XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower is still like the XTERRA ERG160 Rower in terms of features. However, it supports higher user weight capacity, has a heart rate monitoring function, was released in 2019, and it is slightly costly. 

It has the same or similar structural design and features as the Merax Folding Magnetic Rower and Merax Sliver Magnetic Rower.   

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower. 

The Frame & Construction 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower has a sturdier construction than XTERRA ERG160, hence, it supports 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity.  

The steel frame is powder-coated with black anti-corrosion paint and the extruded aluminum slide rail is chrome-plated (although its core is steel), while the drive/flywheel shrouds, the footrests, and the stabilizer’s end caps are made of thermoplastic material.  

The rail is slightly longer and angled for quick motion recovery and better leg workouts. Also, users that are up to 6’4’’ tall can be accommodated. 

The floor-to-seat height from the rear of the rail is 16’’. Hence, users with disabilities can easily sit and get off the rower without drama.  

The base features 3 stabilizers with adjustable levelers integrated at the rear stabilizer for maximum stability. Therefore, your workout experiences will be wobble-free. 

Although, the small middle stabilizer is mainly for support when the rowing machine is folded.  

Moreover, its folding design reduces the storage space it requires considering that it has a lengthy rail and thus, it takes a bit of space for workouts.   

The fully assembled dimensions are 80’’ long by 19’’ wide by 29’’ high. To put it differently, the workout area size it requires would be 6’7’’ (203 cm) in length by 1’6’’ (48 cm) in width. Also, it is recommended that there should be an extra clearance of 2’ on each side of the rower and 3’ at the rear to ensure that your workout session is safe and correctly executed.  

The unit weighs only 62 lbs./28 kg. Therefore, it can easily be moved around in the room by one person via the integrated transport wheels at the front base.  

Have in mind that rowing machines are low-impact cardio exercise equipment that engage over 80% of the body’s muscle groups and this unit does just that.  

The Seat of the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower 

The rower is equipped with a molded seat. In other words, it is large, padded, and contoured to convey the sustainable comfort required in a long workout session. 

Large plastic cylindrical shaped rollers are attached to the seat’s steel frame, and 2 rollers run over the top of the rail and 1 at the bottom for smooth, quiet, and stable sliding motion.  

The Handlebar 

The unit has a straight and cylindrical-shaped handlebar. It is plain with no heart rate sensors or control buttons incorporated into it.  

It is coated with a soft anti-slip rubber foam material that keeps your grips firm and comfortable throughout the entire workout session.  

A lengthy reinforced maintenance-free 1’’ nylon strap that is connected to the flywheel/drive is attached to it.  

Therefore, every stroke that you pull shall be smooth and quiet.  

The Footrests 

The footrests are large and textured. Therefore, they can accommodate different foot or gym shoe sizes comfortably. They also have safety features such as adjustable safety straps and heel guards that keep the feet secure from sliding or slipping off from their secured position during intense workouts.  

Moreover, they do pivot for the feet to adhere to movements during a workout so that the stress that could otherwise be felt on the ankle will be significantly be reduced.  

They are made of quality plastic and attached on either side of the front frame in a 45-degree angle position.  

The Resistance System 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower has a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels. This means that the rower doesn’t need to be plugged into a power source for it to be functional.  

The resistance cannot be adjusted via the console or automatically, but manually by turning the tension control knob that is located at the front unit below the console. 

To increase the resistance from levels 1 to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, simply turn the tension knob clockwise, and decrease it by doing the reverse.  

The resistance system provides easy to noticeable challenging workouts that could help average users to lose weight, and improve their overall physical fitness level.  

Its operation is smooth and quiet because friction does not occur in the process of generating resistance. In other words, the resistance system’s elements such as the magnetic brake pad releases magnetic fields or force around the metallic 2.2 lbs./1 kg flywheel to create a certain level of resistance depending on how close or farther away the magnetic brake pad is to the flywheel.  

As opposed to a dynamic air or water resistance system, the magnetic resistance system remains constant as long as you do not adjust it. 

That said, some users want it that way though.  

Since a magnetic resistance system is quieter than an air or water resistance system, you can exercise with the unit at home or at the office without having to be in anybody’s way.  

Finally, it does not require periodic maintenance such as parts replacement or lubrication since no part wears out or robs on each other when resistance is being generated.  

The Console 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 has a console that is basic yet telemetric. This means it has a built-in HR receiver that allows you to connect to a wireless HR chest strap (not included).  

The console features a 3.5’’ LCD monitor that tracks Time, Distance, SPM (Stroke Per Minute), Total Count, Calories, and Pulse. The monitor has 2 display sections; the one at the top displays Counts, and the one below displays the rest of the workout data one at a time every few seconds by the SCAN function. 

Although it is possible to override the SCAN function and instead set a preferred metric to show constantly.  

The display readability is good if you view it in a well-lit environment, otherwise, it may be compromised because it does not have backlight. 

There is only one button for navigation. This enables you to select, set, and reset by either repeatedly pressing it or by pressing and holding it down for a few seconds; it is that easy to use.  

The monitor is powered by 2 AA batteries (included), and it turns off automatically after 4.5 minutes of inactivity on the rower to save the battery’s power. It also turns back on when you start rowing or when the mode button on the console is pressed.  

Accessory 

The unit does not have any accessories such as a media shelf and a water bottle holder that are necessary for keeping the device and water within view and reach for the purpose of entertainment and proper maintenance of hydration. 

Obviously, you will have to improvise.  

Storage 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower’s space-saving design makes it storage-friendly because it can easily be folded; once folded a storage space with measurements of 3’9’’ (119 cm) in length by 1’6’’ (48 cm) in width with a ceiling height of 5’ can accommodate it.  

The integrated transport wheels at the front base of the rower facilitate the relocation process around the room.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Durable, stable, and sturdy 
• Supports 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Users that are up to 6’4’’ tall can be accommodated 
• Storage-friendly due to its foldability and integrated transport wheels 
• Its operation is smooth and quiet 
• The seat is molded and padded for maximum comfort and it is attached to the rail with 3 large rollers for smooth, quiet, and stable motion 
• Floor-to-seat height is 16’’; easy to mount and exit the rower  
• The handlebar is straight, cylindrical in shape, coated with anti-slip soft rubber foam for secure and comfortable grips 
• The footrests are large, ribbed, and pivoting; they also have adjustable safety straps and heel guards which are important in making sure that the feet are secure and comfortable 
• It has a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels that allows users to lose weight, improve stamina, endurance, and tone muscle groups 
• The LCD monitor tracks Time, Distance, SPM (Stroke Per Minute), Counts, Calories, and Pulse 
• The console has a built-in HR receiver that could connect to a wireless HR chest strap 
•  It doesn’t need electricity to be useful 
• It is easy to assemble 
• Easy to maintain 

Cons 

• The monitor does not have a backlight 
• No water bottle holder 
• No tablet holder 
• The wireless HR chest strap needs to be purchased separately 

Warranty 

• Frame: 1 Year 
• Parts: 1 Year 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 80’’ 
• Width: 19’’ 
• Height: 29’’ 
• Folded Dimensions: 47’’ L x 19’’ W x 57’’ H 
• Shipping Dimensions: 46’’ L x 23’’ W x 9.6’’ H 
• Net Weight: 62 lbs./28 kg 
• Gross Weight: 72.6 lbs./33 kg 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs./136 kg 
• Maximum User Height: 6’4’’ 
• Floor-to-Seat Height: 16”
• Drive: Nylon 
• Resistance: Manual magnetic with 8 adjustable 
• Frame: Steel 
• Seat: Large, ribbed, and padded 
• Handlebar: Straight and coated with soft anti-slip rubber foam 
• Footrests: Large, textured, and pivoting with adjustable safety straps and heel guards 
• Monitor: Nonbacklit LCD 
• Console is telemetric 
• Flywheel: 2.2 lbs./1 kg 
• Transport Wheels: Yes 
• Tablet Holder: No 
• Water Bottle Holder: No 

Shipping 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower is contained in a box that weighs 72.6 lbs./33 kg with dimensions of 46’’ long by 23’’ wide by 9.6’’ high.  

Vendors, especially the major ones like Amazon do not charge for shipping.  

Maintenance 

This rowing machine does not need technical maintenance that involves taking parts apart. What it needs is to always keep it clean to prevent dirt and debris from damaging the seat rollers.  

Keep close eyes on the parts to be sure that they are tight and in good condition whenever you use the rower.  

Storage should be in a place that is clean, quiet, and cool.  

Assembly  

This machine is one of those rowers that are easy to assemble.  

All that is needed is for you to do is to attach the rail to the core unit, slide the seat into the rail, and attach the stabilizers, and the footrests.  

A clear descriptive manual and tools are included in the package to help you put the rowing machine together without second guessing.  

It might take less than an hour to fully assemble the unit. 

Conclusion 

If you are on the hunt for a budget-friendly rower that is yet capable of helping you to lose weight and improve overall physical health, then the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower should be on that list. 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Rower is foldable and can support up to 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight and 6’4’’ tall individuals. The console is telemetric, and it features a 3.5’’ monitor that tracks your workout progress.