NEW "Costco Rower" Review - Is It Worth Buying?
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- čas přidán 10. 12. 2020
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Costco is now selling a rower called the ProForm Sport RL Smart Rower! This machine comes in at a very reasonable cost of only $400 INCLUDING a one-year free membership to iFit. Is all of this worth it? Can you row well on this machine without issues? I talk about it all here in this in-depth review and give my final thoughts on the machine!
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I bought this machine and like you point out its a good start. I'm using the machine with your videos and left the ifit programs for now. Keep up the videos, they are the only videos I found that helped me get into rowing from a beginners perspective.
A new Training Tall video...yes, yes please. Thanks so much for all the time and energy you put into these videos. I saw the Hydrow review and bought one on Cyber Monday. I didn't know of the company but after your review I started digging into it and realized how good it will be for us.
I really appreciate your honest review!! So many just talk about the features and how great a product is. You're giving me the information I really want. Thankyou!
Very very helpful for this former rower!!! Especially appreciated the "after 4 years" breakdown. Thank you!
3:15 mark! Sweet! This is specifically what we discussed before in another video of yours! So far I am stoked! Ok. Ill resume. Haha.
I really enjoy your reviews. Very fair and balanced with great details and comparisons to other products. Love seeing what's out there on the market.
Thank you very much, T K! That is my goal!!
So glad to watch this review! Thank you for such informative videos
I am so thankful that I came across your review as we were ready to go buy this at Costco.
Press sync button for like 15 seconds to bypass the activation
some people are saying that if you hold down some 'ifit' button for 30 seconds, it disables it and lets you go into a more manual mode. And that there is a battery compartment in the back of the display. If you can pull 1:30 for 500m on a c2, that's actually better than like 98% of rowers, so you're probably too strong and fast for this machine, but it's probably good for a lot of more medium conditioned people.
I'm so glad I watched your videos, I got my row machine(concept two) four days ago, it's so awesome, running and biking can't compare, especially for cardio work on days I've already focused on leg lifts (:
Great review of the machine and thank you for video!
I bought this machine a couple of days ago. I enjoyed my first workout with it today. My only complaint is the lack of manual settings. I just wanted to row interval while rocking to my music. The ifit is ok, I think the instructor just talks too much. I haven't explored all of ifit though, so take it for what's it worth. Overall I'm happy with the purchase and do recommend it for a beginner/someone trying to get healthy. Like myself.
Enjoyed your review and opinions on this Proform Rower......I think I’ll stick to my treadmill and get my rowing workout while kayaking! 😉 as far as iFit.....I have done many of the programs and even though there are a variety of exercising each and every one I have done has been top notch and 100% worth the money! Being able to hike the Swiss Alps and Everest and then take a walk on a Costa Rican beach, and yoga in Tahiti.....makes the experience a plus for me! As far as reviewing iFit with this rower.....if it’s capable of being used manually then the one year free membership is just a huge plus.....
I love this machine. I really love the ifit subscription as it offers so many different classes. Rowing classes, yoga classes, etc. I am not a professional rower, and just want a good workout. I also love the leaderboard it makes me push myself harder. I have not noticed the jolt issue. Unless you are really trying to hammer the machine slack is not noticeable.
I'm not even into rowing, but got this on my recommendations. Not dissapointed.
I just purchased it and have used it. Your review convinced me. Great Job, you clearly knew the important points to review. The Big draw for me was the IFIT membership (I didnt have one). For the money it is was like getting a rower for free with my Ifit membership. Having used high end Rowers (Concept 2, Nordic Track, Hydrow, and several others) this obviously is not as smooth as those. I want to be very clear though unless you really know those machines well, the RL is very nice if you just want to get a workout in and row. If it is important to you to impress your friends with having a high end machine that you can show off as furniture then dont get this, but if actually want to save some money and get a great workout with Ifit then this is your machine.
So does this machine work without the ifit?
Whats the model number of this machine?
299 at costco right now. Good starter machine. I figure I do not need the metric s as long as I can see results in front of a mirror. My son had the Concept 2 but I do not want to shell out that kind of money unless I get hooked.
@@albertcardiel691 yes, you can use it without Ifit.
I like my pm5, although I would love to see 1.30 splits on it, haha
Good review thanks for your time Austin👍
Very good review explains pros and cons. We appreciate it!
I bought a Proform 750R model PFRW58121; that model looks VERY similar to this model, except is has grey legs instead of yellow. The resistance on the 750R was "jerky" and not smooth. I did not notice any slack in the return, my strokes were around 25. I found IFIT to be a PITA; customer support was also terrible. I returned it yesterday. Tonight I'm ordering a Concept 2.
very helpful review, have been looking in to several different options and appreciate the depth you go in to especially discussing the fact of needing that full reach out front, think as a start for introducing rowing as a form of cardio this will suit our needs
Great in depth review. Thanks so much!
Since I already use iFit with my NordicTrack treadmill and am just a beginner rower, I went for it and bought this. I couldn’t see splurging on the Concept 2 not knowing how much I would use it. I’m small at 5’3” and admittedly am not cranking out hard and fast strokes - so this has actually been a great starter option. Time will tell if I need to upgrade down the road, but it’s definitely getting the job done and is comfortable to use.
How did you get on with it?
Hi Austin
Rowing newbie here. Love your stuff. Don't know why I watched this we probably don't even have these here in Australia. Anyway... CZcams was nice enough to precede your video with an ad for a whipr. A compact travel rowing machine.
Would love to here what you think.
Fun CZcams series idea… buy some “vintage” exercise equipment (lots of it exists on eBay for pretty cheap). Review them and compare them with modern equivalents. If some of the equipment you get are worn out, maybe collab with one of the restoration CZcamsrs to bring it back to like-new condition. There are some cool and interesting old rower designs.
Just got it and I wish I saw this video before buying it , return today!!
I have this machine and love it! Great review.
Really great review! My girlfriend and were looking at this, your review has really helped! I think we may get this as it sounds like a good starting rower that will get her and I know the machine. Plus I have the iFit membership for a spinning bike and the it becomes a two machines for one iFit membership. If her and I really enjoy it and use it, maybe in a year or two go to a concept 2 or Hydrow, but I think we need the interactive training.
Thank you again it was very helpful!
Concept 2 is the way to go
Great review and job. Thanks man.
I did a few pulls on one of these and thought the same. It has that 'dead' zone at the start of the pull, which is annoying. For a person in so-so condition, someone that will maybe never do better than like an 8:30 2k, this can possibly work. I think that the faster you pull, the more the slack and dead zone are noticeable and annoying.
makes me really glad I waited for the C2D!!! was worth it
This s the same rower as the NordicTrack RW series. I had the RW 200 before buying a Model E Concept 2 and let me tell you that there is no comparison ! I will never go back to the RW 200. Nice if you only use the machine once in a while but, if you are serious about rowing, get the Concept 2 !
Thanks for the transparent review!
You’re the best! Thanks for the review!
Always!!
This is a great review! Just found your channel. Have you tried the Teeter Power10 rower? I can’t find any good video reviews of it. Just Amazon reviews, which are rarely comprehensive.
Was looking forward to this video ever since you posted the pictures in your story. Can’t believe it fit in your car. 😂
LOL it was quite the fit!!
Will this fit in my 2012 mini cooper???
Thanks for the comprehensive review :) One question, do I need to use my iPad or can I simply use my iPhone?
Thanks so much for this review ! I just ordered the concept 2 and my bf found this one at Costco and got me thinking of cancelling concept and get this instead. Soooo glad I did not because this sounds like it’d be a huuuuge regret.
c2 is lightyears better, and for not that much more money.
This was SO HELPFUL! Thank you!! You talked me out of it. Saved me $400!! ... for now. :-)
You would like it. Ive used a lot of rowers and this is great. I don't think his review is accurate. Its easy to move and very smooth rowing
The only issue I have with most rowers is that the classic palms downward hand position, although it replicates actual rowing, is biomechanically poor exercise form. That is because there are elbow tendons which are overly stretched in that position and more vulnerable to tendonitis. The safest hand position to avoid overuse injuries would be palms inward/thumbs up, more like for the parallel handles you see on resistance rowers built into cage multi-function weight trainers. Either that or a much wider grip....which no rower has either.
Buy a karate belt cut it in half and wrap it around the handles such that you can get the hand position youre looking for. This is something very common with arm wrestlers and needs to reach the rest of the world. I know they comment is a yr old but hopefully the response is still useful
Great review! Not looking to get super competitive just looking to break a sweat and get my heart rate up. Is it possible to get a good cardio workout on this thing or just save up for the Concept? Thanks!
your videos are the only ones that are worth watching !
my gym has the concept2 and some high end magnetic resistance rowers. i will choose the concept2 every time, magnetic resistance is just feeling clunky same with spin bikes (imho)
At 11:02 now and I see i am eventually going to outgrow this rower in terms of metrics and feedback. Ok good to know. Like ive said before im coning from playing rugby and cant pound the ground now more so this is great for me but its good to know that me being a beginner, i chose a good beginner row machine.
EXACTLY!
I just bought this rower a few weeks ago and have been on it since. I think it’s great but it’s also my first time rowing. It’s not loud by any stretch. I use ifit with my iPad Pro and do the outdoor workouts. Or I’ll stream it to the TV. He didn’t properly represent what it could be. If I showed you Apple TV from a phone, you say eh, I’m good. Workouts are great, there’s power, endurance, time crunch, hiit and so many others. You get to virtually row in Sweden, Africa etc; the workouts change your resistance automatically so your not on 1 and you can feel the difference between 1 and 13 . You’d never know watching this review. I’m not training for the freaking olympics, so the average user would be happy IMO. If I wanted to pull on the handle as hard as I could to generate slack, I could do that.
I couldn’t feel a difference between 1 and 24. Like I said though, beginners will find some use out of this, but not anyone who’s really got a solid grasp on rowing form & technique!
Well I got my form and technique from your videos 😏 I see what you mean though, if I had been rowing for years, I may think less of it as with anything.
@@dannyliu5830 that is a fact! I hope that’s not the case. The “free” year was a nice touch, not so much a bargain without it.
@@dannyliu5830 I would like to know if you have to continue the membership to use the rower I would prefer to not have to
@@lancesturgis1272 nah man Im with you. I think the one he got is busted. 1 is like rowing through air and 24 is like rowing in cold Häagen-Dazs. They have a Consent 2 at my gym that rower on max is nowhere near the same at a Pro Form.
I've had this rower for almost two years now and I like it but I still wish I just went for a concept two rower. But it gets the job done so I'm content.
Im only 1:50 into this video at time of this comment.
This is the exact rower i was discussing with on one of your previous videos. Its my first personal rower and I am eager to see what you think of it. Good or bad, I look forward to your expert opinion on it.
Thank you for this review! This was a year ago and the price has now apparently doubled and more! I found it at Costco for $800 - and that was on the inexpensive end compared to other retailers. Wow - hard to see how it worth it!
I just got it for $400 at my local Costco today.
Costco's website lists 2 models of ProForm rowers - Sport RL ($450) and Carbon R10 ($800).
I got it for $399.99 today!
It’s on sale for $299 right now. Going to get one.
@@JesusLovesnLives where?
Great review - thanks!. Could you please review: "Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine" . It is also available in costco online.
Thank you for the honest feedback bro!
Always, Rugger!!
So helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for your review. I was pretty annoyed when I found out there was a subscription involved (I believe the free period is only one month) and was not clearly marked on the box.
I did learn that you can get around the membership, but I felt like it was an ambush. I am hoping I get over the initial bad taste in my mouth because I am 6’7” and it accommodating taller people is really important.
FWIW, an iFit membership is not necessary to use this machine. Simply hold the iFit button until it goes into manual mode, which I found to be about 15 seconds.
Excellent review!
Thanks for your review
Thank you for this great review.. there are so many that are just trying to sell you the product… QUES - are you saying it will not work without iFit?
We purchased the NordicTrack RW200 Rower on sale for 500 Canadian. These machines are what you can expect for in home work out and not spend over 2000.00 for new Concept 2. When ever I see any exercise machine that can easily be folded up to save space then its not a high end exercise machine. I have seen Concept 2 for private sale around 1000.00 but they go fast. We still use our machine for our son as an addition to his working out in the gym.
Yeah I totally feel you... I hope it works well for you for the time being!
@@trainingtall I have an antique concept d rower in the garage and we have Concept 2 at our gym. Also I changed the handle on the rower to a Concept 2 handle
I like that you said your height at @1:50 because the whole time I was like "I don't know man I'm six feet tall. Maybe this thing doesn't fit me..." XD
just purchased this Rowing machine and appreciate your review. New to rowing, had to move away from treadmill due to foot pain. I am a little concerned about the iFit subscription after the first year. Do you HAVE to maintain a subscription to use the rower?? You said you can not use it at all without activating the one year free subscription.
It looks like this might be the perfect rower for me. I really don’t use any metrics for the ones at the gym, I just row for time. Like half an hour or so. So for me it seems that I just disable the iFit and I’m going to go.
I've watched your videos and thank you!!!!....can u talk about bodyworks and Xebex rowers...they are comparable to C2 in price...ARE they in value IYHO????
i'm starting to see a pattern with these reviews. pretty much just get a concept or save up for one lol. i'll have to start this hobby in a year or two, mostly when i can find anything in stock. until then i'll stick to running!
Prettyyyyy much!
Good to know. Thank you!!
Great and honest review. *QUESTION* Do you need to renew the Ifit membership after a year for the machine to continue to work manually or does it become a hunk of basement metal? I ask because for initial start up It did not work without Ifit being active. Thanks
You do not. Can use it in manual mode.
Definitely get what you pay for! Concept 2 D is the way to go!
ohhh ok see and I was gonna get this today at Costco. Thank you for the review. You are hilarious Btw
Thank for the information I will save more money and get the concept 2 rower
Thanks for the review! I have a question: it says on the manual the machine will turn off automatically after rests for a while, but mine is always on unless I unplug it, is anything wrong with the machine? Or just setting?
Thanks this was super helpful! Some good points as wasn't sure whether to get this or not. I also have never seen someone use inverted commas so much when explaining something! 🤣
Costco sells "FluidRowers" too. That's like a WaterRower but also has a patented twin tank adjustable resistance. Feels like rowing in a boat on the water.
No kidding? I'll have to check it out!
@@trainingtall Life Fitness uses the same system on their Commercial and Home Fitness models
I'm pretty sure that's the First Degree Fitness non-commercial (they call it a bunch of names depending on the color; mine is a "Cambridge" 'cause it's blue).
I have one, wrote a mini-review of it as a comment on another TT video - had a woman respond to me that she was getting one from Costco.
I like mine a lot. It's setup like a Water Rower, so if you pull the bar straight back while you're at the catch, well, you can't - your shins are in the way. But so long as you go legs, glutes, arms, which we're supposed to do, it's good.
The seat is fine for my typical workouts (45-60 min). I get a little sore if I go over an hour, but I'm a noob, so no butt calluses :-)
Footplate adjustment is a lot like the Concept2.
Resistance
I paid a bit over a grand for mine, if costco has it for significantly less, I'd say go for it.
I picked this over the c2 because it's a lot quieter (and there were no Water Rowers available)
The info panel is more basic than the Concept2, but it's got everything I need. (workout time, split time, distance, spm, watts, calories/hour, pulse - but no included chest strap).
It also just flips up on its nose when I'm done, fits in a space 20"d x 18"w.
Finally, if you're attracted to the adjustable resistance because other family members might use it, too, well, that's what I thought, too. And it didn't happen. I just leave it on max.
@@trainingtall Guessing it's a FDF. They're pretty good. I'd love to hear what you think, although I'll be sad if you give it a thumbs down as I already have one.
I can tell some differences between the resistance levels but I'm a beginner rower. However I do not think their thirst 24 resistance levels I think there's more like 5.
So what do you think for a rehab type of exercise? Not looking to do competitive type rowing...also does it show meters etc basics?
Concept 2 is the best. I've had it for 4 years, and it's still fun to use 👍
Agreed!!!
I read elsewhere that you hold the ifit button down for about 30 seconds and it will enable the machine without the iFit.
Just set mine up and you are correct!
Have you done a review on the Norditrack RW900? I was curious about your thoughts on it
This is a great review because my parents almost got this on for me. But I told them I was set on the Concept 2.
Concept 2 bro is the best, I’ve had one for 3 years now, Best Buy I feel
You could have just gotten two.
Concept 2 is the best. An erg by rowers for rowers. My machine is 4 years old at 1.4 million meters and going stong!
@AsSeenOnTv But not part of the Indoor Rowing Championships.
@AsSeenOnTv not as good as a concept 2
We have one of these rowers, and have enjoyed using it. However, yesterday the Row Bar/Strap broke. The strap portion broke off and the broken side is inside the rower. How do I get to this broken part so that i can replace the Strap? Thanks
Hi Training Tall, would you recommend "Octane Fitness Ro Rowing Machine"?
I just purchased it second hand. It was fine when I tested it. But when I moved it to my apartment, the belt broke.. wondering how I could fix it.
Can you please review 'Pure Design PR9 Rowing Machine'?
Costco is selling this online in Melbourne.
Question what happens when the 1 year iFit expires, if you do not renew, what functionality is lost?
When the ifit membership ends, will I still be able to use my rower. You said that you needed to sign up before the rower would even turn on. Thanks
What's your take on the latest ProForm Rower - Pro R10 ? Any idea when your review will be available ?
I am so glad I found this video. I was just about to buy this as my first rower but I think I am going to pass. Now if only I can figure out which one to buy at this price point that is better.....
I wouldnt go by his review. I have it and its great.
@@deniseniemann thanks for helping me out. I agree with you!
Where does one buy a C2 rowing machine? Or, any decent rowing machine with ANT+/BLE and power and heart rate data? Thanks.
Has the resistance been improved on the latest models, Costco just put on display in my local store this Dec 2022
Good review... thanks
Of course!
Hi what are your thoughts on the Nordictrack RX800 V1 rower thinking of getting it
Looks like the same frame as NordicTrack RW200. Does it perform the same ?
Thank for your review, Costco Mexico have just bring it today, I’m seriously thinking on buy it, but I Know there’s nothings like a Concept 2 in terms of high quality materials and cost, but I have waiting to long for buy one, Rouge seems like they won’t have a stock soon and just today Concept2 let me sign in the waiting list with a waiting period between 6 and 8 so it could be an option just need to validate something, in other review I saw is possible to use the rower skipping the activation on the iFit just pushing and holding the iFit button for 30seconds and the rower could work with batteries, the compartment seems to be n the back of the control panel so I will so grateful if you could y validate this info
Regards
Hola Christian! Oye, también soy de México y estoy pensando muy seriamente en comprarla en Costco. Siempre sí la compraste? Qué tal te salió? la recomiendas? Gracias!
@@rodrigocardenas6670 tuve oportunidad de verla con un revendedor de Mty, como opinión te puedo decir que cumple con su función a secas, es decir, en ella se puede ejercitar sin duda, la pregunta sería ver que tipo de uso le quieres dar, si el uso es ocasional digamos de 3 a 4 veces por semana y con remadas tranquilas en la que solo buscas ejercitarte es sin duda un buen equipo para empezar, por otra parte si estas buscando algo de lo siguiente como un equipo de uso rudo que sea duradero, un equipo con el cual puedas tener una mejor y mas completa información del ejercicio a modo de medir tus avances o simplemente estás buscando hacer una inversión duradera y tienes margen de un presupuesto mayor entonces quizás te interesen otras opciones, en mi caso opté por esperar hasta que finalmente pude ordenar una remadora Concept2 en Estados Unidos ya que buscaba un equipo que no requiriera mucho mantenimiento, de uso rudo y en el que pueda integrarlo a mis rutinas de crossfit.
Otro aspecto que he visto de esta remadora es que puedes tomar clases en línea pero es bajo suscripción la cual creo que después de 24meses tienes que pagar y es cara así que ese aspecto como puede ser bueno también puede ser malo a la larga aunque no es necesario ni obligatorio la suscripción para usar el equipo.
Por cierto ya no la he visto en la página de costco y por mi tierra no llegó a ninguna de las sucursales así que es posible que solo la veas con revendedores los cuales la llegan a vender hasta en 15mil pesos, con ese presupuesto podrías comprar un equipo usado pero de uso rudo, no recuerdo exactamente el costo pero me parece que estaba por debajo de los 10mil en enero para que lo tengas de referencia
Saludos
Gracias por la información. Thank you for the information
I not a rower but is thinking of using the rower as another exercise tool. I am not interested in the ifit program. Will thus rower still work after the free year subscription run out? Thank you
I noticed on your videos and others, the CONCEPT 2 also has an extreme amount of "SLACK" in the rope/band🤔
Great videos.. thank you!!
I have a question about exercise machines and older people (60’s+). We were thinking about a rowing machine, but after watching a few of your videos, I’m wondering if we might end up hurting ourselves, mainly our backs. We aren’t in great shape, and we’re older. What exercise equipment or machine would you recommend. We bought light weights so that’s definitely in our future. Thank you!
you won't hurt your back if you study some vids and use good form. Rowing is very good exercise, but I don't use my rower that much any more. My favorite indoor cardio thing is a cybex arc--but they weigh like 400lbs. Many gyms have them. Similar to elliptical, but a more effective motion. If you got a Concept2 rower and got really tired of it quickly, you could likely recoup around 80-90% of your money by selling it on the used market.
Julie, my wife and I are 66 and just bought a rowing machine. We are in generally good shape and use our treadmill and elliptical frequently, as well as weights. As machines go, the rowing machine is very benign and probably a good place to start. As the other comment says, watch some CZcams videos to understand proper form and technique and you should be fine. I just did my first CZcams "beginner" workout and really enjoyed it. I look forward to getting better over time.
The resistance is in arms as well as legs? Thanks
Do you know which row computers show estimated time of finish? I know concept 2 does, but are there any others you know of? Thanks!
I did watch your review before I bought the rower. I went ahead and bought it thinking that for the price and my particular level of fitness that it would fit the bill and that if it sucked I could just take it back to Costco. However, I am super happy with the purchase. A couple of things though. I think you got a bad machine. I tested using the manual mode and my rower goes from 1 to 24 in a significant way. I can hear the little actuator moving the magnets with each push and 24 is very hard for me. 1 is very easy. I know you are a strong athlete but I can't believe that you would hit 24 and not agree that it was a very hard pull; and no matter how hard I pulled through, it remained so. Those 20s will probably be outside of my fitness level for some time. I also could not reproduce the jerky motion at the beginning of a pull. I don't know about slack at the end because I have not tried to hit a really high stroke count where it might make a difference. But, for every stroke I have done so far, the slack gets taken up just fine and seemed comparable to me to gym quality chain rowers I have used in the past. In any event, I am hoping that I got a really much better machine than I paid for with the steep Costco discount over what looks like comparable magnetic resistance band rowers from proform and nordic. In any event, so far so good.
How has the machine and your experience being so far with this machine
@@lforce1298 I really love the rower. I've been using it a couple times a week paired with the iFit coaching and have been through two separate beginner workout series and am now pushing it with slightly more advanced classes. I'm also using the ifit coaching for basic workouts using resistant bands, light weights and body weight. The rower was at such an attractive price it's really hard to beat. I hope it's a lot better quality than the price would otherwise suggest. But only time will tell. I'm hooked.
@@MartyCourson I am also looking to purchase one. Do you need an ifit subscription for the machine to work?
@@grnigne3 No, you do not need a subscription to make it work. But, the machine was certainly designed around an iFit membership. The data it feeds to my big android tablet is amazing and it keeps track of all workouts. Once you learn how to properly use the iFit interface, there is just so much tracking going on. For instance, in one giant screen, I can see my split time, avg split time, SPM, avg SPM, max SPM, calories, HR, avg HR, max HR, meters, resistance.
The machine came with a free 1-year iFit family membership. I DID NOT USE THAT RIGHT AWAY. Instead, I activated iFit with a free 1-month trial membership that I then cancelled after one month (trying to reserve the right to return it if I thought the whole thing was funky for some reason) - after a month, I then started my 1-year subscription freebie. I can’t remember now specifically how I “activated” the machine. You text a code to their warranty department and I think that may be done via or in conjunction with the iFit membership. Somehow they have to communicate to the device to activate it but I can’t tell you what that was. In any event, it works without iFit. But that is the rub . . . they get you addicted to iFit. And now that I use the machine and do the classes, I can’t imagine that I will stop after my free year expires. I just started doing the rowing boot camp style classes (jumping on and off doing squats and weights, etc.). In that sense, this machine is going to cost me an extra $150 per year. But, I will gladly pay it at this point.
Agree, it sounds like it was a factory defect.
Hi my name is Scott. I am very interested in getting into rowing for exercise in my apartment, I enjoy your videos and have a question. I would like to buy a magnetic rower due to living in an apartment, what machine would you suggest at the $700 level?
please make a review of the starke hydro rower
The Proform Sport RL is hard to find in Costco right now as the inventory gets depleted at $299. The closest warehouse that had one was 4 hours away from me, and although that may be worth it for the price, I went ahead and bought the Proform 750R Black edition at Academy Sports on the President's Day sale for $549. The monitor is more advanced, so hopefully the extra $250 is worth it. Be aware that the 750R Black is not the same as the 750R Red being sold elsewhere. I am a beginning rower, so I think this will be sufficient for a while in spite of the weaknesses that were outlines here in this video.
P.S., there is a definite difference between resistance 1 and 24. I doubt I will be doing a full workout at the 24 level but we'll see.
Looking for a magnetic rowing machine without having to subscribe for a service, do you have other reviews that could help me?