FISUP Magnetic Rower

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Fitness meter	Warranty
FISUP rower Check Discounted Price	L:60" W:18" H:30"	265 lbs	Magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Count, SPM, Distance, Calories, Goals, Scan	1 year

The FISUP magnetic rower is one of the models released in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Goplus rower, but it’s slightly smaller and does not have a folding frame. It also includes a different type of console. It’s a non-commercial machine made for home use exercising.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 60L x 18W x 30H inches (152L x 46W x 76H cm)
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Frame: Steel & aluminum
• Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
• Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Performance monitor: Time, count, SPM, distance, calories, scan, goals
• Extras: Device holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

The FISUP magnetic rower combines steel, aluminum, and thermoplastic parts in its construction. Its rail is made of extruded aluminum, the front part of the frame that supports the drive system and the rear stabilizer are made of steel, while the covers of the drive system and the footrests are made of thermoplastic material. The steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The rear stabilizer is painted yellow while the front section is black. The aluminum rail has its natural light gray polish, while the front plastic covers are black. These are the only colors available for this FISUP rower.

The fully assembled machine is fairly small compared to other magnetic rowers. It is approx. 60″ (152 cm) long, and 18″ (46 cm) wide. It allows a rowing range of approx. 50″ (127 cm) due to the placement of the footrests. Therefore, this rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem allowing a complete leg extension. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side of the machine for ease of access and to be able to execute the rowing motion correctly.

As opposed to other similar magnetic rowers, the FISUP model does not have a folding rail. However, it can be stored vertically, resting on its front stabilizer and a small bumper integrated into the front section of the drive system casing. When stored vertically, its footprint becomes approx. 30″L x 18″W (76 x 46 cm).

Similar to other rowers in this feature range, the FISUP model is not too heavy. It weighs approx. 50 lbs (22 kg), so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it is very easy to move as its front base integrates two small wheels for this purpose.

Seat and other parts

The FISUP magnetic rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of high-density foam with a ribbed texture. It is approx. 12″ (30 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface.

The base of the seat is steel-made. It features three sets of wheels which slide through the side grooves of the rail. They are concealed by the seat base frame for improved safety. They integrate ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. Also, their outer covers are rubberized to reduce noise.

The seat assembly and the rail are rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg). The rail is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the leg push phase from the rowing motion delivers a slightly better workout for the legs. Also, at its highest point (all the way to the back), the seat is at approx, 9″ (23 cm) above floor level.

The machine is equipped with two large footrests. As we’ve mentioned above, they are made from durable thermoplastic material. They have heel guards and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. They also feature a pivoting design. In other words, they can tilt back and forth in order to adapt better to the position of your feet throughout the rowing motion.

The rower’s pulling handle is a short straight bar. Its side grips feature high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort. It is connected to a nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. This can be a plus, as it reduces noise during rowing in comparison with a chain drive rower. Also, the strap does not require lubrication. The handle does not have any pulse sensors, and the unit does not have a pulse reading function.

Resistance system

This FISUP rowing machine is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system that is up to a point similar to the resistance system of a magnetic exercise bike. Of course, since the resistance adjustment requires manual action, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for the rower. But on the other hand, the included exercise meter cannot adjust the resistance automatically.

The main resistance element is an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the tension knob on the front unit of the rower through a steel cable. By turning this knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the internal flywheel which adds difficulty to the rowing motion.

The FISUP magnetic rower makes available 8 resistance levels. The lowest level delivers a rowing difficulty slightly higher than other similar machines, but nonetheless, it’s still a fairly light workout load. The 8th level of resistance, on the other hand, provides considerably more resistance for a more consistent workout.

It’s important to mention, though, that the rower does not provide a dynamic response. This means that the rowing difficulty does not depend on how fast you pull the handle as it is the case for water rowing machines or air resistance rowers. Since it is a magnetic rower, the resistance only depends on the selected resistance level. This shouldn’t be a major inconvenience, it’s just that the rowing sensation of an air rower or water rower is closer to the sensation of rowing a real boat. The machine still provides a pretty consistent full-body cardio workout.

One of the main pluses of any magnetic rower which also applies to this FISUP model, is the overall quietness. Since the internal magnetic brake does not come in contact with the flywheel, and there is no internal fan or water tank, the machine generates almost no noise whatsoever during rowing.

Performance monitor

The FISUP magnetic rower is equipped with a large fitness monitor. Although it does not have online connectivity or pre-set programs, it still offers a few extra features over a basic unit.

The monitor unit features a bright green LED display with large digits easy to read. It tracks time, distance, stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories burned. The distance is shown in miles (cannot be converted to meters). Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function. It cannot communicate with a wireless heart rate chest strap or other similar devices.

The machine’s performance monitor is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view on the display. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through all of the aforementioned metrics. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds.

The Set button offers the possibility to select workout targets (or goals) for time, count, and calories. Once a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the display to zero.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It begins tracking your workout data when it detects flywheel movement. It automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for a few minutes. It also integrates a small device holder on which you can place your smartphone or tablet. However, it does not have any ports to connect your device to it.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front section of the rower with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to insert the seat on the rail, connect the rail to the front part of the machine, add the front and rear stabilizers, the footrests, and the performance monitor. The task shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, though. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions.

For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the unit’s rail clean to prevent any damage to it or to the seat wheels. The internal parts do not require any lubrication. Other than this, you only have the periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Light-weight construction, easy to carry and handle;
• Compact and aesthetic design;
• Can be stored vertically;
• Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
• Large padded seat;
• Wide aluminum rail for improved seat stability;
• Pivoting footrests with straps and heel guards;
• Offers a fairly long motion range – can accommodate users up to 6’2″;
• Smooth magnetic resistance system with 8 distinct levels;
• Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, count, strokes per minute, and calories burned;
• Goal settings for time, count, and calories;
• Device holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• The mount of the fitness monitor does not fold;
• No pulse reading function;
• A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the display of the monitor.

Summary

The FISUP magnetic rower is a fitness machine designed for home use. It is equipped with an 8-step magnetic brake, a wide aluminum rail, and a performance monitor that tracks time, distance, count, calories, and strokes per minute. It’s a fairly decent machine for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not an expensive rower, considerably more affordable than a light-commercial or full commercial machine, great for any home gym setup and for users of all levels.