8 best rowing simulators

The rowing machine was created as an alternative to rowing in the gym or at home: the training process combines cardio and strength exercises, so the body muscles from the shoulder belt to the waist and the press are efficiently and quickly worked out, and the calories are burned in an enhanced mode.

There are 3 types of rowing simulators according to the type of work:

1. Mechanical are driven by body movement, the transfer of the load is carried out mainly by the piston system or, less commonly, by belts.

2. Magnetic equipped with a powerful magnet that creates a resistance field. Rotating in it, the flywheel most smoothly transfers the load to the working parts of the mechanism.

3. Aerodynamic simulator it is equipped with a fan, the load is set by air resistance in combination with the internal mechanisms of the structure, in particular air dampers.

How to choose a rowing machine

Choosing a rowing simulator, experts advise to pay attention to several parameters of the device:

1. The weight of an athlete must be calculated as the actual weight of a person + 15 ... 20 kg. In this case, the simulator will perform its functions correctly with minimal wear.

2. The set of functions for professional use includes various programs, sensory sensors for body parameters and the training process.

3. The presence of the display is essential for professional simulators: the screen allows you to track the dynamics of the training process. For home use, the display will also be useful if an athlete is given specific tasks (production of lean body mass, weight loss, etc.).

4. Appearance, ergonomic design, the ability to adjust the position of the seat determine the comfort of the student.

5. We present the ranking of rowing simulators from EXPERTOLOGY, based on the opinions of professional athletes, experts and ordinary users.

Top rowing simulators rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Top mechanical rowing machines	1	Kettler Kadett Rowing machine	38 100 ₽
	2	DFC R71061	15 990 ₽
Top Magnetic Rowing Machines	1	Infiniti R200	79 990 ₽
	2	Oxygen Typhoon Hrc	39 990 ₽
	3	INFINITI R70	34 900 ₽
	4	DFC 7103	16 900 ₽
The best aerodynamic rowing simulators	1	Concept2 E with PM5 Monitor	134 500 ₽
	2	NORDICTRACK RX 800	37 800 ₽

Top mechanical rowing machines

In the mechanical type of rowing installations, the load is due to the resistance of the pistons in the hydraulic cylinders. With the uneven transfer of traction training conditions as close as possible to a real boat trip on the river, which can suit mostly novice athletes and is not suitable for professionals. As a rule, such simulators have a standard set of functions, and the cost is loyal - from 10,000 rubles. Note that the resistance makes itself felt: the working components eventually fail and require replacement.

Kettler Kadett Rowing machine

Rating: 4.9

The design of this rowing simulator is minimal: there is a movable seat with working handles on the longitudinal frame, there are comfortable leg supports and a display. The device is collapsible, transformed into a compact form 150 x 50 x 46 cm as unnecessary and is stored for storage.True, the Kettler Kadett Rowing machine weighs only a few dozen kilograms, and is not equipped with transport wheels. But the stability is excellent: the simulator is securely fixed with polymer stops on the floor and can withstand the user's weight up to 130 kilograms.

You can engage in 12 power modes, monitor the dynamics and course of training helps display that displays the pulse, distance, calories, time in the forward and reverse mode. In addition, the software provides a function "Fitness test", which helps to restore the body after an intense load.

Such functionality with relatively small dimensions made the Kettler Kadett Rowing machine a leader in the rowing type mechanical exercise equipment. In addition, its cost is quite acceptable and corresponds to the quality - about 39,900 rubles.

DFC R71061

Rating: 4.7

The second place in the ranking is received by a less robust rowing simulator, designed only for 100 kg of the user. The design of DFC R71061 is similar to that previously discussed, there is also an adjustable position of the seat and pedals. Even the number of training modes is the same - 12. A mini-computer with a monochrome display runs on 2 AA batteries and displays all the necessary training information: pulse, number of strokes, time, speed and calories consumed.

Resistance is provided by 2 hydraulic cylinders, each of which has a 12-step load regulator.

Another reason why DFC R71061 occupies the second line of the rating is an awkward construction, that is, it will not work to just remove it for storage as unnecessary without the use of tools. But the device takes up little space: 135 x 157 x 39 cm. The price is also good - an average of 15,000 rubles.

Top Magnetic Rowing Machines

Unlike devices with cylinders, rowing simulators are equipped with a flywheel with a magnet that transfers the load on the handles evenly, thereby providing a comfortable workout with an adjustable load on the muscles of the body, the value of which can be adjusted. The devices are more functional due to the improved design and wide software embedded computers.

Infiniti R200

Rating: 4.9

The Infiniti R200 magnetic drive rowing machine is functional and suitable for home and commercial use. It is good universal size 237 x 50 x 91 cm, suitable for a person of any height, reinforced frame designed for users weighing up to 160 kg. On the case there is a large polychrome monitor displaying all the parameters of training in real time, and 15 diverse programs, including cardiological and recovery for the pulse, are recorded in the computer. The reading of cardiac activity is carried out with an optional optional breast sensor, which, if necessary, will have to be purchased separately.

The simulator can be used simultaneously by 4 people, for each will be recorded the dynamics in personal profiles. The position of the seat and heel stops are adjustable without problems, difficulties will arise only when carrying the Infiniti R200 - it weighs all 56 kg, and has no transport wheels. This is the most functional rowing simulator from the existing in the relevant category, therefore, ranks first in our ranking.

Oxygen Typhoon Hrc

Rating: 4.8

The device got into second place due to comparatively lesser strength - only up to 130 kg of user weight, and also because of the only provided user program. But preset 16 different modes for weight loss, strengthening the cardiovascular system and the development of endurance, but they are not recorded in the dynamics, if the simulator uses several people.

The rowing machine is equipped with a bright 5.5-inch LCD display, which displays all the information about training, including the pulse, taken by the built-in cardio sensor. Additionally, you can purchase a wireless chest belt reader.

The design of the simulator is reliable: for assembly of electronics, Japanese and Taiwanese components are used, the frame is made of a metal alloy coated in 2 layers with lacquering. Plastic used in production is certified as a safe material, it also differs in durability and wear resistance: the heel stops and fasteners of the working part withstand considerable efforts within the specified value.

INFINITI R70

Rating: 4.7

The INFINITI R70 rowing machine is designed for an even more slender athlete compared to those presented above - it can be used by people weighing up to 100 kg. The position of the seat on the aluminum elongated frame adapts to any height, but the pedals are fixed statically, and you will have to accept this.

Workout parameters are displayed on a large monochrome display, the position of which can be adjusted. The load is determined by six levels, but as such there are no programs, the athlete himself sets the desired data for the upcoming process, which combines aerobic and strength exercises for effective fat burning.

The design of the simulator is compact, folding model, the first in the rating is equipped with transport rollers, although the device weighs relatively modestly - only 27 kg. Pulse control is carried out through sensors built into the handle, an optional chest belt can be used, but it will have to be purchased additionally. A nice addition is the built-in fan with adjustable air flow.

DFC 7103

Rating: 4.6

This rowing machine is suitable for training athletes weighing up to 100 kg, but mainly for beginners or with a low load from a seven kilogram flywheel, which is adjustable in 10 modes. The console displays the workout time, stroke speed, the number and calories consumed, as well as a scan of the state of the body through sensors in the arms.

The DFC 710 simulator is folding, weighs 26 kg, but this is enough for its stability. There are no transport wheels, as well as a special need for them. In general, this is a regular rowing simulator for complex training of beginner athletes. Suitable as a device for strengthening muscles and maintaining a good body shape at home. The cost is fully consistent with the quality and functionality - about 17 000 rubles.

The best aerodynamic rowing simulators

In aerodynamic type simulators, the load comes from the fan due to air resistance. The intensity of loading is determined by the regulator of this parameter and occurs when the handrail tension. Its distribution is soft and smooth, and switching between modes is as correct as possible. In view of the high accuracy and manufacturability of aerodynamic simulators are a lot, and this is their main drawback.

Concept2 E with PM5 Monitor

Rating: 4.9

The Concept2 E semi-professional simulator with a PM5 monitor is recognized as the standard among the equipment in the category. It is suitable for home and commercial use by beginners and advanced athletes. The model has a high seating position, which provides greater comfort during exercise.

The base of the rowing machine is an aluminum monorail of high reliability, for the convenience of training, adjustable pedals and their loops are provided, the design is foldable, there are transport wheels for movement, and for reliable installation compensators for uneven floors. Load switches in 10 levels.

The dynamics of the occupation is monitored by the built-in console, to which the chest cardio sensor is connected. All information about the training is displayed on the monochrome display, but the Russian language is not provided by the interface.

The package includes a USB cable for connecting the console to a computer.

The functionality of the simulator is supported by a high price - about 104,000 rubles, and this is the only drawback of the device.

NORDICTRACK RX 800

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating category of aerodynamic rowing simulators is occupied by the device mainly for home use NORDICTRACK RX 800. It includes only 5 load levels with manual adjustment with 20 ready-made workout programs (10 for burning calories and 10 for watts), and pulse control is not provided at all even optional sensors. The simulator can be used by athletes weighing up to 130 kg.

The workout dynamics is displayed on the output console, the position (angle of inclination) of which can be adjusted. Comfort when engaged provides an ergonomic seat and soft handrails. For music lovers, you can connect a music player.

There are transport wheels, and there is no compensator for uneven floors, you will need a base with a coupler. The design is foldable and at the same time weighty - 45 kg, it is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for 2 years. In this case, the cost of the device is about 38,000 rubles.

 

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.