A rowing machine with added whooooosh! (First Degree S350 Folding Fluid Rower)

Member Name: SophieRainbow

Product:	First Degree S350 Folding Fluid Rower
Date:	12/08/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Informative LCD display, water wheel

Disadvantages: Expensive new, novelty may wear off, quite loud

Though I have never owned a rowing machine before, I have used many in various gyms around the place and by comparison found this model to be a very reasonable machine for home use.

The main features of this rowing machine are its folding ability, LCD display and water resistance wheel.

*Folding ability*
It folds up relatively easily to a size which can be nicely slotted in a garage somewhere, behind a sofa etc.

*LCD display*
The LCD display shows some key information about your workout. It records the time you have spent on the machine, projected 500m time, number of metres rowed and number of watts produced (the last of which I do not see the use for). There is an option of displaying heart rate if a heart monitor (not included) is attached, though I have not tested this function myself.
The number of calories burnt per hour is also displayed, and the accuracy of its calculation may be dubious, as metabolism varies depending on your weight, build, age, gender etc. I think it would be more useful if the total number of calories burnt was recorded instead, as most people are unlikely to spend 1 hour on such an intense piece of workout equipment. Finally, there is an option to add sets of 1000m to your workout and count down, which I find is motivational.

There is only one button on the monitor (for adding the 1000m), as the display comes on automatically when the handlebars are pulled. This can be irritating, as the timer may start before you are ready to begin rowing. The display also turns off automatically after approx. 1 minute, and your previous stats are lost which can be frustrating if you want to have a rest or stretch halfway through.

*Water resistance*
The 16 resistance levels are provided by a water wheel at the front of the machine. The various levels (toggled through by turning a lever on the front of the wheel) increase in resitance by allowing more water to obstruct the paddles: ingenious. The water whoooshing is also quite relaxing and enjoyable to watch and listen to and makes the experience a little more realistic, though it may be a little loud for some people. There is a reasonable range of resistance for low to medium-high fitness levels. The lever is easy to turn, but when strapped into the machine it requires an awkward reach forwards and down to knock it up or down once rowing.

The adjustable foot straps for this machine (supposedly ranging from sizes 2-12, though I am a size 7 and have the straps on size 3 to keep my feet still) are quite difficult to alter and need to be very tight, though once on they do not loosen while rowing which is good. The seat of the machine is comfortable and slides easily.

I would like to add that since buying this rower 4 months ago, I use it less frequently than I intended to. Such is always the way with home gym equipment which, without the incentive of paying gym membership or shiny plasma screens showing music vidoes, is much easier to ignore. However, for those who enjoy rowing at the gym, are prepared to donate a TV to their garage for in-workout entertainment and find running a little hard on the joints, a home rowing machine may be a worthy investment (and it is an investment - of at least £200). This model, sold at around £850 new, is only worth buying second hand to most people, as I did for around £200.

Overall this is decent, water-tight (!) rower for the home.

Summary: Worth buying second hand only