| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strongick Air Rower Check Discounted Price | L:96" W:24" H:44.5" | 500 lbs | Air, 10 levels | Time, Time/500m, Distance, Watts, Calories, Strokes, Total strokes, Pulse, Intervals, Bluetooth | 5 years |
The Strongick air resistance rower is one of the fitness machines released in 2020. It’s similar to the RowWarrior rower that we’ve already covered here; has almost the same dimensions and the same type of fitness monitor. The monitor is different from the PM5 model included with the Concept2 rowers, though.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 96L x 24W x 44.5 inches (244L x 61W x 113H cm)
- Assembled weight: 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Supported weight: 500 lbs (225 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: 5 years
Frame construction
The Strongick air rower consists of two main parts, the rear section with the rail and seat, and the front
section that holds the resistance elements plus the fitness monitor. It combines steel, aluminum, and thermoplastic elements in its construction. The rail, the base stabilizers, and the front part of the frame are made of rectangular steel tubing. The top cover of the rail is aluminum-made, and the drive system casing is made of durable ABS plastic. All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color, with the Strongick logo painted white.
The rower is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 96″ (244 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Its front part stands at approx. 44.5″ (113 cm) above the floor level. These being said, the machine may not fit too well into a small room or apartment, considering that you also have to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the rail.
On the other hand, the rower is foldable. The rail disengages from the front part of the frame and both pieces can be stored upright. In the folded position, the unit’s footprint can be reduced to approx. 25″L x 33″W (64 x 84 cm). Also, the height of the folded unit is approx. 54″ (137 cm).
This rower is not too heavy. Its net weight is approx. 70 lbs (32 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Its front base stabilizer, which is the heaviest, features two small transport wheels for easy relocation. Also, both base stabilizers rest on large rubber pads for an improved grip on the floor.
Seat and other parts
The Strongick rower is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its top is made of high-density foam so it’s not completely hard. It is also contoured, in order to provide a better positioning for the user. It is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, so it offers plenty of contact surface and comfort.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the rail assembly while the third set of wheels slides under the edges of the aluminum rail cover for improved stability. The wheels are equipped with ball bearings for smoother seat movement. They also have a layer of rubber material on the outside to reduce noise.
One last aspect about the seat regards its height. The Strongick air rower has a 14″ (35.5 cm) high seat. It’s a bit higher than for other rowers so users with certain disabilities may find it easier to position themselves on it, which can be quite a plus.
Similar to the Concept2 rowers, the Strongick rower is equipped with a chain drive system. Its pulling handle connects to a chain similar to the one of a bicycle chain which connects to the inner pulley system. The main advantage of the chain drive is that it can last a lifetime. As for downsides, the chain drive system is noisier than a cord or strap and should be lubricated from time to time.
The pulling handle is made of nylon or ABS material. It has rubber foam grips for improved comfort. It does not integrate any sensors or other types of controls.
The rower is equipped with a set of fixed footrests. They come already attached to the front section of the frame. They do not pivot on their axis, but they’re size-adjustable. They feature heel guards and straps so you can perfectly secure your feet if necessary. Their angle is approx. 45°, so they provide optimal positioning for your feet during rowing.
Resistance system
Strongick rowing machine is equipped with an air resistance system. It does not have any magnetic resistance
elements. The one and only resistance-generating element is the large fan encased in the front unit of the machine. The fan is connected to the machine’s pulley system which connects to the chain and pulling handle. Thus, when you pull the handle, the fan spins inside the casing generating resistance.
Similar to other air resistance fitness equipment, the Fitness Reality X-Class 9000 exercise bike, or the Stamina 35-1413 rower, the Strongick rower provides a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance depends on your stroke rate. For example, if you pull the handle at a faster rate, the fan will also spin faster and will generate more resistance. This resembles (up to a point) the rowing of a real boat through the water.
The unit’s resistance casing is also equipped with a damper system which has 10 distinct levels. By adjusting the damper, you can increase or decrease the overall resistance level provided by the rower.
Most air resistance rowers are pretty noisy compared to magnetic rowers and the Strongick model is no exception. 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.
Fitness monitor
As we’ve mentioned above, the fitness monitor included with the Strongick rower is not like the one included
with the Concept2 models. It lacks the advanced metrics and the games. However, it does offer a fairly decent range of features. To begin with, its LCD display is divided into six sub-section that show, time, time/500m, distance, watts, calories, strokes, total strokes, and pulse. The distance is shown in meters. In order to use the pulse reading feature, you will have to wear a Bluetooth chest strap which is not included.
The 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’s Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t only apply to the pulse reading function. You can also sync it with your phone or tablet through an app that you can install with the provided QR code. This app offers the possibility to track your progress online, set goals, share your results with others, and also syncs with GoogleFit.
The monitor unit is battery-powered and the batteries are included. It starts up when you press the Mode button or when you begin rowing. It also turns off automatically if it does not detect any activity on the rower for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front section of the rower with the drive system and the footrests, comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the large front stabilizer and then connect the two main pieces together. The manual provides all the assembly instructions and all the tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the rower clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the seat’s wheels. The fan and its casing may accumulate dust, so you can vacuum them from the outside. The chain should be lubricated every few months to prevent link locking or rust. And finally, it is also recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that all the parts function properly and hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame construction;
- Superior weight capacity – can support users up to 500 lbs (225 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;
- Interval programs on the fitness monitor;
- Pulse recovery function;
- Bluetooth connectivity – a QR code is also included and you can install the rower’s fitness app on your phone;
- 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 monitor is not included;
- The fitness monitor does not have backlight.
Summary
The Strongick rower is a heavy-duty fitness machine pretty close to commercial-grade quality. It is equipped with a 10-level air resistance system, a long rail with an aluminum cover, a comfortable seat, and a Bluetooth fitness monitor with several workout programs. It’s a solid rower, great for users of all levels, for intense full-body cardio workouts, stamina and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss.