Customer Rating:      Summary: Classic Case: You get what you pay for Comment: If you're looking for a cheap rower that's good to use for a short while, then this may be ok for you. If you are actually serious about doing rowing workouts, you'll want to go another way.
The machine itself is easy to put together; the only problem I found was that the sensor wire running to the electronic meter came out really easily. They used glue instead of solder to keep the wire in the circuit board. The customer service rep was helpful with this and quickly sent a replacement part, though.
The worst part of this rower is actually using it (which can be quite a problem). Two weeks after I first got it, the seat just tilted under me when I was in the 'drive' portion and just fell off the body of the rower. Just like that. I somewhat managed to get the seat popped back on, but it moves up and down the length like an old man, even after greasing it. I've also noticed that the machine really isn't that quiet; it's very creaky, on and off.
Like someone else mentioned, the footpads are troublesome too. If you don't pull the velcro tight, your feet will come out, but pulling too tight will bend the metal ring that holds the velcro. This is just really annoying to worry about while working out.
Last, the major problem for me is that one of the pistons will arbitrarily lose all resistance as I pull back on it. There doesn't seem to be any reason or rhyme to it, and it can be really offputting, especially to your rhythm. And it has been happening constantly for me, at least.
So, there you have it. My recommendation, if you're really serious about rowing, is to splurge a little and go for a flywheel system, where you won't have to worry about these resistance problems. On the other hand, if you just want a nice, easily stored, cheap rower for occasional use, go for it, but always remember; caveat emptor.
Customer Rating:      Summary: good product, bad customer service Comment: the rower works well. i used it for about 45 minutes a day, nearly every day, for about 10 months. then, the rubber housing for the ball bearings wore out. obviously, that's to be expected after such heavy use. what i didn't expect was that i would have to wait 2 months (and counting) for replacement parts! add to that the very slow response from the manufacturer when i want an update on my replacement order, and it's all quite frustrating.
overall, i recommend this rower. just be aware that customer service is not nearly as satisfactory.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Somewhat satisfied Comment: I've had this rower for a couple of months now. When I received it, it was fairly easy to put together, which is a big plus. It fits nicely underneath my bed, so it's easy to keep out of site. Overall, this rower is good. I really like how quiet it is and the electronic meter is very nice too. The one major problem I have with this product is that the arms (oars) make a popping noise when I pull them towards me. I have a feeling that it can be fixed (I'm hoping), but the manual that comes with this rower doesn't give me any sort of troubleshooting advice. I still use this product, but I just move my arms in a rowing motion instead of actually using the rowers. I was a bit disappointed that I had this problem with the rower right away.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Great Workout Comment: I get a great workout from this rower. I especially like the individual arms. With the pulley system rowers you can't tell if both sides of your body are working out to their potential. I also like that the movement simulates actual rowing. This is a very good machine, and fine quality for the price. I would definately recommend it. I do not have trouble keeping my feet in the braces, I wear a woman's size 11 shoe, and I wear my old running shoes which have a pretty sizeable heal on them.
This was super easy to put together!
I have now had this rower for almost 2 years. It is still in fine working condition. I did let someone try the rower who was over the 275 lb. weight limit, the underside of the seat cracked. I replaced the thin board underneath the seat with a thicker piece of wood and there was no other damage done to the rower then or since.
This is still a very effective piece of equipment for exercise.
Customer Rating:      Summary: GREAT BUY Comment: THIS IS A GREAT PRODUCT FOR THE PRICE. VERY EASY TO PUT TOGETHER AND EASY TO USE. I ESPECIALLY LIKE HOW LIGHT IT IS. EASY TO STORE UNDER MY BED WHEN I'M DONE WITH MY WORKOUT.
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