# Help Choose A Rowing Machine **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 20, 2021, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998 "2021-01-20T18:16:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/1 "2021-01-20T18:16:17Z")
I’ve always enjoyed the experience of using a rowing machine on the rare occasions I’ve had an opportunity to use one (it’s been years now). I have talked for years about getting one for my house, and this year my employer is offering a cash rebate for money on fitness stuff, including fitness machines so I thought I might go for it. I’ve reviewed the history in this forum and asked around at work, and it’s clear the Concept 2 is the gold standard, but I’m a skinflint. I’d rather spend around $500 than the $1100 for the Concept 2. Does anybody have experience with mid-range rowing machines? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/2 "2021-01-20T18:35:28Z")
What’s the $500 option? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/3 "2021-01-20T18:55:49Z")
> [@tofor](#): > > but I’m a skinflint. We got Hydrow about a year ago and still use it regularly. It’s not cheap, but it’s very nice. > **[Hydrow Indoor Rowing Machine | Immersive Full-Body Workouts](https://hydrow.com/?g_network=g&g_adid=488011885322&g_acctid=290-519-9158&g_keyword=hydrow&g_adtype=search&g_adgroupid=119218743247&g_keywordid=kwd-532310692003&g_campaignid=11898978652&utm_content=text&g_campaign=202012_acq_branded_search%2B%5BKNOWN%5D&utm_term=hydrow&g_type=search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=202012_acq_branded_search&gclid=CjwKCAiAxp-ABhALEiwAXm6Iyf2-jnn5WUjRC3zXw3K1kWNyUu3EZY_l0oU8ZfW58cA5lAutOxv1WRoC4isQAvD_BwE)** > > Get the best low impact, full-body workout with Hydrow rowing machines — an immersive experience that transports you to the world’s most beautiful places. ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/4 "2021-01-20T19:26:09Z")
Sorry, yes. Let me narrow the field a bit: I have 0 interest in anything high-tech. I want to sit, row for a bit, stop. I don’t want pre-programmed workouts or anything like that. Any fancy screens are just one more thing to break. I had initially thought I wanted magnetic resistance as it’s quieter, but now I’m wondering if the solid feel I like would require an air model. This is a $300 model, but I’m pretty tall so I’m not sure this one would work for me, and I figure a couple extra hundred ought to get me better quality: > **[Amazon.com : SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine-Home Rowing Machine with Smartphone...](https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Machine-Home-Smartphone-Monitoring-Use-Rowing/dp/B0BN4VZPW1)** > > Amazon.com : SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine-Home Rowing Machine with Smartphone Fitness Monitoring App-Row Machine for Gym or Home Use-Rowing Exercise Machine Measures Time, Stride, Distance, Calories Burned. : Sports & Outdoors I like the idea of water resistance, but the one time I tried one out I felt like once it was turning there wasn’t much resistance at all. Ideally I’d like to try these things out, but I’m not even sure where to go for that. Especially right now. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/5 "2021-01-20T22:40:04Z")
I wanted something that was quiet and didn’t take up a lot of space, and got this one. The “magnetic” ones are very quiet. This particular machine does not have much resistance, but for me it’s fine, and it’s relatively inexpensive. > **[Amazon.com : Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine with Bluetooth Workout...](https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Reality-Bluetooth-Magnetic-Exercises/dp/B07NJRWTPS)** > > Amazon.com : Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine with Bluetooth Workout Tracking Built-In, Additional Full Body Extended Exercises, App Compatible, Tablet Holder, Rowing Machines for Home Use : Sports & Outdoors ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/6 "2021-01-20T22:47:47Z")
I’ve been out on the Charles in kayaks or SUPs when the Hydrow folks come by filming a class. It’s a little bizarre seeing someone rowing, trailed very closely by a boat with a camera pointed at their face, yelling encouragement. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/7 "2021-01-20T22:58:05Z")
Yeah, they use multiple cameras, so you can frequently see the camera boat and crew during the workout. I actually enjoy seeing the different venues they tape in. The other day I saw a seal swim by the rower in Miami. ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2021, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-choose-a-rowing-machine/930998/8 "2021-01-21T12:37:25Z")
Two big frustrations I’ve had: Lists of, “Top Rowers for 2021!” which are clearly just somebody summarizing the descriptions and reviews of the top Amazon listings. That’s not a helpful review, that’s an ad. “This rower has 16 resistance levels, so is perfect for both the beginner and the advanced rower.” Um, no. That’s just “it goes up to 11” and doesn’t tell me anything about how hard I’m going to work at the top level.