The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is one of the best mid-range rowing machines available and it comes in 2 color variants of black and gray.
We believe it was originally manufactured by Proteus who sold the right to sell to CAP Barbell. Then CAP Barbell rebranded it from its original name PMR-3000 to Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower.
In other words, PMR-3000 and this rower are the same except for the brand names.
That said, the Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is sturdily constructed to provide stability during workouts. It features a drum magnetic control system (DMC) with 8 adjustable levels for different workout challenges.
Its performance is smooth and quiet, thus, it is environmentally friendly.
Interestingly, the console is telemetric, and the HR chest strap comes with it.
Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Velocity CHR-2001B Magnetic Rower on Amazon.
Table of Contents
The Frame & Construction
The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower has a durable and solid anodized aluminum frame with rectangular tubing support, while the resistance system’s shrouds are made of ABS material.
The machine has single vertical base support at the rear and a horizontal stabilizer at the front. Hence, users that are up to 275 lbs./124.7 kg or less can exercise with it and experience maximum stability.
However, ensure that it is placed on a balanced surface so that its stability may not be compromised. Also, in order to prevent damage to the floor or carpet, place the machine on a protective rubber mat.
It is a lightweight unit that weighs 75 lbs./34 kg, so it can easily be moved around the apartment since it also includes transport wheels at the front base.
Most rowing machines require a little bit of workout area and so does this rowing machine.
Its assembled dimensions are 80.71’’ long by 20.08’’ wide by 25.20’’ high. To put it differently, it will need a workout area with perimeters of 6’7’’ length by 1’7’’ width, and an extra clearance of 2’-3’ around it for safety and easy access.
Thankfully, it is foldable; therefore, it won’t require that much of a space for storage because the folded dimensions are 43.3’’ long by 20.08’’ wide by 54.3’’ high. So a storage area with perimeters of 3’7’’ length by 1’7’’ width will suffice.
The Seat of the Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower
The seat is large, contoured, and padded with polyurethane to accommodate the butt comfortably for a prolonged workout. It is designed to keep the lower back muscles stress-free at all times.
Most users feel the seat is comfortable, but if you ever have the need to improve it you can cushion it with a small pillow.
It integrates 3 rollers on each side and is attached to the long anodized aluminum rail beam. Thus, users that are up to 6’2’’ can conveniently exercise with the rower with full leg extension.
Although, an individual’s inseam length determines whether or not the person can be accommodated; therefore, a 6’4’’ person with the same inseam as a 6’2’’ individual can use the rowing machine and everyone else that is shorter.
Moreover, since the rail is a little bit slanted it provides a quick motion recovery and better toning of the legs’ muscle groups.
The floor to seat’s height is 10’’, thus, allowing users to easily mount and dismount without hassles.
The Handlebar
The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is equipped with an anti-slip padded handlebar that provides secure and comfortable grips. So, you can work out frequently and longer without experiencing blisters in the palms or slippage.
The handlebar is strapped to a durable 1’’ nylon cord that is connected to the drive system.
Pedals
The CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower has a pair of pivotal, large, and textured pedals with heel guards and nylon adjustable safety straps.
They provide maximum footing stability and can accommodate different foot sizes.
The Drive/Resistance
This rower has a belt drive system and a drum magnetic control system (DMC). They mainly consist of a durable belt, pulleys, a metal flywheel, a servo motor, and a magnetic brake pad.
The belt drive system doesn’t need periodic lubrication or tensioning as opposed to a chain drive system.
Also, the resistance system is maintenance-free because none of the internal elements comes in direct contact with another in the process of generating resistance. Hence, no part wears out and none will require to be replaced over time.
Moreover, the operation of the unit is smooth and quiet; hence, you can watch a TV show or listen to music during workouts without noise interference from the rower. People around you won’t feel disturbed either when you exercise.
There are 8 adjustable resistance levels that provide different workout intensities suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The adjustment can be done via the UP/DOWN buttons on the console.
The rowing machine needs to be plugged into a power outlet with a voltage of 120V, 60Hz, and the right power adaptor is included in the package.
Finally, if the rower is not plugged in the resistance won’t work.
The Console
The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is equipped with a mid-range advanced telemetry-enabled console that features a blue backlit LCD screen. The monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance (km), Count, Calories, Stroke per Minute (SPM), Watts, and Heart Rate (HR chest strap included).
The LCD monitor is positioned on the resistance system’s shrouds well within users’ view, and its readability is great and clear, and cannot be compromised by a poorly lit environment. The workout data are displayed simultaneously, eliminating the need to SCAN through them.
The monitor’s sensor detects your actual rowing motion and shows it as a little graphic on the display.
Also, there are 12 workout programs that include 6 presets, 1 target heart rate, 4 customs, and 1 manual.
Each of the 6 preset programs is designed to automatically assign a certain resistance level for the sole purpose of achieving a fitness goal.
The heart rate program targets the improvement of cardiovascular health, while the 4 custom programs enable you to customize your own workouts; and when it’s on the manual program you will be able to manually select the resistance level you wish to use for a workout.
Users can set goals (countdown) for Time, Distance, and Calories.
There is a recovery button on the console, which when pressed for a minute immediately after a workout the heart rate will be rated between F1 (excellent)-F6 (worst) and be displayed on the monitor.
Overall, the console is a little bit advanced for a rower of this category and price range. Its ability to connect wirelessly to a HR chest strap (included) is awesome.
However, some users have complained about the heart rate monitor not working, but it is usually resolved when the manufacturer is called or emailed.
Accessory
The rowing machine does not have any accessories, even the basic ones such as a tablet holder or a water bottle holder. The user will have to improvise to maintain proper hydration and to keep a smartphone handy for entertainment purposes during workouts.
Storage
This rowing machine takes a little bit of space for a workout but it requires less storage because it is foldable. An area with perimeters of 3’7’’ length by 1’7’’ width will suffice for storing it.
It can be folded by removing the knob on the rail, pulling up the pop-pin, and releasing it back after folding.
The unit is lightweight and portable, thus, relocating it is pretty easy and convenient.
Pros/Features Overview
- Sturdily and durably built with anodized aluminum
- It is elegant, foldable, lightweight, and portable
- Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 275 lbs./124.7 kg
- It features a slightly inclined rail that provides quick motion recovery and better toning of the legs’ muscle groups
- The operation is smooth and quiet; thus, workout activities won’t be a disturbance to the people around
- 12 workout programs target different fitness goals
- Goal setting for Time, Distance, and Calories
- It includes a recovery function for heart rate rating
- The console is telemetric; meaning it connects to a HR chest strap
- HR chest strap device is included
- The blue backlit LCD monitor tracks workout data such as Dime, Distance, Calories, Counts, Stroke per Minute (SPM), Watt, and Heart Rate with good readability
- It possesses a drum magnetic control system with 8 adjustable levels for different workout intensities
- The user’s rowing motion is tracked and displayed on the monitor
- The handlebar, the seat, and the pedals are ergonomically designed to accommodate users of different sizes and provide comfort and safety during workouts
- The maintenance requirement is low
- Assembly is easy
Cons
- No water bottle and tablet holders
- A few complaints about the heart rate monitor not working
- The warranty coverage is short
Warranty
- 5 Years for the Frame
- 90 Days for the Monitor
- 30 Days for the Parts
Product Dimensions & Specifications
- Length: 80.71’’
- Width: 20.08’’
- Height: 25.20’’
- Folded dimensions: 43.3’’ L x 20.08’’ W x 54.3’’ H
- Shipping dimensions: 44.49’’ L x 29.49’’ W x 12.01’’ H
- Net weight: 75 lbs./34 kg
- Gross weight: 90 lbs./40.82 kg
- Maximum user weight capacity: 275 lbs./124.7 kg
- Heights supported: 4’8’’-6’2’’
- Seat: Large, padded, and contoured
- Handle: Coated with soft rubber foam
- Pedals: Large, textured with adjustable safety straps and heel guards
- Pull cord: 1’’ Nylon
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Drum magnetic control (DMC)
- Programs: 12 (6 preset, 1 target heart rate, 4 customs, and 1 manual)
- Monitor: Blue backlit LCD
- Frame: Anodized aluminium
- Transport wheels included
- HR chest strap included
Shipping
The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is shipped out in a box that weighs 90 lbs./40.82 kg with dimensions of 44.49’’ L x 29.49’’ W x 12.01’’ H.
Amazon provides free shipping and delivers it in a few days.
Assembly
It takes about 30 minutes, more or less to completely assemble this unit because the complicated components are preassembled. You only need to unpack it, and then attach the rail, the seat, the front stabilizer, and the pedals to the core unit.
It is accompanied by a detailed and graphic instruction manual and the tools needed for the assembly.
Maintenance
Ensure to wipe the rowing machine clean after each workout session; and before workouts, examine the unit to ensure that all the parts are tight and in good order.
Do not expose the monitor to liquid, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Conclusion
The Velocity CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower is designed for home use only.
It has some interesting features that have been pointed out in this review and these include the telemetric console that features a blue backlit LCD monitor, and more.
Its space-saving design allows users to easily store it away in most unlikely places such as inside a closet or just in the corner of the room.
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.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.
