MaxKare Magnetic Rower

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Product weight	Resistance	Console
MaxKare Magnetic Rower Check Discounted Price	L:76.4" W:18.9" H:18.5"	243 lbs	64 lbs	Magnetic, 16 levels	Time, Count, TCount, SPM, Calories, Scan

The MaxKare magnetic rower is an entry-level machine made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Efitment RW025 or the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5634. However, it offers 16 resistance settings (twice as more), and a sturdier construction. It’s also an affordable machine, and one of the highest-rated in this price range.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 76.4L x 18.9W x 18.5H inches (194L x 48W x H cm)
• Assembled weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
• Flywheel: 7 lbs (3.1 kg)
• Weight capacity: 243 lbs (110 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Resistance type: Magnetic, 16 levels
• Console: Time, SPM, count, total count, calories, scan
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

The MaxKare magnetic rower features a frame made of steel tubing. However, it also integrates ABS parts in its construction. The most notable ones are the flywheel covers and the base caps. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color of the paint coating is gray, while the ABS covers are black and white. This is the only color combination available for this machine.

Although it’s not as large as a professional rower, the MaxKare model still offers a fairly long rail. It can accommodate users with an inseam up to 42″ (107 cm), or differently put, users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem. It is also rated for a user weight capacity of 243 lbs (110 kg), but users up to 285 lbs (130 kg) have reported that it holds pretty well even to this weight.

The fully assembled machine measures 76.4″ (194 cm) in length and 18.9″ (48 cm) in width. Plus it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room.

On the other hand, the rower is foldable. Its rail with the seat can fold up. The junction between the rail and the front section of the frame features a locking knob. You can simply unscrew this knob to unlock the rail and fold it up for better storage possibilities. With the rail folded up, the unit’s length is reduced by approx. 60%.

The fully assembled unit is not too heavy. It weighs approx. 64 lbs (29 kg); therefore, it can be assembled by only one person. Its front base has transport wheels so you can easily relocate the assembled unit. Also, its rear base features a set of adjustable stabilizers.

Seat and other parts

The MaxKare magnetic rower is equipped with a padded seat. Its top integrates approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding. It is also slightly contoured to provide a better positioning, while its cover is made of a durable, double-stitched, vinyl material.

The seat frame is made of steel like the rest of the frame. It integrates three sets of wheels; two are placed above the rail while the other is under it for extra stability. The wheels have a layer of rubber material on the outside to dampen noise and integrate ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. They are also concealed by the side sections of the seat frame to improve safety.

One last aspect with regards to the machine’s seat is its height. The rail is slightly oblique; at its highest point all the way to the back, it is approx. 10.2″ (26 cm) above floor level.

This MaxKare rower features a set of durable footrests made of nylon material. They have a pivoting design; this gives you the possibility to slightly adjust the position of your feet with each stroke, resulting in a more comfortable experience. They have a non-slip surface, heel-guards, and adjustable straps in order to keep your feet secured during your workout. They also have metallic stoppers at the heel so they won’t incline backward more than 45°-50°.

Last but not least, the unit’s pulling handle is a short straight bar. It has rubberized grips for extra comfort and is attached to an abrasion-resistant nylon mesh strap. It does not integrate any pulse sensors or resistance controls as for other, more advanced rowers. Also, given the fact that the handle is attached to a strap, not a chain, the rowing motion is considerably quieter and the strap does not require lubrication.

Resistance system

This MaxKare rower is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t have to connect it to a power source. Also, its console cannot adjust the resistance automatically.

The main resistance elements are an internal magnetic brake, the flywheel, and the tension knob on top of the front unit of the machine. The brake is connected to the tension knob through a steel wire. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, it moves closer to the flywheel which increases the overall resistance.

As we’ve mentioned above, the MaxKare magnetic rower offers 16 resistance levels. The lowest resistance level delivers a fairly light rowing difficulty. But from level to level, the resistance increases considerably. The 16th tension level definitely offers the possibility to perform a very consistent, full-body cardio workout.

It’s important to mention here that the machine does not offer a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance is strictly determined by the selected tension level. It does not depend on how hard you pull, as it is the case for water resistance rowers, or air resistance rowers. This is not necessarily a downside because the unit still provides a great workout, but a professional athlete may need the dynamic response as well.

Since this machine doesn’t have any air resistance elements, its usage generates very little noise. This makes the machine suitable for apartment use. The integrated flywheel weighs approx. 7 lbs (3 kg). It’s not extremely heavy, but this weight is just enough to deliver a consistent momentum for rowing, along with the magnetic braking mechanism. The flywheel is also perimeter weighted which results in extra motion stability.

Exercise meter

The MaxKare rower is equipped with a basic console or fitness meter. It features an LCD display that tracks time, count (strokes per session), strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes and calories burned. In case you’re wondering, it does not indicate distance and does not have a pulse reading function.

The unit’s display is divided into two sections. The top section always shows the count metric, while the lower section indicates time, SPM, total strokes, and calories.

The unit has one button. By pressing this button, you can scroll through the four metrics shown on the bottom display and select the one you want to view. Or, you can select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates them, showing each one for a few seconds.

The rower’s meter unit is battery-powered; the batteries are included. It starts when you begin rowing or if you press the MODE button, and also has a sleep function to which will enter after several minutes of inactivity on the machine.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front section of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements, and the fitness meter, comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to insert the seat onto the rail, connect the rail to the main unit, add the rear and front stabilizers, and the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The task is pretty straightforward and all the necessary tools are included.

The internal parts of the rower shouldn’t need any lubrication or maintenance for a long period of time. Therefore, in terms of maintenance, you should only keep the unit clean, especially the rail, and periodically check for loose parts.

The Pros

• Durable steel frame construction;
• Folding design;
• Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
• Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizers;
• Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
• Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
• 16 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
• Ergonomic, padded seat for optimal comfort;
• Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
• Exercise meter included – it can track time, count, t-count, SPM, calories;
• Bottle holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No backlight on the fitness meter;
• No pulse reading function.

Summary

The MaxKare magnetic rower offers 16 levels of resistance, a durable frame, and a long rail, being able to accommodate users up to 6’5″. It also integrates an exercise meter that tracks time, strokes per minute, strokes per session, total strokes, and calories burned. Although it’s a machine made for home use, it can provide a very consistent, full-body cardio workout, which makes it great for stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable magnetic rowers at the moment.