| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conquer AR5600 Check Discounted Price | L:96" W:20" H:44" | 300 lbs | 96 lbs | Air and magnetic | Time, Time/500m, Strokes/Min, Total Strokes, Meters, Watts, Calories, Pulse, Goals, 20/10 Interval, 10/20 Interval |
As its name suggests, this Conquer rowing machine features a resistance system that combines air resistance with magnetic resistance, being similar in this respect to the Sunny SF-RW5623 and Marcy NS-6050RE. It’s not a commercial class rower, but its construction and range of features are pretty close to one.
There’s a lot to be said about this particular rower, but before we proceed with the detailed description of all of its features, there’s one particularly important aspect to be mentioned. In order to avoid any confusion regarding the identity of this fitness machine, you should know that its model number is AR5600, also being referred to as the Conquer Air-Mag rower.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 96L x 20W x 44H inches (244L x 51W x 112H cm)
- Shipping weight: 97 lbs (44 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel and aluminum
- Footrests: With adjustable straps
- Resistance type: Air and magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness computer: Time, time/500m, meters, strokes per minute, total strokes, watts, calories, pulse.
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 1 year
Frame construction and parts
The Conquer Air-Mag rowing machine features an aluminum-steel construction. Its rail is made of extruded aluminum, for a smooth and quiet glide of the seat, while the other parts of the frame, such as the front and rear stabilizers, and the front bar that sustains the 
resistance system, are made of steel. The covers of the resistance mechanism parts are made of PVC, though. The steel parts feature a black powder coating, resistant to corrosion and scratching; the rail doesn’t have any particular finish, featuring its silver, natural color.
Like most rowing machines that integrate air resistance elements, the Conquer AR5600 is quite large, especially when it comes to its length. It’s 96″ (244 cm) long, 20″ (51 cm) wide, and also requires at least on foot of clearance on each side and at the rear, for safe operation. But on the other hand, the frame has a folding design. The rail can fold vertically. Its connection point to the front part of the frame integrates a locking pin, which facilitates and secures the rail in folded or unfolded position. With the rail folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 48″ (122 cm).
This rowing machine is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 90 lbs (41 kg), but its front base integrates a set of small wheels which facilitate its relocation. Therefore, handling the assembled and folded unit shouldn’t be a problem, as you will only have to lift less than half of its total weight. The rower also has excellent stability, as its rear and front base tubes have rubberized pads on their bottom, which deliver a solid grip onto the floor.
The rower’s gliding rail is not completely horizontal. Its rear part is slightly higher than its front part, having an incline of approx. 1°. This doesn’t have any major impact on your workouts, though. However, one important aspect to mention here is that the seat is situated at approx. 18″ (46 cm) above floor level, which makes it easy to take position on the rower, or get up. This may be a plus for elderly users or users with certain disabilities.
The rail is durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It’s also long enough to accommodate tall users, over 6’5″ (195 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension.
The Conquer magnetic air rower is equipped with a fairly large seat, approx. 16″ (40 cm) 
wide, which integrates a layer of padding for extra comfort, and features a durable, synthetic upholstery. Its surface is contoured, its rear part being slightly higher than the rest, in order to prevent the user from sliding backward. Its surface also provides excellent adherence.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight bar, featuring rubber foam grips, to ensure optimal comfort. The handle is connected to a heavy-duty nylon strap, not a chain; therefore it’s maintenance free.
Last but not least, the rower’s footrests (or pedals) are made of heavy-duty PVC material. They’re equipped with adjustable straps, in order to provide maximum foot stability. They have heel guards to prevent feet from sliding off. Also, their spacing is quite comfortable, promoting a natural positioning of the feet.
Resistance system
As the title suggests, the Conquer AR5600 features a tension system that combines air resistance with magnetic resistance elements. It’s equipped with a flywheel-fan that creates the air resistance, but its overall resistance can be adjusted via a magnet-based mechanism. The flywheel fan provides a dynamic response for every stroke. Differently put, if you pull 
harder and faster, the flywheel fan will generate more resistance. Conversely, the overall resistance can be adjusted via the magnetic element, which is connected to the tension knob on the front part of the frame. By turning the dial, the magnet increases or decreases the amount of drag. There are 8 tension levels specified on the dial, and there’s quite a significant difference between the 1 and 8 settings.
Although it’s a rowing machine designed for home use, not being specifically labeled to be a commercial one, the resistance provided by it does actually rise to the requirements of a professional athlete. Differently put, it can provide workouts for users of all levels, from beginner to pro.
Just like any other rowing machines that feature air resistance, the operation of this Conquer rower does generate a certain level of noise. However, the noise created during rowing is not too loud; as a general idea, it won’t cover the sound of your TV.
Exercise meter
The console unit supplied with the Conquer Air-Mag rowing machine has quite a bit more to offer than a basic model. First of all, it features a multi-panel display, showing all its metrics at once, so you don’t have to use a SCAN function to rotate them, or continuously
press buttons to swap them. The metrics shown on-screen are time, time/500m, meters, strokes per minute, total strokes, watts, calories, pulse. The unit is telemetry enabled and can track your pulse via an HR wireless chest strap, accessory which is also included. The selected resistance
In terms of programmability, the meter unit offers target functions for time, meter and calories. In other words, you can select a certain value for each one of them and work towards that selected goal. It also has two pre-set interval programs for 20/10 and 10/20 seconds. The 20/10 interval starts with high-intensity training and counts down from 20 seconds, being followed by a 10 seconds cooldown period. Conversely, the 10/20 workout starts with a 10 seconds period of intense training, followed by a 20 seconds cooldown.
The console is battery powered. It’s also very easy to operate. It features 5 buttons: Stop, Enter, Start, and Up/Down arrow keys. The Start key basically starts a quick program. The Stop key pauses your workout. The Enter key is used to confirm a certain selected target value or program. And finally, the arrow keys are used to scroll between programs or increase/decrease the selected value for meters, time or calorie goals.
Assembly and Maintenance
Some assembly is required for this particular rowing machine. However, the flywheel, magnetic resistance system, spring, and pulleys come pre-assembled from the factory. Therefore, the assembly only requires you to attach the front stabilizer, connect the aluminum rail to the front part of the frame, add the seat, the footrests, the rear stabilizer and finally connect the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The supplied manual offers very clear and concise assembly instructions, while the tools required for it are included.
Maintenance requires dusting the trainer periodically, especially the aluminum rail, in order to prevent any debris from causing nicks in it, or damage the wheels of the seat. Also, the seat wheels may require lubrication after a while.
The Pros
- Folding, space saving design;
- Extremely solid frame, able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Air & magnetic resistance system, for a natural rowing feel and reduced noise;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Footrests with adjustable straps;
- Contoured, padded and spacious seat supplying excellent comfort;
- Multi-panel display which indicates time, time/500m, meters, strokes per minute, total strokes, watts, calories, pulse;
- Two pre-set interval workouts;
- Goal setting functions for time, meters and calories;
- Wireless HR chest strap included;
- Fairly quiet for a rower with air resistance;
- Offers excellent workouts for back, arms, legs and core muscles;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
The display doesn’t have backlight, so it may be difficult to read in a room with low lighting.
Summary
The Conquer Air-Mag 5600 is a rower featuring both air and magnetic resistance. Even though it’s not a machine made for commercial use, its construction and sturdiness are pretty close to a gym grade model. It features a folding frame, offering better storage possibilities. It’s an excellent machine for cardio training, building and regaining stamina, weight loss, and interval training, its console actually having the pre-set standard Tabata interval program. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to undertake a daily aerobic training routine that involves multiple muscle groups. And finally, it costs considerably less than a Concept2 or WaterRower model, with an outstanding price/value ratio.