foot rests are up to the job but we know some who don't like the use of a nylon strap for the handle and prefer a chain. However, chains require oiling once in a while, and while nylon can fray and occasionally need replacing after a few years, they can do the job quieter than a chain. So onto the water bit. To create the resistance, there are fans that spin in the water when you pull on the handle. Some love the sound of whooshing water while rowing, while others prefer the action of an air resistance machine, that ironically, deliver a more authentic feel of rowing a real boat. To get the same feel with a water machine you need to be speeding a few hundred dollars more. But if you're just looking for a good workout, the action isn't really much of an issue. To change the resistance level, you need to add or remove water to the tank. Basically, the more water, the more effort it takes to row. First Degree's Challenge range have control knobs to alter resistance without having to change the water level - but again these cost more. For example, see the Neptune AR.
Oddly, the monitor has a slot for your smart phone, but if you use it you then can't see the display screen.
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. Summary:
This compact model is pretty unique (at the moment) in the water resistance rowers on the market. As we've said earlier, if you're not too tall and have limited space at home, it's a pretty good buy. The heart rate monitor is a good function but it offers little else. It's well-made and should last for years, but by then you may have outgrown its features and be looking to move upmarket.
Stamina X Water:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge
Stamina X Water Rowing Machine
Stamina's generic seat
Basic but effective foot rests
Standard display/ monitor
Water tank under the rail - resistance changed by adding/ removing water
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Also worth a look:
There's a growing number of budget water resistance rowers to choose from these days. A favorite for many is the MaxKare Water at around $200 less. Or the Sunny Obsidian is quite a nice model for a similar price. Or if you want to push the boat out (get it), then you can treat yourself to the original and beautiful WaterRower, or check out at the First Degree Monaco with adjustable resistance.
There's a growing number of budget water resistance rowers to choose from these days. A favorite for many is the MaxKare Water at around $200 less. Or the Sunny Obsidian is quite a nice model for a similar price. Or if you want to push the boat out (get it), then you can treat yourself to the original and beautiful WaterRower, or check out at the First Degree Monaco with adjustable resistance.
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