Stamina ATS Air Rower

This is an excellent rower, especially at this price point. It is second only to the Concept2, which is much more expensive and has a far larger footprint. I am a 5'4" woman and I work out regularly (heavy lifting and cardio). The Stamina Air Rower definitely gets my heart rate elevated and provides a very good leg workout so long as you row using the proper technique (otherwise you'll mostly get an arm workout). Assembly was very simple, but I do suggest having a 2nd person to help tighten the pedals. My cousin (5'8" male, incredibly fit) and I both use this rower daily. It fits perfectly in my tiny (10' x 10') home gym, along with my weight bench, assorted Olympic weights, other small equipment, and TV stand. It is loud, but all air rowers are loud. My home gym is in the basement. When using the rower, people upstairs hear what sounds like gentle snoring in a different room. I can use this rower early in the morning without waking my spouse. The resistance is excellent. There is no damper to control the air flow but as with all air rowers, you can increase the resistance by rowing harder. (The reviews that complain about the inability to "change" resistance settings do not understand the way air rowers work. When you row an actual boat on water, you can't change the resistance setting on the water, either. You get a better workout by rowing harder/faster.) I highly recommend this rower for a home gym. I've uploaded a video so that others can get an idea of the noise level and range of the rowing strap. Obviously I don't recommend rowing in jeans. ;)

I'm not completely in love with this but am hesitant to give it fewer stars since it does do what it says and for a reasonable price. The assembly was fairly easy with no missing parts. I don't have a ton of other rowers to compare this to but I feel like the resistance should be higher or even adjustable. However, from my understanding of air-rowers that might be a common complaint. As is, it works well. The seat slide nicely and far enough for my 5'10" frame. It's noisy but not so much that I would worry about annoying neighbors if you lived in an apartment - but definitely noisy enough that you won't hear the TV if that is how you choose to exercise. Resistance at the very end of the return is non-existent such that you don't get a full pull or return. Overall I would say it's probably a good introductory rower at a good price with the type of limitations expected for said price.

Let me say first - I now love this rower after a couple of weeks!! Easy to put together and works great. BUT, when I first received the rower and put it together, the mainframe didn't work properly at all. The fan was warped and the belt was rubbing against the fan and fraying on the first use. It was WAY loud, too. So, I emailed customer service on day three and told them the situation. I merely said that I didn't feel that I should have to pay for shipping back to the retailer for a defective product and asked what they could do to help. They not only replied within 12 hours, but no questions asked, they got me a new mainframe sent to me at no cost - and expedited it and I received it the very next day - no charge at all. They have GREAT customer service!!!! Once I installed the new mainframe, it's like a whole new rower!! I'm wondering if the people on here that say the rower is loud have the same defect mine originally did? Because it was quite loud then. The new mainframe isn't as loud as before at all. I mean, it's an AIR rower so, yeah, the harder you row, the louder the fan is going to get - shoot, a treadmill is loud too if you walk fast enough. It's definitely tolerable though. I put my earbuds in and listen to music slightly over mid-volume and can't hear the fan at all. The seat guides easy and the handle is easy to grip and you don't lose grip on it at all. It's textured, not smooth. Definite plus. I'm also not sure why I've seen several comments about this machine not giving a hard enough workout for your legs. Maybe they were avid exercisers that need more of a challenge in the resistance part of things? I find it to be a GREAT workout - not only for my arms, but for my thighs and calves, too. I've always loved rowing but I've never owned my own machine. So, I guess you would call me a beginner. Bought it to get in shape and not in the best shape right now (will be after a few months though - sheesh!!). I find it to be a great and challenging workout with just the right tension to the row bar. The seat bar is at an agle so it gives your legs a better work out (in my opinion). I would suggest that any beginners definitely do the warm up exercises in the manual. They REALLY help. I did this the first two days without warming up and my forearms, elbows, and upper thighs REALLY felt it for a few days. After I started doing the warm ups though, that has helped tremendously! Anyway, if you have any problems after you order this, register the product and contact the manufacturer immediately. They are super nice and helpful and will get you replacement parts at no cost if necessary! Don't wait too long though because I think the warranty only lasts three months or so after the date of purchase. I would DEFINITELY recommend this product to anyone that wants a good quality rower at a great price. Once you get it working properly - it's great!

After using the famous Concept 2 at my fitness club, but decided I preferred the convenience of working out at home. Not knowing how long I'll stick with it, I didn't want to pay a grand for a proven commercial grade rower. The Stamina ATS Air Rower seems to be the perfect compromise between cost and quality. It gives me every indication it will hang in there for the long haul. The Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 was fairly easy to put together (about 30 minutes) and appears to be solidly built. After a 20 minute workout, other than some transient clicking noise coming from the fan, the machine works flawlessly. The clicking noise comes and goes and doesn't appear to have any effect on its function, so I'm not going to deduct stars just for that - unless it gets worse*. I am VERY pleased with the amount of resistance this machine has. Given it does not have any adjustments, I was afraid it might be too light. This machine will definitely give you a good workout. I am also pleased it has a simple battery operated digital display that tracks time, speed, calories, and strokes. *Note: This is an initial review, made one day after delivery and setup. I will UPDATE this review should an issue arise. UPDATE: The clicking noise went away completely. Apparently, something had to be "broken in." Machine continuing to work great!

It's easy to put together and works smoothly. The rower itself is decent, but depends on what you plan to use it for. If you are a beginning rower or plan to use it competitively or even to warm up before going out on the water, I would not recommend this product. Rowing is a leg sport and all the high end machines I've used are built with this in mind. This Stamina Air Rower however, had an issue with this concept; the resistance on the band didn't kick in until I was into the last part of my stroke (the arms). The basic pattern of a stroke is legs, back, arms. Your legs are supposed to do the hardest work because they fatigue the least, but because of where the highest amount of resistance kicked in, my arms did the bulk of the work and I tired out way too quick. If you buy it for general exercise or for therapeutic reasons, it's probably ok. Alternatively, if you are a regular rower and have been in shells this is not a device for you, not even for warming up - you'll be frustrated with it quickly. It might be ok if you have really short arms and really long legs though. Lastly, the metal support under where the foot braces are was bent upward so when I folded it for storage it was fine, but when I tried to unfold it, I had tons of trouble. I ultimately returned it for a refund because of this and because of the reasons mentioned above.

I decided to take up rowing to manage a medical condition. I wanted a cheap, simple, reliable rower. I didn't need fancy features, just a rower. It broke within a month. The good: * Cheap * Functional enough when first set up * Pretty good looking The bad * Complicated set up. I assembled it without problem, but to have a smaller package, they divided it into many more parts. It took around 45 minutes with two people. * If you are even somewhat flexible (or maybe long armed), you may "bottom out" returning, preventing a full range of motion. * The handle isn't very well designed. The machine's "chain" is actually some polyester. Like what a seat-belt is made of. Its looped around the handle in a recession in the grip, and will slide from one side to the other, forcing you to apply more force from one side than the other. The handle is also narrow and can be uncomfortable. * There is nothing to adjust drag. And the setting it was on was way to high. I would be at 17 (mph? m/s?) and it might go down to 3-4 on the rest/return portion of row. * The "computer" was very simple. I believe distance tracked is miles, rather than km. It updates very slow for speed. * Rowing at even a relaxed pace will cause the machine to slowly slide forward on the ground *The box you receive it in is small, and stapled together. This will make it impossible to ship back in that box, unless you want to remove many staples to prevent from having to rip the box apart * The foot holder is also badly designed, and doesn't really enhance range of motion very much. The Ugly * I used it for ~25 days of rowing, at around 45 minutes a day average. The spring return mechanism then broke. The manufacturer knows of this defect, but will not correct it with a more durable mechanism. Another amazon reviewer said that the manufacturer told him the product should be expected to wear out with their "heavy" 45 minute a day use. Another reviewer had this part break twice. Like I said, I am using this to manage a medical condition, and I'm not an athlete. This breaking is ridiculous. * There is is a reason why it only has a 90 day parts warranty. Don't expect it to last much longer if you actually use it.

I am a beginning rower, but I exercise regularly. In the past I have run a few miles a day or done the Insanity workouts, I also throw in some weights, qigong, and yoga. This rower may be difficult for someone who is not already used to regular exercise. I looked into a rowing machine because I live in a very small house, my treadmill has been in storage for quite some time, and I was at a point that I needed something. Because of my work schedule, I do not have 45 minutes a day to work out anymore. I needed something that would fit in my small space and give me an efficient work out. Rowing was the answer for me. My friend has a Concept 2 rower, which is considered top of the line, it is very nice, however, in some ways I prefer this rower. The concept 2 uses magnetic resistance and if you pull too hard, you have to wait for the machine to "catch up" otherwise you will lose resistance. This is not a problem with this rower (or any other air rower) the harder you pull the more resistance you get and you don't have to stop when you get a good groove going. I had to have my friend turn her resistance up when I used her Concept 2, I was afraid that if I got a lower end magnetic rower, I would work past the resistance levels quickly. The other thing I really like about this rower is the rail. The concept 2 has a flat rail. (Maybe this is adjustable, I don't know, but my friend's is flat). I felt like I was overextending my legs when I was on it, or I was struggling not to slide back too far. I am 5'4" so I can't get much distance anyway, however, the incline on the Stamina X helps me feel like I am stopping in the right place. Of course where you really lose out between the Concept 2 and the Stamina Air Rower is the electronics. The Concept 2 has programable workouts, it shows wattage and your distance in meters. The Stamina X's display is very simplistic. It gives your speed, distance (in miles), your time, and a poor estimate of calories burned. A heart rate monitor would be in order if you really want to keep track of calories. The miles can be converted to meters easily, however, I think it is silly that Stamina doesn't just put the distance in meters. It seems like that would be a simple change for them to make. Some people complain about the noise level. It isn't bad. It is certainly no worse than my treadmill. The air rower has a fan, and it sounds like one. Think of an old box fan, depending on how hard you are rowing it sounds like you are turning the fan from low, medium, and high. I have used it with 4 year old son in the same room asleep and it did not disturb him and he is a light sleeper, but again, since it sounds like a fan, it is a kind of white noise. What I cannot speak to is the difference between the Stamina X, and the Stamina Air Rower. I was able to buy the X on sale for the same price as the Air Rower. From what I've read there isn't much difference between the two. All in all this is a well built machine, it was easy to put together and it gives you a great workout.

Bought this both to supplement my own workouts as well as to have something total body for 2 of my boys (ages 12 & 15). I would have loved to be able to afford a Concept2 rower but, seriously, $1000? I'm sure it's worth it, but out of my price range. This was the best one I could find for the price and I'm thinking it was a pretty decent deal for the money. Putting it together had me swearing like a sailor, but then, putting a simple book case together usually has me swearing. My 15 year old assisted me and tolerated my juvenile temper tantrums without rolling his eyes even once. There was 1 bolt missing from the package, which I couldn't figure out, since getting the stupid bolts and nuts out of the package required a shaman, a chicken foot, and a sumo wrestler. Nonetheless, we were able to make due fine and had it all together within 45 minutes (yes, I am fairly incompetent at assembly). On to the meat of the matter: we like it. The seat slides perfectly. The resistance is decent to start and runs on the idea of you get what you put in to it. In other words, it is not technically adjustable, but you can increase your work based on speed of pull and degree of body control. I slapped on my Polar H7 and link to Digifit to get a heart rate idea. In 5 minutes of light to moderate rowing, my heart rate sat happily in the 140s. 30 second break for water, repeat, heart rate sitting low 150s. I repeated that a few times for a total do 24 minutes. Yeah, that may have been a bit much and my for clearly wasn't perfect, as I am now feeling it in my low back. Gotta watch that posture a little closer. Overall, though, I find this equal to doing one of my combat workouts, though not quite as high end as a HIIT workout, though it should actually strengthen and tone better. I expect, when I put a bit more effort into the rowing, it will surpass the HIIT workouts in terms of calories burned. I'm 5'5" and have no trouble with the foot straps or range of motion. I'm doing the rower barefoot simply because I hate shoes. Both my sons are slightly shorter than me (couple of inches maybe?) and they had no trouble with the range of motion. The 15 year old is uber skinny and the Velcro on the foot straps cannot be tightened down enough on his feet, so he has to wear shoes to get enough bulk for the straps to hold his feet. Otherwise, no complaints. The flywheel is noisy on the pull--not annoying noisy, just a "whirring" sound that increases in volume on the hardest part of the pull. Music playing on my iPad was barely audible over the noise, but if I blue toothed it to a regular speaker, there would be no problem. Similarly, you might have to crank up your TV a bit if that is your thing. Again, it isn't an unpleasant noise and it actually helps you subconsciously be more aware of the amount of effort you are (or aren't) expending. As far as I am concerned, rowing is almost a perfect combination of strength and endurance training--more bang for your buck, so to speak. The only thing I've ever found better is Insanity workouts, but since those nearly trashed my joints after 2 full rounds, I'd far rather go for the low/no impact rowing, combined with maybe some yoga or Pilates for flexibility and some swimming thrown in for good measure. Right now, I am 175 lbs (meh, gained more than a bit after surgery in April) and not in as good a shape as I was 6 months ago, so hopefully this rower will give significant results.

We got this for a great price cheaper than anywhere else we could find local. It has held up for several years and we have had no problems.

I'm 57 and needed to change up my exercise routine. With degeneration of spine and particularly the lumbar and worn out knees, I just can't run anymore. As far as weightlifting, I have to be really careful. I have an old stair master which I still use - great for cardio and the legs, but doesn't do anything for the upper body. And that's the part of me that's weakening. Anyway, checked out rowing as an option for low impact but excellent cardio, core, lower and upper body workout. I read a lot or reviews on various machines and the ones with resistance fans like this one seem to give the most bang for the buck. I just didn't want to spend $1,000 or more, not certain how much I'd use the machine. Went for the middle of the road and this one got great reviews for the features and quality it provides. Positive: Excellent packaging. Very easy to read assembly instructions. All of the tools, bolts, pins, etc. are provided and plastic wrapped over a sheet of cardboard that very clearly marks each part. There is no question to what part the instructions refer. I'd give it a 10, if I could for packaging and instructions. Assembly time for me was about 45 mins, including removing the parts from the box, reviewing the materials, and assembly. Actual assembly was about 30 mins tops. Quality: I have not owned other rowing machines to compare with this one, but everything is solid, nicely balanced. The seat glides smoothly and quietly. The foot pedals are comfortable and have large Velcro straps to secure you feet. The fan mechanism appears well balanced. The simple display provides easy to read numbers that show time, calories burned, and distance - basic, but I'm mostly going for time and distance. Rowing mechanism: instead of a chain, there is a strap. It makes no noise and extends and retracts smoothly. The handle has a comfortable grip. The harder you pull, the more resistance. You can start out slowly to warm up and then increase speed with your legs, back, and arm. Easy fold up and storage: I'm leaving mine out, but if you need to move it, just pull out two pins and the beam that connects the rowing unit to the seat lifts up. You can then roll the machine around. Negatives: really, these are just minor issues, at least for me. The fan is "loud" - so, not a metallic loud or screaming loud - just a fan that gets louder as you pull harder. I close my kids bedroom doors, when I'm working out in the early AM to not wake them up. You can still listen to music with your head phones and its not high pitched. No adjustments: I guess some of the higher priced machines have resistance adjustments. For the expert rower, this may be a needed feature. At my level, not required. The resistance increases as you pull harder. Display is basic: obviously, the company is the company is focusing on the machine's quality and just provides a basic time, calories burned, and distance display. No Bluetooth and apps to down load. I knew this going into it reading the reviews. Minor issue for me. I'm really enjoying the machine and the price point fit my budget and skill. I've owned this for about a month and imagine that I should get five or so years out of it. Just got off now. Its really working my abs, back, and arms. Recommend watching some videos on correct form to avoid injury and to get the most out of rowing.