XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is an entry-level cardiovascular workout piece of equipment designed for home use. It is in the same category as the SereneLife SLRWMC10 Rower in terms of price range and features.  

It is a compact and lightweight unit when compared to standard rowing machines. It only weighs 52 lbs./23.58 kg and it integrates a 3 lbs./1.36 kg flywheel.  

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower.  

The Frame & Construction 

The construction of the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower comprises alloy steel, aluminum, and plastic materials.  

The frame is made of steel, while the slide rail is made of aluminum, and the drive covers, the console casing, and the stabilizers’ end caps are made of ABS.  

The steel part of the rowing machine is coated with black anti-corrosion paint while the plastic parts are either blue or black with white inscriptions.  

The unit supports 250 lbs./113 kg maximum user weight capacity.  

The base features robust steel stabilizers, and the rear integrates adjustable levelers for improved stability.  

That said, the use of a protective rubber mat underneath will be an added advantage.  

The rail is not leveled up (straight or horizontal) but it is slightly angled like that of the Niceday Magnetic Rower. This works better in fast-motion recovery.  

As aforementioned, this will be considered a compact rower because its overall assembled dimensions are 61.4’’ long by 21.7’’ wide by 27.6’’ high. In other words, a workout area with measurements of 5’11’’ (156 cm) in length by 1’8’’ (55 cm) in width will be required.  

On top of that, there must be an extra clearance of 2’ on each side and 3’ at the rear part of the rower for a safe and convenient workout experience.  

The unit does not have a folding design like the XTERRA ERG200. However, it can be stored in a vertical position which takes a lot less storage space. There are transport wheels at the front base for an easy relocation process. 

The Seat of the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower 

The seat is contoured, large, and padded for better positioning and comfort.  

Its frame is steel and it is attached to the slide rail with 2 large rollers integrated at the top of the rails and 1 big roller underneath. Thus, its back-and-forth motion is smooth and quiet with good stability.  

The Handlebar 

The handlebar is cylindrical in shape and straight. It is coated with anti-slip rubber foam material to promote firm and comfortable grips.  

It does not integrate heart rate sensors or any other control buttons as expected considering that the rower is basic.  

A 1’’ nylon strap that is connected to the flywheel/drive is attached to it. Therefore, each pull is silent and smooth as opposed to a chain anchor. Moreover, the nylon strap does not require periodic lubrication or any sort of maintenance.  

The Footrests 

The footrests are large and textured, and they have adjustable safety straps and heel guards for maximum safety and comfortable foot placement of different foot sizes. 

They are made of durable plastic and have a bolt metallic core that allows them to pivot. There is also a stopper underneath the rear part of each one so that they don’t turn around 360 degrees.  

So, users’ feet will be flexible and in adherence to movements during workouts which reduces the stress on the ankle.  

The Resistance System 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is equipped with a magnetic resistance system which comprises a magnetic brake pad, the metallic 3 lbs./1.36 kg, and a tension control knob.  

The magnetic brake pad is connected to the control knob so that when adjusted it shifts close or farther away from the flywheel as it releases magnetic fields that would cause resistance to occur.  

So, the resistance generation or process does not include friction, therefore, no part wears out or would require replacement or lubrication. 

Since the resistance system is manually adjustable, the machine does not need to be plugged into a power outlet for it to function, and neither does it (resistance) automatically adjust.  

There are 8 adjustable resistance levels that provide easy to fairly challenging workouts for weight loss and heart and lungs health improvement.  

Another advantage of this resistance system that is worth mentioning would be that the operation of the rower remains smooth and quiet even when the highest resistance level is deployed. Therefore, you can work out with the rowing machine at any time of the day without disturbing those around or living close to you.  

To increase or decrease the resistance level, simply turn the tension control knob clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.  

That said, the resistance system does not produce extreme workout difficulty. Thus, not for those that wish for such a challenge.  

Nevertheless, if you need a cardiovascular exercise machine that is affordable and could engage over 80% of the body’s muscle groups, then this might be the go-to.  

The Console 

The ERG160 Rowing Machine has a basic and standard console attached to the top drive covers. It does not have Bluetooth or online connectivity. No built-in workout programs or heart rate functions.  

It is angle adjustable and it features a high-contrast LCD monitor that tracks Time, Distance, SPM (Stroke Per Minute), Counts, and Calories Burned. These workout data are displayed with good readability that cannot be compromised by poor lighting.  

The workout data are displayed one at a time rotational after every few seconds by the SCAN function since they can’t be simultaneously displayed. However, you can still override the scanning through of the data display if you want certain workout data to show constantly.  

The Distance measurement unit is in meters and cannot be changed to km or miles.  

There is only one button available on the console for navigation. By pressing it repeatedly you will be able to scan through the workout data and override the SCAN function if you so wish. Also, by pressing the button and holding it for a few seconds allows you to clear and reset.  

The console is powered by 2 AA batteries which are also included in the package. Therefore, in a bid to conserve the batteries’ power, the monitor automatically shuts down when there is no activity on the rowing machine for 4 minutes, and it also turns on automatically when activity resumes.  

Accessory 

There is a built-in shelf on the console that can hold a tablet device. However, a device placed on it might block the view of the monitor.  

A water bottle holder is also integrated for the purpose of maintaining proper hydration during a workout session. 

Storage 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is not foldable. However, it has a space-saving design that allows you to store it vertically. This way, the storage space it will require will be much less than what could have been required if it was to be folded.  

In other words, a storage area with measurements of 1’8’’ (54 cm) in length by 1’6’’ (55 cm) in width with a ceiling height that is above 5’11’’ (156 cm) can accommodate it.  

With the integrated transport wheels at the front base, you can easily roll it away.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Affordable, lightweight, and compact 
• It takes much less storage space 
• Built to last  
• Supports up to 250 lbs./113 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Supports 5’1’’ to 6’2’’ tall individuals 
• Its operation is smooth and quiet 
• It provides cardiovascular workouts that engage over 80% of the body’s muscle groups 
• The seat is large, padded, and contoured for maximum comfort 
• The handlebar is coated with soft anti-slip rubber foam for a firm and comfortable grip 
• The large, textured, and pivoting footrests with adjustable safety straps and heel guards accommodate different foot sizes securely 
• The console is angle adjustable for the best viewing angle 
• The LED monitor tracks Time, Distance, SPM (Stroke Per Minute), Counts, and Calories Burned with good readability 
• It does not require to be plugged into a power source to be functional because it has a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels 
• There are robust steel stabilizers for maximum stability (adjustable levelers are integrated into the rear stabilizer) 
• A media shelf is built into the console 
• A water bottle holder is included 
• Easy and straightforward to assemble 
• Minimal maintenance required 

Cons 

• No heart rate function 
• No online connectivity 
• No built-in workout programs 
• It is not ideal for serious professional rowers 

Warranty 

• Frame: 1 Year 
• Labor: 90 Days 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 61.4’’ 
• Width: 21.7’’ 
• Height: 27.6’’ 
• Shipping Dimensions: 42’’ L x 20’’ W x 8’’H 
• Net Weight: 52 lbs./23.5 kg 
• Gross Weight: 60 lbs./27.22 kg 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 250 lbs./113 kg 
• Supported User Heights: 5’1’’-6’2’’ 
• Frame: Steel 
• Rail: Aluminum 
• Drive: 1’’ Nylon strap 
• Resistance System: Manual magnetic with 8 adjustable levels 
• Seat: Large, contoured, and padded 
• Handlebar: Coated with anti-slip soft rubber foam 
• Footrests: Pivot, large, and textured with adjustable safety straps and heel guards 
• Monitor: LED 
• Water bottle and tablet holders included 
• Transport wheels included 

Shipping 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is packaged and shipped out in a box that weighs 60 lbs./27.22 kg with dimensions of 42’’ long by 20’’ wide by 8’’ high.  

Shipping is not charged if purchased from major vendors such as Amazon. However, there are options for expedited delivery which attract costs.  

Assembly 

The unit is not complicated to assemble as the major components are preassembled at the factory. 

The parts to be assembled include the rail, the seat, the footrests, the stabilizers, and the console. This could take less than an hour to complete.  

Moreover, an instruction manual and the tools needed for a successful assembly are included in the package. 

Maintenance 

The maintenance needed is not something serious. You only need to keep the unit clean and prevent dirt from getting into the rail and the seat rollers.  

Do check the parts before use to be sure that they are all tight and in good shape.  

It is ideal to store the unit in a clean and dry area.  

Conclusion 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is a typical standard rowing machine that is designed for home use and those on a budget. It supports 250 lbs./113 kg maximum user weight capacity and 5’1’’-6’2’’ tall individuals.  

It is not so large; thus, it won’t take up too much space as most rowing machines would, and the storage space that it requires is even smaller.