| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Incline Fit Walnut Check Discounted Price | L:84.2" W:22" H:21.3" | 275 lbs | 53 lbs | Water | Time, Time/ 500m, Distance, Speed, Calories, Goals |
Currently, there are two water resistance rowers under the “Incline” brand name. One features a frame made of walnut wood, the other is made of oak wood. In this post, we’re going to address the Incline Fit Walnut rower model. This machine has a similar design to the WaterRower Driftwood model but comes with a simpler exercise meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84.2″L x 22″W x 21.3″H inches (214L x 56W x 54H cm)
- Assembled weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Frame: Walnut wood
- Footrests: Size-adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter:
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
Most of the rower’s frame is made of walnut wood which is oiled for extra protection and has a glossy varnish 
for a more aesthetic aspect. However, the frame also integrates several metallic and ABS parts.
It is important to mention that the extrusions of the rails (the top covers) on which the seat glides are made of PVC material. This results in a smoother and quieter travel for the seat.
The fully assembled unit is fairly large. It is approx. 84″ (214 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide; the rails offer plenty of travel room for the seat, so the rower can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Considering its size, this rower requires a usage area of at least 110″ x 60″ (280 x 152 cm). Therefore, it may not fit well in a small room or apartment.
The unit’s frame does not fold, but can be stored vertically. When stored in a vertical position it’s footprint becomes approx. 22″ x 21″ (56 x 54 cm). Also, the water can remain in the tank when the unit is stored vertically; this is actually recommended as it will provide more stability.
The machine is fairly sturdy. It is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 275 lbs (125 kg). So, as long as you don’t exceed this weight, both the seat, the rails and their extrusions should support you with no problem.
The base stabilizers are non-adjustable. The unit rests on four large rubberized “feet” which provide protection for the floor and a bit of extra elevation for the unit. In terms of weight, the machine isn’t extremely heavy. Without water in the tank, it weighs approx. 53 lbs (24 kg). Its relocation is also facilitated by the two small wheels at the front.
Seat and other parts
The Incline Fit Walnut water rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its base is made of
the same walnut wood as the rest of the frame. Its top cushion is large enough to provide a comfortable contact. It is approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) wide, and 8.5″ (21.5 cm) deep. It integrates a layer of foam material which is contoured for a better positioning, while its upholstery is made of durable vinyl material.
The seat features two sets of wheels, two on each side. They are attached to two metallic rods which go through the side wooden panels of the seat frame also improving its structural sturdiness. The wheels integrate stainless steel ball bearings and have a PVC shell on the outside, as well as a set of stoppers each, in order to provide a smooth travel on the machine’s tracks.
The machine’s rails are completely horizontal, so the seat provides a neutral, optimal movement. Other rowers have a slightly inclined rail so the recovery motion is a bit faster. Also, in case you’re wondering, the top of the seat stands at approx. 18″ (45 cm) above floor level.
The footrests of the Incline Fit water resistance rower are made of heavy-duty PVC material. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. Their length can be adjusted. They also feature straps and heel guards you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
The footrests’ angle cannot be adjusted, though. They are both directly attached to their board which offers an angle of approx. 50°.
Last but not least, the pulling handle is a short and straight bar. Its grips are ovalized and covered by a layer of rubber foam material for extra comfort. It is attached to a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon strap which comes with a few advantages. First of all, it does not require lubrication as a chain drive. Second of all, it produces very little vibration, even during the most intense workouts. And third, there is very little chance for it to jump off its pulley.
Resistance system
The Incline Fit rower is equipped with a water resistance system. Its water tank is made of durable 
polycarbonate material featuring clear and transparent walls. It integrates a 2-blade impeller which is connected to the machine’s pulley system. Therefore, when you pull the handle, the impeller spins inside the tank through the water, this way generating resistance.
As opposed to most First Degree Fitness rowers, the Incline Fit machine does not have a resistance dial on the water tank. In other words, if you want to adjust the overall resistance, you either have to manually add or remove water from the tank. Also, the resistance system does not integrate any magnetic elements, and the included exercise meter does not adjust the resistance automatically.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the Incline Fit machine provides a dynamic response for each stroke. To put it differently, the harder you pull the handle, the faster the impeller will spin into the tank, and the more resistance the machine will produce. This leads to a rowing sensation that is similar to rowing a real boat through water. This is one of the reasons water resistance rowers are recommended to users who want to train on a professional level.
In case you’re wondering, the machine isn’t too noisy. In fact, most users have described the sound generated by the spinning of the impeller inside the tank as relaxing.
Exercise meter
The Incline Fit Walnut water resistance rower is equipped with an exercise meter that is a bit better than 
the average basic unit. To begin with, it has an LCD display which can show up to four readings at the time.
It tracks time, distance, strokes per minute, speed (MPH), time/500m, and calories burned per hour.
The unit is battery powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It does not have any preset programs but does offer the possibility to set up goals for time, distance, and calories burned.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine comes in two separate boxes, one with the two main rails, the other with the water tank and most of the other components. The assembly isn’t too difficult, though. All you need to do is attach the two side rails, the board with the footrests, the seat, connect the cords, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is included.
In terms of maintenance, the frame doesn’t require any. For the water tank, chlorine pills are supplied with the package. You should add one new pill every 2-6 months into the water to prevent the formation of algae. Also, wiping the rails of the seat with a piece of cloth before using the machine is recommended, as any small objects all small particles such as sand, for example, may damage the rollers or the rail extrusions.
The Pros
- Durable frame, capable of supporting users up to 275 lbs;
- Aesthetic frame, made of varnished walnut wood;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra floor protection;
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Contoured, ergonomically designed seat, with 2″ padding;
- Exercise meter included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Rower for users of all levels;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- The display of the workout monitor does not have backlight;
- No pulse reading function;
- No angle adjustability for the footrests.
Summary
The Incline Fit Walnut rower features a water resistance system with a heavy-duty polycarbonate material tank, and an ergonomic, aesthetic walnut frame. It also includes an exercise meter which can track the most important workout metrics. It is a machine for users of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes, for home use or commercial use. It provides a full-body workout which targets approx. 84% of all muscles. In all, it’s a water resistance rower which offers excellent value for the price.