| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina ATS 1399 Check Discounted Price | L:77" W:18" H:22" | 250 lbs | 53 lbs | Air | Frame: 3 years Parts: 90 days |
If you’re looking for a rowing machine that can produce a smooth and natural rowing stroke, one that also comes for an affordable price, air rowers are the types that you should be looking for. Of course, there are air rowing machines priced over 2,000 dollars. However, as opposed to water rowing machines, which all start at $1,000, you can still find a decent air rower within the $300 – $400 price range.
An excellent rowing machine with air resistance which falls into this price category, is the Stamina Air 1399. It’s not exactly the most inclusive and most advanced rower that you can find. But nonetheless, it gets the job done, offering training possibilities for a consistent cardio and full body workout.
Therefore, if you’ve come across this particular Stamina rower model, here’s everything that you should know about it.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77L x 18W x 22H inches (195.5L x 46W x 56H cm)
- Product weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Frame: Steel, foldable
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air
- Progress tracking computer: Basic
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
The frame of this machine is completely made of steel, except for the flywheel case, which is plastic. It’s a 2-piece, foldable frame, the folding junction being placed at the front end of the seat rail. So, basically the whole monorail along with the seat can be folded up, making the storage of the machine easier. The folded size of the machine is 18 x 28 x 48 inches (46 x 71 x 122 cm).
The rear base of this rowing machine is finished with two stabilizers, ensuring that the machine won’t wobble or move during intensity rowing sessions. They also prevent your flooring from sustaining any damage. The front base has transport wheels, making the relocation and storage of the machine easier.
The monorail of the seat is not horizontal. It forms a 15° angle with the floor. This results in a better workout for the legs, since you have to beat the gravity force up to a certain extent. It also enables the seat to come down faster, resulting in a shorter recovery motion. Although it’s not an extremely long rower, the monorail is long enough to accommodate even tall users, up to 6’7″ (200 cm), or users with an inseam up to 38″ (97 cm). The distance between the footplates and the seat’s stopper is 47″ (119 cm).
The Stamina Air Rower 1399 offers a consistently padded seat. This is actually a great feature, as it alleviates the impact on the lower back, promoting more comfort especially for extended rowing sessions. The footrests are angle-adjustable, and equipped with straps, to prevent slipping during rowing. Even though this might seem to be an insignificant aspect, beginner rowers may find difficulties keeping feet on the footrests. And most definitely those straps are extremely useful to users who must undergo recovery training, not having complete control over their legs and feet.
Since it’s an air resistance rowing machine, the Stamina 1399 has a rowing mechanism based on a flywheel, shaped like a fan. By pulling the strap of the machine, you will set the fan in motion, and the harder and/or faster you pull, the greater the resistance. The fan cage does not feature a damper though. Therefore you won’t be able to adjust the air flow level into the flywheel. In other words, the machine only has one resistance setting, which pretty much resembles rowing a racing shell through the water. This is pretty much OK for any home user who desires a good aerobic exercise, apart from running or pedaling on a bicycle. However, if you wish to train on a 
professional level, you might want to go for an air rower that features a damper.
Last but not least, this air rowing machine does include a performance monitor. Even though it’s a basic one, it will indicate the four most important values that you should be aware of during your workout. It displays speed, distance, time and calories burned. The console will cycle between these values, displaying each one of them for 6 seconds. It’s powered ON by either pushing its one button, or by pulling the rower’s handlebar. It requires 2 AA-type batteries, and it’s also battery-saving, as it will automatically shut off if there isn’t any activity on the machine for 4 minutes. In this case the data will be kept. To reset it, you simply need to hold the MODE button down for 6 seconds.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly is far from being difficult, and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The main mechanism of the machine comes already assembled, locked in its cage, and attached to the front piece of the frame. So, as far as the assembly part goes, you will have to add the seat onto the rail, the rear and front bases, the footplates, attach the handlebar to the rowing strap, connect the console, and finally attach the two main parts of the frame together. The box contains the brochure that will guide you through the process, and the tools for this task.
Also, to implement the warranty, you must register your product via email. You will also get all the instructions for this in the user’s manual.
Maintenance for this Stamina rowing machine doesn’t involve much. All you have to do is check from time to time (preferably before each training session) if all the bolts are secured in place, keep the rail free from any dirt or particles that might impair the smooth sliding of the seat, and keep moisture away from the console.
Pluses
Maybe the main plus of the Stamina 1399 air rower, is its affordable price. It’s actually a rowing machine which comes with an excellent price/quality ratio.
Since it’s a wind resistance rower, you will benefit from gradual resistance shifts as you pull, similar to rowing a boat. The harder you pull, the higher the resistance. This effect is not supplied by hydraulic or magnetic resistance rowing machines.
Sliding seat, which offers a rowing motion similar to the one supplied by a racing shell.
Consistently padded seat, for superior comfort.
Slightly inclined monorail, which offers a more intense leg workout.
Foldable frame, offering better storage possibilities. It’s also smaller in length than onther indoor rowers, which makes it a better choice for users who don’t have the luxury of space.
Has a performance monitor. Even though it’s a basic one, it still helps you track your progress.
Finally, it’s a pretty low maintenance machine.
Minuses
Although it’s a wind rower, and the resistance varies with the strength of each row, the fan cage has no damper, to reduce or increase the air flow into the fan cage. So basically, the machine has only one resistance setting.
The fan is powered by a strap, not a chain. Of course, this strap is abrasion resistant, made form a pretty tough nylon fabric, similar to seat belt. It should last for many years, but nonetheless, it’s more prone to wear and tear than a chain. So, in case it wears out, you will have to order another one.
The last one pretty much applies to all air rowers. They’re a bit noisy, as they produce a “whoosing” sound as the fan spins, and the air flows through it.
Final Word
The Stamina 1399 is one of the most affordable air rowers that you can find at the moment. Even though it doesn’t offer the training setting required by professional rowers, it still is a great machine for aerobic training, recovery training or weight loss. It can actually help you burn 3-400 calories per hour, rowing at a moderate pace. It’s a pretty sturdy and durable machine, a rower that’s worth every penny.