If you are wanting to avoid the cheerful and cheap meccano set that will take you three days to put together and only three minutes to fall apart, but at the same time can’t really afford the great top range models like the Model D by Concept2 then you need to consider the rower.

This particular rowing machine has an appealing mixture of solid structure, compact design, and adaptable features at the price that you would expect to pay to guarantee a great, all around workout in the privacy of your home.

Features and Specifications

Storage and Weight

Although this rower can support up to 250 lb, this machine only weighs exactly 50 lb, meaning that the high carbon steel frame is light enough that you can move it around the house without straining any muscles before you begin to exercise. As for storage, it doesn’t fold up like the other machines, but it doesn’t have to, due to its complete compact design. You can place the handles down near the foot rests in order to make it flatter.

Performance Monitor

The battery powered training computer is actually pretty good and has a high resolution LCD display screen which will record your workout data like the energy consumed, number of strokes, speed of strokes, time spent, and distance traveled. This includes an infrared sensor that you can clip to your ear to measure your pulse. The display is easy to see during your exercise and once you have learned how to use it, it can be a great training companion that will allow you to set your workout how you need it.

Resistance

The two industrial strength hydraulic cylinders that will provide continuous resistance, and they can be adjusted to how you want them, which will enable a higher challenging level of training as your fitness and strength improves. The resistance range is so amazing that even at the lowest setting possible, it is very easy and at the highest setting many people have trouble to pull it back.

Comfort

The most reassuring point is the comfort. This rower has a thick padded seat that will give luxury to at least one piece of your body while the other muscles are taking all the strain, while you are propelled smoothly backwards on the great rail mounted ball bearings. While the adjustable foot plates are able to pivot in the response of the rowing action, and the anti-slip base will ensure that you won’t begin working out in the living room and end up in your kitchen. Another good thing exactly the padded seat is that you no longer have to worry exactly chafing and you can concentrate on putting your effort into getting fit with the rower.

Appearance

There can’t be any type of argument that the Favorit by Kettler is an attractive piece of machinery. The feel and look of all the parts are impressive even before you begin to assemble it, and once you get to assembling it, and the frame takes it shape, it will come apparent that you have gotten what you have paid for, a sleek, strong, user friendly fitness machine.

Specifications

Length: 49 in/ 125 cm

Width: 31 in/ 79 cm

Color: Silver

Max. Supported Weight: 250 lb/ 113 kg

Machine Weight: 50 lb/ 23 kg

Storage: Doesn’t fold but the handles can be placed to the foot rest so that it lays flat

The Good

·      German manufactured machine, and well built

·      Compact, so that it doesn’t take up too much room

·      Variety of levels of resistance from easy to impossible

·      Nice and quiet, great for a relaxing workout

·      The motion of the arms feel as if it is actually rowing

·      Performance monitor has a variety of functions and monitors your pulse

The Bad

·      Instructions are hard to understand as if they have been translated with very little effort or professionalism. However, the machine is easy to construct.

·      The performance monitor is a bit complicated when first used.

·      250 lb isn’t a large weight to support, though there have been reports of heavier people using without any issues (so far).

The Verdict

Overall, it is a great choice for those who are wanting a well built, high quality machine which doesn’t break down or cause you to go broke. It has durability, well designed features, excellent value, and it is easy to use. The rowing experience is smooth without any unpleasant jolting at the end of the stroke, and it is very quiet.