| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Net weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECHANFIT Mag Rower Check Discounted Price | L:72.20" W:19.29" H:33.46" | 265 lbs | ~55 lbs | Magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Distance, RPM, Count, Calories, Scan, Goals |
The ECHANFIT magnetic rower can be compared in terms of features with the Sunny SF-RW5885. However, as opposed to many other rowers in this price range, it offers 16 levels of resistance and has a console with goal setting functions rather than the basic fitness meter. Its rail is also foldable, which can be a handy feature if storage space is an issue.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 75.20L x 19.29W x 33.46H inches (191L x 49W x 85H cm)
- Shipping weight: 61 lbs (27.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: Time, RPM, count, distance, calories, goals, scan
- Warranty: 1 year for parts
Frame construction
The ECHANFIT magnetic rower features a steel frame, but it also incorporates ABS parts in its
construction. For example, the covers of the drive and resistance elements and the footrests are made of durable ABS material. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are powder-coated with a durable paint finish, resistant to corrosion. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this rower model (at least for the moment).
The fully assembled trainer is smaller than other rowers, such as the WaterRower Gronk M1. However, it still is approx. 75″ (191 cm) long, and 19.2″ (49 cm) wide, so it may not fit too well in a small room, considering that it’s best to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of it and at the rear. But nonetheless, this rower is foldable. Its rail can fold up which reduces its length to approx. 29″ (73 cm).
The unit’s rail offers approx. 38″ (96 cm) of travel for the seat. Also, the footrests are placed a few inches away from the end of the rail. Therefore, this rowing machine can accommodate users with an inseam up to 43.3″ (109 cm); differently put, it can provide a complete leg extension for users up to 6’6″ (198 cm).
The ECHANFIT magnetic rower isn’t extremely heavy. With the frame fully set up, it weighs approx. 55 lbs (25 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Its front base features transport wheels which facilitate its relocation. Plus, its rear base bar is equipped with adjustable stabilizers.
One last aspect to mention here regards the rail angle. For the ECHANFIT rower, the rail is inclined forward by a few degrees. This means that the machine provides a slightly faster recovery motion and a bit of an extra difficulty for the leg-push phase.
Seat and other parts
The ECHANFIT magnetic rowing machine is equipped with a fairly large seat designed for optimal
comfort. It’s heart-shaped, similar to the seat included with the Efitment RW032. It integrates approx. 1.5″ (4 cm) of foam padding and its upholstery is made of durable vinyl material.
The base of the seat is steel made. It integrates three sets of rollers; two of them slide on top of the rail while the third is underneath it for extra stability. The rollers integrate ball bearings for smooth motion. They have rubberized outer covers to minimize noise. They’re also concealed by the side of the metallic seat frame to improve safety.
The seat and the rail are rated for a weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg) which is not bad for a machine made for home use. Also, the maximum height of the seat (when it’s extended all the way to the back), is approx. 10″ (25.4 cm), so entry and exit shouldn’t be too difficult even for users with certain disabilities or elderly users.
This rower is equipped with two large, non-adjustable footrests. They feature heel guards and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. They’re designed to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes.
The footrests have a pivoting design. This means they can swivel on their axis, so you can slightly change the angle of your feet during each stroke. But nonetheless, they have rear stoppers so they can’t swivel backward over a higher angle than approx. 50°.
The pulling handle of the rower consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This means the unit’s drive system doesn’t require any lubrication. The pulling handle is not equipped with pulse sensors like some of the most expensive rowers, and the included console does not have a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
This ECHANFIT rowing machine features a magnetic resistance system with manual action. This
means you don’t have to connect it to a power source. This also means the console does not adjust the resistance and does not have preset workout programs.
The unit’s resistance system is up to a point similar to the tension system of a magnetic upright bike. It consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension dial on top of the front unit of the machine through a steel cable. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel increasing the resistance.
As opposed to other rowers in this price and feature range, like the Sunny SF-RW5801 or the Body Xtreme BXF015, the ECHANFIT rower offers 16 levels of resistance (rather than only 8). This allows extra micro-adjustment offering better possibilities for you to find the right workout load.
The exact weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, given the weight of the machine, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It is a balanced flywheel, with more weight in its perimeter which leads to extra inertia. The internal transmission uses a poly-v belt. This type of drive is meant to reduce vibration and also eliminates the need for periodic lubrication.
It’s important to mention that since this is a magnetic rower without any water resistance or air resistance elements, it does not provide a dynamic response during rowing. Differently put, the resistance does not depend on how hard you pull the handle; it only depends on the selected tension level. This shouldn’t be an inconvenience, though, as the machine still provides a very consistent, full-body cardio workout. However, a professional rowing athlete may need the dynamic response to benefit from a more natural rowing feel.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the console included with this ECHANFIT magnetic rower does not
have any preset workout programs and cannot adjust the unit’s resistance automatically. It also doesn’t require an external power source, as it is batter-powered.
The console unit features a large LCD display (without LED backlight) which tracks time, distance, RPM, count, and calories burned. It does not integrate an HR receiver and cannot read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. Thus, if you really need to keep track of your pulse during rowing, you will have to use a separate device.
The console features three buttons. The Mode button gives you the possibility to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view; or you can select the Scan Mode, and in this case, the metrics will rotate, each one being shown for several seconds.
The Set button allows you to set up a workout goal for time, count or calories burned. When a goal is selected, the console will countdown from the selected goal to zero notifying you when you have completed your goal. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the console to zero.
The console unit does not have online connectivity, sound system or a USB port. However, it does integrate a tablet holder. Also, its mount can be folded forward to provide better storage possibilities if needed.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit with the drive and resistance elements of the machine comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts require user assembly. In other words, you will have to attach the seat to the rail, connect the seat to the front unit, add the two base bars, the footrests, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the necessary assembly instructions are shown in the manual. Tools for assembly are also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine’s rail clean to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. Other than this, you only have to check for loose bolts from time to time and keep liquids away from the exercise meter unit.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame for a home-use machine – can hold users up to 265 lbs;
- Folding frame and aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Large, padded seat for improved comfort;
- Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’6″;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Quiet magnetic resistance with 16 distinct levels;
- Exercise meter included – it tracks time, distance, count, RPM, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, count, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the exercise meter display;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The ECHANFIT magnetic rower offers 16 levels of resistance, a large comfortable seat, and a folding frame. It has a fairly decent construction with a weight capacity of 265 lbs. It also includes a console with goal setting functions for time, count, and calories. It’s an excellent machine for home use, offering the possibility to perform a full-body cardio workout, recovery training, improve your stamina, tone muscles, and lose weight. It’s also a pretty affordable trainer, currently available for less than $250.