Velocity Fitness CHR-301 Rowing Machine Review
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The Velocity Fitness Magnetic CHR-301 is either a sleek-looking rowing machine, or one they've skimped on the raw materials in production - it's all in the eye of the beholder! But we felt it does look a little on the skinny side :0)
This is the third rower from Velocity we've reviewed to date, and so far we've been pretty impressed with them. This model is at the lower end of their range - so what do you get? In short, a pretty reasonable machine with some good features for the price tag. We'll look at the features in more detail later, for now we'll start with the assembly and basics. The assembly is fairly easy taking around thirty minutes and doesn't require a degree in mechanical engineering like some we've tried in the past. The instructions for assembly are easy to follow with each part clearly marked in the diagrams. Note, while the instructions show every component, most of the machine comes pre-assembled so you don't have to do half of what's in the manual :0) Once put together, the rowing position is good and the seat is very comfortable. The height of the seat is okay we guess, but it would have been better if it had been a few inches higher. Commercial machines such as Concept2 Model E have high seats making it easier to get on and off if your knees are little dodgy - but then you pay twice as much for the pleasure. The seat slides smoothly (and quietly) up and down the beam that is long and would suit rowers up to 6' 4" easily. The handle fits nicely into the palms and feels good in the hands. The height of the monitor/ display can be adjusted and if you're tall it's a good idea to put it in the top setting as the handle will bump against it at the catch - the first position of the stroke. The footrests are also adjustable and wide enough with good straps to keep your feet anchored and prevent slipping when rowing. So onto the resistance mechanism. The CHR-301 uses both air and magnets to give your muscles something to pull against. The air helps to replicate something close to real rowing, that is, the harder you pull the more resistance you'll feel (just like the water fighting back!) The magnetic component allows the pre-set programs to change the resistance level whilst you row by moving powerful magnets closer to the flywheel. This adds the benefit of varying the level you're working at during a session without having to stop to adjust the machine. There's more on the programs below. This is a folded model so once you've finished it can be folded up and wheel out of the way - see photo bottom right-hand side. One downer, while the warranty covers the frame for five years, the three month period for the display and just thirty days on parts is too short. An extended warranty of three years is available for $75 that includes the components and electronics, but it would have been better if they had a little more faith in their product and provide a better basic warranty in the first place.
Your pulse is displayed, but note there aren't specific heart rate training programs that would adjust the resistance level or goals to keep you in the optimum fat-burning zone. There are 12 use programs including variations on interval training, plus a recovery one to test your fitness after each workout.
Summary:
The Velocity Fitness CHR-301 is a very commendable rowing machine for the price asked. The addition of a heart rate monitor and user programs give it a feel of a model costing at least $200 more. UPDATE: NOV 19 - We've downgraded our score based on a number of reports from users about poor quality components. This may be because they've changed supplier but unfortunately it has effected user experience.
Velocity CHR-301:
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Click image to enlarge 
Velocity Fitness CHR-301 Rowing Machine
A great seat!
Solid foot rests
 Informative display  A folding rower |
Also worth a look:
The Schwinn Crewmaster is around $80 less and offers much the same. Velocity's next model up includes heart rate training programs for just a little extra - see CHR-2001 review. Other machines with similar features include the Conquer Magnetic - these cost more but they come with better warranties for peace of mind.
The Schwinn Crewmaster is around $80 less and offers much the same. Velocity's next model up includes heart rate training programs for just a little extra - see CHR-2001 review. Other machines with similar features include the Conquer Magnetic - these cost more but they come with better warranties for peace of mind.
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