Teeter Power10 Rower Review
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BACKGROUND You may have heard of Teeter, thanks to their inversion tables. But here's something you may not have seen - an elliptical rower! I have to admit to being a little bit skeptical about the Power10 before I tried it. I mean, technically I'm not sure you can call it a rowing machine.
The rowing purists will certainly claim it can't be a rower if you have to push as well as pull. Whereas, if you're looking for home fitness equipment and not something to complement your outdoor rowing, doesn't it make sense to use a machine that works your body harder? So putting my prejudice aside, I put it to the test. LISTEN ON THE GO - Teeter Power10 Audio Review
ASSEMBLY Starting off with the assembly. You can pay $105 (at time of my test) for professional assembly, but apart from a couple of parts being a little heavy, it's not difficult to put together if you have basic DIY skills.
Note - the base is the heaviest at 80 lbs!) so it's best two people assemble the Power10 as it makes it a lot easier - plus you don't want to injure your back before your start. But one thing to note, some users I spoke to reported a 'clanging' noise when in use - this can be caused by attached the cable incorrectly, so do check the instructions and follow to the letter. And keep in mind, it's a heavy machine compared to most rowing machines, weighing in at 180 lbs - that's 3 times the weight of the gym workhorse, the Concept2. So having said that, it's best to assemble it close to where you want to use it. But as they say... 'with weight comes great stability' - okay I said that, but it certainly applies to fitness equipment. And sturdy and stable this beast certainly is. This means you can pull and push away to your heart's content (literally), and this baby won't budge an inch.
THE HARDWARE When it comes to the rowing position, I found this to be one of the most comfortable machines to use. The seat is fantastic - very supportive and sculptured to fit most butts :0) The seat is a very welcome 22.5" from the floor which helps those with knee or lower back issues. And when you've finished you're workout, you don't have to worry about getting up from a low seat when you may be tired.
The handles are not what you'd find on most rowing machines (if we're going to insist on referring it as one) - see right. The shaped handles give you the option of a number of different hand holds to work different groups of muscles. They're also very well-padded and have a good diameter which I like as it makes for a comfortable grip. The footrests are the widest I've seen, and the straps held my feet nice 'n secure. Another good feature of the Teeter Power10 is the design makes it suitable for users of all heights with an impressive range of 4' 8" to a towering 7'. The resistance mechanism is magnetic which makes it a quiet model when compared to air rowers. So let's take a look at the pretty much unique feature of this model - the elliptical rowing action, and the pull and push action. The elliptical action means your seat rises and falls a few inches when rowing - it took me a while to get used to as it's different to the linear movement of a regular rowing machine. But I soon came to love the additional movement as it works a few extra muscle. As mentioned earlier, this machine isn't for 'real' rowers as a substitute for ergo training, as the nature of the action doesn't allow for the catch and finish positions you need on a boat. But if you just want something for your home to get you into shape, this works just fine, more than fine actually with the push/pull and seat action. I experimented changing my hand holds on the handles to switch the muscle groups I was using. This adds an extra dimension to your workouts which I liked. And you choose whether you're doing cardio or strength by selecting one of the seven resistance levels. One beef I have with some models is that the range of resistance can be negligible - but not with the Teeter Power10. I found the difference between level 1 and 7 to be wide, so everyone will find ones that suit them for their required workout.
THE CONSOLE / WORKOUTS The monitor has a good-sized LCD screen which I found easy to read, and the layout is straightforward and self-explanatory. It displays everything you'd expect, such as workout time, calories (but note, as with most models this is an estimate), distance rowed, and strokes per minute during your workout. I've seen more complex monitors on machines in this price-bracket, but to be honest, 95% of users will find the data on the Power10 more than sufficient.
The Teeter Power10 comes with a free online training app. Considering it's free, I actually thought it was pretty good. Some of the high end rowers such as Hydrow (see below) and Ergatta require subscription, and while you get superior (far superior) features and support, if you're reluctant to pay a monthly fee, the Power10 free app is a good option. And while this isn't a tradition pull-only rower, you can still use other rowing workout apps with this machine. The Teeter Move App has some great workouts with their online trainers (but note, these are not live). The workouts include HIIT (High intensity Interval training), duration and strength conditioning - see workout types here. Plus there's a space where I could place my smartphone for the online app. The console contains a heart rate monitor that is compatible with the most popular chest straps. Your heart rate is displayed, but note, there are no pre-set heart rate training programs, but I could easily keep myself in the optimum rate by simply watching the monitor and altering my work rate. |
QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge
Teeter Power10 Elliptical Rower
Comfortable and supportive seat
Wide footrests
Easy-to-read LCD display
Magnetic elliptical resistance
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MY SUMMARY
If you're a outdoor rower looking for a machine to complement your rowing, this isn't for you. But if you're in the market for a versatile piece of kit for your home, this is am excellent option. The Teeter Power10 is a great machine for all-round physical fitness. It works more muscle groups than a conventional rower, and even managed to win over some of my skeptical reviewers. It has some good features that should keep you motivated and coming back for more. So all-in-all, it's makes for a great addition to your home fitness equipment, and also pretty good value for money.
IS THE TEETER POWER10 FOR YOU?
YES - if you have limited space for one piece of fitness equipment in your home, this is a great choice.
NO - if you're looking for a traditional rowing machine move on, there's nothing to see here. (See alternatives below)
NO - if you're looking for a traditional rowing machine move on, there's nothing to see here. (See alternatives below)
Once I got over the unique feel of the Power10, I loved it. I can see how many praise it foe the results it delivers. And taking into consideration the build quality and features, I give this a rating of 90%.
MY OVERALL SCORE
Teeter Power10:
9.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
PROS...
- Good range across 7 levels of magnetic resistance
- Very solid - but note, the machine weighs 180 lbs!
- Has a great seat - also a good height from the floor at 22.5"
- FREE training app - no subscription required
- Large handles for working different muscles
- Short workouts still deliver benefits due to unique action
- Good rowing position
- Great range of 7 resistant levels - top level should challenge most
- Suitable for all heights of use - 4' 8" up to 7' !!!
- Stores away vertically
CONS...
- Not a great warranty for the price - really could be better (but Teeter have a great reputation for reliability)
- It's a big & heavy machine - check dimensions before ordering / plus if in doubt, check your floor will cope
- Not for traditional rowers as you don't achieve catch & finish
TEETER POWER10: SPECIFICATION
Resistance type: MAGNETIC
Max user weight: 300 lbs
Dimensions: 63" x 38" (W) x 43" (H)
Machine weight: 180 lbs
Warranty: 1 year on frame / 3 months on parts
Max user weight: 300 lbs
Dimensions: 63" x 38" (W) x 43" (H)
Machine weight: 180 lbs
Warranty: 1 year on frame / 3 months on parts
ALTERNATIVES TO THE POWER10
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Concept2 Model D:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The workhorse of the gym, the Concept2 has been around for... well decades now. It may be beginning to look a bit old-fashioned, but it continues to dominate the market. It's built to last, will take a heck of a lot of punishment (and misuse in the gym), but will still deliver. In short, it's the Volvo of the fitness market - but people happily buy Volvos every time :0)
CONCEPT2 MODEL D REVIEW >> |
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Hydrow Rower:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
This cost almost twice the cost of the Teeter, but it will be the only rower you'll buy for the next 10 years. It's a sleek, hi-tech beauty that is a joy to use, and trust me you'll use it daily :0) This is one of the most exhilarating machines I've had the pleasure to sit on.
HYDROW REVIEW >> |
Other Power10 user comments
"I've used many many different rowing machines in my time but have to say the Teeter Power10 is really quite something. It's different from others because it resists on the pull, and then you can also push to work your chest like a bench press. I guess if you're a 'rower' this may not be your thing, but I love it!" George W.
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