| Unit | Size | Weight Limit | Product weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Murtisol Air Rower Check Discounted Price | L:98.4" W:24.4" H:44.5" | 500 lbs | 70.4 lbs | Air, 10 levels | 3 programs, Bluetooth |
If you’re looking for a budget version of the Concept2 Model D rower, one of the best choices that you can make is the Murtisol air resistance rower. This machine offers a pretty similar construction and range of features. It even has a performance monitor with several workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity. Although it’s not exactly a cheap rower, it still is a few $100s cheaper than the Concept2.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 98.4L x 24.4W x 44.5H inches (250L x 62W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 70.4 lbs (32 kg)
- Supported weight: 500 lbs (227 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Performance monitor: 3 programs, Bluetooth
Frame construction
The Murtisol air rower features a heavy-duty steel frame, similar to commercial-grade rowers. It’s 
equipped with a long, rectangular rail designed to accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem, and has a fairly decent weight limit of 500 lbs (227 kg).
The fully assembled machine is pretty large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 98.4″ (250 cm) long, and 24.4″ (62 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side of the rail for ease of access and correct usage. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room or apartment.
But on the other hand, this rower is foldable. The rail can fold up and the machine can be brought to a triangular position. This reduces its length by half offering better storage possibilities. The rail section is also easily removable and this does not require the use of tools.
The fully assembled machine is pretty heavy. Its net weight is approx. 70.4 lbs (32 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit may require two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer integrates a set of small wheels.
All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, with the “Murtisol” logo painted white. These are the only colors available for this rower, at least for the moment. Of course, the machine also integrates several parts made of durable thermoplastic material. For example, most of the fan casing and some of the components of the footrests are plastic-made.
Seat and other parts
The Murtisol air rower includes a pretty standard seat. Its top is made of a layer of high-density 
foam material. It is contoured for a better positioning and to provide extra breathability. It doesn’t offer super comfort, but this can easily be remedied with a gel foam cover or a rower seat cover.
The seat is not too large, approx. 12″ (30 cm). Its base frame is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels, while the rail features a thin sheet of aluminum on top, which is a bit wider than the steel tube. Two sets of wheels slide on top of the rail, the other under the aluminum sheet for extra stability. The wheels integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth seat motion and have a thick rubber layer on the outside to eliminate noise.
The seat height is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm). Differently put, it is not too close to the floor and should provide an easy entry and exit even for tall users.
The Murtisol air resistance rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. Their base combines steel and aluminum parts, so they’re pretty sturdy. They are size-adjustable, so they should accommodate any shoe size. They feature heel guards and straps for maximum foot stability.
The machine’s footrests come already attached to the main frame. They do not pivot on their axis. They are set at an angle of approx. 45° to provide optimal comfort for your feet during rowing.
The rower includes an ergonomic handle with high-density foam grips. The handle does not integrate pulse sensors, but the included performance tracker does have a pulse reading function. The handle is attached to a chain, similar to the Concept2 rowers. This type of transmission is very durable and can last a lifetime, but does make a bit of noise during rowing.
Resistance system
This Murtisol rower is equipped with an air resistance system. The main resistance generator is a flywheel-fan
integrated into the front unit of the machine. As you pull the handle, the fan spins into its casing generating resistance.
The machine doesn’t have a magnetic brake like other rowers, such as the Marnur model. However, the flywheel has a damper feature with 10 levels of adjustment. This allows you to select how much air enters and exits the fan casing which adds or reduces the overall resistance. As a general idea, the machine offers a pretty decent resistance level even on the first level of difficulty.
Similar to any other water or air resistance rowers, the Murtisol machine generates a dynamic response during rowing. This means that if you row at a faster pace, the fan will also spin faster and generate more resistance. This resembles the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water which can be a plus to the overall rowing experience.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by the machine. As a general idea, air resistance rowers are the noisiest rowers available. This applies to the Murtisol model as well. Although the fan doesn’t generate a lot of noise, it can definitely be heard when the machine is in use. In terms of noise, it can be compared to the noise generated by an electrical fan of the same size. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s transmission uses a chain that may touch the recovery casing or the rail at times, also generating a bit of noise which is not the case for the rowers with a nylon strap transmission.
Performance monitor
The Murtisol air resistance rower includes a performance monitor that offers quite a few functions.
To begin with, it is equipped with an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time elapsed, distance (in meters), strokes per minute, strokes per session, total strokes, calories burned, and pulse. The rower does not have any pulse sensors, but since the monitor unit does have an internal pulse receiver, you should be able to pair it with a wireless chest strap (probably a standard 5.3 Hz one). This accessory is not included.
The monitor unit has three workout programs, one manual, two intervals. The Manual program simply records your workout metrics. Also, for this mode, you can select goals for time, distance, and strokes and it should count down from the selected value. The two interval programs are set for work/rest periods of 20/10 seconds, and respectively 10/20 seconds.
The machine’s performance monitor unit also has Bluetooth connectivity. It has a QR code on the back which you can scan to install the corresponding app on your smartphone. This app saves your workout progress online so you can always check your workout history.
Last but not least, the machine’s performance monitor is battery-powered (the batteries are not included). It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press one of the buttons, and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for a few minutes. It also has an adjustable mount so you can set it to the right angle depending on your height to always see the workout metrics.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s resistance system with the fan and chain comes pre-assembled. You only need to insert the seat onto the rail, connect the rail to the front section of the rower, add the two base stabilizers, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the necessary instructions are provided by the manual and all the tools for it are included.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean, especially the rail so the seat wheels won’t get any damage. The fan can be vacuumed from the outside in case it accumulates dust. Also, even though it’s a machine for indoor use, it’s not a bad idea to lubricate the chain a little, to make sure it won’t catch rust.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 500 lbs (227 kg);
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
- Padded and contoured seat;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Air resistance for a natural, dynamic response during rowing;
- 10-level damper on the fan casing;
- Multi-window fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, SPM, strokes, total strokes, calories, and pulse;
- 3 workout programs;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Angle-adjustable mount for the fitness monitor;
- Fairly quiet for an air resistance rower;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Batteries for the monitor are not included;
- Heart rate chest strap is not included;
- The fitness monitor does not have backlight.
- The monitor data is not too accurate.
Summary
The Murtisol rower is equipped with an air resistance system featuring a 10-level adjustment system, a long rail for a wide range of users, and a performance monitor with three workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity. The machine is also pretty sturdy, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 500 lbs (227 kg). In all, it’s a pretty decent alternative to a Concept2 rower, great for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss.