| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECHANFIT rower Check Discounted Price | L:78" W:17.3" H:35.4" | 300 lbs | 85 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m Distance, Strokes, SPM, Calories, Watts, Pulse, Goals, Race program |
There are several rowing machines under the “ECHANFIT” brand name. We’ve already covered here the ECHANFIT mag rower, so in this post, we’re going to address the ECHANFIT water rower. This particular rower can be compared in terms of features with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW571 or the Marnur water rower. It’s a machine made for home use, one of the models released in 2020.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 78L x 17.3W x 35.4H inches (198L x 44W x 90H cm)
- Assembled weight: 85 lbs (38.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The ECHANFIT water resistance rower features a sturdy frame made of steel tubing. Most of the tubes in its
construction are oval, with the exception of the rail which has a rectangular design. The rail has aluminum side tracks so that the seat wheels slide smoother back and forth. All the steel tubes in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this rower, at least for the moment. The aluminum side covers of the rail are not painted, but they’re highly resistant to corrosion anyway.
The fully assembled rower is not too bulky and slightly smaller than a commercial-grade machine. It is approx. 78″ (198 cm) long, and 17.3″ (44 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine for ease of access and correct usage.
The rail assembly is pretty long as well. It is approx. 46.4″ (~118 cm) and the specified applicable inseam length for this rower is 43.3″ (110 cm). This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate users that are at least 6’3″ (190 cm) tall, allowing a complete leg extension.
The rower does not have a folding frame but can be stored vertically. It has an extra bumper on the front part of the frame which acts as a stabilizer when it is stored vertically. Also, in case you’re wondering, the water can remain inside the tank when the machine is stored vertically.
The fully assembled rower is not super heavy, but does weigh approx. 85 lbs (38.5 kg). However, once assembled, it can be easily moved by only one person. Its front stabilizer integrates a set of small wheels. Also, its rear stabilizer is equipped with a set of adjustable levelers.
Seat and other parts
The ECHANFIT water resistance rower is equipped with a sturdy seat, designed for optimal comfort. Its
top features a contoured design in order to provide a better positioning for the user. It is covered by a layer of high-density foam but it’s still firm, not super cushy.
The base frame of the seat is made of steel. It is equipped with three sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the aluminum tracks attached to the rail, the third slides under the rail for improved stability. The wheels integrate ball bearings for a smooth motion. They are also rubberized to minimize noise.
The top of the seat is situated at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. Therefore, entry and exit can be done with ease and should not pose a problem even for users with certain disabilities, back problems, etc. Both the rail and the seat are pretty sturdy; they should be able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
This ECHANFIT rower is equipped with a set of adjustable footrests. They are attached to a metallic plate but their adjustable parts are made of durable nylon material. They have heel guards and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them if necessary.
The machine’s footrests do not pivot. Their base plate is welded to the frame. They offer an angle of approx. 45°.
The machine’s pulling handle consists of a short bar featuring foam grip covers for improved comfort. It is attached to a durable nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. Since it’s a strap and not a chain, it does not require lubrication and the rowing motion is smoother and quieter.
Resistance system
This ECHANFIT rower is equipped with a water resistance system. It integrates a water tank made of durable 
polycarbonate plastic. Its exact capacity is not specified, but similar to other rowers in this feature range it should be around 4 gallons (18 liters).
The machine’s tank does not have an integrated water level adjustment system like the First Degree Fitness Viking II, for example. However, you can adjust the overall resistance by adding or removing water from the tank manually. A funnel and a small pump are included with the rower for this purpose. There are also six levels marked on the tank and it should not be filled over the sixth marking.
The main resistance-generating element is the large, six-blade impeller integrated into the tank. The impeller is connected to the pulley system of the rower and ultimately to the pulling strap. Therefore, as you pull the handle, the impeller spins inside the water tank and adds resistance to the ride.
Like any other water resistance rower, the ECHANFIT model provides a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance increases if you stroke at a faster rate which is similar to rowing a real boat through the water.
The rower does generate some noise during usage. However, it is not extremely loud and it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a low volume. It’s also quite appealing compared to the sound generated by certain air resistance rowers.
Fitness monitor and other accessories
The ECHANFIT water resistance rower includes a fitness monitor similar to the Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW. It
features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute (SPM), distance, calories, watts, and pulse. It’s important to mention, though, that the machine does not integrate any pulse sensors. So, in order for the unit to read your pulse, you should wear a 5.3 kHz heart rate chest strap. This accessory is not included.
The monitor unit does not have online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. However, it offers two workout modes. These are Manual and Race. In manual mode, it simply tracks your workout metrics. It also offers the possibility to set up workout goals for time, strokes, calories, and distance. The race mode is basically a workout program with multiple difficulty levels. It offers a workout setting where you have to compete with the computer for a certain distance and time span.
The unit also features a Recovery function which has its own quick selection button on the left of the keypad. This requires you to use a heart rate strap. If the conditions are met, by pressing the Recovery button at the end of the workout, the unit will indicate your heart rate recovery status, or your cardiovascular fitness level, from F1 (excellent) to F6 (poor).
Other notable accessories included with this ECHANFIT rower are the bottle holder and the tablet holder. The bottle holder is placed between the two footrests. It is made of flexible nylon material and should be able to accommodate most hydration bottles. The tablet holder features a long, angle-adjustable arm with a large, adjustable clamp that can support any tablet or phone.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front section of the rower with the water tank and all the resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the front stabilizer, the rail, the seat, the rear stabilizer, the fitness monitor, and the tablet holder, then add water into the tank. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to either change the water inside the tank every month or treat it every six months with one of the provided chlorine pills. Other than this, you only need to keep the machine clean and periodically check if all the parts still function correctly.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Can be stored vertically;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Ergonomic, contoured seat;
- Ergonomic handle to minimize stress on the wrists;
- Durable, adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Dual rail system with side aluminum cover for improved sturdiness and seat stability;
- Long rail for users up to 6’3″ (190 cm);
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, time/500m, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, watts, pulse, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, strokes, calories, and distance;
- Race program with 15 settings;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Bottle holder included;
- Adjustable device holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
- All the tools for the assembly are included.
The Cons
- A heart rate chest strap is not included with the machine;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The ECHANFIT water resistance rower is a fitness machine made for home use. It features a steel frame with an applicable inseam length of 43.3″, a user weight limit of 300 lbs, a contoured seat for optimal comfort, and a fitness monitor with two workout modes (manual and race). It also includes an adjustable tablet holder. In all, it’s a fairly decent machine for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.