| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reebok RVJF-12050 Check Discounted Price | L:71" W:21" H:27" | 265 lbs | 77.7 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 16 levels | 12 preset programs, 4 HR programs, 1 Race program 1 User program, Recovery function |
The ZJET model is one of the rowers released by Reebok in 2019. It’s a full-magnetic rower equipped with an automatic resistance system. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5854 but offers more workout programs and a more compact design. For reference, this is the Reebok rower part number RVJF-12050.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 71.3L x 21.3W x 27.2H inches (181L x 54W x 69H cm)
- Assembled weight: 77.7 lbs (35 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Resistance type: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console programs: 12 preset, 5 target, HRC, race, recovery
Frame construction
The Reebok ZJET rower combines steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic parts in its construction. The front 
section of the frame to which the drive and resistance elements are attached, as well as the rear stabilizer, are made of steel tubing. The sliding rail is made of aluminum alloy for a smooth seat travel. The covers of the drive and resistance elements, as well as the footrests, are made of durable ABS material. All the steel parts in the machine’s frame are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Reebok ZJET rower has a more compact frame than the Sunny SF-RW5854. But nonetheless, its rail still is approx. 45″ (115 cm) long, and provides enough seat movement span in order to accommodate users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). It’s also durable enough to support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The fully assembled machine is not extremely large but still takes approx. 71″L x 21″W (181 x 54 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least 24″ (61 cm) on each side and at its rear for ease of access and unrestrained usage. But on the other hand, the rower is foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded up so you can save some space when the machine is stored. With the rail folded up, its footprint becomes 35″L x 21″ (90 x 54 cm), while its height reaches approx. 57″ (145 cm) above floor level.
The rower is not extremely heavy either but still weighs approx. 77 lbs (35 kg). This weight adds to its overall stability. Plus, its rear and front bases feature adjustable levelers. Once the unit is fully assembled, it can easily be handled and moved by its front transport wheels.
Seat and other parts
The seat included with the Reebok ZJET rower is similar to the one of the Stamina DT Pro. It features a
contoured top made of PU material. It’s not cushioned, but it isn’t too hard either. It has a non-slip surface and a small rear guard to prevent you from sliding backward from during rowing.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It features two sets of wheels that slide through the side grooves of the rail. The wheels integrate high-grade sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion, and their outer layer is rubberized to dampen noise.
It’s important to mention that the machine’s sliding rail is not horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward, so the seat is higher when it is extended all the way to the rear. The maximum height is approx. 13″ (33 cm). This type of rail setup comes with two main benefits. One, it provides a slightly better workout for the legs. Two, the recovery part of the rowing motion is a bit faster.
The footrests of the Reebok ZJET rower are fixed on their axis; they do not pivot as it is the case for other rowers, such as the SereneLife SLRWMC18, or the Efitment RW025. They’re set at an angle of approx. 45° in order to provide an optimal position for your feet, and the required support for a firm push.
The machine’s footrests are made of hard ABS material. They are non-adjustable but they are large enough to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.
Last but not least, the rower is equipped with an ergonomic handle. It features slightly curved grips and a layer of rubber foam material for improved comfort. The handle is attached to a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This type of drive delivers a very smooth motion, minimum noise, and does not require any lubrication.
Resistance system
The Reebok ZJET rower is equipped with an automatic (motorized) magnetic resistance system. This means
it comes with an adapter and needs to be connected to a power source. It also means that its console has preset workout programs and can adjust the resistance automatically.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance from the console, or in case you’re using a program that automatically adjust the resistance, the motor moves the magnetic brake closer or farther from the flywheel which adds or reduces the rowing difficulty.
There are 16 levels of resistance available on the console. The lowest level delivers a fairly light resistance, great for warm-ups or prolonged workouts. Conversely, the 16th level delivers considerably more resistance giving you the possibility to improve your strength, stamina, and achieve a high cardiovascular rate more quickly.
The machine’s internal flywheel is perimeter-weighted. This type of construction improves inertia. It’s not extremely heavy but does weigh approx. 13 lbs (6 kg), so even at the lowest tension setting you will benefit from a pretty consistent workout.
It’s important to mention that the Reebok ZJET doesn’t provide a dynamic response during rowing. This pretty much stands for all the rowers with a full-magnetic resistance system. A dynamic response means that the resistance is not affected by how fast you pull the handle, or how much strength you put behind each stroke. It only depends on the resistance setting. Therefore, the rowing feel is not as close to the rowing of a real boat as it is the case for a water resistance rower, or an air resistance rower. But nonetheless, the machine does provide a great, full-body cardio workout.
Console
The Reebok ZJET rower is equipped with a multi-function console. To begin with, it features an 4.5″ 
LCD display with LED backlight which is divided into multiple sub-sections so that you can view as many workout metrics as possible at once. The display tracks time/500, distance, total distance, strokes (per session), strokes per minute, calories burned, and pulse. All these are shown on the side windows of the display, while the wider section in the center shows the profiles of the program in use.
Speaking of programs, the console offers quite a few. First of all, it has the Manual Mode which gives you the possibility to row freely adjusting the resistance as you want from the arrow keys. Also, if you’re using this program, you can set up targets for time, distance, strokes, calories, and pulse.
The P1-P12 programs are preset. Each one has a specific layout and adjusts the rower’s resistance accordingly. Some are better for stamina development, some have an interval-type layout, while others gradually increase and decrease the resistance for the duration of the program.
An H.R.C. mode and a User Mode are available as well. The H.R.C mode offers four programs for target heart rates of 55%, 75%, 90%, and custom. Of course, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use an HR chest strap. This accessory is not included. The User Mode allows you to create your own program profiles, save them, and re-use them every time you want.
Finally, the console makes available a Race Mode, and a Recovery Function. The Race program gives you the possibility to race against the computer; it has 15 preset settings. The Recovery function counts your pulse recovery at the end of the workout, and based on the result, it will rate your performance between F1 – excellent, and F6 – poor.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance parts comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the main rail to it, insert the seat on the rail, add the footrests, and the base stabilizers. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. All the assembly instructions are covered by the manual. Also, a basic toolkit for the task is included.
Once the machine is assembled, the only maintenance that it requires is keeping the rail clean to prevent any damage to the wheels, and removing the dust and the sweat that may fall onto the frame. The internal parts don’t require any lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid frame – can support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg);
- Fairly long rail – provides 45″ (115 cm);
- Folding design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both rear and front base bars;
- Padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Large footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 16 levels of automatic resistance;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, count, SPM, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- 12 preset programs;
- 1 race program;
- 1 HRC mode;
- 1 user program;
- Recovery function;
- The console display has LED backlight for superior reading possibilities;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Reebok ZJET is a magnetic resistance rower designed for home use. It offers 16 levels of automatic resistance, a sturdy and long rail with a comfortable seat, and a console with multiple workout programs. Its frame is also foldable. It’s a great fitness machine for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also a great alternative to a gym-grade machine as it costs at least $500 less.