Types of Rowing Machines
Pros and Cons of Resistance Mechanisms
Main Four Resistance MechanismsThere are four types of rowing machine classed by the resistance mechanism used. These are:
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First Degree Vortex-3 - a top quality fluid rowing machine
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NOISE NOT AN ISSUE?
Apart from the advantages and disadvantages of each type - see below - where you intend to use your rower may also determine what type you choose. If you live in an apartment or noise would be an issue, a magnetic or water model may be best as air can be noisy, and many hydraulic machine can often develop an annoying squeak.
WHAT TYPE OF FLOOR DO YOU HAVE?
If the machine is to be housed on a wooden floor you will need a mat beneath to reduce vibration and also noise. If space is tight, the hydraulic options are usually the smallest. It's also worth checking your floor can take the weight if you're going for one of the bigger, heavier models. For most, this shouldn't be a problem, if you have any doubts get a surveyor to check as it could be a very expensive mistake!
If noise, space and floor type is not a problem, check below for other considerations that may influence your choice.
Apart from the advantages and disadvantages of each type - see below - where you intend to use your rower may also determine what type you choose. If you live in an apartment or noise would be an issue, a magnetic or water model may be best as air can be noisy, and many hydraulic machine can often develop an annoying squeak.
WHAT TYPE OF FLOOR DO YOU HAVE?
If the machine is to be housed on a wooden floor you will need a mat beneath to reduce vibration and also noise. If space is tight, the hydraulic options are usually the smallest. It's also worth checking your floor can take the weight if you're going for one of the bigger, heavier models. For most, this shouldn't be a problem, if you have any doubts get a surveyor to check as it could be a very expensive mistake!
If noise, space and floor type is not a problem, check below for other considerations that may influence your choice.
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An exercise workout needs to involve resistance against movement to give your muscles and cardiovascular system a challenge. Rowing machines provide this when you pull the handle and slide back on the rail.
As a general rule, low resistance works your cardiovascular system as you can row fast with ease. Whereas, high resistance gives you an anaerobic session as your muscles work harder with to pull against the greater resistance at a slower stroke rate. For more information on how you can use a rowing machine for weightloss, cardio and health improvement see our example of workouts. The following braking systems provide this resistance using different mechanisms. |
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AIR ROWING MACHINES
The popular Concept2 is a good example of an air rower.
Air rowers are one of the most popular types of rowing machines. Air rowing machines have been around since the 1980s and many consider them the best type of rower. In fact, air resistance machines, often referred to as ergos (short for ergometers) are the standard model for the indoor sport of rowing.
To exercise your muscles you need to work against an opposing force that provides some resistance. In a real boat this is provided by the water, an indoor rower has to replicate this by other means.
HOW DOES AIR RESISTANCE WORK?
Air rowing machines produce resistance using air flowing over an internal flywheel. The wheel is connected by a chain to the rowing handle and as you pull this spins the flywheel. The faster you row, the faster the flywheel spins through the air, thus the greater the resistance.
Better models use additional dampers to alter the flow of air to change the feel of the stroke.
To exercise your muscles you need to work against an opposing force that provides some resistance. In a real boat this is provided by the water, an indoor rower has to replicate this by other means.
HOW DOES AIR RESISTANCE WORK?
Air rowing machines produce resistance using air flowing over an internal flywheel. The wheel is connected by a chain to the rowing handle and as you pull this spins the flywheel. The faster you row, the faster the flywheel spins through the air, thus the greater the resistance.
Better models use additional dampers to alter the flow of air to change the feel of the stroke.
ADVANTAGES OF AIR ROWERS
- Wide range of resistance available replicating rowing on water.
- 'Automatic' resistance adjusts to your stroke rate.
- Smooth action.
- Little wear and tear to mechanism.
DISADVANTAGES OF AIR ROWERS
- Can be noisy for indoor use
Some of the air (air+magnetic) rowers we've reviewed.
Assault AirRower Elite
BodyCraft VR400
BodyCraft VR500
Concept2 Model D
Concept2 Model E
SOLE SR500
Also see my blog on Air v Magnetic
WATER ROWING MACHINES
The beautifully made Waterrower
Water rowers are one of the newer innovations in rowing machine technology and use water and paddles to create resistance. Whilst many competitive rowers prefer air rowers, many people like the quieter, smoother action of water machines.
Rowing machines work your muscles and burn calories by providing resistance to the movement of the sliding seat. The greater the resistance, the harder you have to work and the more challenging the workout.
HOW DO WATER/FLUID RESISTANCE MACHINES WORK?
Water rowers use a water flywheel (paddles) in a tank of water connected to a chain and handles. When you pull back on the handle, the paddles revolves in the water. The mass of the moving water creates a drag against the paddles and produces resistance. A with an air rowing machine, the faster you row the greater the resistance.
Users of water rowers claim the action more closely replicates the feel of rowing on water and is smoother with a constant resistance throughout the complete stroke. Unlike some air rowers, water rowers don't have a 'flat spot' where the resistance drops during the stroke cycle.
Rowing machines work your muscles and burn calories by providing resistance to the movement of the sliding seat. The greater the resistance, the harder you have to work and the more challenging the workout.
HOW DO WATER/FLUID RESISTANCE MACHINES WORK?
Water rowers use a water flywheel (paddles) in a tank of water connected to a chain and handles. When you pull back on the handle, the paddles revolves in the water. The mass of the moving water creates a drag against the paddles and produces resistance. A with an air rowing machine, the faster you row the greater the resistance.
Users of water rowers claim the action more closely replicates the feel of rowing on water and is smoother with a constant resistance throughout the complete stroke. Unlike some air rowers, water rowers don't have a 'flat spot' where the resistance drops during the stroke cycle.
ADVANTAGES OF WATER ROWERS
- Quiet in operation
- Smooth, consistent resistance through stroke
- Many like the 'whoosh' of water in the tank
- Very little maintenance needed - the water needs changing occasionally, but that's about it
DISADVANTAGES OF WATER ROWERS
- Tend to be larger than other types of rowing machines
- Prices start at a higher price point
A sample of water-resistant rowers we've tried:-
Budget models - Sunny Obsidian and MaxKare Water
Sunny Phantom Hydro
XTERRA ERG650W
First Degree Neptune
First Degree Vortex-3
WaterRower GX
WaterRower Natural
WaterRower Club
MAGNETIC ROWING MACHINES
The Hydrow Rower
Magnetic rowers are one of the most popular type of rowing machine - especially for use in the home. The resistance mechanism makes them easily the quietest of all types available and they're more compact than water rowers and air rowing machines.
To provide a decent workout for your muscles and cardiovascular system, a rowing machine needs to resist your efforts to move the handle and seat. The higher the resistance, the harder you have to work and the more challenging the workout.
HOW DO MAGNETIC ROWERS WORK?
These machines work by varying the distance between strong magnets and a spinning flywheel attached to the handle by a chain. Resistance levels are adjusted using either mechanical sliders or digitally by the console controls. Magnetic rowers often give a smooth rowing action and as mentioned earlier are very quiet.
To provide a decent workout for your muscles and cardiovascular system, a rowing machine needs to resist your efforts to move the handle and seat. The higher the resistance, the harder you have to work and the more challenging the workout.
HOW DO MAGNETIC ROWERS WORK?
These machines work by varying the distance between strong magnets and a spinning flywheel attached to the handle by a chain. Resistance levels are adjusted using either mechanical sliders or digitally by the console controls. Magnetic rowers often give a smooth rowing action and as mentioned earlier are very quiet.
ADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC ROWERS
- Very quiet in operation (some are almost silent)
- Wide range of resistance levels
- Usually smaller than air or water rowers
- Little maintenance required.
DISADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC ROWERS
- They don't simulate rowing on water (not a problem if you just want a workout)
Magnetic models reviewed:-
Hydrow Reality - the next level in rowing machine technology!
Kettler Stroker
Kettler Coach E
Teeter Power10
Velocity Fitness
HYDRAULIC ROWING MACHINES
The Kettler Outrigger
Hydraulic rowing machines have two major benefits - the low price, and they are smaller quieter than flywheel rowers. Otherwise they're considered the poor relation in the rowing machine world and their days may be numbered - see my views here.
To get any benefit from a workout you need to work against some form of resistance - either low resistance for fast aerobic sessions, or high for anaerobic sessions to work your muscles.
Hydraulic rowers do this with pistons but unfortunately many rowers claim these type of machines don't give the smooth, flowing feel of a flywheel machine. They will however give you a decent enough workout but perhaps not such a comfortable one.
HOW DO HYDRAULIC ROWERS WORK?
Resistance is achieved by pistons attached to the handles. You pull against the air or fluid inside the cylinder and adjustments to the level of resistance is made by levels or clamps.
To get any benefit from a workout you need to work against some form of resistance - either low resistance for fast aerobic sessions, or high for anaerobic sessions to work your muscles.
Hydraulic rowers do this with pistons but unfortunately many rowers claim these type of machines don't give the smooth, flowing feel of a flywheel machine. They will however give you a decent enough workout but perhaps not such a comfortable one.
HOW DO HYDRAULIC ROWERS WORK?
Resistance is achieved by pistons attached to the handles. You pull against the air or fluid inside the cylinder and adjustments to the level of resistance is made by levels or clamps.
ADVANTAGES OF HYDRAULIC ROWERS
- Low cost compared to many rowers
- Smaller size, many are folding models
- Quieter than air/ flywheel rowing machines
DISADVANTAGES OF HYDRAULIC ROWERS
- Most models do not provide smooth rowing action
- Resistance levels change as oil inside heats up.
- Require regular maintenance
Some of the hydraulic models reviewed here:-
Kettler Favorit
Kettler Outrigger
Stamina InMotion
Stamina Trac
Also see - How to use the damper settings here.