| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina ATS 35-1405 Check Discounted Price | L:78.5" W:19.7" H:31.5" | 250 lbs | 63 lbs | Air | Frame: 3 years Parts: 90 days |
If you’re looking for an air rower similar to the Concept2 Model D, but you’re on a budget, one particular rower to put on your list has to be the Stamina ATS 35-1405. This rowing machine, although it lacks several features when compared with a Concept2 model, it pretty much can offer a similar training setting. And maybe the best part about it, is that it costs less than half the price.
The Stamina air rower offers a simpler design, but still can be successfully used even by professional rowers. Although it’s a more affordable machine, it doesn’t lack in quality when it comes to its construction. Overall, there’s a lot to be said and to know about this particular fitness machine. In this post, we aim to cover each and every aspect regarding it.
Details and Specs
- Assembled dimensions: 78.5L x 19.75W x 31.5H inches (199L x 50W x 80H cm)
- Product weight: 63 lbs (28.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Frame: Steel, foldable
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air
- Console: Basic
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame
First of all, the frame of this rower is made of steel mostly, with a few acrylic parts (such as the caps on the bases and the footrests). Evidently, since it’s steel-made, it’s pretty durable. All metallic parts have a chrome, shiny finish, giving the frame quite a nice look.
The frame only has two bases, both featuring rubber stands on each end, in order to maximize the machine’s stability, and of course, to prevent any damage to the floor. However, since the machine is not exactly light, and you’ll be on top of it, it’s always a good idea to place it on a mat.
Even though it’s a bit less longer than other rowers, it’s still a pretty big machine, with an assembled footprint of 78.5″L x 20″W (199 x 50 cm). The frame is foldable though, the front part with the fan can be folded backwards, on top of the sliding rail. The folded rower cannot be stored vertically like other rowers. But still, when folded, its length becomes cca 46″ (117 cm), still saving you some space.
The front base of the rower is equipped with transport wheels. This makes it quite easy to move while in folded position.
The gliding rail is also made of steel, and it’s long enough to accommodate users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). However, even though it’s steel-made, it can only support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). So, to put it differently, this isn’t exactly a heavy-duty machine; not designed for heavy-set users. The rail is slightly inclined, not fully horizontal. This results in a better workout for the legs, and a faster recovery motion.
The seat equipped on the Stamina ATS 35-1405 is as comfortable as it gets. It’s foam padded and features a molded, ergonomic design. It uses smooth sliding, ball bearing rollers to move across the rail.
One last aspect regarding the frame components refers to the footrests. They’re size-adjustable and can pretty much accommodate feet of all sized. They also feature heel guards and straps, in order to secure feet in place during workouts.
Resistance system
One important aspect regarding the resistance system of this Stamina rowing machine, is the fact that there’s no adjustability to the overall resistance. The rower does not feature an air damper like other models, and you cannot adjust the amount of air that enters and leaves the flywheel chamber, in order to increase or decrease the overall resistance. However, since it’s an air rower and involves a fan-shaped flywheel, the resistance varies with each stroke, depending on how hard you pull. In other words, the consistence of your workout is strictly related to the amount of strength you put into each stroke. Each rowing motion supplies a natural rowing feel, similar to rowing an actual boat.
Another important aspect that must be mentioned here, is the level of sound emitted by this rower. Although it’s not exactly a loud machine, like in most air rowers, each stroke is accompanied by a “wooshing” sound, a bit louder than the sound made by water rowers or magnetic resistance rowers. But nonetheless, it’s far from being loud enough to be heard by your neighbors in an apartment building, for example.
The drive system of this machine involves a chain, not a nylon strap. It’s pretty similar to a bike chain, and you can be sure it will never wear out, or break. The chain is attached to a simple, straight handlebar, which features rubber foam grip, offering a comfortable and secure grip.
Performance monitor
The Stamina 35-1405 ATS air rower includes a console. Even though it’s a pretty basic one, it does keep track on most values that anyone would want to know during their workout. It displays the amount of strokes per minute (SPM) and total strokes (COUNT), distance, speed, time and calories.
The console has only one button (MODE) and it’s quite easy to operate. It’s powered on by the movement of the seat or by pushing the button. It automatically shuts down after 4 minutes of inactivity on the rower. When it shuts down, all values are kept, and if you want to reset them on your next workout, you have to hold down the button for several seconds. This performance monitor uses two AA batteries, which should be supplied with the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The 35-1405 ATS rower does not come fully assembled. However, there aren’t many parts to put together, the task is far from being complicated and shouldn’t take more than half an hour. The fan comes already attached to the rail, so pretty much all you have to do is attach the rail to the front base, slide in the seat, attach the rear base, the footrests, and the console. The tools for assembly and an pretty comprehensive owner’s manual, come with the box.
Maintenance doesn’t require much either. Since it’s a chain-drive machine, the chain must be lubricated every now and then. You must keep the rail clear of debris to prevent any damage to the rollers and rail itself. Also, make sure that no liquids reach the console, as it’s not waterproof.
The Pros
- Steel frame, with a pretty solid construction;
- Leveling rubber feet to prevent floor damage;
- Rail long enough for users up to 6’4″;
- Space saving, foldable frame;
- Molded and padded seat, for comfortable workouts;
- Extra smooth, ball bearing rollers;
- Adjustable footplates;
- Air resistance, supplying a natural rowing feel;
- Chain drive, made to last a lifetime;
- Performance monitor included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Easy to maintain;
- Excellent price/quality ratio.
The Cons
- No damper for overall resistance adjustment. However, just as in any air rower, resistance is proportionally increased with the amount of strength you pull;
- Doesn’t monitor heart rate;
- Chain may jam or jump off its gear like in most chain-drive rowers. It can easily be put back in its place though.
Summary
If you’re looking for a quality and affordable air rower for home use, the Stamina 35-1405 ATS is clearly one of the best choices you can make. Even though it doesn’t include all the belts and whistles a commercial grade rower has, it most definitely can provide you with the training setting you need, for a consistent rowing workout. It’s a great machine for your daily cardio, muscle toning and stamina building. It’s has quite a sturdy construction and won’t break so easily, and it also won’t break the bank.