| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BATTIFE Red Walnut Check Discounted Price | L:82.7" W:22.4" H:21" | 350 lbs | 60.8 lbs | Water | Time, Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Targets, Intervals, Bluetooth |
The BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut is one of the rowing machines released in 2019. It’s a water resistance wooden rower similar to the ones from WaterRower. However, it costs considerably less (about half the price), and comes with a different fitness monitor which connects to the FitShow app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82.7L x 22.4W x 21H inches (210L x 57W x 53H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60.8 lbs (27.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Solid red walnut wood
- Footrests: Size-adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: 3 workout modes, Bluetooth
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
As the title suggests, the BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut rower features a frame made of red walnut wood. All the 
wooden parts feature a lacquered finish for a glossy aesthetic aspect. Of course, the machine’s hardware is made of steel, while the covers of the side rails and the footrests are made from a durable thermoplastic material. Most of the non-wood parts are black or dark gray.
The rower is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 83″ (210 cm) long, and 22.4″ (57 cm) wide, while its highest point is approx. 21″ (53 cm) above the floor. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side of the unit, for ease of access and to be able to execute the rowing motion correctly.
The unit’s rails are pretty long; the applicable user inseam length is approx. 40″ (101 cm). Thus, the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
Like most other wooden rowers with a non-folding frame, the BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut can be stored vertically. Needless to say, this reduces its footprint to 22.4″L x 21″W (57 x 53 cm), while its height becomes 83″ (210 cm). When the rower is stored vertically, the water can remain inside the tank.
The rower is not too heavy. Its net weight is only approx. 61 lbs (27.5 kg). It comes in two separate boxes which can be easily carried by only one person. Once it is assembled, it can easily be relocated as its front base features two large transport wheels. Also, the rower rests on large rubber pads for maximum stability.
Seat and other parts
The BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut rowing machine is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its 
top section is padded and contoured to alleviate impact and to prevent the user from sliding off during rowing. It is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Also, its height is approx. 12″ (30.5 cm) above the floor.
The base of the seat is made from the same type of red walnut wood as the rest of the frame with steel hardware. It has eight wheels. Four of them slide on top of the rails, the other four slide on the inner sides of the rails for improved stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings and a thick rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet motion.
The machine is equipped with an ergonomic, oval handle. It has PVC foam grips for improved contact. The handle is approx. 15″ (38 cm) long and attaches to a strap made of synthetic fibers, highly resistant to abrasion. Although this type of drive is not as durable as a chain, it still comes with several advantages. For example, the strap does not need lubrication and does not generate extra noise when the machine is in use.
The rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. As we’ve mentioned above, they are made from a durable thermoplastic material. They are also flexible, they have adjustable straps, and heel guards so you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
The footrests are size-adjustable. They should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. Their angle is non-adjustable, though. They attach to the wooden board that closes the frame over the water tank and have an angle of approx. 45°.
Resistance system
It’s pretty obvious that the BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut rower features a water resistance system. It is equipped
with a durable polycarbonate material water tank. It has a total capacity of approx. 4.5 gallons (17 liters) but its maximum fill is only approx. 4 gallons (15 liters).
The water tank integrates a two-blade impeller which is the main resistance-generating element. It attaches to the tank’s pulley system. Therefore, when you pull the handle, it spins in the water inside the tank creating resistance.
The water tank has a simple, single-chamber construction. It does not have any extra resistance-adjustment elements. Therefore, if you want to adjust the overall resistance, you will have to add or remove water from the tank manually. A water pump is included with the machine for this task.
Although the rower does not have a mechanical or magnetic resistance adjustment system, it does provide a dynamic response during rowing. This means that the resistance depends on how fast you pull the handle, or how much strength you put behind each stroke. This effect resembles the rowing of a real boat through the water which can be quite a plus especially for users who want to train on a professional level.
The rower is pretty quiet, but nonetheless, it can be heard when it is in use. The impeller generates a “woosh” noise when it spins inside the tank. The noise level is low; as a general idea, it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a low volume level.
Fitness monitor
The BATTIFE water resistance rower includes a pretty versatile fitness monitor. It’s similar to the one
included with the Mr. Captain rower. It features an LCD display that tracks time, strokers per workout, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, distance, and pulse. The distance can be set either to meters or miles. The pulse reading function requires a wireless HR chest strap or armband; this accessory is not included.
The monitor unit offers three workout modes. These are Manual, Interval Custom, and Target. As the term suggests, the Interval Mode gives you the possibility to create a custom workout interval with rest/work periods. The Target mode gives you the possibility to select targets for various metrics, such as time, strokes, calories, etc. When a target is selected, the unit will countdown from it until it reaches zero, indicating when you have completed your set up goal. And finally, the Manual mode allows you to just row, and the monitor will indicate your SPM, strokes, time elapsed, etc.
The unit also has Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with the FitShow app. You can install this app on your phone and the monitor should be able to sync with it. The app is available for both iOS and Android phones. It allows you to track your progress online, offers various rowing games, pre-determined programs, and more.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin rowing. It also automatically enters idle mode to save battery if it does not detect any activity on the machine for several minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s water tank comes pre-assembled and attached to the front section of the frame. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two rails together, attach the tank section, add the seat, the footrests, the transport wheels, and the fitness monitor. This may take up to an hour of your time, but the process is far from being difficult. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to their covers or the seat wheels. The water in the tank should either be changed periodically or treated with chlorine purification pills for rowers. Chlorine pills are not included, though.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 350 lbs;
- Aesthetic frame, made of solid walnut wood with a lacquered finish;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra stability floor protection;
- Long rails – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, calories, total strokes, strokes per workout, strokes per minute, and pulse;
- Three workout modes on the exercise meter (manual, target, and interval);
- Recovery function;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the FitShow App (for iOS and Android);
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Electric siphon pump included;
- Dust cover included;
- Workout gloves included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- A heart rate chest strap is not included.
Summary
The BATTIFE 01 Red Walnut is a water resistance rower made for home use. It features a durable walnut wood frame with long rails, an ergonomic seat, and a set of adjustable footrests. It includes a fitness monitor with three workout modes and Bluetooth connectivity which is compatible with the FitShow app. It’s a pretty sturdy machine, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg), great for users of all levels.