| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RowWarrior Air Rower Check Discounted Price | L:94" W:24" H:45" | 550 lbs | Air, 10 levels | Time, Time/500m, Distance, Watts, Calories, Strokes, Total strokes, Pulse, Intervals, Bluetooth | Frame: 2 years Parts: 1 year |
Next to the PowerBoostConcept air rower, the RowWarrior model is a fitness machine similar to the Concept2 Model D rower. It’s pretty much the same in terms of design and sturdiness. However, it comes with a different exercise monitor.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 94L x 24W x 45H inches (239L x 61W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 67 lbs (30.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 550 lbs (250 kg)
- Frame: Steel, foldable
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, strokes, total strokes, calories, watts, pulse, intervals, recovery, Bluetooth
- Warranty: Frame 2 years / Parts 1 year
Frame construction
The RowWarrior air rower features a steel frame, with the rail and the front part that sustains the drive
system made of thick rectangular tubing. All the steel parts are coated with a durable paint finish black in color. The covers of the air resistance system are made of nylon or thermoplastic material.
The rower is pretty solid. Although it’s not advertised as a commercial-grade machine it’s pretty close to the Concept2 model, so we can safely say that it offers commercial-grade quality. Its rail is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 550 lbs (250 kg) which is quite impressive.
The machine’s rail is pretty long, approx. 53″ (134 cm). Therefore, the rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension and range of motion. The machine is fairly large as well, especially lengthwise. It is 94″ (239 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Plus, you should allow at least two feet of clearance at the rear of the rail and on each side, for ease of access and safe usage.
The rower is foldable. The rail can easily be disconnected from the front part of the frame. Both pieces can be stored upright so the machine’s footprint can be reduced to approx. 33″L x 30″W (84 x 76 cm). Also, the height of the folded unit is approx. 54″ (137 cm).
Last but not least, the RowWarrior machine is not super heavy. Its net weight is 67 lbs (30.3 kg). This being said, the packaged unit may require a box carrier, but it can be assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base bar integrates two small wheels so you can easily move the heaviest part.
Seat and other parts
The RowWarrior Fitness air resistance rower includes a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of 
high-density foam. It is also contoured to prevent slippage and provide a better positioning for the user. It is approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide so it delivers plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two sets slide on top of the main rail. The third set of wheels slides under the top plate of the rail in order to provide extra stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings for smooth operation. They are also rubberized to reduce noise.
The machine’s rail is not completely horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward. This being said, at its highest point, the seat is at approx. 14″ (35 cm) above the floor.
The machine’s footrests feature heel guards and straps so you can perfectly stabilize your feet on them. They have a fixed design; they do not pivot on their axis. Their angle is approx. 45°, for optimal foot positioning during rowing. They’re also size-adjustable and should be able to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes.
The machine’s pulling handle is chrome-plated and features an ergonomic design with rubberized grips for improved contact and comfort. It attaches to a chain similar to a bike chain. Therefore, its drive system can last a lifetime. However, compared to a rope or a synthetic mesh strap, the chain may generate a bit of extra vibration especially if you row at a higher speed. Plus, the chain should be lubricated from time to time to prevent it from catching rust.
Resistance system
The RowWarrior rowing machine features an air resistance system. It does not have a magnetic brake or any 
other resistance elements. However, its casing features a damper with 10 adjustment positions. By adjusting the damper, the casing allows more or less air inside which leads to more or less resistance.
Needless to say, the main resistance-generating element is a large fan concealed by the front plastic covers. The fan is connected to the chain drive system through a set of pulleys. Therefore, when you pull the handle, it spins inside its casing generating resistance.
One of the main pluses of the air resistance system is that it generates a dynamic response during usage. This means that the resistance not only depends on the selected level on the damper, it also depends on your stroke rate. Differently put, the faster you row, the more resistance you will get. This effect is similar to the feeling of rowing through the water. This can be a plus, especially for professional athletes because the machine provides a rowing experience as close as possible to rowing a real boat.
Most air resistance rowers are pretty noisy compared to magnetic rowers. The RowWarrior machine falls into this category as well. Although it does not generate an extremely loud noise during usage, it can still be heard. The exact decibel output for this machine is not specified, but as a general idea, the sound level produced during rowing can be compared to the one of a large electric fan.
Exercise monitor
The RowWarrior Fitness rowing machine is equipped with a mid-range fitness monitor. To begin with, it has an
LCD display split into several sub-sections in order to show multiple workout metrics at once. It indicates time, time/500m, distance, watts, calories, strokes, total strokes, and pulse. The distance is shown in meters. The pulse reading is wireless. The rower does not have any integrated sensors, so in order to track your pulse, you will have to use a Bluetooth HR chest strap. This accessory is not included.
The exercise monitor unit offers two interval programs and a pulse recovery function, as well as a manual rowing mode. In manual mode, it simply shows your workout metrics as you row. The interval programs are standard 20/10 and 10/20. Differently put, the first one is pre-set for a work period of 20 seconds and a rest period of 10 seconds. For the second one, the durations are reversed, 10 seconds work, 20 seconds rest. The recovery function requires you to use an HR chest strap or armband so that the monitor will count your pulse at the end of your workout and rate your fitness level.
The unit has Bluetooth connectivity and comes with a QR code on the back. By scanning the provided code, you can install the Fitshow app, which is a basic fitness app that syncs with your machine and provides extra features and tracking. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
Last but not least, the monitor unit is battery-powered and the batteries are included. It has a long mount that allows for angle adjustment. It starts up when you begin rowing and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for several minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front part of the rower with the resistance system comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the machine does require user assembly. You will have to attach the front base stabilizer, insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer, and then the monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions with attached schematics and all the tools are included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. To begin with, the machine should be kept clean, especially the rail to prevent any damage to the seat’s wheels. The chain should be oiled after a while to prevent link locking and rust. In case the fan accumulates dust, you can vacuum it from the outside without taking its casing apart. Other than this, you should also periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame construction;
- Superior weight capacity – can support users up to 550 lbs (227 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- The rail can easily detach from the front unit in order to provide better storage possibilities;
- Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
- Long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm);
- Contoured ergonomic seat for optimal comfort;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- 10-level damper for resistance adjustment;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, SPM, total strokes, watts, calories, and pulse;
- 20/10 and 10/20 interval programs;
- Pulse recovery function;
- Bluetooth connectivity – the unit is compatible with the Fitshow app;
- Angle-adjustable mount for the fitness monitor;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A heart rate armband or chest strap is not included;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The RowWarrior Fitness air rower is a heavy-duty fitness machine offering a commercial-grade construction. It has a 10-level air resistance system, a long sturdy rail, adjustable footrests, and an exercise monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. The monitor unit also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Fitshow app. In all, it’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.