Indoor rowers have exploded in popularity since the rise of CrossFit. Anyone can benefit from indoor rowing. Like swimming, it is a low-impact, full-body exercise. If you have joint problems, want to cross-train for running or triathlons, want to lose weight, increase fitness or anything else, an indoor rower is right for you. If you are looking to get into the sport or just want to increase your fitness, the Proform 440R Rower is a solid choice. If you are not new to the hobby, learn about some better brands on the market.
What Is the Proform 440R Rower?
The Proform 440R Rower is an ergometer or indoor rowing machine designed to increase your fitness whether you are an on the water rower, competitive indoor rower or just want to work out in the comfort of your own home gym. It features a soft touch ergonomically designed, a non-slip handle which minimizes fatigue and offers a comfortable workout experience.
The large LCD monitor allows you to track the progress of your workout quickly and easily at a glance. The seat is softer and more comfortable than hard, plastic seats but is too small for larger rowers. The inertia-enhanced flywheel of the Proform 440R Rower leaves you with a smooth, steady stroke.
Product Specs
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There are several types of indoor rowing machines – hydraulic, air or flywheel, magnetic resistance, and water resistance. Water rowing machines use a water-filled flywheel to increase the resistance, and the workout is the most similar to OTW (on the water) rowing. Magnetic resistance rowing machines use magnetic brakes to provide the resistance as you row. They offer an adjustable resistance system and extremely smooth motion but are not as effective at mimicking outdoor rowing.
Air or flywheel rowing machines create resistance when you pull the handle which spins a flywheel attached to fan blades. The wind you create provides the resistance so the harder you pull, the more resistance you generate. It also does a good job of replicating outdoor rowing. Hydraulic rowing machines come with two hydraulic pistons attached to arms you will pull. The resistance comes from the pistons pulling against the fluid or air inside the cylinders. It does a poor job of mimicking OTW rowing but has an adjustable resistance.
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Pricing
You can purchase an indoor rowing machine for between a couple hundred dollars and over $1,000 depending on the brand and model. Concept2 rowing machines are used by Olympian rowers to cross-train on and can last 10 years or more, even with heavy use. They can be purchased on Amazon or through the manufacturer’s website. Air-resistance waters typically cost closer to $800 to $1,600. Water-resistance rowers cost around $400 to $700. Magnetic and hydraulic resistance rowers typically cost much less, between $100 and $500.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
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Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower
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Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
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XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
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Proform 440R Rower
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Price
440R Rower for around $349.
Options
Choose from eight levels of resistance using a simple knob. Start off with light resistance and work up to medium, then heavy resistance as you increase your fitness stroke by stroke. Track strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, time and calories burned.
Assembly Time
Unless like the Concept2 Rower which comes in only two parts with eight screws, the Proform 440R Rower comes in several pieces, long instructions and assembly take on average 30 to 45 minutes. If you are handy, it may take you only 10 minutes, but if you are not, it can take you up to an hour. If you do not have a small Phillips head screwdriver to install the two AA batteries which are not included, you can use your fingernail, a knife, coin or soda can top.
Design Quality
The Proform 440R Rower is rated for individuals weighing up to 250 pounds but as long as you are no taller than 6’4″ and weigh no more than 265 pounds; the machine will hold up well. The safety pin also does not line up to lock the unit in place when folded. It does, however, have wheels for easy mobility. The bungee rope attached to the handle eventually frays and has difficulties retracting back into the machine. The Proform 440R Rower also moves slightly when in use.
Warranty
The Proform 440R Rower is backed by a 5-year frame warranty and a 90-day part and labor warranty.
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Pros
- Great SpaceSaver design
- Smooth rowing motion
- Combines cardio and resistance training for the ideal workout
- Large LCD monitor
- Affordable
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Inadequate resistance for OTW rowers
- Quality control issues
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower
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The Sunny Health & Fitness magnetic rowing machine rower features ergonomic, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable straps and a slip-resistant handlebar to ensure a secure grasp. The heavy-duty frame is only rated for individuals up to 285 pounds, but it features an oversized, padded seat which glides smoothly with stabilizers to promote stability. It comes with eight levels of tension to ensure a challenging, versatile workout with nearly no maintenance and folds up for convenient storage.
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Price
Less expensive than the Proform 440r Rower, you can purchase this rower for around $220 on Amazon.
Options
This model’s stat monitor displays only time, speed, count, calories burned, total count and count per minute.
Assembly Time
For only $89 you can have this product shipped already assembled.
Design Quality
This product comes with wheels for easy mobility and is durable but has fewer statistics, resistance options and individuals it is suitable for.
Warranty
Sunny Health and Fitness back their indoor rowing machine with a 90-day warranty on parts and components and a three-year warranty on the structural frame.
Pros
- The 8-level magnetic tension system
- Ample resistance
- Smooth, quiet performance
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Issues with digital display resetting and malfunctioning
- Does not track distance
- Hard to read
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
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This rowing machine features a noise-minimizing flywheel and low maintenance nickel-plated chain. Easily fold it up and store it by yourself with no tools required. It is very space efficient and is rated to fit users up to 500 pounds making it ideal as a weight loss tool. The seat is 14 inches off the ground making it much easier to get on and off than the Proform 440r rower.
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It includes preset workouts, reliable data, wireless connectivity, is easy to use and measures meters, pace, watts, calories and more. The Performance Monitor 5 self-calibrates for real-time results and will communicate with fitness apps on smartwatches and phones.
The Concept2 Model D indoor rowing machine is the world’s best-selling rowing machine and has been for over 40 years. It is used by elite athletes competing during the winter or training in their boathouses for head and sprint OTW races in the fall and spring. It uses a frame-lock mechanism to release quickly without tools, comes with caster wheels for smooth mobility, keeps you motivated and comes with a free phone app.
Sign up for Concept2’s WOD (workout of the day) e-mails with recommendations for easy, medium and hard workouts. Join online challenges and earn free prizes upon completion. Control 10 levels of resistance with an easy-to-use damper, control the air-resistance of the flywheel with every stroke and enjoy the minimal noise.
Workout options include distance, time and intervals. The back-lit LCD display is easy on the eyes, and it features five pre-programmed games to make your workout feel more fun. Choose from several preset workouts or set your own goals, be they watts, calories, distance or negative splits. It is eight pounds lighter than the model E, they both should be oiled after every 40 hours of use, and the biggest difference is the aesthetics. The Model D comes in black or gray and is finished with an attractive, durable powder coat rather than a glossy finish.
Price
More expensive than the Proform 440R Rower, you can purchase this indoor rowing machine for around $945 on Amazon.
Options
You can get anything you want out of this indoor rowing machine. It comes with five preset games. You can just row or use their preset games.
Assembly Time
This product comes in two pieces and is easily assembled in under 10 minutes even if you are not very handy.
Design Quality
Concept2 has been the market leader for indoor rowing machines since 1976 due to their superior products. Track the progress of multiple users by plugging in a USB. It is also quiet enough to hear your TV without headphones and comes with mobile castor wheels.
Warranty
Concept2 backs this product by a 5-year frame warranty, but you won’t need it. These products are built to last.
Pros
- Comes with a screwdriver for easy assembly
- Seat and flywheel joined with a hook and locking mechanism
- Heart rate monitor compatible
- Highly motivational
- Compete against people online from all over the world
- USB-compatible to track the progress of multiple users
- Air resistance much better than magnetic resistance
- Helpful community
- Quiet chain
- Comfortable seat
- Up-to-date technology
- Better than magnetic and air resistance
- Can hear your TV over the flywheel
Cons
- May have issues with the battery dying from monitor if used frequently
- Not as high off the ground as the model E
XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
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The active impellers motion through the water tank creates sounds reminiscent of rowing on the water. The large, 5.5″ LCD console can be adjusted to the perfect height and angle for viewing. Depending on the amount of water in the tank, experience six resistance levels with a guide on the tank to tell you which level the water must be for which resistance. The 13.5″ raised seat makes it easy to get on and off the rower, and the large contoured seat offers you a comfortable performance.
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The motivating display shows your total time 500 meter split time, calories, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, date, room temperature and time of day. It does not, however, allow you to change the split distance.
Price
More expensive than the Proform 440R Rower, you can purchase this rowing machine on Amazon for around $499.
Options
This product only features six different resistance levels which cannot be easily changed mid-workout. It does, however, come with several programmable options such as a race against the computer, time countdown, distance countdown, strokes countdown, and calories countdown.
Assembly Time
For around $88, you can have this product delivered fully assembled. Otherwise, it will take you around 30 to 45 minutes with clear instructions.
Design Quality
Unlike the Proform 440R Rower, this ergometer is rated to stand up to up to 300 pounds and each water tank is pressure tested to make sure it will last a long time.
Warranty
This product is backed by a 5-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and 90-day labor warranty.
Pros
- Many motivating options
- Large, easily adjustable LCD screen
- Folds up for minimal storage space
- Ergonomic seat
- Flexible pedals with large Velcro straps and numbered size settings
- Durable XTERRA multi-bladed impeller generates a uniform, smooth stroke
Cons
- Cannot change resistance mid-workout
- Issues retracting the handle
- Padded handle is too large for some
Conclusion
If you are new to the world of indoor rowing, the Proform 400R Rower is an excellent stepping stone into the hobby and sport. However, if you are an experienced on the water rower or competitive indoor rower, you want a more solid ergometer. The Concept2 Model D differs slightly from the Model E, but those differences are not worth a couple hundred dollars. The Proform indoor rower is difficult to assemble, does not come with the necessary tools and offers poor resistance for those serious about rowing.
The Concept2 Model D offers a global online community, helpful tips no matter your reason for rowing and will hold its own under the weight of a 500-pound individual. It is ergonomic from the adjustable foot pedals with flexible Velcro to the handle and seat and offers you the most realistic on-the-water feel. The PM5 comes with the most motivating, pre-programmed and programmable features including games and workouts. It is easy to adjust to the ideal height and angle, and the back-lit LCD display is easy on your eyes.
Control the resistance with every stroke as air pushes against the flywheel’s blades and choose among 10 different damper settings. Easily change this with an attractive wheel on the side rather than an unattractive red knob on the front of the machine. You cannot ask for any better than this indoor rowing machine which has been chosen by Olympic athletes for over 40 years.