| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Echelon ROW-S Check Discounted Price | L:84" W:21" H:47" | 300 lbs | 114.5 lbs | Magnetic, 32 levels | 22" display, Echelon Fit app, WiFi, Bluetooth |
The Echelon ROW-S is pretty much the same as the Echelon ROW that we’ve already covered here. However, this model includes a large 22″ display console with WiFi and Bluetooth. Other than that, it pretty much has the same frame construction and resistance system. The console has the Echelon Fit app pre-installed, but nonetheless, in order to benefit from all of its features, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84L x 21W x 47H inches (213L x 53W x 119H cm)
- Assembled weight: 114.5 lbs (52 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Motorized magnetic, 32 levels
- Console: 22″ display, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth speakers, Ethernet port
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Echelon ROW-S combines steel and ABS plastic parts in its construction. Needless to say, the frame is made 
of steel tubing and all the steel parts are coated with a chip-resistant and rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this rower, at least for the moment.
The most notable ABS plastic parts of the rower are the covers of the resistance system, the steel tube end caps, the adjustable sections of the pedals, and of course, most of the console.
The rower is equipped with a pretty durable rail. It’s rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg). The rail is over 40″ (102 cm) in length so the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
The machine is foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded up. There is a small handle right between the two footrests and another foldable one under the rail which facilitate the folding and transport of the unit. With the rail folded up, the unit’s footprint remains approx. 40″L x 21″W (102 x 53 cm), while its height reaches approx. 60″ (152 cm).
The rower is pretty heavy as well. Its net weight is approx. 114.5 lbs (52 kg), so the packaged unit may require two persons for transport. But once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer features two small wheels.
Seat and other parts
The Echelon ROW-S machine features a seat similar to the Bluefin Fitness Blade rower. Its top section is pretty 
wide, approx. 16″ (40 cm), so it provides plenty of contact surface. It is contoured and padded for extra comfort. Also, at its highest point, it is at approx. 18″ (46 cm) above the floor level. This being said, the machine offers an easy entry and exit even for users with certain disabilities.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels that slide through the side grooves of the rail. The wheels have internal ball bearings and a silicone (or other type of rubber) layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet seat motion.
The rower is equipped with a set of fixed footrests. In other words, they do not tilt on their axis as is the case for other machines. They are set at an angle of approx. 50° for an optimal foot positioning, and to provide a solid base for the leg push phase of the rowing motion.
The top sections of the machine’s footrests are made of a sturdy and flexible nylon material, while their bases are made of steel. The footrests are adjustable and should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have straps and heel guards for improved foot stability.
The machine is equipped with an ergonomic handle featuring rubber foam sleeves for a superior grip. The handle attaches to a heavy-duty nylon strap, highly resistant to abrasion. Other rowers, such as the PowerBoostConcept model, have their handle attached to a chain that requires periodic lubrication. The strap doesn’t need any maintenance and also generates less noise during rowing. The handle also integrates the machine’s remote control for the resistance adjustment.
Resistance system
The Echelon ROW-S rowing machine is equipped with the same type of resistance system as the Echelon ROW
model that we’ve already covered here. It is an eddy current resistance system, so the machine needs to be connected to a power source. An adapter with cable is included.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a remote control, an internal servo motor, and an internal magnetic brake. The remote control is attached to the unit’s pulling handle and features two buttons (for increasing and decreasing the resistance). It communicates with the internal motor via Bluetooth. Thus, when you press one of the buttons, the motor changes the pull of the internal magnets in order to increase or decrease the rowing difficulty.
The machine makes available 32 levels of resistance. The lowest levels offer a pretty light rowing difficulty, making them great for recovery training, muscle toning, or a workout warm-up. Conversely, the 30+ levels offer considerably more difficulty, great for stamina and strength development.
The rower does not have any air resistance elements. Thus, it does not provide a dynamic response during rowing, like an air or water resistance rower. In other words, the resistance doesn’t increase if you pull the handle faster. But nonetheless, it does provide a pretty consistent workout.
The main advantage of the magnetic resistance system is that the magnets don’t touch the internal flywheel. Thus, the rowing motion is very smooth and very quiet. Also, the magnetic brake doesn’t wear out and it doesn’t need any maintenance.
Console
The Echelon ROW-S rowing machine is equipped with a large, 22″ display console which only has the Echelon Fit
app pre-installed. It does not have any other apps, like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video installed, like the console of the Bowflex C7 cycle, for example. These features may be added in future software updates, though.
The console has WiFi connectivity and will connect to your personal WiFi hotspot in order to communicate with your Echelon Fit account. The Echelon Fit app offers a fairly decent interface for freestyle rowing, showing time, distance, speed, watts, strokes, and calories burned. It also shows the selected resistance level. However, it does not have a split time (time/500 m) feature which may be a downside for athletes that want to train on a professional level.
The Echelon Fit app and the console itself can be used without any subscriptions or payments, once you have set up your Echelon Fit account. However, the free version only offers the possibility to view your stats for the current workout, not even your workout history. The various in-app purchases open access to various videos led by trainers, scenic rides based on different locations around the world, challenges, programs, and more.
The console is equipped with an adjustable arm. It can tilt 90° back and forth, and you can also swivel the display side to side. It also has built-in Bluetooth speakers and the app offers over 1M song and artist options.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, insert the seat onto the rail, connect the rail to the front part of the machine, add the rear stabilizer, the footrests and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the machine clean and periodically check for loose or broken parts. The internal mechanism doesn’t need any lubrication or maintenance.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding rail, space-saving design;
- Long rail – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the front and rear stabilizers;
- Large, padded, and contoured seat for improved comfort;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Motorized magnetic resistance with 32 distinct levels;
- Remote-controlled resistance;
- 22″ display console included with the pre-installed Echelon Fit app;
- The app tracks time, watts, distance, speed, calories, and strokes;
- Large database of trainer-led videos available with in-app purchase;
- Challenges and programs available with in-app purchase;
- Scenic rides based on various workouts in the world are available with in-app purchase;
- Tilt and swivel arm for the console;
- Bluetooth speakers integrated into the console;
- USB and Ethernet ports;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The app is pretty basic without any of the premium purchases;
- No Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ or other apps on the console.
Summary
The Echelon ROW-S is a rowing machine made for home use. It is equipped with a 32-level eddy current remote-controlled resistance system, and a 22″ display console with access to the Echelon Fit app and database. It has a long and sturdy rail, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs, as well as a comfortable seat and a set of adjustable footrests. It’s a rower for users of all levels, great for muscle toning, increasing stamina, strength development, and in general, for full-body cardio workouts.