There’s no bells and whistles with this rower. The Maxkare Magnetic Rowing Machine has been stripped of all the fancy extras and what you’re left with is a well-built fuss-free rowing machine.

Saves a Ton of Cash Without Cutting on Quality

You’ll have to live without a fancy monitor, and there are no workout programs, but it’s not a deal-stopper by a long way. Advanced monitors wack the price up of most cardio gear, and they’re usually overkill, full of features you’ll hardly use. A fuss-free rower like the Maxkare saves you a ton of cash without cutting on the more important build quality.

maxkare magnetic rowing machine

I’ve reviewed a load of gear from these guys, and they usually impress. They specialize in low-cost, high qulaity cardio equipment, and their budget rowers are usually right up there with the best. And with 16 levels of resistance, a smooth rowing stroke, and a belt drive system, their budget magnetic rower looks to be no exception.

Before we get on with the rest of the review, let’s take a quick look at the product specs!

Product Specifications

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Product dimensions – 76.4″” L x 19.7″” W x 16.5″” W

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Weight – 68lb

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Max user height – 6’5″

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Folds for storage

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LCD multi-function monitor – time, count (strokes per session), strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes and calories burned

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Weight capacity – 245lb

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Frame – alloy steel

Why Do We Like The Maxkare Magnetic Rowing Machine?

The best thing about this rowing machine is how quiet it is in motion, and thats because it uses a magnetic resistance system.

The magnets of this resistance system never have to make contact with the flywheel; thus, it’s frictionless, and because it is frictionless, it doesnt make any sound and doesnt require any maintenance, which is always a good thing.

Constant Resistance

Magnetic resistance is constant, and by that, I mean it doesn’t matter how fast you row the resistance strength doesnt change unless you manually select a stronger level via the tension knob. The good thing about this is that you can row at a slow pace on a high reistance setting this is great for legs and something thats impossible with air rowers because they use dynamic resistance.

16 Levels of Resistance

I was surprised to see 16 levels of resistance featured on a low-cost magnetic rowing machine as we typically see 8.

And while 16 levels is impressive, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s more strength in the upper levels than there would if you choose a budget rower with eight levels. All it really means is more choice, but it’s great for beginners who dont want big jumps in resistance strength.

Whisper Quiet Belt Drive System

Rowing machines either come fitted with a belt drive or a chain drive. I love chain drives; those things are durable and will last a lifetime. But chain drives are noisy. They cause a lot of unwanted vibrations, it’s okay for a commercial gym, but for home, it’s not ideal.

Belt drives are much quieter in operation. They usually accompany rowers with magnetic resistance. This combination is the quietest combination you’ll find for any rowing machine, and another plus is they are maintenance-free.

maxkare rowing machine resistnace system

Stability – 68lb Build

Let’s start with weight, the weight is usually the deciding factor as to how sturdy a rower will feel, and at 68lb, this budget rower is reassuringly heavy; weighing the same as a few high-end machines is impressive.

The weight will help keep this rowing machine planted to the floor, and it’s also a telling sign that this rower is made from quality materials.

At 68lb, this rower isnt going to feel like some cheaply made unstable machine. It’s sturdy and well-built, exactly what you want from a home rower.

Adjustable Levelers

Another stability feature are the adjustable levelers. Adjustable levelers are a handy stability feature as you can adjust them independently to keep the rower stable on uneven surfaces. Not all budget rowers include this, so again nice to see the MaxKare has them.

Wide Stabilizers

The MaxKare includes wide front and rear stabilizers. Wide stabilizer bars also help prevent wobbles.

Also, a seat thats countered will help keep your butt from slipping in the push phase of the rowing stroke, and while the MaxKare seat isnt flat, it’s only slightly contoured, which may concern some.

maxkare rower monitor

Easy To Use Monitor

Monitors in this price bracket are never anything special, which isnt surprising when you consider the cost of the rower. Still, they only take a few minutes to set up, and they are easy to use.

This monitor is basic. As already mentioned, there are no workout programs or any advanced features such as BlueTooth or wireless heart rate monitoring. However, it does track all the essential workout stats such as time, speed, calories, distance, and stroke, which is all most of us need.

The monitor isnt height-adjustable, but the screen is a good size, so it’s easy enough to read while you workout.

It’s a shame there are no workout programs, but this is a quiet magnetic rowing machine, so to keep away the monotony of long workout sessions, you can watch TV,  listen to music without being disturbed by the sound of the machine.

maxkare rowing machine folding system

Any Other Features Worth Mentioning?

Another feature I like about the Maxkare Rower is its folding system. It’s not a fiddly folding system as we find on so many rowers. The Maxkare folding system is a pull pin type system that takes just a few seconds to fold. And when folded, its overall footprint is more than halved.

Also, we have transport wheels built into the front stabilizer just tilt and roll to move.

Angled Rail

The angled rail is another feature I like about this rower. Not all home rowers include an angled rail, but I prefer it because an angled rail intensifies the leg push phase of rowing stroke ‘great for strengthing the legs’ and speeds up the recovery phase. It also puts you in the best position to row from.

And lastly, I have to mention the rower’s rail length. It’s an impressive length with a 41″ inseam suitable for users up to 6’5″. Excellent for a rower in this price bracket as most can only accommodate users up to 6’2″ at full leg extension.

Easy To Assemble

Thankfully most of the Maxkare rowing machine comes pre-assembled, such as the drive and resistance systems. All you’ll need to do is connect the rail to the front part of the rower, attach the seat to the rail, connect the front and rear stabilizers, add the footrests and attach the monitor. It shouldnt take any longer than 40 minutes.

Detailed illustrated instructions are provided as well as the basic tools for the job.

The Good

Sturdy build weighs 68lb

16 levels of magnetic resistance

Quiet vibration free belt drive system

Long rail accommodates users up to 6’5″

Space saving design – folds to less than half its original footprint

Smooth rowing stroke

Adjustbale levelers – keep rower stable on uneven surfaces

Built in transport wheels just tilt and roll to move

Easy assembly – 95% comes pre-assembled

The Bad

Monitor isnt backlit making it difficult to read in low light conditions

No workout programs

No way to measure pulse

                                                                                         

Alternative

sunny health sf-rw5115 rowing machine

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5155 Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny are another company that specializes in low-cost cardio gear. These guys have been at the top of their game for over two decades. And their rowing machines are some of the best on the market.

The Sunny SF-RW5155 is their flagship low-cost rower, this machine has been around for years, and it still sells just as well today as it did five years ago. And thats the best thing about the SF-RW5155 its stood the test of time. Users still love it years after owning it, and there aren’t many budget rowers that can boast that.

Also, another feature users love about this rower is its strength of resistance, with users praising how strong it feels in the upper levels, something we dont usually hear when it comes to $250 rowers.

The Sunny is very similar to the MaxKare in that both include heavy sturdy builds, boast quiet belt drive systems, long rails, and folding systems, and both include whisper-quiet magnetic resistance systems.

And just like the MaxKare, the Sunny SF-RW5155 monitor is basic but nice and easy to use. The only difference between the two is the amount of resistance levels. The Sunny with eight and the Maxkare with 16, but as I mentioned earlier, the amount of levels doesn’t mean stronger resistance, just more choice in this price bracket.

Overall the Sunny SF-RW5155 is an outstanding machine for the price point. It’s been around for years, and it’s the best seller for a reason – it’s well-built, provides strong resistance, and it’s affordable. 

                                                                                         

To Sum Up

There aren’t many magnetic rowers in this price bracket worthy of serious consideration, I’ve reviewed many over the years, and there really is just a handful of decent ones. I’m happy to say the MaxKare Magnetic Rower is one of them, if not the best because this fuss free rowing machine has got all the essentials right, a sturdy build, a smooth rowing stroke, 16 levels of resistance, a long rail, and a quiet mainatanace free belt drive system. Only the Sunny SF-Rw 5155 can match this machine on price and qulaity.