Best Rowing Machines

A rowing machine is a machine that helps simulate how a rower would row in a boat. It is very useful not only as an exercise machine, but also to help coaches train their rowing teams indoors to strengthen their muscles.

A rowing machine, although not one of the top choices when it comes to personal fitness equipment is actually a very good one. Rowing is something that has to be done for between 20 and 40 minutes which makes it a very good cardio exercise, but at the same time it involves a lot of resistance training which also strengthens the muscles. It is thus useful both as an aerobic exercise machine and as a strength one.

There are different kinds of indoor rowing machines and each one gives different levels of performance. There is the piston resistance rowers that use pistons that are hydraulically dampened to provide the resistance and there is the flywheel design that uses a flywheel to get the same resistance. The piston ones are very often of a static design which means that the leg drive is absent in them. Considering that this drive is one of the most important aspects of competitive rowing this design is not very useful for anything other than light exercise.

The flywheel design is of three types but all of them use a flywheel. The differences lie in the technique used to provide the resistance. The magnetic flywheel uses a magnet to provide the braking effect while the air flywheel uses air. The water flywheel uses water and is considered by many to be the best because it is the closest when it comes to real rowing.

In terms of which one is the best, it all depends on what your budget is. There are rowing machines for $150 and there are machines for $1500. In order to help you choose the best one for you we have divided the machines into three categories depending on the price. Read on to find out what the best selling models are in each of these categories.

Low End (Under $200) Rowing Machines

The low end rowing machines are those that cost less than $200. At this price only the most basic ones are available, but then, hey, they are the low end models, right. Yet you would be surprised to find that many of them are actually quite good and that they are more than sufficient for simple daily needs. They may not be the best, why they may not even be average but they are sufficient.

1. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 rowing machine

This model is the top selling model and honestly is more than sufficient for most needs. It gives you both the leg drive as well as the arm pull and if it is not hydraulically operated but instead relies on springs, that is the reason why it is so inexpensive. Of course the action is not the same as the real thing, but if all you want to do is to work out for a good solid half an hour then this model is the one for you. At only $148 it is also one of the cheapest on the market, probably why it is the top seller too. If you are in doubt about it visit a store near you and check it out. If you like you can order it online because the store prices are around $230.

2. Stamina 1205 Precision rower

This model is also a very basic model but does not give you the leg drive. Your lower body is pretty much static and it is only your upper body that receives a workout. It is obviously not as good as the previous one which reflects in its second place ranking in terms of sale. It is also a little more expensive at $163.

The reason why it is still so popular is that it is a good robust design and not everyone wants a full body workout. Especially if you are middle aged and are not exactly flat round your middle, this model may be a better bet than the 1050. It still gives you enough of a workout so that you burn your calories but just without too much strain on your back and thighs.

If you go here you can get very competitive rates too.

3. Body rower BRW 2000

This model is probably the best of the lot when it comes to giving you a very good workout. It gives you both the leg drive as well as the arm action and is also comfortably placed. In fact it is one of the few rowers where the “oars” are actually placed just as real oars would be. This however may be a problem because it tends to take up too much space and that much of real estate for something that you would use for only half an hour a day is really a waste. This is the only one that comes with the flywheel operation that is considered better than the piston action one of the other two.

At $183 it is also the most expensive, but it is probably the design that is bringing this model to third place. If you have the space this one is probably a better option than the previous two.

Mid Range ($200 – $300) Rowing Machines

The mid range rowing machines that are between the $200 and $500 range. At this range you get a very good compromise between cost and quality and that is the reason why these machines are the most popular. Most of these machines come with the digital display that gives you a lot of information that is really wasted unless you are in serious training for some competition.

The calorie meter though is a good option because it will let you know how much you are burning. I mean it will be a cold day in hell before us average folks become interested in things like rowing speed or efficiency and most of us just want to get rid of our spare tire. We really don’t care a penny’s worth about anything else. Find below the three top selling rowing machines in this category.

1. Kettler favorite rowing machine

The Kettler is one of the most basic when it comes to design and with the Body-Rower-BRW2000 retailing at only $183 really will not sell except for one reason. It is the cheapest one with the digital display. It has only a hydraulically operated arm action as is the leg pump. Even the sculls are not the most comfortable. Yet as a simple machine that gives you a lot of information this is the one that is the most value for money. In any case most people who get these machines are not that bothered about the internal workings except how much it costs and its features. At nearly $400 it is quite a bit more expensive than the previous category.

2. Lifespan fitness RW 1000 rowing machine

The lifespan fitness is actually one of the best machines to get in this category. It is simple, very compact and yet has the rope pulley that is the best when it comes to working out. This is because most others that come with the fixed “oars” are static, in the sense that it allows only one range of motion of the arms. When you work with the rope, it is entirely free which means that you can settle into a rhythm that is most natural to you. At nearly $495 it is nearly at the top of our range, but it is still the second best selling one because it is the best one of the lot. In fact the third best seller is cheaper than this, but is not as good a machine as this one.

3. HCI fitness sprint outrigger scull rowing machine

This model is actually very similar to the body rower, but then offers a wider range of motion. This means that the sculls will actually twist and turn just as would a real scull. It also has the display that is one of the most important things in this category. At only $348 it is also quite cheap considering how much the previous model costs. In fact if you go here you can get it far cheaper than from your store. The reason why it is in third place even with all these advantages is that it is hydraulically powered. This is really not what you would expect at this level with even cheaper models coming with a flywheel operated version.

Top End (Over $500) Rowers

The top end versions are those that cost more than $500. These machines are the the cutting edge in technology and are meant for those who are really serious about their fitness. In fact the top selling model actually costs $900 while the second and third placed ones cost far less. This is because at this price range it is more the features of the machine that matters rather than the price and it shows. Preferences vary of course and that is the reason why there is a best selling and a second and third placed ones. Read on to get more details.

1. Concept2 model D rowing machine

This machine is one of the best in the market. Very compact in design, it does not occupy much space and in fact requires you to maintain your balance while rowing because if you try any gymnastics you may just tip over. It is also the air flywheel one which means that it is the closest that you can get to the real thing. In terms of design there is nothing much to fault with it and it actually has the display up high so that you do not have to look down but can read it with your head up, very important while rowing.

At $900, it is also very very expensive, but then quality always comes with a price does it not.

2. Stamina 15 9003 Deluxe conversion II

This model is a water flywheel one which means that it is probably the closest to actual rowing. It also has a seat with a backrest which looks really cool, although how exactly this will help you when you row is a big question mark. You are not exactly going to be reclining on it. It is useful though if you are going to ensure that you do not lean forward but keep your back stuck to the rest thus minimizing any strain to your lower back, something that is quite common with this type of machines.

At around $600 (it costs 900 in stores) it is a very good deal and is probably a better choice than the concept 2. The flip side to this model is that there is always a chance that the water will leak and is really something that you are looking for when you pay so much money.

3. Pro rower H2O RX-750

This model once again is a water flywheel model and actually looks really cool with a transparent water container. You can actually see the flywheel go round in the water, and is a very simple, yet effective design. There is not much to choose between the previous and this model in terms of features and both of them are as good. In fact at $600 they are the same even in price. The only differentiating factor is the fact that the previous model comes with the backrest for the seat which makes it look more upmarket, even if it does not add much to your workout.

When it comes to exercise machines the best machine depends on what you need. While the lower end of the spectrum is very price conscious, as you go up it is the features and how effective the machine is that matters more. There is no other reason why the top seller would actually cost $300 more than the second and placed options. What are you waiting for then. You have your budget and you know which the best ones are, so go indulge.

Top Sellers of Rowing Machines Online


Shop at the Rowing Machine Superstore Today!