Stamina Air Rower Rowing Machine - Model 1399

Stamina Air Rower Rowing Machine is excellent entry-level, home rower that comes at acceptable price. It is lightweight, foldable rower which is stored easily due to transport wheels, not requiring much space. Maximum user weight of 250 lbs (113 kg) is very good for foldable rowers in this price range.

Stamina Air Rower Rowing Machine Features

Stamina Air Rower utilizes wind resistance for a smooth rowing - the faster one pulls the handlebar, the harder the resistance. Wind/air resistance system depends on the speed of rowing and it is not like magnetic brake system, where required force does not depend on pulling speed. Also, air resistance is probably the noisiest resistance system of them all and the harder one rows, the rower is noisier. It is not jet-take-off level of noise, but have this in mind when choosing rower and planning workout location at home.

Padded seat is comfortable enough for longer rowing sessions, but if you are unaccustomed to 'row till you drop', in the beginning limit your rowing sessions to 10-15 minutes, taking short breaks and walking around for few minutes.

Multi-function electronic performance monitor displays:

- speed (monitor displays the current speed on upper display from 0.0 to maximum 999.9 miles per hour - use this value only as reference for comparison between workouts or as pace check) ,

- distance (displays the rowing distance from 0.0 to 99.9 miles),

- time (displays the time up to 99:59 minutes), 

- calories burned (displays the calorie consumption from 0 to 999.9 kcal. However, this is just an estimate for average user and this value should be used only for comparison between workouts).

Monitor is powered on by simply pulling the handlebar or pushing the button. It shuts off automatically after 4 (four) minutes of inactivity. After shutting down, all function values are kept. To reset all functions to zero, the MODE button must be hold down for four seconds.

Note: The monitor operates using two AA batteries, which are are not included. Don't use rechargeable AA batteries, since rower doesn't provide charging function and rechargeable batteries (NiCd, NiMH) have 1.2V, while common AA batteries have 1.5V and that voltage difference can influence the performance of the monitor.

Large footplates with adjustable nylon foot straps hold feet on place during rowing rather good.

However, seat rail is angled, requiring more leg pushing force, decreasing the required leg pulling force - sometimes this is desirable, but in order to get full legs workout, pulling is also required. This can be done by elevating the rower (not recommended - you do it on your own responsibility), but in that case, foot straps could be better, although they generally hold well.

Although the frame is made from steel, maximum user weight is 250 pounds (113 kg), mostly due to folding feature. If your rower is out of warranty and you don't need to fold it - weld it! Again, you do it on your own responsibility.

Built-in wheels for portability help to move rower around.

When in use, floor protectors prevent rower skidding on the floor. If you have sensitive floors, use good, heavy rubber or PVC floor mat to protect the floors.

When rower is delivered, it requires some assembly - fortunately, tools required for assembly are included. Just to be sure, before doing anything, read the manual, even if you like DIY activities.

When assembled, rower's dimensions are (L x W x H) 77 x 18 x 22 inches (196 x 46 x 56 cm). Folded dimensions are 48 x 18 x 28 inches (122 x 46 x 71 cm). 18 inches (46 cm) provides good stability when rowing, but I wouldn't mind few more inches on both sides (I am 6'2" - 188 cm).

Rower comes with three-year frame warranty and 90-day parts warranty - good frame warranty for such rower, but parts warranty could be better.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Stamina Air Rower Amazon link (link opens in the new window).