JOROTO MR35 Magnetic Rower

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Product weight	Resistance	Console
JOROTO MR35 Check Discounted Price	L:71" W:21" H:36"	220 lbs	53 lbs	Magnetic, 10 levels	Time, Count, Total count, Calories, Scan

The JOROTO MR35 features a slightly different design than the average magnetic rower. Its flywheel is only partially concealed, while the front metallic part of the frame is shaped as a guard for it. It doesn’t fold as the JOROTO MR30 that we’ve already reviewed here, but its frame can be stored vertically. It’s a machine designed for home use and also considerably more affordable than a commercial-grade rowing machine.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 71L x 21W x 36H inches (180L x 53W x 91H cm)
• Assembled weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
• Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Frame: Steel and aluminum
• Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
• Resistance type: Magnetic, 10 levels
• Exercise meter: Time, count, total count, calories, scan
• Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: 1-year limited

Frame construction

The JOROTO MR35 combines steel, aluminum, and ABS parts in its construction. The front part of the frame that sustains the flywheel, and the rear base, are steel made. The slide rail of the seat and the flywheel are made of aluminum alloy, while the guards of the magnetic brake and several other covers are made of ABS material. The fully assembled machine is not extremely heavy, though. It weighs approx. 53 lbs (24 kg) which means it can easily be assembled by one person. Plus, once the unit is assembled, it can be relocated by using its front wheels.

Compared to other rowing machines, such as the ASUNA Windmill 8570 for example, this JOROTO rower has a smaller footprint. It is approx. 71″ (180 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. The exact length of the slide rail is not specified, but as a general idea, it provides approx. 35″ (89 cm) of travel for the seat. This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate users up to at least 6’2″ (190 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension.

The slide rail is not fully horizontal. It is inclined forward by a few degrees. Therefore, the rowing motion provides a slightly more consistent workout for the legs. Also, the recovery part from the rowing motion is executed a bit faster and easier.

As we’ve mentioned above, this rowing machine does not fold. However, it can be stored in vertical position, resting on the metallic bars of the frame. When stored vertically, its footprint is 21″L x 22″W (53 x 55 cm), while its height is approx. 71″ (180 cm). Also, the mount of the console can fold down in order to provide better storage possibilities.

The steel frame parts feature a black powder coating finish which is resistant to corrosion. The slide rail is not powder coated; it has its natural aluminum polish.

Seat and other parts

The JOROTO MR35 is equipped with a comfortable seat. Its top is made of high-density foam material and has a contoured surface. Thus, it alleviates the impact on the tailbone and reduces the incidence of numbness during longer workouts.

The top of the seat is fairly large, approx. 14″ (35.5 cm), so it provides plenty of contact space. Its surface is highly adherent; therefore, you won’t slide backward during rowing. Also, in case you’re wondering, the top of the seat stands at approx. 12″ (30 cm) above floor level when extended all the way to the back of the rail.

The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels which slide within the side grooves of the rail. They are all concealed by the side panels of the seat frame to maximize safety. Both the seat and the rail are rated for a user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg).

The machine’s pulling handle is slightly curved towards the user. This design is meant to alleviate the impact on the wrists and provide a more natural hand positioning during rowing. It features rubberized grips for improved hand adherence. However, it does not integrate pulse sensors or resistance controls like the BodyCraft VR500, for example.

Last but not least, this JOROTO rower is equipped with a set of large footrests, made of thick, heavy-duty ABS material. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps to prevent foot slippage during rowing. They also have a pivoting design. Therefore, you can slightly tilt your feet forward and backward with each push or recovery motion. This way, you will always benefit from a comfortable foot positioning.

Resistance system

The JOROTO MR35 features a manual magnetic resistance system. Its internal brake consists of two magnetic pads, one on each side of the flywheel. The brake is attached to the tension knob on top of the front section of the machine through a steel cable. When you turn the knob to the right, the brake pads cover a bigger part of the flywheel, thus increasing the rowing difficulty. Conversely, when the knob is turned left, the brake pads will cover a lesser portion of the flywheel which will result in a lower rowing difficulty.

The machine’s resistance system is completely mechanical. This means it does not have an internal servo motor, and the unit does not require an external power source. Also, the console plays no role in the resistance adjustments.

As opposed to other manual magnetic rowers, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5634 for example, the JOROTO MR35 offers 10 levels of resistance. Its flywheel is not extremely heavy, though; it weighs only 4.4 lbs (2 kg). Therefore, the lowest resistance setting delivers a rather light rowing difficulty. However, the 8-10 settings do provide plenty of resistance to help you break a sweat shortly after you start the workout.

Since the resistance system is full-magnetic and does not integrate any air resistance elements, the machine does not provide a dynamic response. This means it does not generate more resistance if you pull the handle harder, like air rowers or water resistance rowers. The resistance remains constant, given by the selected tension level. But nonetheless, the machine provides a pretty consistent, full-body cardio workout.

One last aspect to mention here regards the level of noise generated by this rower. Since the brake is fully magnetic and the magnets do not touch the flywheel, the spinning of the flywheel is almost completely silent. Also, the rails feature a “mute track” designed to eliminate most of the noise generated by the movement of the seat.

Console

Compared to the console of the MR30 rower, the console of the MR35 offers fewer features. It does not have preset workout programs and also lacks a pulse reading function. It is equipped with a large LCD display which tracks time elapsed, strokes per minute (count), total strokes (total count), and calories burned.

The unit is very easy to operate. It only has one button – MODE – which covers all of its function. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can select any of the four workout metrics (time, count, tcount, calories), or select the Scan Mode which rotates all these metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The MODE button also covers the unit’s reset function. If you press it continuously for a few seconds it will clear all the values on the meter to zero.

The console is battery-powered. It starts up when you press the button or begin rowing. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the machine.

The mount of the console consists of a curved metallic bar. It gives you the possibility to adjust the unit’s angle in order to see the workout stats better. It also folds down for storage.

Last but not least, the console has a built-in tablet holder. It consists of a small shelf placed under its display. This shelf is large enough to support any tablet or smartphone. However, the console unit does not have any ports to connect your device to it, nor it can communicate with any online fitness apps.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s resistance system is already assembled and connected to the front section of the frame. Therefore, the assembly task only requires you to attach the seat to the rail, connect the rail to the front part of the frame, add the sear base stabilizer, the console, and the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. It is recommended, though, to keep the rail clean to prevent any damage to the rollers of the seat and periodically inspect the machine for any loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Aesthetic design;
• Can be stored vertically to save space;
• Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Padded and contoured seat for superior comfort;
• Mute track system to eliminate most of the noise generated by the seat;
• Pivoting footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
• Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’2″;
• Smooth magnetic resistance system;
• 10 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
• Exercise meter included – it can track time, count, total count, and calories burned;
• Folding mount for the exercise meter;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No pulse reading function;
• No backlight on the meter display.

Summary

The JOROTO MR30 is a light-capacity rower made for home use. It features a 10-level manual magnetic resistance system, a padded seat, pivoting footrests, and a basic console for the main workout metrics. Its frame can be stored vertically to save space. It’s an excellent machine for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also considerably more affordable than any commercial unit.