The ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine may be considered as an underdog when compared to other rowing machines such as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 or the JOROTO MR35.
But in reality, it is competitively affordable and it has more resistance levels than those aforementioned, and it supports a higher maximum user weight capacity.
Click right here to have a peek at the ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
The ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine has good construction. It features a black anti-corrosion powder (paint) coated solid steel frame and other parts that are made of ABS material, which include the drive/resistance covers, the console cover, and the pedals.
Hence, it is elegant and durable, and it supports a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs./120 kg.
The rail is a little bit slanted, making it possible for a faster motion recovery during workouts and more exerted resistance on the legs’ muscle groups.
The unit features a robust base framework that has stabilizer bars with rubber end caps and adjustable levelers at the rear. So, it is floor-friendly, and users can balance it on a surface that is not even for optimum stability. Moreover, its assembled weight of 58.8 lbs./26.7 kg also guarantees that users do experience stable workouts.
Storing it away is very easy due to its ability to fold, and the integrated transport wheels at the front base.
The folded dimensions are 40’’ long by 19.29’’ wide by 46.06’’ high. This means it requires less storage space than the workout area.
Speaking of, the assembled dimensions are 75.2’’ long by 19.29’’ wide by 33.46’’ high. In other words, the rowing machine needs a workout area with perimeters of 6’3’’ length by 1’7’’ width and additional clearance of at least 2′ around it for safety and easy access purposes.
The Seat of the ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine
The seat on this rowing machine is not contoured and padded as the case with some rowers. Instead, it is large and cushioned with a durable vinyl cover. As a result, it provides decent comfort that could allow users to work out longer.
Its dimensions are 15.35’’ L by 11.81’’ W by 1.97’’ H.
However, a user wishes that it was a little bit softer. So, if you feel the same way too, it can be remedied by using extra foam on it.
The seat integrates 3 concealed durable rollers and it’s attached to the wide steel rail that has a 46.45’’ inseam. Its gliding motion is smooth and quiet, and users that are up to 6’1’’ tall (it supports individuals with an inseam that is between 15.75’’ to 43.31’’) can freely and conveniently workout with the rower.
The floor to the rail height is about 9’’, and the floor to the seat’s highest position is 11.8’’. This means users will have no problem mounting and dismounting from the rowing machine.
Lastly, there is a seat lock that enables users to stable it so that they can safely get on and off the rower.
The Handlebar
The rowing machine has a polypropylene fibre foam coated straight handlebar that provides secure and comfortable grips. It prevents strain, slippage, and blisters that may occur as a result of frequent and prolonged workouts.
A durable 1’’ nylon cord is attached to it. So, no lubrication is required and users can work out harder without being apprehensive that it might snap. Moreover, the handle is long enough to suit users that have wide shoulders.
Pedals
The pivoting pedals are large, textured, with adjustable safety straps and heel protective guards. Therefore, they provide maximum footing stability and accommodate different foot sizes.
Your feet won’t slip, and the ankles won’t be strained even if engaged in a vigorous workout.
The Drive/Resistance
The ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine features a belt drive system. Its operation is smooth and quiet, and it doesn’t require periodic lubrication or tensioning.
It consists of a durable anti-stretch belt, pulleys, and a perimeter weighted flywheel (weight not specified, it’s likely to be between 5 to 10 lbs.).
While on the other hand, it also integrates a manual magnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels. Even when the resistance is engaged, the rowing machine’s performance remains smooth and quiet.
This is because none of the elements that are involved in generating resistance come in direct contact. Instead, the magnetic brake pad on each side of the flywheel emits magnetic fields without friction to create resistance.
The intensity of the resistance depends on how close or farther away the magnets are to the flywheel. so, to increase or decrease the resistance intensity, simply twist the tension knob clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.
Hence, users can engage in challenging workouts that could ultimately result in losing weight, toning the muscle groups, and improving cardiovascular health.
Remember, the rowing machine provides a low-impact and full-body cardio that is gentle to the joints and works on over 80% of the body’s muscle groups.
Finally, its noise level during workouts is very low that you can train at any time of the day without getting in anybody’s way. Moreover, you can watch a TV show/movie, or listen to music at a normal volume range.
The Console
The console on this rower is not advanced yet it’s better than some that are featured on other rowing machines of the same category. The reason is that it has an LCD monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance (measured in miles), RPM, Calories, and Count, and it also enables you to set goals (count-down) for Time, Counts, and Calories.
It has a SCAN function that displays these metrics one at a time after every few seconds, and you can alternate it for a preferred workout value to constantly display if you want.
The monitor is adjustable and easy to read as long as it’s being viewed in a well-lit room, otherwise, its readability will be compromised because it’s not backlit.
There are 3 navigation buttons that include SET, MODE, and RESET. These buttons allow you to set up countdown goals, SCAN, clearing of existing data, and more.
The battery-powered monitor turns off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity, and it automatically turns back on when activity resumes. This is designed to save the batteries’ power and possibly prolong their lifespan.
That said, the console is not telemetry-enabled, that is why you can’t monitor your heart rate except if you use an external HR device. There are no preset workout programs; neither does it connect wirelessly to an online app.
Accessory
The ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine integrates 2 essential accessories. These include tablet and water bottle holders.
The tablet holder is designed to allow users to place a Smartphone/tablet device so that they can watch a movie or listen to music while exercising. However, any device that is placed on the holder can potentially block the view of the monitor.
On the other hand, the water bottle holder is within arms’ reach. Thus, users can keep water handy during workouts for proper hydration.
Storage
As aforementioned, the storage of this rowing machine is easy and convenient because it is foldable and portable.
The transport wheels at the front base facilitate the relocation process whether folded or not.
However, it requires less space for storage when folded because the dimensions are 40’’ long by 19.29’’ wide by 46.06’’ high. Therefore, a storage area with perimeters of 3’4’’ length by 1’7’’ width can accommodate it.
The folding process includes unlocking the rail’s quick-release pin and lifting it (rail) up.
Approval Rating
Thus far, the rowing machine’s approval rating on Amazon is impressive, and independent review sites also view it favorably.
Pros/Features Overview
- Sturdily and durably built
- Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs./120 kg
- There is a seat safety lock that enables users to stabilize it so that they can safely get on and off the rowing machine
- The floor to seat height is 11.8’’; so, getting on and exiting the rower will be safe as well
- The seat is fairly large and decent in terms of comfort, and it is integrated with gliding mechanisms that ensure seamless movement
- The operation of the rowing machine is smooth and quiet
- The durable 1’’ nylon pulling cord doesn’t snap on you during workouts
- The LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, RPM, Calories, and Counts with a SCAN function
- Goal setting (countdown) for Time, Counts, and Calories is possible
- Users that are up to 6’1’’ tall can be accommodated (supports inseams between 15.75’’ to 43.31’’)
- The magnetic resistance system provides 16 adjustable levels
- It is maintenance-free
- Assembly is quite easy
- Transport wheels included for easy relocation process
- Tablet and water bottle holders included
Con
- Monitor is nonbacklit
- The display screen gets blocked if and when a Smartphone device is placed on the holder
- The resistance intensity is not extremely difficult
Warranty
- 1 Year for Parts
- 30-Days money back guarantee
Product Dimensions & Specifications
- Length: 75.2’’
- Width: 19.29’’
- Height: 33. 46’’
- Folded dimensions: 40’’ L x 19.29’’ W x 46.06’’ H
- Shipping dimensions: 44.88’’ L x 25.98’’ W x 8.66’’ H
- Net weight: 58.8 lbs./26.7 kg
- Gross weight: 68.7 lbs./31.2 kg
- Seat dimensions: 15.35’’ L by 11.81’’ W by 1.97’’ H.
- Seat: Cushioned with a vinyl cover
- Handlebar: straight and coated with rubber foam
- Pull cord: 1’’ Nylon
- Pedals: Pivot, large, textured, with adjustable safety straps and heel guards
- Frame: Steel
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Monitor: Non-backlit LCD
- Users’ height: Up to 6’1’’/supports inseams 15.75’’ to 43.31’’
- Transports wheels: Yes
- Tablet holder: Yes
- Water bottle holder: Yes
Shipping
The ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine is shipped out in a box that weighs 68.7 lbs./31.2 kg with dimensions of 44.88’’ L x 25.98’’ W x 8.66’’ H.
Amazon provides free shipping and the delivery is made in a couple of days.
Assembly
It takes about 30 minutes, more or less to completely assemble this rowing machine because it arrives preassembled.
You are only required to attach the rail, the front and rear stabilizers, the seat, and the pedals; and an instruction manual and tools needed for a successful assembly are included in the package.
Maintenance
Part of maintaining this rower is keeping it clean, especially the rail for smooth and seamless movement of the seat. Do not expose the console to liquid, moisture, or direct sunlight.
Finally, examine the machine before use to ensure that the parts are tight and in good condition.
Conclusion
If a low-budget rowing machine is what you wish to acquire, then, the ECHANFIT CRW 4901 Magnetic Rowing Machine might be a good choice.
As aforementioned, it has a slight advantage over some of the other rowers of the same category. For instance, it supports a higher maximum user weight capacity and its magnetic resistance system provides 16 adjustable levels, while the integrated LCD monitor tracks workout progress and also allows you to set up goals for Time, Counts, and Calories.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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