Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment RW036 Check Discounted Price | L:75" W:19" H:23" | 245 lbs | 59.5 lbs | Air | Time, Count, SPM, Calories, SCAN |
The AERO RW036 is one of the newest rowing machines from Efitment, released at the beginning of 2019. It’s an air resistance rower, similar in specs, features, and price to the Stamina X 35-1412 model. It’s not a commercial machine, but offers a fairly decent construction and durability, and delivers an excellent full-body cardio workout.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.8L x 18.9W x 22.8H inches (190L x 48W x 58H cm)
- Assembled weight: 59.5 lbs (27 kg)
- Weight capacity: 245 lbs (111 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Air
- Exercise meter: Time, count, SPM, calories, scan
- Warranty: 3 years limited
Frame construction
The Efitment AERO RW036 rower features a steel structural frame but also integrates several ABS parts. To be more specific, the unit’s rail, the front part of the frame that holds the fan, and the base stabilizers are made of steel. The top of the seat, the casing of the fan, the footrests, and several other parts are ABS-made. Nonetheless, the machine is rated for a weight capacity of 245 lbs (111 kg), so as long as you don’t exceed this limit, it should support you with no problem.
Compared to other rowers in this price and feature range, the Efitment RW036 offers a slightly longer rail. It is approx. 51″ (129.5 cm) long and provides enough travel for the rail in order to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). Also, the rail is not completely horizontal. It is a few degrees inclined forward. This can be a plus as you will benefit from a slightly better workout for the legs during the drive motion, and a slightly faster recovery motion.
The fully assembled rower is not as large as the BodyCraft VR500, but still measures approx. 75″ (190 cm) in length, and 19″ (48 cm) in width. Therefore, you will need a usage area for it of at least 110″L x 70″W (280 x 178 cm). But on the other hand, the unit’s frame is foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded in an upright position, so the unit’s length is reduced to approx. 1/3.
Despite the fact that its frame is made of steel, this rower is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 59.5 lbs (27 kg), so its transport and assembly shouldn’t be a problem for only one person. Plus, when it comes to moving the fully assembled unit, this can be done with ease via the small wheels integrated into its front stabilizer.
The rear stabilizer of the machine features two adjustable levelers. They have rubberized pads, while the front base also has rubberized pads; therefore, the unit benefits from an excellent grip on the floor, preventing it from sliding forward or backward during a more intense workout.
Seat and other parts
The Efitment RW036 AERO rowing machine features a standard seat. Its top is made of durable ABS material. It has a contoured design and a textured surface to prevent the user from sliding backward during the drive (or push) phase of the rowing stroke. It is approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide and provides plenty of contact surface and optimal comfort.
The base of the seat is made of steel; it is equipped with three sets of wheels, two placed on top of the rail, while the other one is under the rail to provide the necessary stability. The wheels are rubberized to reduce noise, and also integrate heavy-duty ball bearings for a smooth travel of the seat.
The top of the seat is situated at approx. 12″ (30 cm) from the floor. It’s not too high, but not too low either. Therefore, most users shouldn’t have a problem with taking position on the seat or standing up.
This Efitment rower is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests. Their rear stopper keeps them at a maximum angle of approx. 60°. But due to the pivoting design, you can slightly incline your feet forward during each stroke for the best positioning.
The footrests are made of durable ABS material. They are non-adjustable lengthwise, such as for the Stamina X AMRAP rower, but they are fairly large and should accommodate feet of all sizes. Their surface is textured and they have heel guards to prevent foot slippage. They are also equipped with adjustable velcro straps for maximum foot stability.
Last but not least, the unit is equipped with a standard straight pulling handle featuring rubberized grips. The machine does not have a pulse reading function, so there are no pulse sensors integrated into the handle (or anywhere else on the machine). The handle is connected to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion.
Resistance system
The Efitment RW036 AERO is a full air resistance rower. This means it does not have any magnetic resistance elements. The only resistance generator is the integrated fan. Also, the fan casing does not have a damper as the Concept2 Model E rower, for example. Therefore, the overall resistance of the machine cannot be adjusted.
However, like most other air resistance rowers, this one provides a dynamic response during each stroke. This means the resistance provided depends on how hard you pull the handle. In other words, if you pull harder, the machine will provide more resistance.
Evidently, since its fan is fairly large, the usage of the machine (especially during a more intense workout) does generate some noise. However, the level of noise generated is not extremely loud. It can be compared to the noise generated by an electric fan of a similar size.
Exercise meter
This Efitment rowing machine is equipped with a basic fitness meter. It features an LCD display and only one button which covers all of its functions. The display shows time, count (total strokes), reps/min (strokes per minute), and calories burned. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not have a pulse reading function. It also does not have any preset programs, Bluetooth, or online capabilities.
Evidently, since it only has one button, the unit is very easy to operate. You can press the button repeatedly to select any of the values or the Scan Mode. When the Scan Mode is selected, the four workout metrics are shown in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds, their order being time, count, calories, count/min. Also, the button covers the unit’s reset function. If you press and hold it for four seconds all the values on the console are cleared to zero.
The unit requires one AAA battery as a power source. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter to save battery, after approx. four minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front part of the rower with the fan, pulling handle, and console, comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to add the front stabilizer, the footrests, install the seat onto the rail, attach the rear stabilizer, and finally connect the rail to the front part of the frame. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the tools required are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance doesn’t require any lubrication of the moving parts. It’s only recommended to clean the gliding rail prior to each use, to make sure there aren’t any small objects or fibers on it that may cause damage to the seat wheels or nicks to the rail. It’s also recommended to vacuum the fan casing (it can be done from the outside), in case it accumulates dust.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame;
- Folding design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Contoured, non-slip seat with 3 sets of wheels for extra stability;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- Exercise meter included – it tracks time, total strokes, strokes per minute, and calories burned;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness meter.
Summary
The Efitment AERO RW036 is a rower equipped with an air resistance system. It features a foldable steel frame, a large resistance fan, a fairly long rail for the seat, and also includes a basic fitness meter. It’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it won’t break the bank; it is considerably more affordable than a commercial-grade rower.