XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower precedes the XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Air & Magnetic Rower which we have already reviewed on this site.  

These two rowers have a lot in common. However, there are differences between them, and these are the 3 notable ones, and they are as follows; 

The ERG500 supports 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight while the ERG700 supports 350 lbs./158.7 kg. The ERG500 has an LCD monitor while the ERG700 has an LCD backlit monitor, and finally, the ERG500 has an air resistance system with 8 manually adjustable levels, while the ERG700 has a combo air & magnetic resistance system with 16 electronically adjustable levels.  

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower.  

The Frame & Construction 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower’s frame is made of alloy steel and aluminum. The slide rail is aluminum while the rest of the frame is steel that is coated with anti-corrosion paint.  

The drive system shrouds, front base stabilizer shoes, and the exterior parts of the pedals are made of durable plastic.  

Its 3 robust stabilizers establish stability that won’t give in to wobbling or rocking even when used by a heavy person.  

The assembled weight of this rower is 79.4 lbs./36 kg, and it will be ideal to use it on a protective rubber mat because of floor damage.  

There are transport wheels integrated into the middle stabilizer for easy relocation around the room once folded.  

As expected, the rowing machine is lengthy and thus will take up a bit of space for workouts executions. However, since it is foldable, the storage space needed won’t be overwhelming.  

The assembled dimensions are 72’’ long by 19’’ wide by 33’’ high. Therefore, the workout area measurements required by it would be 6’ (182.8 cm) in length by 1’58’’ (48.2 cm) in width, and extra free space of at least 2’ on each side and the rear for easy access and safety.  

The Seat of the XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower 

The seat is large, contoured, and padded. So, users will be able to train longer without feeling pain in their tail bones. However, if you ever need to improve the comfort level of the seat, you can use a cushion or a gel seat cover.  

The seat is attached to a dual aluminum slide rail with 3 rollers on each side. Hence, its back-and-forth motion is smooth, stable, and quiet.  

The floor-to-seat height is not as high as the ERG700 or the Nordic Track RW900 Rower. Nevertheless, it is 15’’ high, and users can easily get on and exit the rower without issues.  

The Handlebar 

The handlebar is straight and cylindrical in shape. There are no control buttons or heart rate sensors incorporated into it.  

It has anti-slip soft rubber foam-coated sleeves that guarantee a firm and comfortable grip. 

A reinforced tested nylon strap that is connected to the drive system is attached to it. Therefore, each stroke pulled will be smooth and quiet, and it won’t break or snap.  

The Footrests 

The footrests are made of durable and quality plastic with metallic cores. They are flexible (not pivoting) in the sense that they move with the movement of the feet thereby eliminating or at least reducing the stress that could otherwise be felt on the ankles.  

They are designed with safety features such as a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable safety straps that guarantee secure and comfortable foot placement.  

Different foot/shoe sizes will be accommodated because they are large.  

The Resistance  

The XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower is equipped with an air resistance system that converts wind power to resistance. 

As the name implies, the rower has an air turbine that allows air in to generate resistance, and there are 8 manually adjustable resistance levels.  

How this works is that when adjusted, the airflow is regulated (either more or less airflow) thereby creating mild or intense resistance. The more air is allowed into the turbine the more intense the resistance becomes, and the result is the opposite when there is less airflow.  

Therefore, there are 8 varied resistance levels that would be suitable for everyone that wishes to lose weight, tone muscle groups, and improve overall physical well-being.  

Moreover, it is important to note that the air resistance system is also dynamic. This means that the resistance levels can become more challenging if a user pulls the handle faster during a workout because the airflow produced in this instance will increase. It is just like a person moving against a wind of different degrees, thus, will experience resistance of different levels. 

Resistance is adjusted via the control tension lever with a yellow head that is situated between the pedals. Push it down to increase the resistance and push it back up to decrease it.   

The resistance system does not need maintenance as is the case with a friction resistance system.  

The noise it produces is bearable and considerable compared to other air rowing machines. Unfortunately, the noise level is not officially estimated in decibels.  

The Console 

The rower has a 3.5’’ (diagonally) console that features a 2.5’’ by 2.4’’ LCD monitor. The display is segmented to track multiple workout data all at once.  

Workout data such as Time, Distance, Count, Stroke Per Minute (SPM), Calories Burned, Pulse, and Visual Stroke Display Graphics are clearly displayed simultaneously.  

However, the monitor is not backlit, thus, its readability may be compromised if viewed in a room with little lighting.  

The distance measurement unit is in miles.  

HR receiver is built into the console. Therefore, a wireless HR chest strap (not included) could be used to track your pulse rate during a workout.  

The monitor could be programmed for Time, Distance, Calories, Count, and Pulse countdown.

There are easy-to-use navigation buttons that include Down & Up buttons, a Recovery button, a Mode button, and a Reset button.  

The Up/Down buttons are used to increase or decrease the value setting for Time, Distance, Count, Calories, and Pulse.  

The Mode button allows you to change and select between the presets of Time, Distance, Count, Calories, and Pulse. 

The Recovery button becomes functional when you are using an HR rate chest strap. This enables you to track how quickly your heart recovers after a workout. It usually puts out a fitness score between F1-F6 at the end of a workout.  

F1 means heart rate recovery is excellent, F2 good, F3 fair, F4 below average, F5 not good, and F6 poor.  

The monitor is battery-powered (2 AAA batteries included). This means there is no need to plug the rower into a power source.   

If the rower stays idle for 4 minutes, the monitor shuts down automatically to conserve the battery’s power. It also turns on when activity resumes.  

Accessory 

There are no accessories on the XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower. Not even basic ones such as water bottle and tablet holders.  

This means you will have to improvise to keep your smartphone/tablet device and a water bottle within reach for the purpose of entertainment and maintenance of proper hydration during workouts. 

Storage 

As aforementioned, this rower has a space-saving design. In other words, it is foldable.  

It could easily be folded and moved via the integrated transport wheels for storage.  

Once folded, a storage space with measurements of 4’ (122 cm) in length by 1’66’’ (50.8 cm) in width will be accommodative.  

The folding process includes removing a stopper, folding the slide rail, and then putting back the stopper to lock it in. It is as simple as that.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Construction is solid (made of alloy steel, aluminum, and solid plastic) 
• The robust base structure guarantees optimum stability 
• The 15’’ floor-to-seat height enables users to mount and exit the rower easily 
• The lengthy slide rail accommodates 5’1’’-6’1’’ tall users 
• It supports up to 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• It provides full-body and low-impact cardio to almost 90 percent of the entire body 
• The 2.5’’ x 2.4’’ LCD display tracks Time, Distance, Count, Stroke Per Minute (SPM), Calories, Pulse, and Visual Stroke display graphic 
• Console is telemetric 
• Countdown goal setting for Time, Distance, Counts, Calories, and Pulse 
• It has a Recovery function that determines how quickly your heart recovers after a workout 
• The seat is large, contoured, and cushioned for maximum comfort 
• The handlebar is coated with anti-slip soft rubber foam material for firm and comfortable grips 
• The pedals are flexible for foot movement adherence, and they are large and textured with heel guards and adjustable safety straps for secure and comfortable foot placement 
• The air magnetic resistance system offers 8 adjustable levels for weight loss and improvement of overall physical wellness 
• The air noise level is low  
• Assembling it is not complicated 
• Transport wheels integrated for an easy relocation process 
• It is foldable, thus takes up a little storage space 
• Little maintenance required 
• Warranty is reasonable 

Cons 

• No water bottle and device holders 
• The LCD monitor is not backlit 
• HR chest strap to be purchased separately 
• No online connectivity 

Warranty 

• Frame: 5 Years 
• Parts: 2 Years 
• Labor: 90 Days 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 72’’ 
• Width: 19’’ 
• Height: 33’’ 
• Folded Dimensions: 45’’ L x 20’’ W x 57’’ H 
• Shipping Dimensions: 55’’ L x 23’’ W x 11.5’’ H 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs./136 kg 
• Supported User Height: 5’1’’-6’1’’ 
• Net weight: 79.4 lbs./36 kg 
• Gross weight: 91 lbs./41.2 kg 
• Floor-to-seat Height: 15’’ 
• Frame: Alloy steel & aluminum 
• Drive: Reinforced Nylon  
• Resistance: Manual air with 8 adjustable levels 
• Seat: Large, contoured, and cushioned 
• Handlebar: Anti-slip soft foam coated 
• Pedals: Large, flexible, and textured with heel guards and adjustable safety straps 
• Monitor: Nonbacklit LCD & telemetric 

Shipping 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower comes in a box that weighs 91 lbs./41.2 kg with dimensions of 55’’ long by 23’’ wide by 11.5’’ high.  

Shipping commences once an order is placed, and it takes a couple of days to week(s) for it to be delivered.  

Amazon does not charge for shipping except if you opt for a premium shipping option.  

Assembly 

The assembling process of this unit is straightforward and easy. It takes about 30-45 minutes to completely put it together.  

The tools needed are included in the package, including the instruction manual as well.  

Maintenance 

The ERG500 Rower does not need any vigorous maintenance.  

It only requires to be kept clean on a regular basis. Routinely check the parts before use to ensure that they are tight and in good working condition.  

Store in a dry, clean, and cool area.  

Conclusion 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower is affordable and yet offers a good and productive full-body and low-impact cardiovascular workout experience. It supports 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity and 5’1”-6’1’’ tall individuals. The console is compatible with a wireless HR chest strap, and it features an LCD monitor that tracks multiple workout data simultaneously.