| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ActionLine A80618 Check Discounted Price | L:81" W:18" H:32" | 300 lbs | 83 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 16 levels | 12 programs, 4 user profiles, Recovery, |
The ActionLine A80618 is a full digital magnetic rowing machine, similar to the Kettler R220. Although it’s not a commercial-grade machine, it has a sturdy construction and offers an impressive range of features. We’ll cover each and every one of them in this post, along with its pros and cons.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 81L x 18W x 32H inches (206L x 45W x 81H cm)
- Assembled weight: 83 lbs (37.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Resistance: Digital magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 12 programs, 4 user profiles, recovery function
Frame & parts
The ActionLine A80618 rower features a steel & aluminum frame construction. The front part of its frame that supports the drive
and resistance system, as well as the core part of the rear stabilizer, are made of steel. The gliding rail of the seat is aluminum made; compared to other rowers, the rail is considerably wider, which results in a superior stability for the seat. Of course, the machine also incorporates several ABS material parts. Among them, we can count the covers of the drive system and the cover of the rear stabilizer. These, however, do not reduce the overall sturdiness of the machine. The rail with the seat assembly can hold users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
This ActionLine rower is fairly large lengthwise. With the frame fully assembled and in the usable position, it is approx. 81″ (206 cm) long, and 18″ (45 cm) wide. The unit’s highest point is given by its console; its top end stands at approx. 32″ (81 cm) above floor level. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine, to be able to correctly and safely execute the rowing motion.
On the other hand, this rowing machine is foldable. The rail can be folded up and locked in the upright position. With the rail folded up, the unit’s depth becomes approx. 33″ (84 cm), while its height becomes approx. 55″ (140 cm).
The unit is not extremely heavy; it weighs approx. 83 lbs (37.6 kg). This weight, plus your own weight, results in an excellent overall stability. The front base is equipped with transport wheels, though, so its relocation shouldn’t be a problem as long as you can handle 35-40 lbs (15-18 kg).
As we’ve mentioned above, the unit’s rail is at least one inch wider than the average rower monorail. It can be compared to the rail of the Sunny ASUNA 4500 machine. Due to its width, it provides an excellent stability.
The rail is not fully horizontal. It’s approx. 2° inclined at the front. This leads to a slightly faster and easier recovery motion, 
and a slightly more consistent workout for the legs during the pull. It’s a fairly long rail, offering approx. 44″ (111 cm) of movement travel for the seat. This being said, the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension.
The seat is fairly large; it’s approx. 14″ (36 cm) wide, and approx. 10″ (25 cm) deep. It features a thick layer of padding and a durable, perspiration-proof top with a contoured design. Its frame assembly is made of steel. It integrates a set of six wheels, three on each side; the wheels are equipped with high-grade ball bearings, in order to deliver a smooth and quiet motion. The wheels are also concealed to maximize safety.
The machine’s footrests have a pivoting design, similar to the ones on the Efitment RW025 model. They slightly adjust their angle as you pedal, in order to allow your feet to adopt the most comfortable position during the rowing motion. They’re made of durable nylon material. They’re equipped with adjustable straps and heel guards offering the possibility to perfectly secure your feet.
The pulling handle is a standard straight bar with rubberized grips for optimal comfort and adherence. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which provides a smooth and quiet motion, little vibration and does not require any lubrication as a chain drive.
Drive & resistance
The ActionLine A80618 is a full digital magnetic rower. This means it requires to be connected to a power source for its resistance
system to function. A 110V-240V A/C adapter is included with the unit. Also, the resistance can only be adjusted from the console unit. The resistance is automatic; some of the preset programs on the console will auto-adjust the rowing tension, depending on the segment of the program.
The resistance system consists of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance, the brake will move closer or farther from the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the intensity of the internal magnetic field, which ultimately results in more or less tension during rowing.
Since it’s a full-magnetic rowing machine, it does not offer a dynamic response during rowing, as an air rower like the Concept2, or a fluid rower like the Sunny Obsidian Surge SF-RW5713. In other words, the resistance remains constant, strictly related to the selected resistance level. It doesn’t depend on how fast you row. This shouldn’t be an inconvenience for anyone who just wants to achieve a consistent, full-body cardio workout. However, a professional athlete may need a rowing response as close as possible to rowing a real boat.
The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. The first level delivers a very light resistance, great for users who require recovery training. Alternatively, the top 14-16 settings offer quite a high level of difficulty which can help you achieve a quick and intense burn.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, it’s not a very heavy part. Considering that the whole weight of the machine is approx. 83 lbs (37.6 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs 9 kg). Also, since the machine’s resistance system is magnetic, the internal transmission uses a poly-v belt, not a chain.
Console
The ActionLine A80618 magnetic rower is equipped with an advanced console featuring a large LCD display with blue LED
backlight and large digits, offering an excellent readability. Its display is divided into several sub-sections and shows all the workout metrics simultaneously. The three left panels show time/500m, strokes per minute, and distance. The three right windows show total strokes, watts, and pulse. The watts window alternates with the calories window. Also, the central larger window shows the profiles of the selected program.
The console unit is telemetric. It can read your pulse via a Polar T34 wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is included with the machine.
The console does not have online capabilities but does have 12 preset programs to keep you motivated. Some of these programs focus on heart rate, some offer an interval setting, and one emulates a race. Of course, there’s also the manual program which gives you the possibility to exercise freely, while changing the resistance from the Up/Down keys as you like during your session.
On the list of console features, we can add the four user profiles. Each user profile gives you the possibility to input your personal data such as weight and age, in order to benefit from a more accurate calorie reading. You can also save any modification you have made to a program to one of the user profiles.
A recovery function is also available. This allows you to calculate your fitness level. When initiated, the console will measure the time that your heart rate takes to get to normal and will give you a fitness rating between F1 (Excellent) – F6 (Poor).
One last aspect to mention here regards the mount of the console. It’s a tilt mount which lets you adjust its angle in order to benefit from a perfect view of your workout statistics.
Assembly & Maintenance
The front section of the machine which includes the drive system and resistance elements comes in one piece. However, you will still have to attach the other elements, including the monorail, the rear stabilizer, the footrests and the console. This may take more than an hour. The manual does provide very clear assembly instructions, though, and the tools needed for it are included as well.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Since it’s a magnetic resistance machine, there’s basically no wear and tear between the resistance elements, so you don’t have to worry about replacing any brake pads. Basically, the whole maintenance only requires you to keep the seat rail free of any debris that might cause damage to the rollers.
The Pros
- Solid and sturdy frame, able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels;
- Pivoting footrests with straps and heel guards for maximum foot stability;
- Contoured and padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Full-automatic magnetic resistance with 16 available levels;
- Multi-panel console with shows all the workout metrics simultaneously so you won’t have to use a SCAN function;
- LED backlight on the console;
- 12 workout programs;
- 4 user profiles;
- Recovery test function;
- T34 Polar HR chest strap included;
- Extremely quiet machine;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No adjustable stabilizers, so it’s best to place and use it on a rubberized mat;
- No online connectivity;
- No tablet holder.
Summary
The ActionLine A80618 is a full-digital magnetic rowing machine featuring a steel-aluminum construction, with a space-saving design. It’s a sturdy rower, being able to support users up to 300 lbs. It’s equipped with a telemetric console which offers 12 workout programs, 4 user profiles, and a recovery function. The console can read your pulse, and a T34 HR transmitter is included. It’s a machine for users of all levels, great for light to intense cardio workouts, recovery training, interval training, muscle toning and weight loss. In all, it’s a pretty decent fitness machine and costs quite a bit less than most other commercial rowers.