Kettler R220 Programmable Magnetic Rower with 16 Level Adjustable Resistance and Non-Wearing, Balanced Brake System

I researched these extensively and I came down to this one. Everything pointed to the Concept2 D for like $1000 but I just didn't think we needed quite that much. It's German engineering. The instructions, setup, and parts were flawless, though you'd better have a solid hour on your hands to put it together and at least a little bit of mechanical skill. I have quite a bit.My top 3 likes:1. It's German and all the parts fit together like butter. Instructions and parts are labeled well.2. It is as quite as a church mouse. You can watch TV at normal volume.3. The computer. For its price range I don't think it can be beat.4. (bonus) The resistance (16 levels) are electronically controlled. No turning knobs, adjusting fans, changing water paddles. Just hit Up or Down on the electronic display.

I have had a concept D rowing machine a couple of years ago and loved it but had to sell due to small living arrangements . So I decided to look for one that was sturdy and well built and that would last me a while , to which it took me a few days . I bought one from another manufacturer it wasn't that great the monitor decided to die and it started making a noise so I sent it back . This one arrived well its really simple to assemble and doesn't take you hours like some keep fit equipment . The machine is pretty sturdy , not cheaply built and came in 2 boxes undamaged. I love the monitor to which you have quite a few programs and its easy to see. It shows strokes and calories , time etc and I wear my garmin Hr watch that counts strokes and cals and things and its pretty accurate with the machine , so thats cool. The seat is pretty comfy even thought its hard and it slides up and down the rail without noise. I thought it was a lil weird no noise from rowing like the flywheel that produces air but thats all good. I like that you can adjust the resistance through the monitor not twist a knob, I haven't tried all programs yet but I bet I get a really great workout. The only thing I don't like about this rowing machine is the folding up , now thats a pain in the butt so I leave it down, Over all I am happy with the machine its a cool buy for my gym

I'm familiar with machine rowing. I've been using Concept2 machines at the gym for years, have owned a couple of rowing machines, and was looking for something to use at home to introduce my kids to rowing. The Kettler R220 Magnetic Rower seemed to fit my requirements, for a few reasons:1. I wanted a quiet rower -- which meant something with air, water, or hydraulic resistance was out.2. I wanted a machine that was fairly compact. I didn't have room for the Concept2.3. I wanted a decent warranty or at least an option for an inexpensive maintenance plan.4. I wanted to stay under $500.I just spend an hour assembling the Ketter R220, and then 20 minutes getting a good workout on it. It fits all my requirements, and then some. But there are a few quirks worth noticing.PROSAssembly will take an hour or less. It's straightforward.Very quiet -- almost silent.Reasonably compact -- not so sure it would be great for long-legged people.Good computer -- a wide range of functions and easy to read.Ergonomics okay.Good resistance -- really started feeling it around level 8 out of 16.CONS -- ASSEMBLYThis is a heavy machine, which is good for durability, not so good for assembling upstairs. It comes in two boxes, one small and one large. I am reasonably strong, but decided to open the second box downstairs and bring the parts upstairs. That worked, though the main chassis of the unit is over 40 lbs and has some grease on parts of it that make holding on a little complicated. 8-)It's a two person assembly job. I did it by myself, and that's not impossible, but another pair of hands would help.When attaching the footrests, if you flip the chassis over to make assembly easy, it's easy to drop a nut, washer, or allen wrench into the chassis. It's also easy to push the two halves of the chassis cover out of alignment with one another. Be careful!The holes attaching the seat rail to the main chassis may be slightly misaligned. You may have to jiggle the seat rail a little.The connectors for the computer are a little strange and seem fragile. But you only connect the computer once, so it probably doesn't matter.It's not as easy as it could be to mount the computer. The attached screws didn't fit as well as they could into the mounting holes on the back of the computer.The allen wrench needs to be an inch longer on each end.CONS -- OPERATIONThe machine wants to fold in half for moving unless you very firmly tighten the locking knob underneath the machine.The belt (seat belt material) that attaches the handle to the rowing machine tends to rub a little on the chassis, depending on your hand placement.Low resistance settings aren't so noticeable.I could see the seat becoming annoying on very long rides. It's padded with very firm foam and it's not very wide.Foot rests don't tilt -- they are fixed.I don't think this is a good machine for very long-legged people. I'm 5'6" and it's good for me.CONCLUSIONAll in all, I think I'm satisfied with my purchase. I'll follow up in several months to see how it's held up.

Seemed great, until I adjusted tension to over level3 and it starts grinding and jams up completely. Returned it.

great design - well loved - easy assembly

Easy to assemble, quality parts, good resistance levels and super quiet. The display screen is better than I expected. 5 stars, hands down!