| 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 is one of the rowing machines released in 2020. It’s a smart rower with Bluetooth connectivity but does not come with a console. It connects to your phone or tablet and syncs with the Echelon Fit app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84L x 21W x 45H inches (213L x 53W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 106.5 lbs (48 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Motorized magnetic, 32 levels
- Extras: Adjustable device holder, USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity, syncs with the Echelon Fit app
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Echelon ROW rowing machine features a sturdy construction with a frame made of steel tubing. All the steel 
parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
The unit also integrates several plastic parts. The casing of the resistance system, the end caps of the frame tubes, the top parts of the footrests, and the device holder are made of a durable thermoplastic material.
The machine is fairly large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 84″ (213 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide, while its highest point is approx. 45″ (114 cm) above the floor. Its rail is pretty long as well, so the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The unit’s rail is slightly inclined. It has an incline of approx. 1.7° for optimal performance. In other words, the machine delivers a slightly better workout for the legs during the push phase of the rowing motion. The rail also folds up; with it folded up, the unit’s dimensions become 40″L x 21″W x 60″H (102 x 53 x 152 cm).
The rower is pretty heavy as well. Its net weight is 106.5 lbs (48 kg). Thus, the packaged unit may require two persons for transport. But once it is assembled, it offers excellent portability. Its front base has transport wheels and there is also a small handle attached under the rail which can help with the unit’s relocation.
Seat and other parts
The Echelon ROW smart rower is equipped with a seat similar to the Circuit Fitness AMZ-986RW-BT. It is approx. 
16″ (40 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. It is padded and contoured for superior comfort. At its highest point, it is at approx. 18″ (46 cm) above the floor level.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It integrates three sets of wheels. They slide through the side grooves of the rail. They have sealed ball bearings and a rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet seat motion.
The machine is equipped with a set of durable footrests. They combine steel and ABS plastic in their construction. They have several size adjustment positions so they can accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They also have adjustable straps and heel guards for perfect foot stability.
The angle of the footrests is non-adjustable. They’re fixed at an angle of approx. 50° so they provide a comfortable positioning for your feet as well as an excellent base for the leg push.
The unit’s pulling handle has an ergonomic design with slightly curved grips. Its grips feature a layer of rubber foam material for improved contact. The handle does not have pulse sensors but does integrate a remote control with + / – buttons for the machine’s resistance adjustment.
The pulling handle attaches to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. The fact that the machine uses a strap, not a chain, can be considered a plus, as you won’t have to deal with chain lubrication, and the rowing motion is pretty quiet.
Resistance system
The Echelon ROW trainer is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you have to connect
it to a power source to be able to adjust the resistance. It comes with an adapter; its specs are Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, Max 0.8A and Output: 9V , 3A. The connector for the adapter is right under the front unit of the rower, and next to it, there is an On/Off switch.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake, a servo motor, and the remote control attached to the rowing handle. The remote has two buttons, left for increasing the resistance, right for decreasing it. When you press one of the buttons, the motor changes the pull of the internal magnets, increasing or decreasing the rowing difficulty. The remote uses the Bluetooth connection to communicate with the internal motor and it’s battery-powered. The rower always starts at level 1 and emits a beep for every resistance adjustment.
The machine makes available 32 levels of resistance. The lowest levels are fairly light; the magnets’ input isn’t very significant for the first levels, so you will basically work just with the weight of the internal flywheel which is 8 lbs (3.6 kg), and perimeter-weighted. However, on the highest levels, the machine delivers considerably more resistance and can pose a challenge even for a seasoned user.
Since the rower is full-magnetic and does not have any internal fan for air resistance, the rowing motion is pretty quiet. Also, since the magnets do not touch the flywheel, there is no internal friction, they won’t wear out, and the brake doesn’t need periodic lubrication. But on the other hand, the resistance doesn’t increase if you pull faster, as is the case for air rowers.
Device holder and app connectivity
First of all, even though the Echelon ROW has motorized resistance, it does not come with a fitness monitor or console.
However, you can use your phone as a fitness monitor. The machine has Bluetooth connectivity and will sync with your phone via the Echelon Fit app.
The Echelon Fit app is available for both iOS and Android devices; you can download it from Google Play or from the Apple App Store. The app itself is free but has multiple in-app purchases. The free version of the app simply counts your strokes, calories burned, shows your watts output, distance traveled, and also indicates the selected resistance level on the rower. It does not have a split time function and you cannot create interval workouts. It does not have pre-set programs. Also, it does not show your workout history. It basically just indicates the workout data for the current workout.
Among the various in-app purchases (which are pretty expensive), you can opt for scenic rides based on various locations in the world, videos with trainers, and more.
The rower comes with a fairly decent device holder. Its mount is angle-adjustable and allows you to tilt your device side-to-site, as well as swivel it 90°. Its top expands and it should be able to accommodate most tablets. And finally, there is a USB charging port for your device at the base of the holder mount.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the rower with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to connect the front stabilizer, insert the seat onto the rail, connect the rail to the front unit, add the rear stabilizer, and the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
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;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the front and rear stabilizers;
- Large, padded, and contoured seat for improved comfort;
- Long rail – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Motorized magnetic resistance with 32 distinct levels;
- Remote-controlled resistance;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Echelon Fit app;
- The app tracks time, watts, distance, calories, and strokes;
- Size and angle-adjustable device holder;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No fitness monitor;
- The app is pretty basic without any of the premium purchases.
Summary
The Echelon ROW is a smart rower designed for home use. It features a 32-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a long and sturdy rail, a large seat, and an adjustable device holder. It has Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with your phone or tablet via the Echelon Fit app. It’s a machine for users of all levels, for stamina and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss.