HCI Fitness Prorower RX-750 Prorower Indoor Water Rowing Machine

The following is my initial review after only several uses. I will make updates if my opinion changes or if my machine has quality issues.Like many people, I considered the top rowers available (Concept2 and WaterRower) before purchasing this ProRower. I have used the Concept2 in gyms many times, so I was familiar with that machine. I had never previously tried any water based rowing machine. I decided to go with a water machine based on the noise and feel of the Concept2 compared to the many reviewers opinion on water based machines. I wanted something quieter and more relaxing.Having narrowed my search to a water machine, I considered price and ease of movement of the machine. The WaterRower was significantly more expensive that the ProRower. In addition, the WaterRower was heavier and larger (we move our rower in front of our TV to use it and store it in a back room when not in use so low weight and size are key).So far I'm very happy with my purchase. I can confirm that I prefer using a water based rower over the air based Concept2. Its MUCH quieter, and the smoothness really helps me get into a rhythm. As stated by many reviewers, even with the max water in the tank, the resistance is not as high as what can be achieved with the Concept2. However, it is more than adequate and provides a decent challenge (I row for 1 hour sessions, without interval training and it is tiring).The ProRower arrived in two boxes, approximately 90% assembled. It was by far the easiest to assemble workout equipment I've bought (compared to 2 ellipticals and a treadmill). It takes at most 30 easy minutes to assemble and begin rowing. The machine is very solid in use and gives the impression that it will last a long time. Certainly the bungee recoil cord appears to be the weak link. If I have any issues I will post an update. The display is large and easy to read and suites my purposes by displaying time and strokes, the metrics I prefer for gauging my effort level.Filled to max water capacity, the machine is somewhat heavier than I was hoping, but still light enough to roll around on carpet and into another room. It stands up very easily and in that position takes up very little space.On the whole, this appears to be a good value for a solid rowing machine and I would recommend it to anyone.

I love the machine, I am a 57 yr old female to young to have both knees replaced, so exercising can be tricky.......I wish I had found this machine years ago/similar because IT IS VERY EASY ON THE JOINTS....however, you will get a good workout...I can see folks who are athletic possibly needing more of a challenge, but I can see myself using this most days of the week for as long as it or I last, whichever goes first!!...............Let's talk about the instructions and manual.........THEY SUCK, plain and simple....no picture of the assembled model anywhere. I read the reviews, some people assembled it in no time flat..............not us..........we figured the chair rail would slip into the frame, tighten some bolts and be rowing in a half hour.............in order for US to get it assembled we had to take out all the bolts that were already screwed in and move them..........I thought they were doing us a favor by "pre-assembling" the rower, but they just made it more difficult..........The rower was missing a bolt to attach the monitor which is in a location that's different than the picture Amazon has...(I ended up using the screwdriver thingy they included to hold the monitor on the arm, so far it's staying put!)........it's on a swivel type of arm, and it makes sense once you realize that's what it's there for, since the instructions don't tell you too much...........it comes with 4 water treatment tablets, but no mention of how many to use, so I just put two in.........for $700 I want a better instruction manual.......it's a complete joke................other than that, the packaging was fine, it comes in two, one of the rubber frame end tabs was broken but there were two extra in the box, so that was good..........I like the rower, it's really great, I love the water sound, it's quiet and it would probably lull someone to sleep if they are in the same room!!!

Okay, I'm not going to talk about the tank, the belts, the bands, the seat and rail. Those things have been reviewed in other reviews a ton of times. Yes, they are generally good and work as expected. But, that's what they are supposed to do, right?The real issue here is if you're serious about exercise and how strong you are. Physically, I mean. For me, this machine is very easy to use, without even breaking a sweat. Yes, I'm 6'1-220 lbs and in decent shape, but it's a disappointment, even after I tried to be fair about it for the first month. Even if if go fast for 1/2 hour. The problem is the design. NOT the unit.Water, in this small container, isn't like "water" in a real rowing environment as if you were in a boat. Now, I'm not going to go into the physics of why, but it has to do with moving a heavy object (your body and boat) over a viscous surface/material (water)= resistance. The problem with using this water concept to mimic true rowing in water is that there isn't enough "weight" or resistance versus the amount of "force" or what you can generate with your legs and arms. So, no matter how much you row, you'll not really get a kick-butt workout, like you do skulling or in a boat, or at the gym's Concept2, which is an entirely different concept in rowing. The only way to compensate for the loss in the Force vs. Resistance formula is to NOT use water as the resistance factor in such a small surface area. The Concept2 people use air baffles to grab air, which is a compressible gas, hence you get increased resistance the harder you "row". Water is NOT compressible, hence the need for a greater surface area. So, for me this unit's design doesn't cut it and it's a waste of time. I gave it to my wife and she loves it. I'm eating the loss and buying the Concept2. Ten minutes on a Concept2 (like at my gym) is like 30 minutes on this machine.Still, I want to be fair and it may work just fine for someone else. So, for the price it wasn't bad.