| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TRUNK Black Wood Check Discounted Price | L:82" W:22" H:20" | 330 lbs | 64 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m, Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Bluetooth |
The TRUNK Black Wood water rower is not far different from the TRUNK Wood1 that we’ve already covered here. However, it has a folding design, similar to the HouseFit Skyline Nature rower. It’s a rower made for home use, but definitely has the features, construction, and durability of at least a light-commercial model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82L x 22W x 20H inches (208L x 56W x 51H cm)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Net weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
- Frame: Oak wood, dark brown finish
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Fitness monitor: Time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, pulse, Bluetooth
- Extras: Phone holder, siphon pump
Frame construction
As its name suggests, the TRUNK Black Wood rowing machine features a wooden frame. It’s made of solid
oak wood, but as opposed to the TRUNK Wood1 model, it features a dark brown finish. All the wooden parts are also lacquered for a higher resistance to moisture and for improved aesthetics. Of course, the unit’s hardware is steel-made (most painted black); the rail covers are made of hard plastic while the water tank is made of polycarbonate material.
Like many other rowers with a wooden frame, the TRUNK Black Wood features a dual-rail design. This type of construction leads to a higher overall structural sturdiness and stability. The rails are pretty long too; the applicable inseam range for this machine is approx. 40″ (101 cm), so it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’5″ (196 cm).
The rower is fairly large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 82″ (208 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room, especially considering that you’ll also have to allow some clearance all around it. For most rowers, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of space on each side and at the rear, for easy access and to be able to execute the rowing motion correctly, without any hindrance.
The machine’s frame features a folding design similar to the SNODE RW-8. There is a set of hinges between the rear rail section and the front section that holds the water tank. Thus, the frame can fold from the middle. There is also a handle at the folding point, so you can easily move the unit when it’s folded.
The unit is not too heavy. Its net weight (without water inside the resistance tank) is approx. 64 lbs (29 kg). It features transport wheels at the front and at the rear so you can easily move it when folded. Also, as opposed to the non-folding model, it rests on six rubber stabilizers, two at the front, two at the middle, and two at the rear.
Seat and other parts
The TRUNK Black Wood water rowing machine is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top section
consists of a layer of high-density PVC foam in order to reduce the impact on your tailbone. It’s also contoured to prevent slippage. It is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Also, its height is approx. 12″ (30.5 cm) above the floor.
The seat frame is made from the same type of oak wood just like the rest of the frame, with steel hardware. It integrates eight wheels. Four of them slide on top of the rails, the other four slide on the inner sides of the rails for improved stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings and a thick rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet motion.
The rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made from a durable and flexible thermoplastic material, while the parts that connect them to the rower’s wooden frame are steel-made. They have heel guards and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them if necessary. They are also size-adjustable, so they can accommodate pretty much any side of athletic shoes.
The footrests don’t have a pivoting design like is the case for other rowers. Their angle is fixed. The wooden board to which they’re attached has an angle of approx. 50° in order to provide optimal positioning for your feet during rowing.
The machine’s handle is also made of oak wood, with a dark lacquered finish to match the rest of the frame. It has an ergonomic design and does not have foam grips, pulse sensors, or other controls. It attaches to a double-ply polyethylene fiber belt which connects to the rower’s pulley system. This type of drive system offers the advantage that you don’t have to lubricate it every few months. It’s also quieter than a chain.
Resistance system
The TRUNK Black Wood rower is equipped with a water resistance system. It integrates a large water tank made
of polycarbonate material. The tank is approx. 22″ (56 cm) in diameter and has a volume of approx. 4.4 gallons (17 liters). However, it should never be filled to the top as it may overflow when the rower is in use. There is also a maximum fill marking on the tank.
The main resistance-generating element is a double blade impeller which is integrated into the rower’s tank. The impeller attaches to the pulley system and spins inside the tank when you pull the handle. The tank has a simple, single-chamber construction and does not have any other type of resistance adjustment elements. Therefore, in order to adjust the overall resistance provided by the machine, you have to manually add or remove water from the tank. A siphon pump is included with the machine.
The machine provides a dynamic response during rowing. This means that the resistance varies, depending on how fast you pull the handle. This resembles up to a point, the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water. This can be a plus especially for users who want to train on a professional level.
Last but not least, this rowing machine is not completely silent but does not generate too much noise during usage. As the impeller spins inside the tank water, it generates a “woosh” sound which gets louder if you increase your stroke rate or put more strength behind each stroke. But as a general idea, the noise generated doesn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a moderate volume level. Also, most users have described the water sound as calming, rather than annoying.
Fitness monitor
The TRUNK Black Wood rower is equipped with a fitness monitor that offers a few extra features over a basic
unit. To begin with, it has an LCD display divided into four sub-sections, so it can show up to four workout metrics simultaneously. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and pulse. It’s important to mention, though, that the rower does not have pulse sensors. Therefore, you will have to wear a wireless pulse transmitter (not included) for the unit to read your pulse. It also has a pulse recovery function.
The monitor unit does not have advanced programs like the monitors included with commercial rowers. However, it does have Bluetooth connectivity and offers the possibility to select goals for your workouts. There is a QR code sticker on the back of the monitor unit, so you can scan it with your phone and install the Kinomap app. This app offers several extra features such as online progress tracking, workout videos, and more.
For the goal-setting function, the monitor unit offers the possibility to select a workout target for some of the metrics. If, for example, you select a workout target for 2000 strokes or 2 kilometers, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero, notifying you that you have completed your goal.
The monitor unit is battery-powered and the batteries are included. It starts monitoring your workout data when it detects activity on the machine. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the rower, but also has an On/Off button.
Assembly and Maintenance
The rower comes packaged in two boxes. The water tank comes pre-assembled, but the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to put together the front rail section, attach the water tank, the footrests, the rear rail section, the seat, the fitness monitor, and the phone holder. This may take more than an hour, but the manual provides clear assembly instructions. Also, all the tools for assembly are included.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. A pack of water purification pills is included, so you can add one in the tank water every few months to prevent the formation of algae. Colorant for the water is also included.
The Pros
- Aesthetic design with a frame made of solid oak featuring a lacquered finish;
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra stability floor protection;
- Transport wheels on both ends of the machine;
- Long rails – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm);
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, average speed, calories, strokes, and strokes per minute, and pulse;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Goal selection function;
- Recovery function;
- Smooth and quiet usage;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Siphon pump included;
- Phone holder included;
- Dust cover included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- An HR chest strap for pulse reading is not included.
Summary
The TRUNK Black Wood is a water resistance rower made for home use. It features a heavy-duty construction with a folding frame made of solid oak wood, a dual rail system, a large water tank, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, average speed, calories, strokes, SPM, and pulse. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Kinomap app. It’s a pretty solid rower, great for users of all levels, for a full-body cardio workout. It’s also considerably more affordable than other similar rowers.