| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluefin Blade Check Discounted Price | L:64" W:20" H:28" | 220 lbs | 84 lbs | Air and Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Count, SPM, Calories, Scan, Goals, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible |
The Bluefin Fitness Blade is one of the rowers released in 2020. It has a similar size, design, and console to the Bluefin Blade 2.0 that we’ve already reviewed here. However, it combines air and magnetic resistance for a dynamic response and a rowing sensation closer to rowing a real boat.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 64L x 20W x 28H inches (163L x 51W x 71H cm)
- Shipping weight: 84 lbs (38 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Frame: Steel and aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air and magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, count, SPM, calories, goals, Bluetooth, compatible with Kinomap
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 12 months
Frame construction
The Bluefin Fitness Blade air and magnetic rower combines aluminum, steel, and ABS plastic parts in its construction. 
The rail is made of extruded aluminum, the front and rear stabilizers are steel-made, while the console casing, and the drive system casing are made of durable ABS plastic. The steel frame sections feature a black paint finish while the aluminum rail is not painted but the aluminum itself is highly resistant to corrosion.
The rower is not too large compared to other machines, such as the AssaultRower Elite, for example. It is approx. 64″ (163 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance at the rear of the rail, and on each side of it, for easy access and correct usage.
The unit’s rail offers approx. 36″ (91 cm) of seat movement. This being said, the rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).
Unlike the Blade 2.0 model, the Blade rower model features a folding rail, similar to the YOSUDA H-185, for example. With the rail folded up, the unit’s length is reduced to approx. 1/3. The rear stabilizer also folds.
The machine isn’t super heavy but the package does weigh approx. 84 lbs (38 kg), so it may require two people for transport. But once it is assembled, the rower is easy to move. Its front base bar integrates a set of small wheels.
Seat and other parts
The Bluefin Fitness Blade rower is equipped with a padded seat and contoured seat. It is approx. 16″ (40.6 cm) wide, 
so it provides plenty of contact surface. The rail itself is also pretty wide for extra seat stability.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates two sets of wheels that slide through the side grooves of the rail. They are all concealed by the side sections of the metallic seat frame for improved safety. They’re silicone wheels with sealed bearings for a smooth and quiet seat motion.
The machine’s rail has approx. 10° of incline. Therefore, it provides a slightly better workout for the legs than a rower with a horizontal rail. Since the rail is inclined forward, the seat is higher from the ground when pushed all the way to the back. At its highest point, it is approx. 13″ (33 cm) above the floor.
The rower is equipped with a set of adjustable footrests. Their base is made of steel while the adjustable sections are made of nylon material. They should be able to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They have heel guards and adjustable straps. The machine’s footrests do not pivot on their axis. They have a fixed angle of approx. 45°.
The pulling handle is a short straight bar. It features rubber foam grips for improved contact. It does not have pulse sensors or any type of controls for the rower. It attaches to a durable nylon strap which connects to the internal drive mechanism of the machine. The rower does not use a chain so you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. The internal bungee cords and pulleys are also nylon made, while the pulleys have internal ball bearings.
Resistance system
The Bluefin Fitness Blade rower combines an air resistance system with a magnetic resistance system. First of all, 
its front unit incorporates a large fan connected to the machine’s pulley system, which spins inside its casing when you pull the handle. This air resistance system does not have a damper like the one of the Concept2 rower, so you cannot adjust the amount of air that enters and exits its casing. In other words, you cannot adjust the overall air resistance.
But nonetheless, just like any other air rower, the Bluefin Blade model offers a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, if you pull the handle faster, the fan will also spin faster inside its casing and will generate more air resistance.
The machine also integrates a metallic flywheel and a magnetic brake. This offers the possibility to adjust the overall resistance provided by the rower. The magnetic brake is connected to the tension knob at the base of the resistance unit of the rower. Thus, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the overall resistance. Conversely, when you turn the knob to the left, the magnets move away from the flywheel and the overall resistance is reduced.
The rower’s magnetic resistance offers 8 distinct levels. On the lowest level, the magnets provide very little extra tension, so you will basically work out only with the resistance created by the fan. Conversely, on the 8th tension level, the machine provides considerably more resistance great for anyone who wants to improve stamina and burn extra calories.
Last but not least, since the rower is equipped with an air resistance system, it is not exactly quiet. When the fan spins at a high speed, it does generate some noise. However, the noise level is not too loud; as a general idea, you should be able to hear the sound of a TV set at a moderate volume level.
Console
The Bluefin Fitness Blade comes with the same type of console as the Blade 2.0 that we’ve already covered here. 
Its equipped with a Bluetooth module and is compatible with the Kinomap app. It has two QR codes on it so you can easily install the app which is available for both Android and iOS devices. The Kinomap application offers the possibility to track your progress online, view various training videos, or row in different locations around the world.
It’s important to mention here, that the installation of the app, or its usage is not necessary to use the rower. The console itself has an LCD display with blue LED backlight and tracks time, distance, strokes (count), strokes per minute, and calories burned. The distance is shown in meters and you cannot set it to other units. There is no time/500m function. Also, the console display has a field reserved for pulse, but the rower does not have any pulse sensors, and it is not clear if you can pair it with any type of heart rate monitor. The manual does not specify the pulse reading function or any heart rate monitors compatible with the machine.
The console does not have pre-set programs but does have four goal settings for time, distance, count, and calories. If a goal (or target) is selected for any of these workout metrics, the console will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.
Finally, the console is pretty easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the desired functions, the Set button covers the goal function, and the Reset button clears the data to zero. The console is battery-powered and also has a sleep mode function; it will automatically turn off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The air and magnetic resistance unit of the rower comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, the rail with the seat, the rear stabilizer, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included, and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rail, to prevent damage to the seat wheels. If the fan accumulates dust, you can vacuum it from the outside, without having to take the covers apart. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 220 lbs;
- Folding frame;
- Folding rear stabilizer;
- Padded, large seat for optimal comfort;
- Large, adjustable footrests with straps and heel guards;
- Air resistance system for a dynamic response;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- LED backlit console – it tracks time, distance, count, SPM, and calories burned;
- Goal setting for time, distance, count, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Kinomap app;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pre-set programs;
- No time/500m function.
Summary
The Bluefin Fitness Blade is a rowing machine designed for home use. It is equipped with an air resistance system and an 8-level magnetic resistance system. It features a durable aluminum rail, a large padded seat, and a console that tracks the most important workout metrics. The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and it is compatible with the Kinomap app. In all, it’s a fitness machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.