ProForm 440R Rower
ProForm 440R Rower is good medium-range magnetic rower. It comes at not-so-cheap price and it lacks some features one might expect in $350-$400 range rowing machines, but it also has many useful features justifying its price.
When ready to use, ProForm 440R rower is large unit, measuring 77 x 20.5 x 38 inches (~196 x 52 x 97 cm) and weighing 68 pounds (~31 kg).
Maximum user weight is 250 pounds (113 kg) and personally, it should be better - rowers in this price range should have maximum user weight of at least 275, preferably 300 pounds.
Rower is strong and sturdy, but maximum user weight of 250 pounds leaves some questions regarding frame strength opened.
Although rather big, rower can be folded easily for easier storage - unpin required pin, elevate aluminum rowing rail and then put the pin back.
For moving around, rower has transport wheels and since it is relatively light, it is easily moved around.
ProForm 440R uses 8 rowing resistance levels with an inertial flywheel. Larger flywheel usually means smoother rowing and low noise levels, and although rower's flywheel is rather small, ProForm 440R is smooth and very quiet rower.
Ergonomic molded cushioned seat is comfortable enough for smaller people, but anybody larger is going to have issues with it, at least in the beginning.
Pivoting bike pedals come with adjustable foot straps and they hold feet firmly in their position, if they are strapped well. If one doesn't strap them properly (some experience is required), they can cause discomfort during leg pull motion.
Aluminum rower's rail is lightweight and seat glides easily. However, rail is not horizontal, requiring larger force during leg push motion and decreasing required leg pull - some imbalances might occur.
Rower has nice large LCD monitor, paired with onboard computer which measure progress during workouts: strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, time and calories burned. Computer is relatively simple, without automatic change in resistance or anything similar - forget heart zone and similar workouts, which is pity for rower like this. Calorie counter is not the most accurate one, but it is good enough to enable one to compare different workouts.
LCD monitor is positioned low - I prefer monitors which are positioned higher than rowing handle, so that I see monitor during entire rowing stroke.
Rowing handle is advertised as ergonomic, comfortable and similar, but it is just a thin, somewhat padded stick and it could be much better. For beginners, rowing gloves are highly recommended, or limit your initial rowing sessions to no more than 10-15 minutes.
ProForm 440R Rower looks somewhat outdated, but it is good unit. It comes with home warranty: 5 years on the frame, 90 days on parts and 90 days on labor. It is far from being suitable as commercial rower.
Note on assembly: when it arrives, unit must be assembled and it is not the easiest thing to do. Be sure to carefully read the manual first. If you don't like DIY activities, let the technician assemble it for you (if there is a such option, when purchased). Complicated or not, rowers and other exercise machines are assembled only once, right? :)
ProForm 440R Rower is very good home-use rowing machine - it has some shortcomings, but in the end, when it is assembled properly and it starts to operate properly, it is a good rower.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check ProForm 440R Rower Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
