| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina X 35-1102A Check Discounted Price | L:63" W:19" H:28" | 250 lbs | 40.5 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Count, T-Count, Calories, Scan |
Although the Stamina X 35-1102A is one of the rowing machines released in 2018, it is still available for now. It’s a rather basic trainer, made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the XTERRA ERG160 or the Marcy ME-1018RE. However, it does not have a folding frame.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 63L x 19W x 28H inches (160L x 48W x 71H cm)
- Shipping weight: 40.5 lbs (18.3 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Resistance type: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, count, total count, distance, calories, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Stamina X 35-1102A rowing machine features a frame made mostly of steel tubing. However, its sliding 
rail features two side covers made of extruded aluminum for a smoother seat movement. Also, the covers of the drive and resistance mechanism are made of durable thermoplastic material.
All the steel tubes in the machine’s frame construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black. The aluminum side covers of the sliding rail have their natural polish. The front covers of the drive system are red and black for an extra aesthetic touch.
The fully assembled rower is not too large compared with other models. However, it still is approx. 63″ (160 cm) long, so it may not fit too well in a small room. Its width is 19″ (48 cm), while its highest point is given by the top of the fitness monitor which reaches approx. 28″ (71 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine for ease of access and correct usage. Also, the unit’s rail is fairly long, so the machine should accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem.
As we’ve mentioned above, this Stamina X rowing machine does not have a folding frame. It can be stored vertically, though. When stored in the upright position, its footprint becomes 28″L x 19″W (71 x 48 cm), while its height reaches 63″ (160 cm) above floor level.
The rower is fairly light. With all the parts assembled, it only weighs approx. 40.5 lbs (18.3 kg). This being said, it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it is very easy to move as its front stabilizer is equipped with a set of transport wheels.
Seat and other parts
The Stamina X 35-1102A rowing machine is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its top is made of high-density
foam material for extra comfort, and it is also contoured to provide a better positioning for the user. The seat frame is steel made. It is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) which is not bad for a machine made for home use.
The base of the seat integrates three sets of wheels. Two pairs of wheels slide on top of the aluminum tracks of the sliding rail, while the third pair of wheels slides under these tracks for extra stability. The wheels are equipped with sealed ball bearings to provide smooth travel for the seat.
This Stamina X rower features a set of large footrests. They’re made of a heavy-duty thermoplastic material featuring a textured surface and heel guards for improved foot stability. They are also equipped with adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
The machine’s footrests have a pivoting design. They can tilt forward and backward on their axis. This can be a plus for users with limited ankle mobility. However, they have stoppers at the heel so they won’t tilt backward past an angle of approx. 60°.
The rower’s pulling handle is a simple short bar with foam sleeves for an improved grip. It is attached to a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This being said, it generates less vibration during rowing than a chain. It also doesn’t require lubrication. Since it’s a pretty basic machine, the handle doesn’t integrate pulse sensors or resistance controls.
Resistance system
The Stamina X 35-1102A rower is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, similar up to a point to 
the resistance system of a magnetic exercise bike. It consists of an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the tension knob visible on the front unit of the machine. When you turn this knob clockwise, the internal magnetic brake moves closer to the machine’s flywheel which increases the workout load.
The rower makes available 8 tension levels. The first level offers a fairly light resistance, great for recovery training. The top tension level does not offer super resistance, but nonetheless, it delivers a noticeable difference from the first level. This being said, this Stamina magnetic rower is not made for a super intense workout, but just like any other rower, it offers the possibility to work up to 80% of your muscle groups.
Since the machine’s resistance system requires manual action, you don’t need to connect it to a power source, nor you’ll need a power adapter for it. The only power source needed is a set of batteries for the rowing monitor. It’s also important to mention here that this monitor cannot automatically adjust the machine’s resistance.
Another important aspect that we must mention here regards the rowing feel provided by this machine. Since it’s a full-magnetic rower, it does not provide the dynamic resistance response like a water resistance rower, for example. This means that the resistance doesn’t depend on how fast you pull the handle. It depends only on the selected tension level. Thus, the rowing sensation of a water resistance rower or air resistance rower is closer to rowing a real boat than the sensation provided by this particular machine (or any other full-magnetic rower). This shouldn’t be a major inconvenience, though, as it still provides a very consistent, full-body cardio workout.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by the machine during usage. Since this is a full-magnetic rower, it does not have any fans or water resistance elements, and its internal magnetic brake does not touch the flywheel. Thus, the noise level generated by it is very low. You can barely hear the seat moving or the strap extending and retracting.
Fitness monitor
This Stamina X magnetic rower is equipped with a basic exercise meter. It features an LCD display that
tracks time, distance, stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function. It does not have any pre-set programs or workout goal settings. It also does not have online connectivity. It tracks the distance traveled in miles only. This function cannot be set to metric units.
The monitor unit only has one button. By pressing this button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and lock the one you want to view on the display. It also has a Scan Mode which you can select in the same way, by pressing the button repeatedly. When the Scan Mode is selected, the monitor rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for 6 seconds. The unit also has a reset function. You can clear all the values on it by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds.
The fitness monitor unit requires two AA batteries (which are NOT included). It starts up when you begin rowing, or when it detects activity on the rower (when the strap is pulled). It also automatically turns off to save battery, after a few minutes of inactivity on the machine.
One last notable feature to mention here with regards to the machine’s fitness monitor is the device holder. This accessory consists of a small shelf attached at the bottom of the unit. It is large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone.
Assembly and Maintenance
The rower’s drive and resistance system comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to connect the rail, the two base stabilizers, insert the seat onto the rail, attach the pulling handle, the bottle holder, the footrests, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The task is straightforward and the manual provides all the necessary instructions accompanied by illustrations. Also, all the tools required for the assembly are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the rail clean to prevent any damage to the wheels. Other than this, you only have to keep the machine clean and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts function properly. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame for a home-use machine – can hold users up to 250 lbs;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Large, padded, and contoured seat for improved comfort;
- Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’3″;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Quiet magnetic resistance with 8 distinct levels;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, count, total count, distance, and calories burned;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Stamina X 35-1102A is a full-magnetic rower designed for home use. It offers 8 levels of resistance, a fairly long rail so it can accommodate users up to 6’3″, and also includes a performance monitor that tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned. It’s an affordable machine, great for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, interval training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.