Octane Rō Review

Quick Take

The Octane Rō is a durable hybrid air/magnetic rower with an impressive range of features for the price. For a rower in the sub-$2K range, it has a good combination of comfort, performance and electronic features, making it a suitable match for beginner or advanced rowers alike. You can choose from 10 levels of resistance to ramp up the challenge as you progress. The console features a handful of preset workout options as well as a dynamic calorie meter and a range of real-time workout stats to keep you motivated. It has a pretty large footprint, but you can tilt it upwards and stand it on its base after use to save space. Learn more about the pros and cons of the Octane Rō below.

If you’re in the market for a hybrid air/magnetic rower and have a budget just shy of $2K, the Octane Rō is a stellar choice. Although the warranty is pretty average, it is competitive for the price. It offers 10 years of coverage on the frame, 3 years on parts, and one year on labor. There are a few design features that help this rower to stand out from the crowd, one being the multi-grip handlebar. The brand has elevated this standard rowing machine component with a design that allows for a variety of hand positions so you can row in comfort and diversify your training. Engage your chest, back and arm muscles in various ways, or adopt a kayaking or canoeing motion to breathe further variety into your routines. Then there are the quick-release foot straps. These allow you to get your feet in and out of the foot beds with ease, and make hassle-free adjustments for a secure fit. The seat is also comfortable, with ergonomic contours on a large padded surface. The dual air/magnetic brake system along with the belt drive (as opposed to a chain drive) allows for a smooth rowing experience. That said, we would have perhaps liked to have seen more resistance levels. 10 is fine, but adding a few more would have allowed you to further vary your rowing strokes.

Although the Octane Rō doesn’t have a fancy touchscreen for interactive training, its 7-inch backlit LCD console displays all your essential workout stats, as well as housing a few other enticing features. There is a dynamic calorie meter that puts your best effort up against your current effort, which is a really motivating feature. Other metrics displayed include strokes per minute, watts, distance, time, calories and heart rate. Bluetooth compatible, the Octane Rō allows you to connect Polar or ANT+ heart straps to keep on top of your pulse (not included in purchase). There are 6 workout programs on the console for you to enjoy too. Although this isn’t a huge amount, the quality and variety of the workouts is good enough for you to keep your training routine fresh. Aside from the Quick Start mode, the programs include: Max 14 Interval; Interval; Calorie Goal; Distance Goal; and MAX CiRCUIT. From HIIT training to smooth and steady cardio, the Octane Rō can support various forms of training depending on your preferences. It’s a stable rower, and can hold up to 350 pounds. That said, it is still easy to transport and store. It doesn’t fold in half, but you can tip it upwards and store it on its base after workouts. Dig into the pros and cons of the Octane Rō rower below.

Positives

• Storage: Although the rower does not fold in half, it can be tilted on its side for storage after use. The transport wheels make it easy to move around after workouts.
• Smooth: The Octane Rō features a belt rather than a chain drive. This allows for a smooth and quieter rowing experience.
• Console: Although not flashy, the console puts everything you need to monitor your workout right in front of you, as well as motivating features such as the dynamic calorie meter.
• Wireless Heart-Rate Monitoring: Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your own wireless heart-rate strap to track your pulse while training.
• Preset Programs: There are a handful of motivating programs built into the console for you to diversify your workouts.
• Weight Capacity: It’s a sturdy rower with a good 350-pound weight capacity, so it will suit most trainees.
• Comfort Features: The Octane Rō boasts a good range of comfort features, from a comfortable seat to support endurance to quick-release foot straps.
• Multi-Grip handlebar: The multi-grip handlebar is an impressive design feature which helps you to diversify your upper-body training.

Negatives

• No Interactive Training: If you want to train interactively with a program such as iFit, this rower may not be your best match.
• Resistance Levels: 10 levels of resistance is OK, but not the best. We would have perhaps liked to see a few more to help you further vary your rowing strokes.
• Large Footprint: At 94″ x 24″ x 47″, this is a large rower. If you have the space, this is OK, but it may not work for all home gyms. Saying that, you can tilt it on its side for easy storage (it’s 93″ high when stored).

Our Conclusion

The Octane Rō is a solid rowing machine choice for anyone with a budget just shy of $2K, and who isn’t that fussed on interactive training. You won’t get a flashy screen or interactive training as part of the package, but you will get a durable, high-quality rowing machine that’s still packed with features to keep you motivated and challenged as you progress.