Many users of hydraulic rowers share some common myths. Among the most held ones are that: hydraulic rowers need high maintenance, have fewer ergonomic features, and their installation is complex. Well, if you hold the same belief, that’s because you’ve never been led to the right workout equipment. Then we’d like to see you bust these myths yourself!
Without mincing more words, let’s show you 5 of the best hydraulic rowing machine models right now. So, what makes a hydraulic rowing machine stand out from the run-of-the-mill models? Some important points to note are the resistance levels, length of inseam rail, length of the slide rail, dimensions, weight capacity, and weight. And these are features we considered while selecting the top models for our best hydraulic rowing machine review. Fully feature-packed is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205. our Editor’s Choice.
More features: adjustable pedal straps
The SF-RW1205 rower from Sunny Health and Fitness is our overall best hydraulic rowing machine. This is because the single-piston hydraulic rowing machine meets our criteria and all the requirements for gainful exercise and comfort. Thanks to the smooth gliding seat, ergonomics is never in doubt.
Further increasing the level of comfort are its large non-slip footplates, adjustable foot straps, and non-slip pedals. It also features a non-slip and cushioned grip handlebars for ease of use.
With its 12-level resistance levels, the machine gives all the fitness intensity and variations for all user levels. Sturdy, durable, and simply designed, the machine meets all the checklist for a commercial-grade model. This is thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame design.
It has an LCD screen that displays the time count, calories burned, and scans. This helps you set your targets, know whether you are progressing, and meet your goals. The SF-RW1205 is a rower to consider if you want to have an intense and regular sport physical activity. Its value for money is good, but with its small LCD screen, visualizing the readings may be stressful. However, the model has a fairly high weight capacity. It can be used by users who weigh up to 220 pounds. It has dimensions of 54 x 20 x 23 inches.
Overall, because it’s an almost perfect workout machine, it’s a piece of equipment you’ll really love to have!
More features: 2 independent hydraulic cylinders, 3 adjustable rowing positions, 3 adjustable incline rowing angles. LCD display, over 10 additional workout exercises, foldable, user height range of 4’9″ to 6’1″, one-year warranty
The ProGear 750 machine is one of the most popular for fully training at home. It has 3 adjustable resistance levels. With two independent hydraulic cylinders and three adjustable incline rowing angles, changing the intensity of your exercise is a breeze. You can practice up to 20 different exercises on this machine. With the LCD monitor, you can have the records of time and calories spent. The model comes with an AA battery for the LCD monitor.
It is made of strong steel to make it last longer. It was designed with comfort in mind. It has padded seat and quite a large cushioned, and multi-exercise 1.8-inch backseat. Also, both the handlebars and the pedals are non-slip and are of a good size. It has a weight capacity of 220 pounds. People with small and tall stature can use it, as it has a height range of 4.9 to 6.1 feet. Despite how bulky the design is, it is easy to fold for transportation or storage.
More features: best suited for home gym
Are you looking for a complete workout that includes resistance, strength, and cardio, but from the comfort of your home? Then, the Stamina Rower is your best option. The seat is padded and non-slip so you can train comfortably. It has a mechanism of several resistance tubes that allow you to change the intensity on 3 different levels.
This model, according to users, is very easy to assemble and above all to use. So, exercising from home will be a piece of cake. Its structure is made of very strong solid and durable steel, even if you use it very frequently. It has 5 resistance levels to intensify your training and an LCD screen to monitor your progress. It is compact in size, lightweight, and requires very little space at home. It can also be placed upright for storage in the nearest closet. The seat is fully padded, and the pedals are large and rotatable. They have velcro straps to hold your foot firmly.
It includes a bar or straight handlebar for rowing, but they also include two individual hand straps. In this way, you can work other muscles of the arms and back. That’s not all. It can be easily folded for better storage. The maximum weight it resists is 250 pounds per user. This is significantly more than the first models we initially reviewed.
More features: slim design
If you like workout challenges, this hydraulic rower will challenge you with its 12 levels of resistance. This helps you to raise or lower the intensity of your workouts. It has 2 arms, which allow you a complete and very varied movement to work both the arm and shoulder. Both the handlebar and the seat are non-slip and very comfortable. The seat is thick and completely padded. Offering a mix of functionalities that come at a low budget price, it is a rather simple device. It combines basic elements of strength and cardio exercises in one piece.
Its digital LCD screen will count and display the speed, distance, time, and calories expended. Its pedals are quite wide and non-slip. They also have straps that fit very well to your foot to give you greater security. The dimensions of the machine are 59 x 29 x 21.3 inches, and the maximum weight it supports is 220 pounds. With this model, you can target your major muscle groups in the legs, back, glutes, abs, and more.
More features: full-motion arms, LCD display, adjustable foot straps
The SF-RW5639 model from Sunny Health & Fitness is a rower with a hydraulic cylinder tension system. Just like the first two hydraulic rowers from the same brand, the machine also has 12 levels of resistance. With this, you can work up to 85% of the muscles in your body without generating an impact on your joints. The pedals are non-slip and also have straps that adjust to your foot. This provides greater stability while you exercise.
It has its LCD screen that counts calories and time in each session. Looking at the majority of models, you may be astonished at the multitude of models with low weight capacity. One begins to wonder whether the brands didn’t think that their machine may be used by people who have heavyweights. This is where the model stands out! Made of strong frames, the Sunny Health and Fitness machine has the largest capacity in the review. It can support a maximum weight of 350 pounds!
The rower is a sports device which exists in several categories. They are distinguished from each other by certain peculiarities. One of these categories of rowers is the hydraulic rower. Although not the most popular rowing machine, it is highly regarded for the fact that it guarantees complete training sessions. If you are looking for a powerful workout device, you will certainly need to know more about the hydraulic rower. In this buying guide analysis, you’ll discover in the first section, some important criteria for choosing a good hydraulic rower. In the second part of our analysis, we will answer a few frequently asked questions.
Let us answer these questions one after another:
This type of rower has one piston like the SF-RW1205 model or two pistons like the ProGear 750 Rower. These pistons are usually filled with fluids. Its hydraulic resistance system reproduces the same realistic and harmonious feeling as training in a natural environment. This device reacts to your movements. In fact, the more energetic and vigorous your traction movements, the stronger the resistance. There is usually a digital console to measure your efforts; the distance traveled, the calories expended, etc. Depending on your initial objectives (weight loss, sports training, gaining muscle mass, etc.), certain models of rowers offer playful training programs.
The hydraulic rower is much quieter than traditional rower models. This is because your movements are smoother and easier to make than with rowers equipped with mechanical motors. This device also offers unprecedented realism, if you want to rediscover the feeling, the dynamism, and the amplitude of a real paddle stroke in the water. But if you want to get the feeling of the real water resistance, you’d better opt for the best water rowing machine.
The rower is one of the most complete fitness equipment. It is often compared to the exercise bike, the elliptical trainer, or the treadmill, especially with a high weight capacity. It not only burns a large number of calories, but it also works for several muscle groups without affecting your joints. The part of the buying guide below aims to clarify the essential criteria for choosing the right rower.
Do not underestimate the following features when buying a new hydraulic rowing machine, because all types of rowing machines have something unique about them, no matter whether a magnetic rower or a water rower:
These generally silent devices create resistance by compressing the air in the piston at the front of the device. The level of resistance offered will determine how easy to use it can be. The more the levels of resistance, the more it can be suitable for both expert and novice rowers. Therefore, the more the resistance level, the easier the adjustability, and the more suitable it will be for beginners. So, would you like to grow from a greenhorn to an experienced professional quickly? Then, choose a model with at least 12 resistance levels like the Sunny health and fitness (SF-RW5639, SF-RW1205, and SF-RW1410) models.
To find a model suitable for your body type and size, take into account the length of the device’s rail. In fact, the longer the rail, the more comfortable you will be if you are tall! Conversely, if you’re short, you’ll need a model with a shorter rail.
In choosing a rower, priority must be given to comfort. Remember you will have to work for hours sitting on your machine to exert significant forces. In order not to be uncomfortable from your sitting position, have blisters in your hands, improper position of the feet or even noise, pay particular attention to the following:
It is the on-board computer of your rower. It is more or less sophisticated depending on the device. It controls your session and displays the data relating to your training. Depending on the machines, it can show the training time, speed, number of strokes, distance covered, heart rate, calories expended, cadence, speed, etc. It can include training programs and exercises to optimize your session or motivate you. It can optionally adjust the resistance of your device according to your objectives.
There are consoles that display instructions to follow (like a sports coach). This helps you optimize your session, work on certain muscles, or advise you.
Preferably, choose a console that is sufficiently legible and bright. If the data displayed is important to you or if you are a professional user, choose a console with several display windows. This will allow you to see the different training data at a glance without having to stop exercising. But for most single display consoles, there is a SCAN function that alternately displays the different screens.
Steel, aluminum, and some plastic components are mainly used in the construction of rowers. However, there are exceptions. Other commonly seen types are handmade wooden models. You have to be attentive to the robustness of the product. If you opt for an entry-level model, the lifespan is usually 1 to 2 years in the best cases. This is why it’s rarer finding entry-level models with a minimum of a one-year warranty. Intermediate and luxurious models can usually last for many years.
The rower must be chosen according to your weight and/or the other users’. For example, ask yourself if you weigh below or just a bit above the 200-pound mark. In this case, most of the hydraulic rowers will suit you. However, if you’re really weighty (close to or above 300 pounds), then you need the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639. This model can hold users who weigh up to 350 pounds and is considered to be one of the top among best rowing machines in general.
First, the dimensions will determine how much space these calorie burners will take up in your home or gym. If you’re trying to skimp on room space, choose the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639. You can also choose any model within the 50-55-inch length, 18-22-inch width, and 20-25-inch height. The weight of the model will determine the ease of movability and the cost of shipping. Although, there are commercial-grade models with higher weights.
Meanwhile, you can find extremely lightweight models that weigh around 20-25 pounds. However, models with useful functionalities are usually not always light. So, just try to find a balance.
We’ve seen how users have had to regret wasting their money on workout equipment which failed to work as advertised. In the event of issues like this, a model with a considerable warranty offer can protect the user and the machine. Cheap hydraulic rowers rarely come with a warranty. However, with the ProGear 750 Rower, you can have a model with one-year warranty coverage.
Ensure that the frame is guaranteed longer than the parts:
There are many different price ranges as far as rowers are concerned. Budget a few hundred bucks for the right entry-level rower, intended for low-intensity efforts and with a limited lifespan. In prices ranging above the latter are the intermediate models. They are generally quite solid and equipped with a complete dashboard. They are also suitable for all types of users. If you can cough out thousands of dollars, you will find uncompromising professional devices, which are very durable and comes with many options. Promotions and discounts are not frequently available. However, we often see prices dropping when brands release a new model. So, wait for it!
The hydraulic domestic rowing machines are ideal for a complete workout without leaving home. Thanks to technological advances, we currently have high-quality devices at a fairly affordable price. Generally, they include modern LCD screens so you can monitor the exercise and keep to your workout goals.
Among the reviewed models, we consider the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 the overall best and Editor’s Choice. This is due to its stand-out features such as the adjustable pedal straps, 12 resistance levels, and light build. The ProGear 750 Rower comes next with its high value for money. It comes with a warranty, has 10 additional workout exercises, and is easily foldable. We like the Stamina Rower because of the mix of value, functionality, and affordability. Hence, we consider it the best rowing machine for low-budget purses.
And now, after you have read our review, we are more than sure that you’ll be able to pick the best rowing machine ever!
