| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tunturi R30 Check Discounted Price | L:74.8" W:19.7" H:27.6" | 242 lbs | 57.3 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, Total count, Calories, Scan, Goals |
The Tunturi R30 rower is also a fitness machine part of the “Cardio Fit” series, just as the C30 Elliptical Cross Trainer that we’ve already reviewed here. It’s a very similar rower to the Marcy NS-40503RW, featuring the same design, resistance system, and console. It’s a machine for home use, but does have a pretty durable construction.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.8L x 19.7W x 27.6H inches (190L x 50W x 70H cm)
- Assembled weight: 57.3 lbs (26 kg)
- Max. user weight: 242 lbs (110 kg)
- Frame: Steel / aluminum
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, count, total count, calories, scan, goals
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Tunturi R30 Cardio Fit rower features a metallic structural frame, made of steel and aluminum parts. The unit’s
main rail is aluminum made, while the front part that holds the drive and resistance elements, as well as the rear stabilizer and several other parts are made of steel tubing. Of course, the machine also has several ABS parts. The footrests, the covers of the flywheel, and the casing of the console are ABS-made.
The fully assembled machine is fairly light. It only weighs 57.3 lbs (26 kg). This being said, its transport and assembly shouldn’t be a problem for one person. On top of that, its front base has transport wheels; so, once the unit is fully setup, it can easily be moved to storage.
Although it’s not one of the largest rowing machines, The Tunturi Cardio Fit R30 is still fairly large. With the frame fully set up, it is approx. 74.8″ (190 cm) long, and 19.7″ (50 cm) wide. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of it for safe and unhindered usage.
On the other hand, this Tunturi rower has a folding frame. The rail with the seat can be folded up to save space. With the rail folded up, the unit’s length is reduced to 31.5″ (80 cm), so you may be able to fit it in a closet.
An important aspect to mention here regards the positioning of the rail. When the machine is unfolded, ready to be used, the rail is not completely horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward. Due to this fact, it provides a better workout for the legs and a faster recovery motion. Also, the rail provides enough travel for the seat in order to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188 – 190 cm).
Last but not least, the unit’s steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this unit. The aluminum rail does not have any finish, but aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion itself.
Seat and other parts
The Tunturi R30 features a fairly comfortable seat. Its top is not cushioned, but it’s made of high-density foam, so it’s
not extremely hard. It’s contoured, in order to provide a better positioning. It’s approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface. Also, the seat and rail assembly are durable enough to accommodate users up to 242 lbs (110 kg).
The base frame of the seat is steel made. It integrates two sets of high-grade rubberized wheels which are equipped with ball bearings. They are concealed by the metallic frame of the seat in order to prevent your clothing to be caught in them. They deliver a very smooth and quiet travel for the seat.
This Tunturi rowing machine is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests. This being said, they can tilt forward as you row, promoting a natural positioning for your feet during each stroke. Their rear stoppers allow a maximum angle of approx. 60°.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s footrests are made of heavy-duty ABS material. Their length cannot be adjusted, but they are fairly large. They have a non-slip surface, rear guards, and adjustable Velcro straps so you can perfectly secure your feet in place.
One last part to cover here is the pulling handle. It consists of a short straight bar with rubberized grips for optimal comfort. It is attached to a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon strap which should last for many years of use. In case you’re wondering, the handle does not have any pulse sensors and the unit does not have a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
The Tunturi R30 rowing machine is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means the console does not
have any role in the resistance adjustment, nor it has any preset programs. Also, you don’t have to connect the machine to a power source.
The internal resistance system consists of a metallic flywheel and a magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial on top of the front part of the machine. When you turn the dial, the magnetic brake changes its position in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the overall resistance.
The unit’s magnetic brake system offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest level basically lets you exercise without any magnet resistance, just by the means of the 15.4 lbs (7 kg) weight of the internal flywheel. The 8th level of resistance, on the other hand, considerably increases the difficulty, giving you the possibility to achieve a high cardio rate in a very short time and burn more calories.
The machine’s resistance system is full-magnetic. It does not have any air resistance elements or water resistance elements. Due to this fact, it does not provide a dynamic response during rowing. This means the resistance remains constant, given by the selected tension level on the dial; it does not depend on your stroke rate or on the strength you put behind each stroke as for an air rower or fluid rower. But nonetheless, the machine still offers the possibility to perform a full-body cardio workout.
Exercise meter
The machine’s console unit is quite similar to the one on the Tunturi B35 Cardio Fit upright bike, but tracks time, strokes
per minute (count), total strokes (total count), and calories burned. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not have a pulse reading function, so it won’t work with a Polar HR strap. It features an LCD display and has a Scan function which rotates all the values. But you can toggle the Scan mode off and lock one of the values on the display if you want.
The unit does not have any preset programs, nor it has Bluetooth or online connectivity. It’s very easy to use. It has three main buttons, Set, Mode, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to toggle On/Off the Scan mode, or enter the setup mode. The Set button gives you the possibility to set up goals for time, count, and calories burned. If a goal is selected for any of these, the unit will show the remaining amount from the set goal. And finally, the Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the console to zero.
The console unit is powered on when you press the Mode button. It uses two AA (1.5 V) batteries as a power source. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter if there is no activity on the rower for more than 4 minutes.
There are two more aspects to mention with regards to the machine’s console. One is the tilt mount. This is quite a plus as you can set it at the right angle so you can get the best view of the unit’s display. The other is the integrated tablet holder. This accessory is fairly large; it can accommodate any tablet so you can view your favorite streams during your workout sessions.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main drive and resistance elements of the machine come pre-assembled and already attached to the front part of the frame. Therefore, all you have to do for assembly is add the front base bar, connect the gliding beam and the seat, the rear base stabilizer, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.
The internal parts of the machine shouldn’t require any maintenance for at least a few years of use. They come pre-lubricated from the factory. Therefore, the only maintenance recommended for this machine is keeping the gliding beam clear of any small objects or textile fibers that may cause damage to the wheels or the beam itself. Also, it’s recommended to check the bolts of the machine periodically and re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy construction for a home-use rower;
- Space-saving design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Contoured, comfortable seat;
- Its main beam, which can accommodate users up to 6’3″;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Console that can track time, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, count, and calories;
- Tablet holder integrated into the console;
- Tilt mount for the console;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- No backlight on the console display.
Summary
The Tunturi R30 Cardio Fit is a rowing machine made for home use. It offers 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance, a fairly durable steel-aluminum frame with a folding design, a comfortable seat, and a console with target settings for time, count, and calories. It’s an excellent machine for anyone who wants to perform a full-body cardio workout, improve stamina, tone muscles and lose weight. And finally, it’s not an expensive rower offering great value for the price.