| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Gross weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBH Water Rower Check Discounted Price | L:79" W:20" H:19" | 330 lbs | 77 lbs | Water | Time, 500m/time, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Distance, Speed, Pulse, Bluetooth |
The MBH Fitness rower is one of the fitness machines released in 2021. It’s a water resistance rower, similar to the HouseFit DH-8633. However, it features an all-aluminum rail, while the fitness monitor included with it has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MBH Club app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 79L x 20W x 19H inches (201L x 51W x 48H cm)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Shipping weight: 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Fitness monitor: Time, 500m/time, strokes per minute, strokes, calories, pulse, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The MBH Fitness water resistance rower combines steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic parts in its construction. 
The front section of the frame that holds the water tank and the rear stabilizer are steel-made. As we’ve mentioned above, the rail is made of aluminum. The footrests and the tube caps are made from a durable thermoplastic polymer.
The rower is not super large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 79″ (201 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. The rail is 40″ (102 cm) long, and the machine’s maximum applicable inseam is 43″ (109 cm). This being said, the rower can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
The rail of the MBH rower does not fold as is the case for the YOSUDA H-185, for example. However, the unit can be stored vertically. When stored in a vertical position, its footprint becomes approx. 20″L x 20″W (51 x 51 cm), while its height will reach approx. 79″ (201 cm). The water can remain inside the tank while the unit is stored vertically.
The rower is not too heavy. Its gross weight (while packaged) is approx. 77 lbs (35 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. With water inside the tank, the unit is approx. 35 lbs (16 kg) heavier. However, it has a set of small wheels integrated into its front base which facilitates its relocation if needed.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s base stabilizers. These are three in number. The two front ones rest on large rubber feet, while the rear one has a flat base.
Seat and other parts
The MBH is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. It features a padded top, approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) 
wide, and 7″ (17.7 cm) deep, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its base frame is made of steel for improved durability. In fact, the whole rail and seat assembly is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The seat is equipped with three sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the rail. The third one slides through the side grooves of the rail for extra stability. All the wheels are equipped with small ball bearings for a smooth motion.
It’s important to mention that the machine’s rail is not perfectly horizontal. It is inclined by approx. 1-2 degrees. This being said, the seat is slightly higher when close to the rear of the rail. Its maximum height is approx. 10″ (25.4 cm) above the floor level.
The rower is equipped with an ergonomic handle. It is slightly curved in order to reduce the lateral stress on your wrists. It features PVC foam sleeves for improved contact. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon mesh strap which is connected to the rower’s pulley system. Since the machine uses a strap, not a chain, in its drive system, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication.
The unit’s footrests are size-adjustable and they’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. As we’ve mentioned above, they’re made of ABS plastic. They feature heel guards and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them if needed. Their angle is non-adjustable, though. They’re set at an angle of approx. 50° in order to provide comfortable positioning for your feet.
Resistance system
The MBH Fitness rower comes with a water tank made from durable polycarbonate material, with clear walls. Its
exact capacity is not specified, but it is similar to other rowers in this price and feature range. This being said, its volume should be approx. 4-4.5 gallons (15 – 17 liters).
The tank does not have a mechanical water level adjustment system. It has a simple, one-chamber design. Therefore, in order to adjust the water level, you have to manually remove or add water in the tank with the provided siphon pump. The tank shouldn’t be filled past the maximum level marked on the side.
The main resistance generator is a 3-blade impeller incorporated into the tank and connected to the rower’s pulley system. Thus, when you pull the handles, the impeller spins in the water inside the tank, generating resistance.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the MBH Fitness model provides a dynamic response during rowing. Differently put, the resistance depends on how fast you pull the handle (the faster you pull, the more resistance you’ll get). This is up to a point similar to the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water.
Last but not least, the rower is not too noisy. This pretty much stands for most water rowers. However, it can be heard when in use. The spinning of the impeller inside the water tank generates a “woosh” noise. It is not extremely loud and it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a low volume, for example.
Fitness monitor
The MBH water resistance rower comes with a fitness monitor similar to the one included with the TRUNK rower. 
It features a large LCD display divided into several sub-sections in order to show multiple workout metrics at once. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, speed, distance, calories, and pulse.
The speed can be set either to KM/H or MPH; the distance can be set either to miles or kilometers. The unit actually has buttons for the quick selection of the desired units. It also has buttons for changing calories to cal/hour, and time to time/500. The pulse reading function requires a wireless chest strap or armband. This accessory is not included, though.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set workout programs. However, it offers the possibility to select goals for your workouts. For example, you can set a 2-mile distance goal and the unit will count down from the selected goal until the distance reaches zero.
The unit also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MBH Club App. This app is available for both iOS and Android systems. Once you download it on your device, you can sync it with the rower’s fitness monitor in order to benefit from extra features such as a virtual rowing setting, online stats tracking, and more.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. When it detects flywheel movement, it begins counting your data. It also has a sleep mode which initiates if the unit does not detect any activity on the rower for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The water tank comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the rail to the tank unit, the base stabilizers, and the seat. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to change the water in the tank every 3-6 months, and/or treat it with rower chlorine pills. The machine should be kept clean, especially the rail so that the seat’s wheels don’t sustain any damage due to debris or textile fibers. Other than this, it is also recommended to periodically inspect your rower to make sure that all the parts still function properly.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra floor protection;
- Transport wheels on the front base of the machine;
- Long rail (40″) – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, average speed, calories, strokes, and strokes per minute, and pulse;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the free MBH Club App;
- Goal selection function;
- Smooth and quiet usage;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Siphon pump included;
- Device holder included;
- Dust cover included;
- Easy to put together;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- An HR chest strap for pulse reading is not included.
Summary
The MBH water resistance rower is a fitness machine made for home use. It is equipped with a large water tank featuring a 3-blade impeller, a long (40″) rail, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. The monitor also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MBH Fitness app. In all, it’s an excellent fitness machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, and stamina development. It is also one of the most affordable water resistance rowers available at the moment.