Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower Review

Quick Take

At $699, the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is an affordable rowing machine that delivers great cardio workouts at home. Customer reviews are very positive, citing the machine’s easy assembly and quiet operation. It’s built with extruded aluminum that looks good and holds up well. The rower uses quiet magnetic resistance controlled electronically with buttons on the console. As well as featuring a selection of preset workout programs, the console allows you to wirelessly monitor your heart rate (chest strap included) and displays all your essential exercise data. At 81” long by 20” wide, it’s a medium-sized rower, but it can be folded for storage if space is a concern for you.

Our Review

The Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower uses magnetic resistance, the quietest type available. This makes it ideal for a home rowing machine as it won’t disturb your household when in use. The tension is controlled electronically with buttons on the console. It’s a sturdy machine, built with an extruded aluminum rowing beam. For comfort, the rower has a foam-padded handle for grip, a molded seat, and textured foot plates with adjustable straps. At 81” long by 20” wide by 24.5” high, we would say the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is an average-sized rowing machine. To save space after workouts, the rower can be folded for storage with the beam being moved to a vertical position. There’s also wheels for easy portability.

The LCD backlit fitness monitor features 12 workout programs including 6 cardio profiles, 1 manual, 4 custom user programs and 1 heart-rate program. Luckily, you can wirelessly track your heart rate using a chest strap (included). You can use this in the heart-rate program which can adjust the magnetic tension of the rower according to your pulse. The monitor will display all your essential rower data including  time, count, distance, calories, strokes per minute, pulse and watt. A power cord (included) is required to run the console.

Positives

• Assembly: Assembling this product is hassle-free and takes around 30 minutes.
• LCD Monitor: The Avari lets you choose from 12 built-in training programs, including a target heart-rate program. You can also save routines that you design by selecting resistance levels for a series of intervals.
• Quiet & Powerful Resistance: Rowing machines are quiet in general, but those with magnetic resistance are virtually silent. The resistance on the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is controlled electronically and can challenge a wide range of ability levels. For strength it’s best for beginners to intermediate level trainees, but all skill levels can get great cardio exercise.
• Strong Frame: This Avari rowing frame is built from sturdy aluminum.
• Heart-Rate Monitor: A complete wireless heart-rate monitoring system is included. With most other rowing machines the chest strap is sold separately. This is a $49 to $99 value.
• Non-Slip Pedals: This rower has oversized, textured pedals to promote comfort. They have adjustable Velcro straps for safety.
• Easy to Store/Move: The Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower can easily be folded for storage. Its folded dimensions are 36″ long by 20″ wide by 53.5″ tall. Attached wheels make it easy to move into place.

Negatives

• Lighting: The Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower’s monitor is poorly backlit. This isn’t a big deal, but you’ll probably want to have a lamp near the machine when rowing at night.
• Uncomfortable Seat: The molded seat has ridges that some riders find uncomfortable. Gel-filled seat covers are sold online.
• Weight Capacity: The maximum weight capacity is 275. Most other rowing machines support at least 300 pounds, and WaterRowers can hold up to 1,000 pounds or more without rocking.
• Quality Control: Most customers are pleased with this product, but about 5% of reviews say the machine never worked properly when assembled.

Our Conclusion

The Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower has a strong following of customers who swear that it endures. There’s a whole list of satisfied customer reviews from people who were seeking lower-priced fitness equipment, and the Avari delivered. It wouldn’t be mistaken for a commercial rowing machine, but it has a good selection of features for a rower under $700. Overall, the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is a top choice for people looking to spend $699 or less on a rower with preset workouts.