The air resistance rowing machine is a common rower you will come across while trying to add total body fitness equipment into your gym. Without a doubt, air rowers are very vital and one of the most common rowing machines.
Not only is it a good one for exercising and staying fit, but it is also a good one for professional rowers to practice with as it simulates real-life rowing experience.
Furthermore, air and water rowers are quite better for CrossFit. This is because the difficulty/resistance of the air rowing machine adjusts based on how fast and hard your row.
The importance and versatility of this gym equipment are many; however, selecting the best air resistance rowing machine ensures you enjoy these, and that makes this article an essential one to guide you in your selection process.
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What is the Best Air Resistance Rowing Machine?
Concept2 Rowing Machines
The best air rowing machine is the Concept2 rowing machine. It is very strong, sturdy, durable, and a great choice for both home and commercial usage.
Top 10 Best Air Rowing Machines: Quick View
Benefits of Air Rowing Machine: Why you should Select Air Rower
Air resistance rowing machines make use of air/wind to generate the resistance felt by the user. When the user pulls the handle of the rower, the flywheel rotates and creates wind which generates the resistance. The intensity of the wind-generated is dependent on how fast you row and that ultimately affects the resistance level. Below are some of the benefits of air rowers that distinguish them from others.
Variable Resistance
The air resistance does not have a stable resistance as it changes with the intensity of rowing. They also have a damper that regulates the amount of air that enters into the flywheel.
Operations
Air rowing machines have very smooth operations especially when you select quality products. However, the noise level can be high compared to a magnetic rowing machine which is very quiet in operation.
Read more: Best Rowing Machine for Home
Versatile
The air rowing machines are more versatile as they can be used for different purposes. They can be used by professional rowers to train for competitions as they simulate real-life rowing better and can also be used for workout purposes to burn calories.
Strong and Sturdy
If you need something that is strong enough for commercial usage, air rowing machines are more suitable compared to other rowers like magnetic rowing machines.
How to Select the Best Air Resistance Rower
Here are the vital features you should look out for while selecting air rowing machines:
Adjustable Resistance
The resistance of air rowers adjusts with the intensity and speed at which the handle is pulled which makes it simulate real-life rowing experience more than other resistance mechanisms.
However, the resistance difficulty of your first pull can be adjusted through the damper settings. The expensive rowers will have a damper that determines the quantity of air that gains entrance into the flywheel. When much air is allowed, it becomes more difficult to pull the handle, hence increasing the resistance. This resistance also increases as you row faster.
For beginners, it might be better to start from level one. Therefore, this makes the expensive rowers like the Concept2 Rowing Machine a good product to consider while selecting a rower for home or commercial usage. Read more about damper settings here.
Seat Height
The seat height is very important while selecting a perfect rowing machine for home use. How balance are you staying high away from the ground level? Do you have any issues with your knees?
Most seniors cannot balance well too high above the ground; therefore, it is vital they select a product whose seat height is not too high. Furthermore, people with knee problems find it hard to get down from a rower whose seat height is too low. Such people should try to get a rowing machine with high seat height.
Therefore, the seat height as a factor depends on the user and their preference. This factor is vital and must be concluded before selecting any rowing machine.
Inseam Length
Selecting the best air resistance rowing machine involves choosing a product that perfectly fits your height and that makes the inseam length a vital factor to consider.
Tall people have long legs and two people with the same height may not necessarily have the same length of the leg. While selecting an air rowing machine, it is vital to consider the inseam length and ensure it is a good fit for your legs.
You should check the maximum inseam length of the product and ensure it is above the length of your leg.
Weight Capacity
Your bodyweight should never be more than the maximum weight capacity of the rower. All air resistance rowing machines have their own maximum weight capacity which is the weight limit the air rower can carry.
Most products have a weight capacity of 250 pounds but some expensive rowers like the Concept2 Rowing Machine have a weight capacity of 500 pounds which makes them suitable for both light and heavy folks.
Folding Frame Feature
Not all air rowers can be folded into a compact size however many of them have this feature which makes it easy to fold for easy storage.
Personally, we feel the importance of this feature depends on your apartment. People living in small apartments will need to save space and that makes the feature very important for them.
However, people living in big apartments with enough space to keep their gym equipment might not need to fold as they have enough space to spare for this.
It all depends on the space you intend to keep the equipment. You should consider this before selecting any air rowing machine.
LCD Rowing Monitor
The best air resistance rowing machines are quite better at recording accurate workout variables like speed, calories burnt, and other vital information. It is important you check that you’re the monitor, does it have a backlight so you can easily see it in dark. How big is the information written? Will you easily see them while rowing?
Comfort
How comfortable you will be on any rowing machine generally depends on three factors:
- Foam Padded Handle: This will reduce strain on the hands of the user, hence ensure more comfort.
- Padded Seat: You do not want to feel discomfort on the seat, therefore; you should select a well-padded seat.
- Large and Adjustable Footrests Straps: The footrest should accommodate be large to accommodate any foot size and should come with adjustable straps for a perfect fit.
Customers Review
Previous users review can be vital; it will help you see the experience of the past buyers of the air rowing machine before going ahead to choose the product.
Warranty Information
You need buying assurance for your product and that is provided with a warranty. It is better to stay away from products with unclear or no warranty information. The warranty gives you the assurance that you can easily return the product for replacement when it is faulty within a particular time frame.
Top 10 Best Air Rowing Machine Review
#1. Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Product’s Weight: 53 pounds
- Seat Height: 14 inches
- Users Inseam length: 38 inches
- Stored dimensions: 25 x 33 x 54 inches
- Damper level: 1-10
- Bluetooth Connectivity
This product probably not just the best air resistance rowing machine alone but one of the overall best rowers you will come across. It is carefully built not to give the best rowing experience alone but to fit into almost all-purpose, for home or commercial use.
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine is very strong and sturdy which makes it to be durable and requires less maintenance. The frame is plated with nickel that makes it resistant to rusting.
Its frame is huge with an inseam length of 38 inches that makes the air rower a suitable option for both short and tall people. Also, it folds into a compact size and that makes it easier for people with small apartments.
Furthermore, it is easy to track your fitness progress on the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine. Not only does it have LCD Monitor that records data like pace, watts, stroke rate (spm), and Calorie, it also comes with Bluetooth connectivity which makes it easy to connect to the fitness app.
Without a doubt, this is the Concept2 rowing machine that is the best air rower presently. Though, it is very expensive but surely worth every penny spent on it. It is a good air rowing machine to consider for both home and commercial use.
#2. Concept2 Model E Rowing Machine
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Seat Height: 20 inches
- Weight of the Product: 54 pounds
- Inseam length: 38 inches
- Separation into two for storage
- Monorail Length: 54 inches.
- Adjustable Damper Level
This is also a great air rowing machine from Concept2; it has almost the same features and qualities as Model D above but it has a far higher seat height which makes it less suitable for seniors and people with a fear of height. The high seat height makes it easier to get down from it, a good feature for people with bad knees.
Concept2 Model E Rowing Machine is also very strong and sturdy with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and inseam length up to 38 inches, making it a good choice for both short and tall people.
Unlike Model D, this cannot be folded. However, the frame can be easily separated into two for easy storage when it is not in use. It is made in a way that it is very easy either to separate or to join when you want to use it.
Concept2 Model E Rowing Machine responds to pull intensities of the handle to adjust its resistance which makes it a good choice for training for professional rowers. Also, it has a damper that can be adjusted to set its first pull to your fitness level.
This is one of the best air resistance rowing machines we recommend. It is also costly but sure worth every penny spent on it. It is durable and will last for a long time.
#3. MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Recommended Users’ Height: 6ft-2in
- Inseam length: 45 inches
- Seat Height: 14.4 inches
- Assembled size: 75.6” (L) x 19.9” (W) x 14.4”
- Folded size: 42.5” (L) x 19.9” (W) x 54.7” (H)
- Rail length: 51 inches
- Adjustable damper level
- Transport wheels: YES
This is also one of the best rowing machines with air as its resistance mechanism. Its frame is made with steel which gives the frame a robust and sturdy appearance. It is more suitable for petite people as its weight capacity is just 220 pounds.
MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower has an adjustable resistance level even though the resistance level is responsive to the pull of the handle. It also comes with replacement belts which are included in the package when ordered.
The comfort of the user is also assured through its large padded seat and foam padded handle. Your feet are also kept comfortably and correctly in place through the large foot platform and adjustable straps.
You can also easily fold MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower into a compact size for easy storage. The air rower can also be easily moved from one place to the other through its transport wheels. It is one of the best air rowing machines and we recommend it.
#4. Stamina ATS Air Rower | Rowing Machine
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Product dimensions: 18” W x 77” L x 28” H
- Folded dimensions: 18” W x 48” L x 28” H
- Recommended user height: From 4’ 9” to 6’ 4”
- Seat height: 10”
- Easy to read LCD monitor
If you are looking for a quality air rowing machine at an expensive price, you should consider buying this product. Compared to Concept2, it is less expensive and still offers a good rowing experience. It is not only affordable but versatile and effectively adjusts its resistance to your intensity.
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 is made with steel which makes it strong and durable. It is recommended for users weighing 250 pounds or lesser while it is suitable for user’s heights between 4ft-9in. to 6ft-4in.
Though we are not satisfied with its warranty period which seems too short, however, most buyers do not seem to have issues especially when the product is delivered without defect. It is definitely one of the best and affordable air rowing machines.
The comfort from Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 is top-notched as it is ergonomically designed to give you optimum comfort. The upholstered, padded seat, adjustable footplates, and padded rowing handle help keep you relaxed and comfortable during your workouts.
#5. Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Rower
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Product’s Weight: 77 pounds
- Assemble Dimensions: 85″L x 20.5″W x 36.25″H
- Folded Dimensions: 46″L x 20″W x 59″H
- 8 varying resistance level
- Large footrests with adjustable straps
This is also a very powerful air rowing machine and one of the best you can consider for home use. It has eight levels of resistance level which allows you to row based on your fitness level while the resistance also adjusts itself to rowing intensity.
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Rower has a fantastic appearance and sturdy in construction. It is strong enough to hold users weighing up to 300 pounds. The only disadvantage is that it cannot be used by heavy rowers.
The pull is smooth and it generally offers good cardio. You will also be very comfortable as the seat is ergonomically modeled and padded with foam for maximum comfort.
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Rower is a good addition to your gym, though some users complain about the resistance, however, it should be a sufficient rowing machine for your home use.
#6. Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight of the Product: 72 pounds
- Assemble Dimension: 78”L x 31.5”W x 19.75”H
- LCD Monitor
It is one of the best air resistance rowing machines with all the basic features to make rowing not only effective but also comfortable. Though it has some setbacks, however, the machine is a great buy and very effective for cardio.
Do not consider Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower for commercial usage except for backup purposes as it may not be too strong for heavy rowing; it is more suitable for home use.
Another drawback in the equipment is the lack of adjustable resistance level. The resistance only responds to pull, the more you pull the handle, the harder the resistance becomes. This makes it a good one for training professionals but you can’t set the resistance to your fitness level.
Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower is very easy to put together and use. It comes with an LCD monitor which allows you to track your fitness. Its seat and handle are padded for maximum comfort while the foot straps are adjustable to fit any users’ feet.
#7. SereneLife Home Rowing Machine-Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Products’ Weight: 81 pounds
- Total Assembled: 34. 8” H x 19. 3” W x 83. 5” L
- 10 Resistance Level
- LCD monitor
The air rower is sturdy and strong equipment that will be a great addition to your gym. We find this equipment to be very effective, easy to assemble and use, and comfortable.
SereneLife Home Rowing Machine has been purchased by many users with some being very happy with the rower while some are a little disappointed. However, we find the product to be a good buy especially if it is delivered without defects.
It has every basic feature you should find in air rowers, therefore, makes the usual noise by air rowers. The LCD monitor records accurate workout variables and that makes it easier to track your workout progress.
Overall, SereneLife Home Rowing Machine is a great buy at the price. It is definitely not as good as other expensive air rowing machines but sure delivers effective cardio, making it a great buy for the price.
#8. MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower Dual Belt Dynamic Air Resistance
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 265 pounds
- Assembled size: 71.3” (L) x 20.1” (W) x 14.2” (H)
- Maximum User inseam: 41.3 inches
- Foldable size: 40.5” (L) x 19.7” (W)x 42.1” (H)
- LCD monitor
- Responsive resistance
If you need a rowing machine that mimics the real rowing experience at a pocket-friendly price, then you may want to consider this rower. It offers an unbelievable rowing experience at such an inexpensive price, therefore, one of the best air resistance rowing machines.
Not only do you get to save money from MaxKare Dual Belt Dynamic Rowing Machine Air Rower, but you also have for yourself a compact and foldable air resistance rower that helps you save enough space in your apartment.
The machine is strong and safe for users weighing 265 pounds or below. Tracking your fitness is easier with its accurate and easy-to-read LCD monitor which records scan, count, time, calories, and distance.
We recommend MaxKare Dual Belt Dynamic Rowing Machine Air Rower for people on a budget, beginners, and those looking to get a backup rowing machine for their main rowing machine. It is comfortable with its padded seat, large footrests, and foam padded handle.
#9. Stamina | X-35-1412 Air Rower
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight of Rower: 63 pounds
- Responsive resistance
- Assemble dimensions: 78.5″ L x 18″ W x 29″ H
- Folded and In-built wheels: YES
- LCD monitor
This is also one of the best intuitive air resistance rowing machines you can purchase for home use to improve your cardiovascular health. It is a strong, durable, and sturdy piece of equipment to add to your gym.
Stamina | X-35-1412 Air Rower also uses air as a resistance mechanism that responds to your pull and adjusts the resistance accordingly. Its frame is made with steel which gives a sturdy appearance and it is strong enough to carry a user weighing up to 250 pounds.
The air rower is also compact thereby taking up little space. Its folding feature makes it even easier to store when it’s not in use. The seat and handle are padded with large and adjustable footrests giving the user a comfortable rowing experience.
Stamina | X-35-1412 Air Rower has fair positive reviews especially from buyers on Amazon. Overall, it is a lovely air rowing machine you can consider adding to your gym. A good one for cardio but may not be suitable for commercial usage.
#10. BodyCraft VR500 Rower
Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight of Rower: 101 pounds
- Electronically Controlled Air and Eddy Current Magnetic Resistance
- Frame material: Steel
- Transport Wheel and Foldable: Yes
- Dimensions: 98.5L x 20W x 38.5H inches
This rower makes use of both air and magnetic field as its resistance mechanism which makes it quite different from other air rowing machines. The resistance responds to pull and adjust accordingly while it can also be stabilized between levels 1 to 32.
BodyCraft VR500 Rower is also one of the best heavy-duty air rowing machines. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds, enough to easily accommodate both petite and big folks. Its seat is high above ground making it easier to get down from it.
This machine is not compact when assembled; however, it can be folded into to make it easier to store and to help save space. Also, it is a little heavy but it comes with transport wheels that make it easier to move the rower from one place to the other.
BodyCraft VR500 Rower is expensive but we attest it worth every penny. It offers a good and smooth rowing experience with users’ comfort completely catered for through its padded seat, adjustable foot straps, and padded handle.
Magnetic vs. Air Resistance. Is Magnetic Rower Better than Air?
There are similarities and differences between magnetic and air rowing machines with some delineated below
Similarities Between Magnetic and Air Rowers
- Both are engaged and operated the same way and techniques
- They both give a full-body workout
- Magnetic and air rowers are great cardio machines
- Both come at varying cost
- They both impact the same muscles, joints, and other areas in the body
The differences
As the name implies, both magnetic and air rowing machines differ because of their resistance mechanism. This further makes them different from each other in the following way:
- Magnetic rowing machines operate quieter than air rowing machines that make swooshing sound
- For air rowing machines, the resistance is responsive; it changes with the intensity of rowing while magnetic rowing machines have constant resistance that can only be manually changed through a resistance knob.
- Air rowing machine generates wind it uses for resistance while magnetic rowing machine uses the magnetic eddies current to generate resistance.
- Magnetic rowing machines cannot be used by professional rowers for training due to their constant resistance. Air rowing machine has responsive resistance that simulates real-life rowing suitable for training.
Conclusion
Getting the best air resistance rowing machine can be very simple especially when you know the products you want before purchase. However, it becomes complicated for a first-time buyer or someone looking to change their product’s brand.
Either you are buying online or in a physical store, features to look for are the same and they have been discussed above in this article. This is a complete buyers’ guide and a review of the best product you can consider in your search.