Spec me a rowing machine.

Dingleberry88

Dingleberry88

Dingleberry88

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Ideally not anything huge, as I don't really have anywhere to keep it set up, so would have to store it somewhere after use. If it could be easily dissassembled that would be useful, maybe even something that can fold away?

What's better for resistance? Air, hydraulic, strap or magnetic?

Would something like this be any good: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produ...quipment>C$cip=1500011665.Rowing+machines.htm

Don't really want to spend much more than £150. £200 as a max if it's particularly good.


Spec away! :D
 
Ironically I've just bought a v fit rower from ebay, was about £70 collected - similar to that model. Nothing too fancy, basic lcd. But what more do you want? Its air resistance and does me well when I don't go running. As you can vary the resistance what more do you want.
 
player said:
As you can vary the resistance what more do you want.
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I don't know, that's why I'm asking. :p

I'm just not sure of the differences between the resistance types. Is one more likely to wear out, or reduce the resistance over time?

The fan ones look good as I suppose they could keep me cool while I row my way to beefcake city. :D
 
Air resistance machines can be pretty water-realistic, hence why Concept 2 rowers are so popular if you're spending big money. But if you're not spending big money and you don't actually row, then I doubt it really matters massively which type you get.

I row at uni and train on Concept 2 machines but fancied something do keep me going in the holidays, so bought the one you've linked. Basically, for my needs it was awful. I'm not massive and although the slide is a normal length, the actual chain system is too short to allow you to finish a stroke properly. Equally, it's not big enough at the other end to let you get forward properly and your stroke length it limited by the fan housing. The foot plates are also attached too low and aren't adjustable. Christ knows how they expect you to row properly on them, as it's not possible. The air resistance system isn't brilliant on it and is in no way "speed proportional", as the fan slows massively between each stroke, so it's almost like starting from scratch every time you pull. On top of that, the quality wasn't brilliant - I managed to snap the plastic housing at the front and the entire machine front section flexes upwards when you take a stroke. Although flattering, the distance indicators are hopelessly inaccurate in comparison to a Concept 2 (which I'm taking to be more accurate), which would lead me to assume that the calorie indicator would also be pretty random too, if you'd be bothered by that.

That's a bit damning and I'm sure it would be fine for gentle to moderate exercise. However, if you actually plan on using it a bit harder or actually want to row with some technique, then don't bother, as it won't allow you to. I'm not sure if the quality issues are shared by more expensive V-Fit rowers, but I'd be more inclined to go with this one if you can stretch to it ... here. Googling for rowing machines also brings up some reebok and york ones around that price area. Try and find some user reviews before you settle on one.
 
Cheers A.N. Looks like the V-Fit's out.

Have you used the one you linked to?

There seems to be next to no reviews on rowing machines, unless someone can link me?


Anyone else got any suggestions? I was looking to get one some time this weekend.


Edit: Distance and calorie stuff don't interest me at all, though I suppose a stroke counter could be useful.
 
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It's not the same as the one you've linked but my parents got a rower from argos that was around £150. Like A.Nother says, it was far too small to do anything properly. I am 6'2" so that probably doesnt help, but I think short people still wouldn't be able to get the full action.

Sorry I don't have a link to it but I would check out the length of the models, that may help you guess whether it's big enough for you.
 
*bump*

interested in one of these as well. You reckon that Roger R System Rower linked to will be ok?

my budget onlys stretches to £300 ish so not enuff for a concept 2. (unless it doesnt matter which model? b,c,d,e) some 2nd hand b models for under that and c models around that

but space is at a premium. Im also 6 ft 2. Would like one as well which is a bit durable and doesnt break after a couple of weeks.
 
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Surfer said:
*bump*

interested in one of these as well. You reckon that Roger R System Rower linked to will be ok?

my budget onlys stretches to £300 ish so not enuff for a concept 2. (unless it doesnt matter which model? b,c,d,e) some 2nd hand b models for under that and c models around that

but space is at a premium. Im also 6 ft 2. Would like one as well which is a bit durable and doesnt break after a couple of weeks.
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I only suggested the Roger R one as it was different from the V-Fit one, basically - I've no idea how good it is.

I've never rowed on a C2b, so can't comment about that, but if you can get the c for around that price then I'd say that's a pretty good buy. I've rowed on d and e machines, and although they're great, I probably prefer the grip on the c - nasty plastic handles on the d and e. You can find the c with PM2 and PM3 computers. The PM2 is good but if you can find the newer PM3, then it does quite a bit more for you.

In terms of durability, C2 are brilliant. You basically can't break them as long as you give them an occasional chain oil and things. Not sure about the C2b, but the c, d and e all stand on end if you're not using them, which saves space (though they are obviously then pretty high). They also split apart in the middle really easily and quickly, so that might be simpler.
 
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ahh cheers. Cheapest C model i saw was 400 though. Just after a rower mainly for low-impact cardio...and toning :D
 
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