Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Accessories |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
fitbill FB607 Check Discounted Price | L:81.5" W:20" H:24" | 250 lbs | 75 lbs | Magnetic, 10 levels | Bluetooth scale, Bluetooth sensor, fitbill free app |
The fitbill FB607 is one of the newest rowing machines for 2017. It’s a magnetic rower and as opposed to various other models, it doesn’t come with its own console. However, it is Bluetooth enabled and can be synced with your iPhone or Android smartphone and track your progress via the fitbill free app. A free Bluetooth scale is also included with this machine, which allows you to monitor your weight, data which is transferred and processed by the free app.
Before we proceed with the presentation of this fitness machine, there’s an aspect that needs to be clarified. The fitbill FB607 is also referred to as fitbill B607. There is no difference between the FB607 and B607; they’re one and the same product.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 81.5L x 20W x 24H inches (207L x 51W x 61H cm)
- Assembled weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: With adjustable straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 10 levels
- Bluetooth enabled
- Accessories: Bluetooth smart scale, Bluetooth sensor, fitbill free trainer app
Frame construction
The fitbill FB607 rowing machine features a metallic frame which combines steel and aluminum elements. The main rail of the rower is made of aluminum, while its bases and seat frame are steel-made. The rail has its own natural silver finish; the bases are coated with corrosion resistant black paint. So far, these are the only colors available for this machine.
The machine’s construction also includes several plastic parts. Among them, we can count the protection caps of the bases, the covers of the drive and resistance system, the footrests and the seat. However, the footrests and the seat are made of a special, heavy-duty material designed to withstand high stress.
Like most other rowing machines with a magnetic resistance system, the fitbill FB607 is a fairly large machine, especially when it comes to its length. When fully assembled, it takes 81.5″L x 20″W (207 x 51 cm) of floor space. However, its frame has a folding design. The rail with the seat assembly can fold up and lock in upright position in order to save space. With the rail folded up the machine’s length is reduced to 38.5″ (98 cm); the rear of the rail will reach approx. 55″ (140 cm) in height when folded up.
Folding the rower doesn’t require any tools. The folding mechanism involves a locking pin. By removing from its slot you can easily fold the rail up, and by re-inserting it you can lock the rail in upright position.
The machine’s rail measures 51″ (129.5 cm) and allows a movement span for the seat of 43″ (109 cm). This being said, the machine can accommodate tall users, over 6’6″ (198 cm), allowing a complete leg extension and a correct rowing form.
This fitness machine isn’t extremely heavy. It weighs only 75 lbs (34 kg) when fully assembled. Therefore, its assembly and relocation should not be a problem. On top of that, its front base bar is equipped with a set of transport wheels which can facilitate its relocation. The rear base integrates adjustable stabilizers, which offer the possibility to perfectly level the machine on any type of flooring.
Seat and footrests
The seat supplied with the fitbill FB607 smart rowing machine is fairly large, approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide. It doesn’t integrate any padding, its top being made of a durable type of PVC material. However, it does have a contoured design, providing excellent adherence and comfort.
The frame of the seat is equipped with high-grade wheels which integrate sealed ball bearings for smooth operation and for a long lifespan. The wheels feature a silicone coating which considerably reduces noise. In fact, the movement of the seat generates less than 30 dB.
The machine’s footrests are made of the same tough PVC material as the seat. Their surface is ribbed and their rear features a heel guard, elements which add a lot of foot stability. On top of that, the footrests are equipped with adjustable straps, in order to perfectly secure your feet in place during rowing.
The footrests are not entirely fixed onto the frame. They can slightly pivot promoting a natural positioning of the feet with each rowing motion.
The machine’s pulling handle is slightly curved, in order to promote a more natural grip and reduce the stress on the wrists during rowing. It’s almost completely covered in rubber foam material, providing a secure, comfortable grip. The handle is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap, not a chain, strap which is designed to withstand prolonged use without any problem. Due to the fact that the machine features a strap, not a chain, you don’t have to worry about any maintenance for it; also, it generates almost no noise when exercising.
Resistance system
The fitbill FB607 smart rowing machine features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to benefit from resistance. Its resistance system consists of a magnetic element connected to the turn knob on top of the rower via a steel wire. When turning the knob clockwise the magnetic element comes closer to the flywheel generating more resistance.
The rower integrates a fairly heavy, perimeter weighted flywheel which generates a consistent momentum, and a stable rowing feel. It offers 10 distinctive resistance levels. The 1-3 resistance settings deliver a light tension, excellent for warm-ups, recovery training or, in general, smooth rowing and cardio. The 4-6 resistance settings deliver a heavier load, making an excellent choice for stamina building. And finally, the 7-10 resistance levels offer the possibility to undertake backwash and explosive rowing training, or an intense cardio workout for a maximum calorie burn.
The downside of the full magnetic resistance system of this machine, and just about any other rower which doesn’t have any water or air resistance, is that it doesn’t generate a dynamic response with each rowing motion. In other words, your will get a constant resistance with each stroke; the tension will not vary with how fast or hard you pull as in water resistance rowers or air resistance rowers. This being said, it’s not recommended to professional rower athletes. But nonetheless, this trainer still supplies an excellent cardio workout. So, for anyone who wants to engage multiple muscle groups when working out, it’s an excellent choice.
Bluetooth sensor, scale, and fitbill fitness app
As we’ve mentioned above, the fitbill FB607 rowing machine doesn’t have an integrated fitness meter, such as the Sunny SF-RW5633 or Stamina 15-9003. However, it comes with a rechargeable Bluetooth sensor which connects to the cable under the seat. This sensor allows you to sync the rower with your iPhone or Android smartphone and track your progress via the fitbill fitness app.
A Bluetooth electronic scale is also included with the machine. This scale can also communicate with the fitbill app, directly transferring your weight into your fitbill account, for easy monitoring. However, even if you don’t sync the scale with your smart device, and do not use the Bluetooth connection, it will still function as a normal scale showing your weight. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included.
The fitbill fitness app is free, available from iTunes and Google Play. Once you install it on your smartphone and create a fitbill account, it will monitor your workout statistics and keep track of your weight and calories burned via the data transmitted from the rower’s sensor and the scale.
The fitbill app makes available a custom trainer program, which will basically turn your phone into the machine’s console. It gives the possibility to create your own workout, setup goals etc.
Last but not least, a phone holder is included with the machine, accessory which can accommodate almost any smartphone.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly of the machine isn’t difficult. The drive and resistance elements are already assembled and sealed by the covers. Therefore, all you will have to do is connect the main rail to the front part of the frame, attach the seat and the machine’s bases. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-45 min. The included manual provides clear step by step assembly instructions.
The internal parts of the machine shouldn’t require any maintenance for at least a few years of use. They come pre-lubricated from the factory. Therefore, the only maintenance recommended for this machine is keeping the rail clear of any small objects or textile fibers that may cause damage to the wheels or the beam itself. Also, it’s recommended to periodically check the machine for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, able to support users up to 250 lbs;
- Folding, space saving design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 10 levels of resistance, for light to intense workouts;
- Contoured, large seat, equipped with ultra quiet rollers;
- Curved pulling handle which promotes a natural positioning of the hands, reducing stress on the wrists;
- Long gliding beam, which can accommodate users even taller than 6’6″;
- Anti-slip footrests, with adjustable straps, for maximum foot stability;
- Bluetooth sensor which allows you to sync the machine with your smartphone in order to track your progress via the fitbill free app;
- Bluetooth electronic scale included;
- Phone holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Does not have its own fitness meter. Thus, in order to monitor your stats and progress you must use your phone and app;
- The pulling strap will wear over time and may require replacement. However, it’s an inexpensive part and easy to replace.
Summary
The fitbill FB607 is a rowing machine equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It has a folding design and a long aluminum rail, being able to accommodate users of all sizes. It comes with a Bluetooth sensor and a Bluetooth scale which can sync with the fitbill free app, so you can monitor your progress on your phone. It’s an excellent rower for beginners and intermediate users, offering the possibility to undertake light to intense workouts. It’s great for a full body cardio, stamina development, muscle toning and of course, weight loss. In all, it’s well-built trainer, with an excellent price/value ratio.