| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA ERG200 Check Discounted Price | L:72" W:20.7" H:31.5" | 250 lbs | 55.1 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Frame: 1 year Parts: 1 year |
The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 is an entry-level rowing machine, equipped with a magnetic resistance system. It’s one of the most affordable rowers that you can find at the moment. In terms of specs, it can be compared with the Marcy NS-40503RW. It has a similar length and a similar frame construction and is also priced under $250. So, if you’re looking for a cardio machine that won’t break the bank, here’s what this magnetic rower can offer.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 72L x 20.7W x 31.5H inches (183L x 52.5W x 80H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 9 lbs (4 kg)
- Assembled weight: 55.1 lbs (25 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Ergometer: Time, count, total count, calories, SCAN
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 1 year
Frame construction & parts
The XTERRA ERG200 magnetic rower combines steel and aluminum elements in its construction. Its three base stabilizer parts, as well as the front part of the frame that holds the 
drive system, are made of steel. The slide rail is made of aluminum in order to provide a smooth motion of the seat. However, the pedals, the covers of the drive system, and the seat are made of ABS material.
This XTERRA rower is fairly large, especially lengthwise. With the frame fully assembled, it’s 72″ (183 cm) long and 20.7″ (52.5 cm) wide. However, the frame has a folding design; the rail with the seat can be folded up to save space. And with the rail in folded position, the machine’s length is reduced by half, offering better storage possibilities. Along with these dimensions, XTERRA recommends assigning at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side, for safe operation.
The unit is not extremely heavy. It weighs only 55.1 lbs (25 kg) when fully assembled. On top of that, its front base features transport wheels, so you can easily relocate it once it is assembled.
Although it’s not heavy, the XTERRA ERG200 offers an excellent stability. Its rear base is equipped with rotating, polygonal caps which act as levelers, so you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of surface.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s rail is made of aluminum alloy. It’s quite durable and can support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg) without bending. It’s also long enough to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm), allowing a complete leg extension and a correct rowing form.
The rail is not horizontal such as for the LifeCore R90, for example. It’s slightly elevated at the rear. This can actually be a plus, as it helps with a faster recovery motion and a slightly better workout for the leg muscles.
The unit’s seat is approx. 14″ (34 cm) wide; it’s made of a durable ABS material and features a 
contoured and non-slip surface. It rests on a metallic frame which integrated two pairs of heavy-duty wheels, with stainless steel, high-grade ball bearings. Its sliding motion along the rail is smooth and quiet, delivering a great feel as you row.
The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 is equipped with two large footrests. They have a pivoting design, allowing a slight angle change of the feet with each stroke. They’re made of heavy-duty ABS material, featuring an anti-slip surface, and a heel guard for superior foot stability and positioning. Also, they are equipped with adjustable straps.
The machine’s pulling handle is a standard straight bar, featuring rubberized grips for optimal comfort and adherence. Since it’s an entry-level machine, it doesn’t have resistance controls or pulse sensors. It’s attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap.
Last but not least, the steel parts within the rower’s construction feature a durable, rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is black. However, the aluminum rail has its natural silver polish.
Drive and resistance
The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 rowing machine features a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a metallic flywheel and a magnetic pad which is connected to the tension knob on top of the PVC casing via a steel wire. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic element will
come closer to the flywheel, increasing resistance. However, since the machine’s resistance is magnetic only, without any air resistance elements, the resistance generated is constant; it does not vary with how hard or fast you pull.
This rowing machine offers 8 tension levels. It’s highest resistance levels don’t offer the resistance required by a professional rower. However, the machine does supply light to medium cardio workout possibilities, great for anyone who wants a full body workout.
The machine’s operation is smooth and quiet; this makes the machine suitable for apartment use. The integrated flywheel weighs 9 lbs. It’s not extremely heavy, but this weight is just enough to deliver a consistent momentum for rowing. It is also perimeter weighted, which results in very smooth and steady motion.
This XTERRA rower uses a poly-v belt for transmission. Therefore, the transmission doesn’t require any lubrication. It’s also quieter than a chain drive, and you won’t have to deal with issues like locked chain links.
Fitness meter
The XTERRA ERG200 rower is equipped with an ergometer that offers a bit more than a basic unit. That’s because it has countdown functions for time, count, and calories. In other words, you can set up a value for these workout metrics and it will begin counting down until it 
reaches zero.
The unit can track time, count (number of strokes completed during your current workout), total count (total strokes up to the present moment), and calories burned. The unit is not telemetric; it cannot read pulse.
The display measures 3.7″ in diagonal; it’s an LCD type but does not have LED backlight. The unit’s mount is angle-adjustable, though, so you can easily find a position for it that will allow you to see the data properly.
The unit is easy to use. It has three buttons: MODE, SET, RESET. The MODE button allows you to scroll through the metrics and select the one that interests you to view on the display. You can also select the SCAN function which will rotate all the values showing each one for 5 seconds. The SET button allows you to set targets for time, count, and calories. And finally, via the reset button, you can clear all the values on the unit to zero.
Since the machine’s resistance is manual, it doesn’t require being connected to a power circuit. The meter uses 2 AA batteries (which are included). It starts up when it detects activity on the machine, but also has a sleep mode to which will enter after 4 minutes of no signal input.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine with the flywheel, magnetic brake, belt, and pulling handle comes pre-assembled. All you have to do is add the front base tube, connect the rail and the seat, the rear base stabilizer, the pedals and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour; it’s a simple and straightforward task, and the supplied manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. All tools required for assembly are also included.
The only maintenance recommended for this machine is keeping the rail clean, free of any small objects or textile fibers that may cause damage to the wheels or the beam itself. Also, it’s recommended to periodically check the machine for loose or broken bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable construction for a light rower – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Rear base stabilizers;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Contoured, ergonomic seat supplying excellent comfort;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Long gliding beam, which can accommodate users up to 6’2″;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, count, total count, and calories;
- Countdown functions for time, calories, and count;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No tablet holder;
- No backlight on the meter unit.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 is a manual magnetic rower, featuring a steel-aluminum construction, with a folding design. It’s quite a sturdy machine, being able to support users up to 250 lbs. Even though it’s an inexpensive rower, it does come with a fitness meter which keeps track of your strokes, workout time, and calories burned. It’s a perfect unit for beginners and intermediate users, or for anyone who wants a full-body cardio workout. It’s also great for recovery training due to the low impact on the joints, for stamina gain, and for weight loss. Finally, it’s one of the most affordable rowing machines and offers excellent value for the price.