| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamondback 910R Check Discounted Price | L:100" W:18" H:41" | 300 lbs | 88 lbs | Air & magnetic | 19 workouts |
Just like the Concept2 Model D, the Diamondback Fitness 910R indoor rower has been around for a while. It’s a machine released in 2014, however, it’s still available, and to this day it continues to benefit from many 5-star user reviews.
The 910R is a solid air-magnetic rowing machine. Although it’s not advertised as a commercial model, it does have the features and durability of one. It’s also equipped with an advanced exercise meter which has 19 pre-programmed workouts.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 100″L x 18″W x 41″H (254L x 46W x 104H cm)
- Assembled weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel and aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 16 levels
- Exercise meter: 19 pre-set programs
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Electronics 3 years / Wear parts 90 days
Frame construction and parts
The Diamondback Fitness 910R combines steel and aluminum in its frame construction. Its support frame is made of MIG-welded, high tensile steel while its seat rail is a commercial
grade part, made of anodized aluminum for a smooth travel of the seat and reduced noise. The seat rail features a gray finish and the steel parts are painted black. All the types of finish used for this trainer are corrosion and chip resistant. Also, the rail is rated for a user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The only plastic or ABS material parts in the machine construction are the covers of the flywheel and the adjustment elements of the footrests. These don’t influence the overall sturdiness of the machine.
As opposed to many other rowing machines with air and magnetic resistance, this model features a larger frame. With all the parts assembled, its length reaches 100″ (254 cm), while its width is 18″ (46 cm). This being said, it can accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) promoting a complete leg extension and a correct rowing motion. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit to avoid any hindrance during entry and exit and to be able to perform a rowing workout correctly.
Despite its length, this rowing machine offers excellent storage possibilities. It has a foldable frame; the rail can be folded up from the middle, and with it folded up, the unit’s length is reduced by more than half. Also, moving the unit to a storage area isn’t too difficult. First of all, it’s not extremely heavy; with the frame fully assembled it weighs 88 lbs (40 kg), but the front and middle bases are equipped with transport wheels so you can easily relocate it if needed.
The unit’s bases don’t have adjustable stabilizers but do rest on large rubber pads. These not only provide a good grip on the floor, they also provide protection from scratching.
This Diamondback rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. It features a
high-density foam top with a contoured and adherent surface. It’s approx. 16″ (41 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is made of solid steel parts. It integrates three sets of top-quality wheels with industrial grade ball bearings and a rubberized coating. This being said, the movement of the seat generates almost no noise, and its travel is very smooth and steady. All the wheels are concealed by the metallic base of the seat, which is a plus as it minimizes the risk of your clothing or anything else being caught by them as you exercises.
There’s one more aspect to mention here with regards to the unit’s seat: its height. The rail is horizontal, and with it unfolded, the top of the seat is situated at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. Thus, entry and exit shouldn’t be too difficult even for users with disabilities.
The Diamondback 910R features a set of large footrests with a durable, metallic base. They integrate adjustable elements, so they’re length adjustable and can accommodate feet or athletic shoes of all sizes. They have adjustable straps and rear guards to keep your feet perfectly stabilized during the rowing motion. They don’t have a pivoting mechanism, so they maintain a fixed, firm position at an angle of approx. 45°.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight metallic bar with rubberized grips for optimal comfort and hand adherence. In case you’re wondering, its length is 18″ (46 cm), this actually being the machine’s part that sets its maximum width. The handle is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which provides a very smooth traction. Also, as opposed to a chain, it doesn’t require maintenance.
Resistance system
As we’ve mentioned above, the Diamondback Fitness 910R indoor rower features an air and magnetic resistance system. Its internal magnetic brake is automatic and can only be
controlled from the console. The unit also required being connected to a power source (an adapter for it is included).
The magnetic brake offers 16 tension levels. The first level offers only the resistance provided by the unit’s fan. The others progressively increase the top 16th setting offering the possibility to perform quite a consistent workout.
The flywheel-fan element is also very important for the machine’s resistance system. Its role is to provide a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the fan enables the overall resistance to vary, depending on how hard you pull the handle. Therefore, the magnetic brake only serves at increasing the minimum drag of the flywheel.
The fact that this rowing machine provides a dynamic response during rowing makes it more appropriate for professional training. This type of variable resistance simulates the rowing of a real boat through water.
One last aspect to mention here with regards to the unit’s resistance system is the level of noise generated by the flywheel. Evidently, since it’s basically a large fan, it will produce a soft “whoosh” noise when spinning at a high speed. However, it’s far from being loud and annoying. Also, the casing of the flywheel has a small air vent and directs the air current at you to provide some cooling during the workout.
Console
As opposed to other trainers with an air and magnetic resistance system, such as the BodyCraft VR200 or the LifeCore R90, the console of the Diamondback 910R is involved
directly in the resistance control. Via the arrow keys on the right, you can increase or decrease the tension as you row.
The console unit is equipped with a 7″ LCD display which has LED backlight that considerably improves its readability. It tracks all the important workout metrics including time, distance (in meters), calories, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes, and pulse.
The machine does not have any contact pulse sensors but the console unit is telemetric. It can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included.
The console offers 19 workout programs. Among them, 12 (P1-P12) are preset workouts, 4 are heart rate programs, there is a race program, a manual program, and a recovery test program.
The 12 preset programs offer a variety of workout profiles, focusing on burning fat, interval exercising routines, etc alternating different levels of resistance. All these programs will auto-adjust the resistance depending on the current workout segment. However, each one of them can be modified.
The four heart rate workout programs offer three preset HR intervals, these being 55%, 75%, 90% and a Custom HR interval. During an HR workout, the console will read your pulse and continuously adjust resistance in order to maintain you within that selected HR interval. Evidently, in order to use an HRC program, you will need an HR chest strap.
The race program allows you to compete against the computer. Simulating a regatta, the console will track your progress towards a determined goal. The program matrix will show a graphical simulation of the boats as they race side by side. The speed of the race can be set by selection time it takes to travel 500 m.
The recovery program is a test that provides a relative measurement of your body’s ability to recover from an intense workout. This is a program that requires being initiated at the end of the workout. The console unit will monitor the amount of time that your heart rate takes to return to normal after the workout. At the end of the test, the console will provide you with a fitness rating between F1 and F6, F1 being “excellent”, while F6 being “very poor”.
Of course, there’s the Manual program which basically gives you the possibility to just row and adjust the resistance as you like during your rowing session.
The console is very easy to use. The Up/Down arrow keys serve for resistance adjustment, navigation through programs, or selecting a target value for time, distance or calories. The Enter key confirms your settings during a program set up. The Start/Stop key gives you the chance to pause your workout if needed, a feature great to have if you alternate rowing sessions with other workouts. The Reset key stops all programs and returns the console to the main screen. And finally, the Recovery button initiates the recovery function.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front part of the rower with the flywheel, resistance system, and console, comes pre-assembled. So, for assembly, you only have to connect the metallic bases, the rail, the footrests, and the seat. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual offers step-by-step assembly instructions and all the tools you’ll need for assembly are included.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to periodically check the machine’s joints and re-tighten the bolts if necessary. Also, if the flywheel collects dust, opening its casing in order to clean it, or vacuuming it may be required.
The Pros
- Durable machine – it can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Transport wheels at the front and middle;
- Rubber pads for floor protection and stability;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Contoured, foam-padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Air resistance for a natural, dynamic response during rowing;
- 16 levels of automatic magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustment;
- Multi-panel display with LED backlight which indicates time, time/500m, meters, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories, and heart rate;
- Target settings for time, distance, strokes, calories, and pulse;
- 19 workout programs;
- Recovery function;
- Fairly quiet for a rower with air resistance;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No online features;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Diamondback 910R is a rowing machine featuring air & magnetic resistance with 16 automatic tension levels, and console with 19 workout programs. The console unit features a large, multi-panel LCD display which can track time/500m, meters, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories, pulse. The unit has a sturdy construction similar to commercial models, a folding frame, and a comfortable large seat. It’s a machine for users of all levels, perfect for light to intense, full-body cardio training, interval training, endurance gain and weight loss. In all, this is a solid trainer, offering an excellent value for the price.