Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine Review 

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine is made of oak wood, and it has a similar construction to the Gorowingo and Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machines.  

You may have been aware that oak wood is very strong, hard, and heavy. Due to the presence of tannin content in it, infestation of insects and fungi cannot affect it. Thus, the rowing machine stays as it was originally structured.  

Moreover, users who wish to experience immersive real open water boating can have their dreams come true as the splashing sound from the rower provides that soothing feeling.   

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The Frame & Construction 

The Joroto Water Rowing Machine is constructed with a durable FSC-certified oak wood frame with steel plate reinforcement, hence, its durability is not in question.  

Other parts such as the water tank, the footrests, and the console casings are solid plastic.  

The rowing machine supports 330 lbs./150 kg maximum user weight capacity. It also supports up to 39’’ (99 cm) inseam. This means that users that are up to 6’4’’ tall can be accommodated.  

Its stability is enhanced due to the textured, anti-slip rubber pads underneath it. Therefore, users can exercise on the unit without experiencing it slipping indiscriminately.  

Most rowing machines are lengthy; thus, this one will be considered compact, and it is also foldable. Therefore, it won’t take up too much space for workouts, and even less for storage.  

The assembled dimensions are 70.9’’ long by 17.5’ wide by 13.4’’ high. So, a workout area with measurements of 5’9’’ (180 cm) in length by 1’45’’ (44.45 cm) in width will suffice. However, there should be an additional clearance of 2’ on both sides of it for easy access and safety. 

The folded dimensions are 35.8’’ long by 17.5’’ wide by 21.3’’ high. The rowing machine can be stood up after folding and the water in the tank won’t leak because it is sealed with patented sealing technology. 

The weight is 51 lbs./23 kg, and it can easily be rolled to and from the storage area without hassle via the transport wheels integrated on both the front and rear bases. 

The Seat of the Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine 

The seat is ergonomically designed with organic polymer PU shock-absorbing rollers that run on the L-shape rails for smoother and quieter motion.  

The seat is nicely padded, contoured, and covered with vinyl material for comfort and easy maintenance. Users can train longer comfortably and without slipping off the seat.  

However, if you ever feel that the seat is not comfortable enough then the use of a gel seat cover may come in handy.  

The Handlebar 

The MR280 Water Rowing Machine features a straight anti-slip rubber foam-coated handlebar. The handlebar is suitable for users of different shoulder widths, and they can work out longer, experiencing firm grips and comfort.  

A durable and solid 1’’ nylon strap that connects to the pulley to the water tank is attached to it for uninterrupted and smooth strokes. 

The nylon strap does not need any maintenance as opposed to a chain anchor. However, the chain anchor is usually stronger and lasts longer but a nylon strap provides smooth and quiet operation. 

There are no heart rate sensors on the handlebar, instead, the console is Bluetooth enabled and connects to a wireless HR chest strap to track the user’s pulse rate.  

The Footrest 

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine has a set of anti-slip footrests that are made of quality plastic. Each of them has a high-density adjustable safety strap and a heel guard that are designed to keep the foot securely in place.  

They can accommodate different foot sizes.  

The Resistance  

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine is equipped with a water resistance system, just as the name implies.  

It comprises a polycarbonate water tank with enlarged blades for enhanced resistance. There are 6 level water line marks on the tank which include 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, and 65. In other words, these are the resistance levels because the more water in the tank creates intense resistance, and the less water creates weak resistance.  

Moreover, it is not just the level of water in the tank that determines the level of resistance a user will experience. The resistance system is dynamic; this means the faster the user rows the harder the resistance becomes and the slower he or she rows the weaker the resistance gets.  

Therefore, the resistance you will experience will be proportionate to the level of your ability to row faster.  

When a user exercises on this rowing machine there is a soothing splashing sound that comes with each stroke. This of course reminds users of what it is like to row a boat on open water.  

The sound level is nothing close to a disturbance. Instead, on the contrary, it is inspiring and soothing.  

The water in the tank is expected to be replaced after some time. As a result, a siphon pump is included in the package to help you change the water in the tank when necessary, and purification tablets are also included for water treatment.  

The Console 

The console is Bluetooth enabled and compatible with Kinomap, and EXR. Interestingly, the Kinomap workout app requires a subscription to have access to its features, but you can have a free trial of 44 days (about 1 and a half months).  

In other words, if you are interested in using the app, JOROTO offers a 30-day free trial to its customers in addition to the regular 14-day free trial that comes with the app. This is amazing, and no one serious about achieving their fitness goal would let this offer pass.  

The workout app allows users to experience fun and immersive workouts. They can row in virtual waters, track their workout progress online, access numerous rowing videos, and more.  

Aside from that, the console features an LCD monitor that tracks and displays Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Time/500m, Odometer, Total Stroke, and SPM (Stroke per Minute) simultaneously with high readability.  

However, the LCD monitor is not backlit, therefore, it might be difficult to see the readings if viewed in a room that is not well-lit. 

A heart rate chest strap is included in the package for pulse rate monitoring. This can be connected to the rowing machine via Bluetooth.  

It is possible to set a countdown goal for Time, Distance, or Calories.  

The monitor is powered by 2 AA batteries (included). 

Accessory 

There is a built-in smartphone holder on the console. This enables you to keep a device in view so that you can use the workout app or entertain yourself during a workout session.  

Storage 

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine is foldable and portable. In other words, it can be folded and stored in a vertical form without leakage, and there are transport wheels at the front base that allow users to easily move it around the room.  

A storage area with measurements of 1’77’’’ (54.10 cm) in length by 1’45’’ (44.45 cm) in width will do.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Built with quality FSC-certified oak wood that is resistant to insects and fungal infestations 
• The frame also has metal reinforcement for enhanced durability and stability 
• Great for low-impact and full-body cardiovascular exercises for weight loss and overall physical fitness improvement 
• Its water tank is made of polycarbonate material and has a watertight seal that prevents leakage 
• It is foldable; thus, doesn’t take up too much storage space 
• There are large blades in the tank which make calming and soothing splashing sound  
• Supports 330 lbs./150 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• The seat is padded, contoured, and wide; It integrates shock-absorbing PU rollers 
• The handlebar is coated with anti-slip rubber foam and anchored to a 1’’ nylon strap 
• The footrests are large, textured, and adjustable; they also have adjustable safety straps and heel guards that ensure that each foot is secure and comfortable 
• The console is Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with workout apps such as Kinomap, EXR, and more 
• 44 days (about 1 and a half months) free trial for the Kinomap workout app 
• LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Odometer, Heart Rate, Stroke, Total Stroke, Time/500m, and SPM (Stroke per Minute) 
• A heart rate chest strap is included 
• 2 AA batteries are included 
• Water treatment tablets included 
• A siphon pump is included 
• Easy to maintain 
• Easy to assemble 
• Transport wheels included for easy relocation 
• A smartphone holder included 

Cons 

• No water bottle holder 
• The device holder may not hold a tablet device 
• The monitor is not backlit 

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Warranty 

• 1 Year for free parts replacement 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 70.9’’ 
• Width: 17.5’’ 
• Height: 13.4’’ 
• Folded Dimensions: 35.8’’ L x 17.5’’ W x 21.3’’ H 
• Shipping Dimensions: 38.9’’ L x 18.11’’ W x 17.3’’ H 
• Frame: Oakwood 
• Net Weight: 50.7 lbs./23 kg 
• Gross Weight: 58.4 lbs./26.4 kg 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 330 kg/150 kg 
• May Support Up To 6’4’’ Tall Users 
• Drive: Nylon Strap 
• Resistance: Water 
• Seat: Wide, padded, and contoured; integrates shock-absorbing PU rollers 
• Handlebar: Coated with anti-slip foam material 
• Footrest: Large, adjustable, and textured with adjustable safety straps and heel guards 
• Console: Bluetooth enabled and compatible with Kinomap and EXR workout apps 
• Display: LCD nonbacklit 
• Heart Rate Chest Strap Included 
• A Siphon Pump 

Shipping 

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine is shipped in a box that weighs 58.4 lbs./26.4 kg with dimensions of 38.9’’ long by 18.11’’ wide by 17.3’’ high.  

Vendors such as Amazon ship out the product once an order is completed, and a tracking code is issued to the buyer so that they will know the progress of the shipping and when it will arrive.  

Its arrival takes days or weeks depending on the destination.  

If you want an expedited delivery you will have to opt for a premium shipping option.  

Assembly 

The unit comes almost completely assembled. Just install the seat and it will be ready to be used.  

Tools and an instruction manual are included in the package.  

Maintenance 

The rowing machine is not difficult to maintain. The major maintenance to be carried out aside from keeping it clean at all times is to make sure that the water in the tank is treated when due and changed when necessary.  

Other precautionary measures are outlined in the owner’s manual.  

Conclusion 

The Joroto MR280 Water Rowing Machine is a decent low-impact and full-body cardio exercise machine for home use.  

It supports 330 lbs./150 kg maximum user weight capacity. It has Bluetooth connectivity and it’s compatible with workout apps. 

A wireless HR chest strap comes with the unit.