| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Endurance R300 Check Discounted Price | L:95.1" W:24.4" H:39.8" | 330 lbs | 81.1 lbs | Air, 9 levels | 8 programs |
The Body-Solid Endurance 300 is a pretty similar rower to the Concept2 Model D. It’s definitely a commercial-grade machine, made to withstand prolonged wear within the premises of a gym facility. It’s an air resistance machine with an adjustable system and also includes a programmable console.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 95.1L x 24.4W x 39.8H inches (241L x 62W x 101H cm)
- Assembled weight: 81.1 lbs (36.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air, 9 levels
- Console: 10 programs
- Warranty: Frame 15 years / Parts 3 years / Electronics 2 years / Wear items 6 months / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Body-Solid Endurance 300 rower features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support users up
to 330 lbs (150 kg). The frame is made of steel tubing, but the machine also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the covers of the flywheel and several other small parts are made of durable ABS plastic.
As opposed to the Concept2 rower, the Endurance 300 model does not have a folding frame. However, the rail is easily detachable from the front part with the resistance system, so the unit can be split into two parts to take less space when it’s not in use.
The fully assembled machine is quite large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 95″ (241 cm) long, and 24.4″ (62 cm) wide. The rail is long enough to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension and a complete range of motion.
The machine’s base bars do not have adjustable stabilizers but they do rest on small rubber pads to protect the floor. They also prevent it from moving during more intense routines.
Last but not least, this rower is fairly heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 81 lbs (36.7 kg). However, once it is assembled, it can easily be transported by using the small wheels attached to the front base bar.
Seat and other parts
The Body-Solid Endurance 300 includes a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of high-density
foam; it’s not super soft, but not extremely hard either. Its surface is contoured to provide better positioning and to prevent you from sliding backward during the push phase of the rowing motion.
The seat is placed at approx. 13″ (35 cm) above floor level. Therefore, entry and exit shouldn’t be too difficult even for users with certain disabilities or elderly users. It’s also important to mention that the rail is completely horizontal, not slightly inclined as for other machines, such as the Tunturi R30, for example. Thus, the leg-push phase does not require that slight extra effort.
The seat frame is steel-made, durable enough to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). It is equipped with two sets of wheels which integrate ball bearings. On the outside, the wheels have rubberized shell, designed to minimize noise and provide a smooth travel for the seat.
The Endurance 300 air rower features two adjustable footrests. They offer 7 adjustment positions each and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.
The footrests attach to the frame via two steel rods each. Therefore, they do not pivot. Their position is fixed at an angle of approx. 45°.
The unit’s pulling handle features an ergonomic design. It is slightly curved towards the user in order to provide a more natural hand positioning and minimize the impact on the wrists. It does not integrate any pulse sensors, but the machine’s console does have a pulse reading function.
Drive and resistance
The Endurance 300 from Body-Solid is an air resistance rower. The main resistance-generating element is the
large flywheel-fan at the front of the unit. The machine does not have a magnetic brake or an additional eddy current resistance system, but the fan casing is equipped with a damper. Therefore, you can adjust the damper in order to change the airflow inside the fan casing to increase or decrease the overall resistance.
The unit’s damper offers 9 resistance settings. The lowest delivers a fairly light resistance, while the 9th setting provides quite a bit of extra difficulty. Since the machine does not have a magnetic brake, the resistance is not automatic, and the console does not control the resistance adjustment in any way.
One of the most important aspects that we have to mention here is the dynamic response provided by this machine, which is pretty much specific to any air resistance rower. This means that regardless of the selected level on the damper, the resistance generated by the fan also depends on how hard you pull. Differently put, if you will pull the handle harder, the flywheel will spin faster and therefore generate more resistance. This can be quite a plus for professional rowing athletes which may need a rowing sensation as close as possible to rowing a real boat through the water.
It’s also important to mention that the main drive element of the Endurance 300 rower is a chain, not a nylon strap. This type of drive can basically last a lifetime if it’s properly lubricated. Also, the fan casing is designed to minimize noise, so the machine is not too loud.
Console
Although the console of the Endurance R300 air rower does not have any online capabilities, it does provide
an impressive range of features. To begin with, it has an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once, so you don’t have to use a scan function to rotate them. The display tracks time, strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, watts, calories burned, and pulse. It also indicates “paddle width” which essentially is the distance per stroke, a function that very few other rower computers show.
The distance can be set to either kilometers or miles. Also, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included with the machine, though.
The console unit has 8 built-in programs to keep you motivated. The 1st program is the Quick Start program which basically allows you to row freely while the console simply monitors all your workout stats. The next three programs are goal programs for distance, time, and calories. For each one of these, you can select a goal and the console will count down from it until you finish it. The 5th program is a game program which requires you to row slower or faster in order to move a line (your boat) through a set of obstacles. The last three programs are 20/10, 10/20, and 10/10 interval programs.
The console is very easy to use. It requires two C size batteries. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press on of the buttons. It also automatically shuts down after 20 seconds of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
Needless to say, the flywheel section comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require assembly. Therefore, you will have to attach the rail frame with the seat to the front frame part, connect the front and rear stabilizers, add the footrests and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools is also included.
Since it’s an air resistance rower, it is recommended to remove the dust from the fan casing periodically. This can be done with ease by vacuuming the unit from the outside. The chain also needs periodic lubrication, and the rail should be kept clean to prevent any damage to the seat wheels.
The Pros
- Commercial grade construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Easily detachable rail for better storage possibilities;
- Front wheels for transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers;
- Long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Padded, contoured seat;
- Adjustable footrests with straps and heel guards;
- Air resistance, providing a dynamic response during rowing;
- Multi-window rower computer which can track time, distance, calories, watts, pulse, spm, total strokes, and paddle width;
- 8 workout programs including 20/10, 10/20, and 10/10 preset intervals;
- Phone holder included;
- Easy to handle and relocate;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No backlight on the computer unit;
- An HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Body-Solid Endurance R300 is a commercial-grade air resistance rower, offering 9 resistance levels, an extra-long rail, and a console with 8 distinct workout programs. It’s a rowing machine for users of all levels, from beginner to pro, great for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, even though it’s not the most affordable air rower, it definitely offers excellent value for the price.