| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina DT Pro Check Discounted Price | L:89.75" W:20" H:40.5" | 300 lbs | 87 lbs | Air & magnetic, 10 levels | 12 programs, Recovery, Goals |
The Stamina DT Pro is not exactly one of the newest Stamina rowers but it still is available in 2019. It’s an air & magnetic rower featuring a fairly decent construction; even though its a machine made for home use, its durability and range of features are pretty close to light-commercial grade. For reference, this is the Stamina part number 35-1485.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 89.75L x 20W x 40.5H inches (228L x 51W x 103H cm)
- Assembled weight: 87 lbs (39.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 10 levels
- Console: 12 programs, recovery function
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Stamina DT Pro rower combines steel, aluminum, and ABS parts in its construction. The sliding beam is 
made of aluminum alloy for a smooth motion of the seat. It’s also fairly thick, rated for a weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a home-use machine. The rear stabilizer and the front part that sustains the fan are made of steel, while the covers of the flywheel and several other small parts are ABS made. The steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color. The aluminum rail does not have a paint finish, but aluminum is considerably more resistant to corrosion than steel anyway. The ABS covers are also black, with the Stamina logo written in white.
This rowing machine is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 89.75″ (228 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. This being said, it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, providing a complete range of motion and leg extension. The highest point of the machine is given by the flywheel casing which stands at approx. 40.5″ (103 cm) above floor level.
The fully assembled unit is fairly heavy as well; it weighs approx. 87 lbs (39.5 kg). Therefore, it provides excellent stability. The unit does not have adjustable base stabilizers like the ASUNA Ventus 8580, for example. So, it is recommended to place and use it on a mat.
The Stamina DT Pro 35-1485 is foldable. The rail with the seat can fold up, so the unit can rest on its front stabilizer and a small middle stabilizer. Both stabilizers are equipped with transport wheels, so the unit can easily be moved when it is in folded position. Also, with the rail folded up, its length is reduced to approx. 40%, so it offers better storage possibilities.
Seat and other parts
The Stamina DT Pro 35-1485 rower is equipped with a comfortable seat. Its top is made of high-density foam;
it’s firm but not extremely hard. Its surface is contoured and it features a rear and side border to prevent you from sliding backward during a harder leg push.
The base of the seat is made of steel material. It integrates three sets of wheels which have internal ball bearings in order to provide a smooth motion for the seat. Also, each wheel is rubberized on the outside to minimize noise.
It is important to mention that the machine’s seat stands at approx. 18″ (48 cm) above floor level. This can be quite a plus for elderly users or users with certain disabilities, as the machine provides an easy entry and exit. Also, the rail is horizontal, which leads to a natural leg extension, similar to rowing a race boat.
The machine’s footrests are made of durable ABS material, while the plates to which they are attached are steel made. The trays are fairly large and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have adjustable straps and small heel guards to provide an excellent foot stability.
The footrests are directly connected to the front part of the frame. They do not pivot as for other machines, like the Sunny SF-RW5854, for example. Their angle is approx. 45° for optimal foot positioning.
The unit’s pulling handle consists of a short straight bar with rubberized grips. It is attached to a durable nylon strap. This strap is highly resistant to abrasion; it delivers a smooth motion with less vibration than a chain like other models have. Plus, it does not require any lubrication.
It’s important to mention that even though this rower has a pulse reading function, its pulling handle does not have pulse sensors. So, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use a wireless HR chest strap.
Resistance system
The Stamina DT Pro is an air and magnetic rowing machine. In other words, it uses a fan as the main resistance 
generating element, but also has an internal magnetic system which gives you the possibility to increase or decrease the load.
The air resistance mechanism provides the rowing motion with a dynamic response. This produces a rowing sensation similar to rowing a boat through water. Differently put, a harder pull enables the flywheel to spin faster, which results in an increased resistance. This can be a plus for users who want to train on a professional level.
The magnetic brake offers 10 distinct tension levels. The 1st level basically lets you use just the resistance provided by the machine’s fan. The rest of the levels progressively add resistance, while the 10th setting considerably improves the tension promoting a very consistent workout.
Compared to other air rowers, the DT Pro is quieter. Of course, if you will engage in an intense and fast rowing session, the fan will be heard, but the level of noise is low; it won’t cover the sound of your TV.
It’s also important to mention that the magnetic brake is motorized. Therefore, the machine needs to be connected to a power source. An adapter is provided for it. Also, the console can automatically control the resistance adjustment and provides several workout programs.
Console
This Stamina rower is equipped with a mid-range console. It has a large LCD display with blue LED backlight.
The display is divided into several sub-sections in order to show multiple workout readings at once. It tracks time, distance, calories, strokes per minute, total strokes, watts, and pulse. The central larger window shows the program grid. The distance is shown in miles and there isn’t the possibility to set it to meters. The pulse reading function requires you to wear the included HR chest strap as the machine does not have integrated pulse sensors, just the internal receiver of the console.
The console unit does not have any online capabilities but does offer 12 built-in workout programs to keep you motivated. The first program is the Manual Mode which allows you to adjust the resistance manually from the controls on the console. The next 6 programs (from P2 to P7) are preset, offering various workout grids, such as Rolling Hills, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, and Intervals.
The 8th program is the Heart Rate Control programs. Evidently, this requires you to wear the included HR chest strap. For this program, you will have to select the desired heart rate zone and the machine will auto-adjust the resistance depending on your pulse rate, increasing the load if your pulse drops, and decreasing it if your pulse exceeds the limit. The next four programs (from P9 to P12) are User Programs. These give you the possibility to create and save four distinct programs or allow up to four different users to create or save their own custom program.
For most of these programs, you can set up goals for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected, the console will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero. This particular function allows you to progressively increase your limit in order to continuously improve.
Finally, the unit has a Recovery test. This also uses the pulse reading function. This particular extra program measures the amount of time that your heart takes to return to a normal BPM after the workout, and based on it, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).
Assembly and Maintenance
The resistance system of the machine comes pre-assembled, already attached to the front section of the frame. Therefore, you only need to attach the front base bar, connect the rail to the front part of the frame, add the seat, the rear base stabilizer, the footrests, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. A basic toolkit for assembly is included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, you can vacuum the fan if it collects dust. This doesn’t necessarily require the removal of its covers. The rail should be kept clean so that the wheels of the seat won’t sustain any damage from dirt, fibers or other small objects. Also, it’s recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if needed.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels for easy relocation;
- Contoured and padded seat;
- Fixed footrests with adjustable straps;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustability;
- Advanced console which indicates time, SPM, total strokes, watts, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Wireless HR chest strap included;
- 12 workout programs;
- Recovery function;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Only imperial units for the distance reading;
- No time/500m function.
Summary
The Stamina DT Pro 35-1485 is an air and magnetic rower featuring a sturdy frame, with a thick aluminum rail, and a console with 12 available workout programs. Its magnetic brake offers 10 levels of resistance while the fan delivers a dynamic response during rowing. It’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s definitely a decent and more affordable alternative to a commercial-grade rower.