| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW Check Discounted Price | L:81" W:23" H:41" | 300 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Recovery, Race, Manual | 2 years limited |
The AMZ-167RW is one of the Circuit Fitness rowers released in 2019. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Marcy NS-6070RW but has a slightly different design. Its base stabilizers offer a bit of extra elevation so that the seat stands higher above the floor level. Also, the rail is horizontal, not inclined forward.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 81L x 23W x 41H inches (206L x 58W x 104H cm)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Fixed, with adjustable straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW water resistance rower features a frame made of steel tubing
but also has several ABS parts in its construction, while the water tank is made of polycarbonate material. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
The fully assembled machine is not extremely large compared to other rowers, such as the Body-Solid R300 or the Stamina DT Pro. However, it still takes 81″L x 23″W (206 x 58 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at its rear for unhindered usage and ease of access. This being said, the machine may not fit too well in a small room.
On the other hand, this Circuit Fitness rower can be stored vertically. When stored, the water can remain inside the tank.
The fully assembled machine weighs around 90 lbs (41 kg). Its front base is equipped with two small wheels so you can easily relocate it once you have finished your workout. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.
The rower’s sliding rail measures approx. 40″ (101 cm), while the seat travel length is approx. 36″ (91 cm). This being said, the unit should accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension and a correct rowing motion. Also, the rail is designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
One last aspect to mention here regards the rail position. For this rowing machine, the rail is horizontal, not inclined forward. Therefore, the rowing motion is neutral.
Seat and other parts
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW rower is equipped with a seat similar to the one included with the
Marcy NS-6023RW. Its top is made of polyurethane material; it’s not super soft, but not extremely hard either. It offers optimal firmness and has a contoured surface for a better positioning.
The seat base is made of steel. It offers a bit of extra elevation compared to other rower seats. Plus, as we’ve mentioned above, the AMZ-167RW has higher rear and front base stabilizers. Thus, the top of the seat is at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. This allows an easier entry and exit which can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities.
The seat base integrates three sets of rollers. Two slide on top of the rail, the third underneath it for extra stability. The rollers are equipped with heavy-duty sealed ball bearings for a smooth seat motion while their surface features a layer of rubberized material to reduce noise.
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW water resistance rower features two pretty standard footrests. They’re made of durable ABS material. They are non-adjustable, but they’re fairly large, so they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They feature heel guards and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
The machine’s footrests do not pivot on their axis. They are fixed at an angle of approx. 45° in order to provide an optimal position for the feet during rowing, and a firm support for the leg push phase.
The pulling handle of the rower consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This means the unit’s drive system doesn’t require any lubrication. Also, the pulling handle doesn’t integrate any pulse sensors; however, the machine’s exercise meter has a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW is equipped with a durable polycarbonate water tank which has a capacity of 
approx. 4 gal (~15 liters). The tank doesn’t have a water level adjusting system like the tanks on most First Degree Fitness rowers. However, there are six levels marked on it, so in order to adjust the overall resistance, you have to manually remove or add water into it. A small pump is included for this.
The main resistance-generating element is the large, 16-blade impeller inside the water tank. As you pull the handle, the impeller spins in the water and adds drag to the rowing motion. It is important to mention, though, that even if the tank is filled up to the sixth level, the resistance generated is not extreme. But nonetheless, the machine still offers the possibility to perform a very consistent full-body workout.
Another important aspect that we must mention here regards the dynamic response provided by the machine’s resistance system. This is characteristic to all fluid resistance rowers and air resistance rowers. It means that the resistance increases if you row faster, similar to rowing a real boat to water. That’s the main reason an air rower or a water rower is a better choice for anyone who wants to train on a professional level.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW doesn’t generate too much noise during usage. However, the sound of the impeller spinning in the water can be heard.
Console
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW rowing machine includes a mid-range console. The unit is battery-powered
and requires two AA batteries. It indicates time, time/500m, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes, calories, and pulse. The distance value is shown in meters (cannot be changed to miles or yards),
The machine does not have any integrated pulse sensors, but the console unit is telemetric. It can read your pulse from a 5.3 kHz HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.
The console unit does not have online connectivity or Bluetooth. It also isn’t compatible with any fitness apps. It has two workout programs. The first program is Manual. This has two workout modes. For the first mode, you can select goal settings for time, distance, strokes, calories, or pulse. If a goal is selected for any of these metrics, the display will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. The pulse goal is a bit different. The console will just notify you when you reach the selected pulse rate goal.
The second program is Race. As its name suggests, this program creates a racing training setting in which you will have to compete against the computer. It displays the user and the CPU as two boat icons on the center display, and when the program is initiated, the two icons begin to move. The program has 15 difficulty levels; the first level has a default timer of 8 minutes, while the 15th level has a default timer of 1 minute. The distance can be adjusted for each level. The race begins when you hit start, and ends whenever you or the PC reach the distance goal that was set for the race.
A Recovery function is also available. The pulse recovery has its own button on the console for quick access. It also requires the use of an HR chest strap. It measures the heart rate cooldown at the end of the workout and based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).
Two other notable functions of the rower’s meter unit are the Alarm and Sleep Mode. The Alarm can be set to notify you that you must begin your training. The Sleep Mode is initiated after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine. During sleep mode, the unit displays the current date, room temperature, and clock.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the rower with the water tank and the other resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, the rail, insert the seat onto the rail, add the rear stabilizer, connect the console and fill the tank with water. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The task if fairly simple and the manual provides all the necessary instructions and schematics. A basic toolkit is also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. The water inside the tank require chlorine treatment; a packet of water-purification tablets is included. Other than this, you only have to inspect the machine from time to time and check for any loose or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Space-saving unit – can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Ergonomic, contoured designed seat;
- Durable footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Water-resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Exercise meter with a multi-window LCD display that tracks time, 500m/time, pulse, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories;
- Two workout programs – Manual and Race;
- Recovery function;
- Long, foldable arm for the console unit;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- A strap accessory for pulse reading is not included;
- No phone/tablet holder;
- No backlight on the console display.
Summary
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW is a water resistance rower designed for home use. It is equipped with a durable polycarbonate tank featuring a 16-blade impeller, an ergonomic seat, and a console with two workout programs, target-setting functions, and Recovery. It also has a pretty durable rail which can support users up to 300 lbs. In all, it’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, and stamina development.