Our selection of the best magnetic rowing machine to use this year
For the first time, I decided to buy a magnetic rowing machine 10 years ago, because I lived in a rather small house, and there was very little free space there. I regularly used this machine for a full five years.
After that, I have experienced a lot of the best rowing machines for home. They were completely different magnetic rowers. And I can say with confidence that this rower with magnetic resistance is one of the best, if only because it is quiet, so I can do it in my apartment every day without thinking about the reaction of my neighbors.
But then I decided to switch to the magnetic rower to train my whole body. Do you know why? Just once I came to the gym and saw a rowing machine and decided to try to practice it. It was then that I felt how rowing exercises with stationary upright bikes are more effective.
Of course, it was not at all easy to find a good magnetic rower. I read and analyzed many reviews of rowers on the Internet before making my choice.
And that is why I think that my article will be very useful for you. After reading it, you will spend less time choosing a magnetic rowing machine that is right for you. So, here is everything to buy the best magnetic rowing machine for your apartment or house in this year!
Best Magnetic Rowers Compared
| Model/Name | Monitor/characteristics/features | Inseam | Resistance | Capacity | Imagination | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordickTrack RW900 Rowing Machine | 22-inch HD touchscreen with 1 year free iFit subscription – distance, calories, strokes, splits, watts, and heart rate | 38″ Max | Smart 26 levels Electromagnetic | 250 Pounds |  | Check price |
| Hydrow Live Reality Home Magnetic Rower | 22 “HD touch – membership required ($ 35 per month) – distance, calories, strokes, splitting and heart rate | 35″ Max | Layered Smart Electromagnetic | 250 Pounds |  | Check price |
| Fitness Reality 4000 Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine | Blue backlight with 15 preset programs – distance, time, quantity, calories burned, revs, watts and voltage levels | 41″ Max | 16-level electromagnetic | 300 Pounds |  | Check price |
| JOROTO Home Magnetic Indoor Rower | The, no backlight – time, amount, total and calories | 35″ Max | 10-level manual magnetic | 250 Pounds |  | Check price |
| Maxkare Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine | Basic, no backlight – time, number, calories, total and scan | 41″ Max | 16-level manual magnetic | 260 Pounds |  | Check price |
| Sunny Health And Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine | Basic, not backlit – ime, count, calories, total count, scan | 42″ Max | 8-Level manual magnetic | 250 Pounds |  | Check price |
| Maxkare Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine | Basic, not backlit – time, count, calories, total count | 35″ Max | 8-Level manual magnetic | 265 Pounds |  | Check price |
Our 7 Top Magnetic Rower Picks:
1. NordickTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
Among the popular articles on rowing machines, the WR900 is considered the best. And I agree that it is probably very profitable. The fact is that it serves the longest and has resistance from NordicTrack.
In order to provide all the benefits of rowing indoors, this magnetic rowing machine has 26 levels of intelligent electromagnetic radiation. It is very accurate due to the fact that the resistance is controlled by electronics.
It has an easy-to-read 22-inch HD touchscreen. In addition, statistics are displayed in current, average and maximum values. Meters, time, time of separation and level of resistance of a watt, SPM, total number of strokes, calories, heart rate.
The WR900 magnetic rowing machine connects to iFit, even though there are no pre-installed programs or user profiles on the monitor. IFit has a huge number of programs and it allows you to create an unlimited number of user profiles.
The first year of the iFit program is included in this magnetic rower purchase. But after one year, you can renew your subscription if you want to continue to be connected to classes or see pre-recorded rowing classes.
Unfortunately, you cannot connect wireless devices to the rower, because the monitor does not support ANT or Bluetooth. But there is a port, so if you want, you can connect wired headphones. For operation, the LCD monitor and the electromagnetic system must be connected to a home electrical outlet.
The WR900 also has other advantages, namely a comfortable steering wheel, a lightweight folding safety design and a profiled seat. All this puts the WR900 in first place in our article on the best rowing machines.
In my opinion, the Nordictrack Wr900 is the best magnetic rowing machine for home use. And I believe that if you can afford such a simulator, then don’t even doubt and are not looking for something better. In addition, you are given a generous warranty upon purchase.
Specifications:
- Its dimensions: 86 ″ D to 22 ″ W to 50 ″ H
- Dimensions if folded: 58.5 ″ D to 20 ″ W to 77 ″ H
- Maximum Inseam: 38 ″
- Maximum weight of user: 250 pounds
- Weight of Unit: 130 lbs
- Height of seat: 15 ″
Guarantee:
- 2 years for parts
- 1 year of work
- 10 years frame
Benefits:
6’6 ″ The growth of the user can accommodate all members of your family.
A fascinating touch computer with some great software.
Foldable frame for easy and safe storage.
Its color and design will be combined with absolutely any interior.
26 levels of smart electromagnetic resistance.
Very comfortable and soft seat.
Minuses:
If you want to always have access to IFit, then in a year you will need to renew your paid subscription.
Chest belt not included.
No steering resistance control.
2. Hydrow Live Reality Home Magnetic Rower
One of our usual rowing machines. Among the advantages of Hydrow Magnetic Rower are its great design, powerful electromagnetic resistance, 22-inch computer with high-definition touch screen and ergonomic design.
For users of all ages and levels of training, this is an ideal rower because of its multi-level magnetic resistance. Thus, if you are looking for complex resistance, you will love this double advanced magnetic rower.
Perhaps the most unpleasant thing about the Hydrow rowing magnetic ergometer is the price. It is larger than any other rowing machine on this list, but it also has unique durability and improved computer-controlled magnetic resistance. This magnetic exercise paddle supports up to 300 pounds.
You will find great comfort during your rowing training as the Seat and Handle are soft, in addition, have an ergonomic design. It has an adjustable footrest design with custom texture for user convenience. The footrest adjusts to fit your feet and offers a unique heel support system.
Unique features include the fact that this indoor rower has convenient large displays that track time, watts, beats per minute (SPM), distance and calories. Thanks to this, you can track your strength, progress and performance.
But that is not all that I wanted to say. After connecting to Hydrow, you will have many programs in manual and racing mode and you can create an unlimited number for all members of your family. A great advantage to offer various training options.
A hydro-magnetic exercise paddle can provide rowing for users up to 6 feet 4 inches long, and for shorter users there are no height restrictions. Therefore, we can say that it is intended for medium, tall and short users.
One of the main disadvantages of the Hydrow Magnetic simulator is its folding frame and expensive monthly / annual subscription. However, if you buy the Hydrow upright storage kit, you can store the rower standing against the wall. In addition, it has strong wheels for easy transportation. In addition, due to the fact that the Hybrow application allows an unlimited number of user profiles, you can try to find someone who wants to share a subscription with you.
Specifications:
- Assembled Sizes: N / A
- Dimensions if folded: 24: to 33 ″
- Maximum Inseam: 35 ″
- Maximum weight of user: 250 pounds
- Weight of unit: 145 lbs
- Height of seat: 15 ″
Guarantee:
- 2 years all parts
- 6 years framework
- 18 month labor
Benefits:
Sturdy construction, more than 500 videos on demand of various lengths and intensities, whole-body training, noiselessness, live broadcasts with live leaderboards and accurate electromagnetic resistance.
Quiet electromagnetic resistance that is adjustable 240 times per second.
Ergonomic padded seat to relieve pressure, reduce back pain and provide comfort.
Adjustable foot pedals to accommodate shoes of almost any size.
A quality rowing belt eliminates unnecessary noise during rowing.
Strong aluminum seat guide with high height.
The soft grip provides a smooth and comfortable grip.
Minuses:
Heart rate monitor not included.
This is an expensive magnetic rower.
Membership required to access all features.
Takes up a lot of space and does not add up.
3. Fitness Reality 4000 Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine
The 4000MR is one of the best magnetic resistance rowing machines in third place in our indoor rowing reviews. It attracts by the fact that its price is less than $ 1,000. So if you cannot afford the advanced magnetic rower WR90, then the 4000MR is probably the best alternative.
Purchasing this magnetic rowing machine will not scare you away at its cost. It costs less than $ 900, offering a durable and sturdy engine. The Fitness Reality 4000MR is a foldable magnetic rower that takes up very little space and you can easily remove it when not in use.
The best thing about the 4000MR magnetic indoor rower is its drag system and unique rudder design. The dual transmission resistance will respond to your effort and make rowing more interesting. This portable rowing machine has 15 training programs that make indoor riding more enjoyable. All this thanks to the use of an electromagnetic system.
A backlit monitor tracks time, distance, calories, 500 m time, beats, beats per minute and overall travel profile. But unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth, ANT / +, WiFi or a wireless chest strap. Thus, you cannot join online racing applications or keep your daily rowing progress.
The 4000MR footstools have detailed features that will help you get a reliable push, which is not available in low-cost budget indoor rowers. Some useful details include a luxurious heel rest, heel rest, non-slip lines and wide Velcro straps to ensure a snug fit to the legs. It is also equipped with aluminum monorail and Premium nylon strap. This is necessary for extra strength and smoothness.
A weak return spring is one of the most common problems in a magnetic rowing machine for home exercise. The fact is that it stops working properly after a few months. But, fortunately, the Fitness Reality 4000MR magnetic rowing machine has unique independent handles for more accurate simulation of rowing with oars, avoiding some regular frustration with maintenance.
Of course, there are many other reasons why, in our opinion, the 4000MR should be included in our article on the best magnetic rowing machines. For example, a light steering wheel with a rubber handle, silent operation, integrated transport wheels and a seat with deep contours and reinforced roller bearings.
Specifications:
- Its dimensions: 72 “L to 25” W to 51 “H
- Dimensions if folded: 45 ″ L to 25 ″ W to 59 ″ H
- Maximum Inseam: 41 ″
- Maximum weight of user: 300 pounds
- Weight of unit: 125 lbs
- Height of seat: 30 ″
Guarantee:
- 3 years parts
- 2 Electronic Parts
- Frame 5 years
Benefits:
Good warranty and high frame height for easy access.
Backlit monitor for easy fitness tracking.
The 4000MR magnetic rowing machine warranty is one of the best among other rowers up to $ 1,000 in reviews of this internal magnetic rowing machine.
High-quality grip and return spring.
16 levels of dual-resistance magnetic resistance for a smooth and challenging workout.
Ranked as the most affordable indoor magnetic rowing machine for most online consumers.
Minuses:
No bluetooth wireless.
The 4000MR Home Rower is not compatible with heart rate monitors.
4. JOROTO Magnetic Indoor Rower
If you are looking for an inexpensive rowing machine with magnetic resistance, then this is the best option for you and we highly recommend it. This model comes with 10 levels of magnetic resistance combined with an aluminum flywheel. And this is very rarely found for rowing machines up to $ 400.
Using the pen, you can effectively and accurately change the resistance that matches your training plane. Thus, you do not need to connect this budget magnetic rower to use the machine.
It is very convenient that you can track your progress without stopping the rowing exercise, despite the fact that the monitor is very simple and does not have a backlight. The only thing, at night or just in the dark, you can not watch the progress of your workout on the monitor. But I think that this is not a big problem, because you can always turn on the light, if of course it does not interfere with your loved ones.
The Joroto magnetic low-cost rowing machine supports you by tracking time, quantity and calories. But unfortunately, it does not track cleavage or heart rate, so keep that in mind. This top rated magnetic rowing machine also does not read watts, but it doesn’t matter if you aren’t racing.
The Joroto magnetic rowing machine does not take up much space, despite the fact that it does not fold. Therefore, even at a time when you will not use it, I am sure that it will not bother you. By the way, the sturdy aluminum slide rail provides a very smooth surface for smooth and quiet operation of the rollers.
So what makes Joroto the best magnetic compact rowing machine for less than $ 300? I will tell about it now. For example, designed for professional rowing athletes, it has an ergonomic handle to ensure proper posture during training to prevent injury.
Of course, it is also a big plus that you can buy it at a budget price. This durable and elegant folding magnetic rowing machine has a smooth and quiet rolling system, large anti-slip texture pedals with adjustable straps and a silent belt drive.
The magnetic resistance rowing machine has a comfortable upholstered seat. But be aware that if your tailbone is not comfortable due to insufficient thickness, you can always buy a pad for a rower seat for exercises for only $ 30.
Specifications:
- Maximum weight of user: 250 pounds
- Its dimensions: 71 ″ L to 21 ″ W to 36 ″ H
- Maximum Inseam: 36 ″
- Standing size: 22 “L to 21” W to 71 “H
- Weight of unit: 60 pounds
- Height of seat: 10 ″
Guarantee:
N / a
Benefits:
Can be stored standing when not in use.
10 levels of manually adjustable magnetic resistance.
Video builds available on Amazon to simplify the process.
It has an aluminum guide, non-slip pedals and a comfortable seat.
Consumers rated it as the best folding rowing machine with magnetic resistance of up to $ 500.
Minuses:
No program
Warranty information not available.
Basic monitor without backlight
The frame does not fold
5. Maxkare Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine
Maxkare Rower is one of my favorite cheap magnetic resistance rowing machines. That’s because it offers all the benefits of rowing cardio fitness for non-elite rowers, despite its price of just $ 250.
This is the best home rower with a magnetic resistance of less than $ 300, but Maxkare is not suitable for all levels of physical fitness. It is ideal for male and female users who are not seriously rowing for competition. It is considered one of the most popular magnetic rowing machines. In addition, the advantages of Maxkare include the facts that it requires minimal maintenance and is almost silent thanks to a belt drive and a magnetic resistance mechanism.
There are 16 manual resistance levels on this cheap rowing machine. Level 12-16 creates enough strength to provide complex cardio training. As for the LCD monitor, it has no backlight and is very simple. You can track the total number, calories, number per minute and time. Please note that it does not track distance / meter, heart rate and watts.
The Maxkare portable magnetic rowing machine features a comfortable U-Shap padded seat. Thus, you do not have to buy a seat cushion. The steering wheel is not made of lightweight aluminum and does not have an ergonomic shape / curved shape, but has a non-slip cover.
The great advantage of Maxkare is that it does not take up much space when not in use, as it develops. Maxkare has transport wheels and a two-stage folding design, thanks to which it is easy to remove from the road and store in a cabinet.
Two other great features that put him on the list of the best rowing machines for less than $ 500 are the heavily textured pedals and aluminum alloy beam. And now I’ll summarize and write below what I like about him and what’s not.
Specifications:
- Weight of unit: 50 pounds
- Its dimensions: 76.4 ″ L to 20 ″ W to 19 ″ H
- Dimensions if folded: 28 ″ L to 21 ″ W to 49 ″ H
- Maximum Inseam: 45 ″
- Height of saet: 15 ″
- Maximum weight of user: 260 pounds
Guarantee:
1 year warranty on all parts
Benefits:
Features folding designs for easy storage.
It is affordable and rated as the best rowing machine to buy in many rowing machine reviews.
The seat is fully sealed to provide comfortable rowing workouts.
Consumer ratings are above average for magnetic rowers in this price range.
The Maxkare Indoor Magnetic Rower features a sturdy belt and powerful magnetic resistance.
Minuses:
The steering wheel of this inexpensive magnetic rowing machine is not curved / ergonomic.
The monitor does not have a backlight, so it is difficult to see statistics in low light conditions.
Its monitor does not connect to wireless heart rate monitors and does not track distance / meter.
6. SF-RW5515 Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Sunny Health and Fitness is among the most popular producers of rowing machines speaking about its affordability and quality. The brand has grown significantly in the last few years due to releasing best magnetic rowers and other devices for cardio fitness.
SF-RW5515 Sunny rower is probably the most well-known production of the company. It managed to gain about a thousand mostly satisfy reviews on Amazon. Buying this magnetic rowing machine is a perfect decision for a novice.
This sports equipment integrates 8 levels of resistance adjusted with a convenient tension knob and quiet steady belt drive system. In addition to that, SF-RW5515 Sunny Health and Fitness rower features a seat with extra padding, capable non-slip footrests and collapsible construction.
Although it is listed as one of the best magnetic rowing machines for indoor use under $250, it cannot boast an impressive LDC which is common for this price range. The monitor displays time, count, total count and calories burnt, but it is not backlit and shows no heart rate or distance.
The handle is not designed ergonomically which is quite a common issue for the machines of this price category. Yet it is padded and slip free, attached by webbing and has a very smooth pull action.
Another attractive feature of this top low-cost fitness equipment is the adjustability to a wide range of users height. This magnetic rower can accommodate persons up to 42″.
As a conclusion it’s one of the prime compact rowers that offer a training suitable for a user without any rowing experience. Get familiar with the detailed list of its plus and minuses.
Specifications:
- Assembled dimensions: 82″L x 19″W x 23″H
- Folded dimensions: 37″L x 19″W x 53″H
- Max Inseam: 42″
- Max user weight: 250-Lb
- Unit weight: 59-lb
- Seat height: 20″
Guarantee:
- 90-Day all parts
- 3 years frame
Benefits:
Convenient accommodation for all user heights.
Easy to fold construction which is good for anyone in the situation of space constraints.
Anti-slip regulated foot pedals and attractive price.
Minuses:
SF-RW5515 Sunny rower keeps no track of distance in meters.
The handle is made in shape of a straight bar without consideration for anatomic features.
Short period of warranty, like in most other simulators of this price range.
Non-aluminum slide rail.
7. Merax Folding Magnetic Exercise Rower
The last but not the least in our rowing machine consumer reports is Merax magnetic rowing machine for indoor use. This home sports equipment with laconic design can be easily folded up for optimal storage. The most remarkable thing about this magnetic resistance rowing machine is the position of a seat and angle of slope of the rail.
The rail is set at an angle of 15 degrees which helps to make the intensity higher and provide much more consistent training for the lower-body muscles in comparison with straight leveled beams. During the phase of recovery the seat is downhill, when moving in the opposite direction, the seat is uphill respectively, which effectively involves the group of leg muscles.
This magnetic rower is equipped with the foot pedals that are adjustable to be suitable for your comfortable body position. This alleviates the load for your ankles. What about the display, it’s not the best which is common for this price tag. You can keep an eye on total count, count, time and calories but heart rate and distance are not available.
The simulator by Merax is equipped with the tension dial to conveniently alter the intensity of your rowing training. With one twist, you can select stronger or weaker tension from 8 levels of resistance. So, you can experience the challenging and stable load during the whole workout.
The price of Merax indoor magnetic rowing machine is less than $250, but its design and quality are unbeatable for the price. This exercise machine is perfect for handling indoors by one user. Keep in mind that it is not the best possible variant for an expert. One more pleasant opportunity is to save on shipping cost when buying it.
Specifications:
- Assembled dimensions: 73″L x 1″W x 21″H
- Folded dimensions: 26″L x 16″W x 49″H
- Max Inseam: 35″
- Max user weight: 265-Lb
- Unit weight: 74-lb
- Seat height: 15″
Guarantee:
N/A
Benefits:
The rail is set at an angle of 15 degrees which helps to increase the load.
This compact simulator is rated as the best rowing machine under $300.
Since it is the folding exercise rower, it can save you much space.
Other key points of this device are reliable belt and smooth drive.
Purchase of this magnetic rower won’t strain the wallet.
Minuses:
The display is quite basic and has no backlight.
Merax does not offers warranty for this magnetic rower.
Pros And Cons Of Magnetic Rowing Machines:
Pros:
Silent
An attractive aspect to mention about the magnetic resistance rowing machines is that they are remarkably silent, as well as, for instance, magnetic spin bikes. If we compare magnetic vs water rower or air rower, the first generates almost no noise.
So, if you are not willing to bother your home folks when you train, a magnetic rower will be a perfect match.
Require less maintenance
Water is not used in this type of rowing simulators. That’s why there couldn’t be any leakings, there is no need to regularly change the water or purify it with special cleaners. Besides when you increase or decrease the load, the details don’t come into direct contact with each other and therefore are longer in serve.
The tension in all magnetic rowers alters using the basic common principle: it becomes weaker or stronger when the magnets get nearer or further from the flywheel.
More compact
In comparison between water or air vs magnetic rowing machines the last often take remarkably less space. Due to the principle of their work, they often have much more compact drive mechanism, which makes it pretty space-saving. So, if you are short of space in your apartment, you will appreciate these indoor sports equipment.
Affordable
The price of a magnetic resistance rowing machine is often more attractive than that of other types of rowing machines. It is possible to spent near $200 and gain all the benefits of your home fitness equipment.
Integrate preset workout programs
Comparing water and air vs magnetic rowers, if the device is equipped with electromagnetic system or induction system, the user can operate with pre-programmed workouts. This means that you can set high load or low impact program in advance depending on goals you want to achieve.
It can be also very convenient if you should work only within a certain heart rate range for medical reasons. The system will carefully watch the level of pressure to make sure you do not exceed the allowed heart rate.
Cons:
Have fixed resistance
It means that magnetic rowers always perform on the same level no matter how fast you move. You just settle the level of resistance, and it remains the same without consideration of your speed. On the other side, the air and water rowers respond to your movements. So, despite the fact you have already set the tension, it can be automatically corrected the same instance you begin to row faster or slower.
Moreover, air magnetic rowers also alternate the resistance according to your performance. They combine the features of both static and dynamic resistance.
Less motivating
When training on a magnetic resistance rowing machine the entire stroke will be monotonous. There is no imitation of real rowing in a boat neither with a sound nor with a feeling of water.
There is no change in tension throughout the entire stroke. So, sometimes expert users find it not as interesting and inspiriting as with water and air rowers.
Equipped with less accurate computers
Depending on the price of your sporting equipment, it can feature from quite basic to rather complex computer which can surprise you with its preset programs or online competitions.
On the other hand, basically they cannot calculate the level of pressure very precisely, speaking about magnetic rowers vs air rowers. It’s not a big deal if you are not preparing to serious rowing competitions.
General benefits of rowing machines:
Upper body workout
An aspect to mention about a rowing machine is that it gives a whole-body workout, as opposed to such activities as spinning, recumbent or upright bike. Unlike running or biking that workout 45% of muscles, rowing involves 87% of muscles. With an optimal air, water or magnetic rowing machine you can perform a comprehensive lower and upper body workout.
Rowing utilizes such group of muscles as shoulders, upper back, lats and biceps. If you train regularly, it will also strengthen your core muscles. The fact you don’t lose a grip on the handlebar will help you to develop strong wrists and hands as well.
Lower body workout
Another one huge plus of rowing exercises is the lower body workout. Great amount of legs muscles is working throughout the training. Quadriceps, thighs, glutes and calf muscles become stronger and stronger along with your progress.
Easy to use
You can successfully do exercises on a rower without any help because they are quite intuitive. All you have to remember is to watch your posture and order of movements. Adjustment is not necessary for this sporting equipment as well.
You can hop on your indoor simulator and start a training right after it is purchased and assembled.
Low-impact and universal
This sports equipment suits for people of any age and level of training. No matter whether it is a simple device or an advanced machine, it provides low impact training as opposed to, let’s say, spin bike or treadmill. Such workout is easy on the joints and develops the density of bones.
Prime simulators of this kind are equipped with a soft seat that follows the shape of a body. It provides the perfectly comfortable position when training. Besides, the impact is also very low because you don’t have to lean forward or take the feet of the machine as with spinning or treadmill.
Cardio and Strength
One more point about rowers is that they also include the cardio and strength workout, which keeps you in good shape and tone muscles.
Apart from cardio, strength and toning, consistent rowing trainings will develop your balance and flexibility as well. There is no doubt, that rowing machine can truly build muscles.
Easy to store and portable
Unlike spin bikes, treadmills, ellipticals or recumbents, this kind of exercise equipment often has a collapsible construction. When the training is over, you can fold your device in a couple of minutes and keep it in vertical position till the next time. A rower takes not very much room, even if your simulator does not have a function of folding up.
Frankly speaking, you only need approximately 2 square feet for storage. Both folding exercise rowers and non-folding ones have steady wheels for easy transportation. As a rule indoor simulators are not very heavy, so you can move them out of the way without much effort.
Weight loss
Machines of high, medium and low price ranges, air, water or magnetic rowing machine – all of them are great muscle toners and calorie burners. An hour of home rowing training burns approximately 900 calories. This number is relatively big in comparison with other kinds of rowers for apartment use.
The reason is that rowing provides the whole-body cardio training. Combination of rowing exercises and a healthy diet will help you to achieve your goals more effectively.
Guide on purchasing the perfect magnetic rowing machine for home:
Features:
ElectroMagnetic Rowers
The braking system of magnetic rowing machines can be subdivided into two kinds: the manual, and the electromagnetic resistance.
With the first type you twist the knob manually, with the second one you push the button to settle the load. The advantage of electromagnetic rowers is high accuracy. The level of tension in them is being set automatically to make the rowing more challenging and stable.
For instance, if you select a preset program that imitates the mountain landscape, the load will automatically change when you move up and down respectively. Another magnificent point of the simulators of this kind is the possibility to settle the certain heart rate range.
It means that you can set a program with the lowest and the highest heart rate, and your device will track it to make sure you do not exceed the settled heart rate range. The machines of electromagnetic resistance system are considered to be the best magnetic rowing machines. In our list of rowing machine consumer reports, this type is also presented.
Manual Magnetic Rowers
A manual rower is a rower that has something that differs from a button: a knob, a dial, a lever, etc. As opposed to the previous kind, manual magnetic rowers don’t need to be connected to power circuit. That will help you to save electricity and train in any place you want. The downside of such fitness machines is that they lack high accuracy and cannot automatically alternate the load.
So, when you select a certain preset program, the level of resistance will stay the same till the end. Almost 80% of magnetic rowing machines feature the manual system which makes them more affordable compared electromagnetic rowers.
Rower Inseam length
When you choose the sporting equipment for home, one of the most important factors is to check the user height capacity. How far the seat can go along the beam determines the user height accommodation.
The seat on the prime samples of this device can go from one end to the other the distance from 36″ to 39″ which can accommodate users up to 6’8″.
Keep in mind that if the distance the seat can go along the beam is not long enough, you may not get a full leg extension.
In that case, you will not be able to enjoy all the benefits of your device. When you want to buy your best magnetic rowing machine, bear in mind the height of all participants who are going to train.
Magnetic Rower Foldability
Some people have the wrong impression that all the rowing machines have a collapsible construction, but that is not correct. So, if you are looking for a machine for your tiny apartment, make sure that it is actually a folding exercise rower. Some of the great samples of this training equipment are included into this guide.
Weight Capacity of Indoor Rower
When you are going to buy a home rower or any other type of indoor exercise equipment, double-check whether it can accommodate your weight and height. The weight capacity indicates the sturdiness of the machine.
So, while reading these magnetic rowing machine reviews, check the characteristics to make sure the simulator of your dreams will support the weight of all potential users.
Magnetic Rower Price
The price is determined by the features and quality of the device. Sometimes it also varies depending on the place where you buy the sports equipment. Some third-party retailers might have a magnetic rowing machine for sale which obviously costs less. But in general, the price can vary from $100 to more than $3000.
As for the place of a purchase, we strongly recommend Amazon. There are loads of options and from time to time you might find a magnetic rowing machine for sale and save your money.
Warranty and shipping
Generous warranty is a sign of high quality. Our advice is to consider the warranty terms as a proof of true quality. The best magnetic rowing machines often offer up to 5 years of warranty on parts and lifetime on frame.
Shipping of such goods as sporting equipment can be very hard sometimes since they are heavy and bulky. So, to avoid surprises, double-check the shipping policy of the device before buying. To make it easier for you, each magnetic rower review in this guide is completed with warranty terms.
Brands and customer services
Perhaps one of the main reasons why most people buy the equipment for their home gym from reputable brands is their high attention to warranty and excellent customer service. Sometimes it becomes so difficult to get in touch with not very famous brands that finally you give up.
And when you are finally able to establish a communication line, they can make any excuse not to honor their warranty. Therefore, if you can afford it, we highly recommend you to consider buying your fitness equipment from time-proof gym equipment brands.
Some of the items enlisted in these rowing machine consumer reports are from high-end brands in North America. They offer good support and stand with their products.
Indoor Rower Drive-System
A magnetic resistance rowing machine can utilize either a belt or a chain. The difference is that a chain requires more maintenance (cleaning, adjusting, oiling, etc) and makes more noise compared to abelt.
If you are looking for a perfect fitness machine, it’s seems quite logical you seek for a low-maintenance and silent rower. So, try to look for a magnetic rower that has a belt rather than a chain.
Best rowing technique
The best way to exercise on a rower is to remember the leg-arm and arm-legs technique. The rowing exercise consists of two parts known as drive and recovery. When you pull backward is the drive phase and when you go forward is the recovery phase.
To make sure you are practicing the right technique follow these steps beginning from the start point also known as the catch position.
Keep your back 10 degrees leaned forward and your hands stretched horizontally and slide forward until your shins are vertical. This is the start point.
Now you can begin to go backward by pulling with the legs till they are stretched fully, then lean your back 10 degrees toward the rear of the rower and then pull the handles to the body. The next step is to reverse the order of all these movements to go forward. To better understand the optimal way to train with a rower and the rowing techniques, check out this video.
Seat and handlebars
The training becomes much more pleasant if you are comfortable and your fitness machine has an ergonomic design. Two important factors that make water, air or magnetic rower ergonomic are the seat and handlebars. So, look for an ergonomically designed seat with sufficient cushioning when looking for an exercise machine.
Also pay attention to durable rollers system since it is the key factor in creating a smooth operation. The duration of service for plastic rollers is much shorter. In addition to that, make sure the height of the seat is easy to get on and off. If you don’t have good balance, the seat should be not very high to be safer for you. These rowing machine consumer reports include a few inexpensive variants with cushioned low seats.
Some budget rowing machines for sale that you may find on the market have handles in shape of a straight bar. They often add stress on your wrists and don’t allow a strong grip. So, if you decide on an inexpensive simulator, make sure the handle provides you low-stress grip and allows to fully pull the handle to your body for a better arm workout.
Rowing computer
Computers of air, water and magnetic rowing machines vary regarding how much money you can spend. Computers from very simple to advanced ones have different number of preset programs, rowing games and connectivity. We suggest you to look for monitors that support USB or Bluetooth and equipped with backlight for easy training even in the dark.
USB connectivity allows you to save your daily stats for monthly progress tracking. And with Bluetooth you have a chance to join online rowing racing apps to compete with other participants on the web and share your progress on social platforms.
Keep in mind that you can hope for a high-end touchscreen monitor only if you buy pricey commercial rowing machines. So, when you are looking for a cheap exercise machine, don’t expect touch-screen wireless-enabled displays. In general rowers under $1000 come with LED backlit monitors which usually don’t have a wireless connection.
Rowing Machine Types:
Magnetic Rowers
Speaking about choosing your perfect device the magnetic resistance rowing machine is the primary choice for people who cannot stand the excessive noise during the workout. The magnetic rowers are equipped with quiet resistance mechanisms that permit not to disturb your home folks and clearly listen to music.
As for the price, it depends on the features of a magnetic rower. Often air magnetic rowers are more expensive because they combine two types of resistance. Note that every item in this list of reviews is a magnetic rower or air magnetic rower.
- It is near to silent (pros)
- It requires little maintenance (pros)
- It is affordable (pros)
- Except the machines with air-magnetic dual resistance, the resistance is fixed (con)
Water rowing machines
Providing resistance through the water, these rowers offer the physical and mental feeling of real rowing. During the rowing exercise, you will see water and hear water sound which makes it more similar to rowing in a boat.
Advanced rowers often prefer using the elite water rowing machines. If you decide to go for this kind of rower, keep in mind that they require extra maintenance and not as quiet as magnetic rowers.
- Offers physical and mental benefits of real rowing (pros)
- Resistance automatically responds to your efforts (pros)
- Requires water treatment and extra care (cons)
- It’s relatively loud (cons)
- Can be very expensive (cons)
Air Rowers
The most wide-spread type of a rower is the air rowing machine. The reason is they require less maintenance than water rowers and provide responsive tension level that automatically changes based on your speed. The bad news is that they are relatively loud.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about fixing a leaking tank or changing water. If the noise is not an issue, we recommend an air rower, for example the Concept 2 rowers. They can offer decades of cardiovascular workout for you and your family.
- Responsive level of tension (pros)
- More challenging resistance (pros)
- Very little maintenance (pros)
- Affordable price (pros)
- Excessive noise (cons)
Rowing Accessories and Clothing:
Equipment Mat
When you train with a magnetic rower or any other exercise machine, you create a vibration that causes noise and can scratch the floor. We recommend you to consider buying an equipment mat in addition to your magnetic resistance rowing machine.
Knee Pad
Indoor rowing exercise can sometimes cause pain in the upper knees, especially if you had surgeries. We highly suggest you to purchase a pair of knee support braces.
Rowing Gloves
Rowing workout makes your hands sweaty and sometimes slippery which is not safe and comfortable. When you purchase the chosen best magnetic rowing machine, we recommend you to consider a pair of protective rowing glove.
Seat Cushion
Some users suffer from tailbone pain during the rowing exercise. Choose the fitness machine for your home gym, test it and see if it needs extra padding. Or you can buy the thick memory foam cushion with your rower at the same time.