| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yosuda H-185 Check Discounted Price | L:74.8" W:19.3" H:27.5" | 350 lbs | ~65 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, T-Count, Distance, Calories, Scan |
The H-185 magnetic rower is one of the fitness machines released by YOSUDA in 2021. It’s a pretty standard magnetic rower made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the UREVO UR9RW001 but has a longer rail, a higher user weight limit, and a simpler fitness monitor.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.8L x 19.3W x 27.5H inches (190L x 49W x 70H cm)
- Shipping weight: 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (158.7 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, count, total count, distance, calories, scan
Frame construction
The YOSUDA H-185 rower features a steel frame made of rectangular tubing with oval stabilizing bars. It is 
equipped with a fairly long rail, approx. 43.3″ (110 cm), and offers an applicable user inseam length of 49.2″ (125 cm). This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’6″ (198 cm), allowing a complete range of motion.
The rail is slightly inclined forward. Due to this, the machine provides a better workout for the legs, especially during the push phase. The rail is also very sturdy; the maximum user weight limit for this trainer is 350 lbs (158.7 kg).
The fully assembled trainer is not too large compared with other models, such as the PowerBoostConcept rower, for example. It is approx. 74.8″ (190 cm) long, and 19.3″ (49 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least 24″ (61 cm) on each side and at the rear of the unit, for ease of access and correct usage.
The machine is foldable, though. The rail is secured to the front section of the rower via a large knob which allows you to easily disengage it and fold it up along with the seat. With the rail folded up, the unit’s footprint remains approx. 28.7″L x 19.3″W (73 x 49 cm), while its height reaches approx. 46″ (117 cm).
This YOSUDA rower is not super heavy either. Its net weight is approx. 65 lbs (29 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it is even easier to move as its front base stabilizer features transport wheels. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The YOSUDA H-185 rowing machine features a seat similar to the one included with RIF6 water resistance rower. 
To begin with, its base is made of steel and integrates three sets of wheels. Two sets of wheels slide on top of the rail, while the third one slides under it for extra stability. The wheels have high-grade internal ball bearings for a smooth motion and a rubber coating on the outside for reduced noise.
The top of the seat is made from a high-density foam material, so it’s not completely hard; it provides a bit of shock absorption for your tailbone. It is contoured and textured for a better positioning. It is fairly large, approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) deep, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
As we’ve mentioned above, the rail is slanted forward, so the seat does not maintain a constant height. Its highest point above the floor (when it is close to the rear of the rail) is approx. 12 – 13 inches (30 – 33 cm).
The YOSUDA H-185 rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made from a durable thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. They are non-adjustable, but they’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes.
The footrests have a pivoting design. This means they can tilt back and forth on their axis. This way, they can adapt better to the pressure you apply during each stroke. They have stoppers at the heel, though, so they won’t tilt back past an angle of approx. 60°.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight bar. It has rubber foam sleeves for an improved grip. It’s attached to the machine’s resistance system via a heavy-duty, braided nylon strap, highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. It does not have any controls or pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The YOSUDA H-185 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to 
connect it to an external power source, and you don’t need a power cord or adapter for it. But on the other hand, its fitness monitor does not have pre-set workout programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The machine’s resistance system is up to a point similar to the ones of magnetic resistance exercise bikes. It involves a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel system and to the tension knob on the front unit of the rower. When you turn this knob, the magnets on the brake move closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or decreases the rowing resistance. The flywheel is not too heavy; it weighs approx. 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
The main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the magnets do not touch the flywheel and rowing motion is smooth and very quiet compared to air or water resistance rowers. But on the other hand, the machine does not produce a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance does not depend on how fast you pull the handle as is the case for water resistance rowers or air resistance rowers. These provide a more appropriate rowing sensation to rowing a real boat. But nonetheless, any magnetic rower still provides a pretty consistent full-body cardio workout, great for toning muscles, improving stamina, and losing weight.
The machine makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first level provides a fairly light workout difficulty, great for a workout warmup. Conversely, the 8th level provides distinguishably more tension. However, as a general idea, the machine does not offer a super tough workout load. It’s great for beginners or mid-level users, but may not be the best choice for a professional athlete.
Fitness monitor
The YOSUDA H-185 rower is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
(without backlight) that tracks time, distance, strokes, total strokes, and calories burned. It does not show strokes per minute or split time (time/500 m). It also does not have a pulse reading function.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which basically covers two functions. First of all, you can repeatedly press it in order to select the workout metric that you want to view. Or, you can select the scan mode which enables it to automatically scroll through the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. Second of all, the button covers the reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries as a power source, which are included. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin rowing. It also automatically turns off to save battery after a few minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main resistance unit of the rower comes pre-assembled. You only need to connect the front base stabilizer, insert the seat on the rail, connect the rail to the front unit, add the rear stabilizer, the footrests, put batteries in the fitness monitor, and install the device holder. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The task is pretty straightforward and the manual provides clear assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rail to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. The internal parts do not need any lubrication. It’s also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy rail rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base stabilizers;
- Padded and contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- Large footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Long rail – the machine can accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm);
- The footrests have a pivoting design;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No pulse reading function;
- No time/500m reading;
- No strokes per minute reading.
Summary
The YOSUDA H-185 is a standard magnetic rower made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-levels resistance system, a comfortable padded seat, pivoting footrests, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a pretty long rail for users up to 6’6″, and a fairly decent weight capacity of 350 lbs (158.7 kg). In all, it’s a great machine for a full-body cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.