XTERRA ERG700 Rower

I was looking for a rowing machine for 500 or less that would not self destruct in a few months. I didnt want anything fancy, blue toothed, bio-metic, etc. Just a study machine that would create progressive resistance when rowing. I had an older model that did the trick but the rollers wore out....and replacment parts dont exist. I chose this one because it said you could select levels of resistance in addition to the resistance already created by the fan. Easy enough to set up. On about the third workout a buckle on a footstrap blew apart. The footrests seem to not fit smaller feet very well. To get the strap to lay above the balls of my feet I have to bring my feet up out of the heel rests. Despite having hip arthritis (surgery on the way) I can row.....but getting my feet strapped in is hard. Unlike other models the footstraps on this machine are not anchored/attached; they slide around while trying to tightening them. The workout is smooth; but I do miss the air blowing back on me that I had with the older model. With this machine I need to set up a small fan nearby during the summer months. It is quiet, smooth, and comfortable. I am a bit dubious of the nylon belt (instead of a chain).....but decided to try it as I have had some problems before with the chain not staying under tension. For the price, pretty hard to beat. And I can get a good workout, which is all I wanted. I really think a future model could have a foot strap that is locked in place once fitted to your shoe; just slide the foot in and start rowing; I dont think you need a super tight grip on the foot, just enough to pull yourself back into the catch.