Looking for a budget magnetic rowing machine? Wanting to know if the Echanfit Rower is a good option for you?
Well, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve done more research than you can imagine on budget magnetic rowers!
The Echanfit Rowing Machine fits right in the ballpark of many other low-cost rowers such as the MaxKare models and Sunny Health & Fitness models. So the real question to ask is – “is it better or worse?”
It’s a difficult question to answer but I breakdown all the pros & cons in the full Enchanfit Rower review below.
Make sure to check out my final section where I give my opinion on alternative options and why I may choose those models over the Echanfit Rowing Machine.
Resistance Type
The Echanfit Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine. This means it uses a metal flywheel and a magnet to produce the resistance.
As a user rows and pulls the handle, this begins to spin a metal flywheel at the front of the machine. Next to the metal flywheel is a magnet that interacts with the metal.
The closer the magnet is to the flywheel, the more the eddy magnetic currents react with the metal, and the more resistance you will feel. The farther the magnet is from the flywheel, the less resistance you will feel.
A user can control how far the magnet is from the flywheel by spinning a dial (labeled as resistance settings). Due to a user being able to adjust the tension, we call these resistance types “adjustable” resistance rowers.
Magnetic “adjustable” resistance is different than “variable” air resistance rowers. You can learn about the differences in this article.
Check out the video below to visually see how magnetic resistance operates:
Resistance Benefits
The Echanfit Magnetic Rower has 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance. This is great because any user can find a suitable level based on the type of workout they want!
If you want to row slowly but feel strong resistance, then crank it up to 16! If you want to row for a long time at a light resistance, then just lower it to a level 5!
Users can easily adjust the resistance using a knob on the center console.
Most users felt the resistance was smooth, strong, and quiet! This means it’s great for using while watching TV or early in the morning while the family is sleeping.
Resistance Downsides
One downside of magnetic resistance is that it doesn’t closely mimic the resistance felt while rowing on water. Basically, when rowing on water, the faster you row the more resistance you feel. Magnetic rowers will generally feel the same resistance (based on the resistance setting) no matter how fast or slow you are rowing.
Most people don’t mind this subtle difference and the quiet resistance (compared to loud air rowers) is worth the trade-off. Magnetic resistance also offers strong resistance at slower rowing speeds, which is great for people wanting more of a strength-based workout.
The only other downside is that some users felt the overall resistance was not strong enough. This is generally the case on most budget magnetic rowers (I’ve seen comments about low resistance on every single magnetic rower in this price range). If you are very strong or an advanced fitness enthusiast, you may want to bump up to the next price range for stronger resistance.
I will say the Echanfit Rower did have fewer reviews complaining about resistance strength than other models, so that is a good sign!
Resistance Overall
Overall, the resistance on the Echanfit Rowing Machine is strong, smooth, and quiet! It’s adequate for most people looking to start rowing and get a good workout. It’s also perfect for watching TV or using in a small apartment complex!
If you are looking for very strong resistance, then you’ll need to bump up to the next price range to get strong magnetic resistance.
Monitor/Control Panel
The Echanfit Rowing Machine comes equipped with a basic monitor. It can calculate the following workout metrics:
- Time
- RPM (strokes per minute)
- Count (strokes taken for the session)
- Distance (miles)
- Calories
- Total Count (total strokes taken all-time)
- Scan (scan through metrics every 30 sec)
As you can see from the image below, it’s fairly basic but very easy to use. You can also adjust the monitor for the optimal viewing angle.
You can also see in the photo that there is a built-in phone holder which is nice for people who want to use a rowing machine app or watch Youtube videos while rowing. The only downside is that it will cover up the monitor metrics.
The monitor uses batteries to operate and turns off automatically after being inactive.
Monitor Downsides
Some users did have some gripes about the monitor but that is expected on a budget rowing machine. It’s hard to include an advanced monitor when manufacturers are trying to keep the price down.
One downside is the distance is measured in miles. This is a bit odd because everyone in the rowing community uses meters to measure distance. If you are used to meters, it will take some time to adjust to miles.
Another downside is the calorie counter is fairly inaccurate. In order to accurately calculate calories, you need to measure heart rate, age, and a few other metrics. This means the monitor just calculates an average calorie burned per stroke so it might be far off from what you actually burned. Check out my article on how calories are burned on a rowing machine for more details.
Monitor Overall
Overall, the monitor on the Echanfit Magnetic Rower is basic but easy to use. You can’t expect much more on a rowing machine in this price range.
A lot of users just rely on their smartphones to track their heart rate and workouts. Plus, you can download some really cool apps if you want to enjoy the video features found on the much higher-priced models.
Build Quality
The Echanfit Magnetic Rower has good build quality and it’s in line with all the other models in this price range.
In this price range, you are basically purchasing budget rowers, manufactured in China, that are using many of the same quality parts. So cosmetically they look different, but quality-wise they are very similar.
This rower has a strong, sturdy rowing beam that can hold users up to 265 pounds. It has front and back supports for a sturdy rowing stroke. Plus, a center support beam to ensure there is no movement of the machine while rowing.
Most users commented that all the parts felt like they were good quality for the price and there were no recurring negative comments about certain parts breaking or wearing over time.
Some users mentioned the footrests felt flimsy, which is most likely true since I’ve seen the exact same footrests on other models with the same comments.
Overall, the Echanfit Rower has good build quality and is no better or worse than any other model in this price range!
Comfort
Most users felt the Echanfit Rower provided a smooth, comfortable rowing stroke. The rowing stroke felt smooth throughout the entire motion and there were no annoying noises while using it.
A quiet rowing stroke is great because it allows users to watch TV without turning the volume up and exercise without feeling like they might be annoying their family or neighbors.
The seat is an odd shape but this is seen on some other rowing machines. It’s made so there isn’t a lot of pressure on your hamstrings when your legs are fully extended but some people feel it makes the seat too small. It’s really a personal preference whether you like this style or the normal square style. The seat is nicely padded and the ball-bearing rollers allow for a smooth rowing stroke.
Users felt the handle was well padded and didn’t cause any blisters. The footrests are a bit flimsy as I mentioned and you can’t adjust the strap up or down so your shoe size will determine where the strap goes over your shoe.
The footrests do pivot which is nice for people who are not very flexible because it allows them to slide further up on the seat rail. However, pivoting footrests don’t allow for as strong of a ‘drive’ as rowing machines with fixed footrests because you don’t have a fixed, strong base to push off. Again, this is a personal preference but just know there are pivoting footrests and fixed footrests. Most budget rowers use a pivoting footrest style.
The seat rail is slightly inclined which makes for a comfortable return back to the start position and there is a water bottle holder which is kind of neat.
Overall, the Echanfit provides a smooth, comfortable rowing stroke that should not disappoint.
I found a decent video going over some of the features of the Echanfit Foldable Indoor Rower and the noise volume of the machine:
Storage
Most budget rowers have good storage capabilities, which is great because they are designed to have a small footprint.
The Echanfit Rowing Machine folds up very similar to the other models in this price range. Simply unscrew the center locking knob, pull out the pin, fold the seat rail up, then reinsert the pin and locking knob.
That’s it! It should take no more than 30 seconds and it’s almost impossible to mess up!
You can then roll the rower around (in the open or folded position) on the built-in front caster wheels.
The folded dimensions are 40.00″ x 19.29″ x 46.06″ (L x W x H).
Capacity
Finding information such as ‘max capacity’ on the Echanfit Rowing Machine has been difficult since they don’t have a website or a product manual online. However, their customer service rep is very active on Amazon.
From what I can gather, the Echanfit has a decent capacity and does list the max weight capacity at 265 lbs.
I read through every review and question to find the max height capacity and in one section the customer service rep said the rower is certified for people up to 6’3″ tall.
Now not everyone 6’3″ tall has the same inseam length and your inseam length is what matters. They did not specify an inseam length but one user who is 6’5″ tall and 230 lbs. said they used the rower fairly rough and it was fine.
So there is one confirmed person who is 6’5″ who used the rower but I would say if you are over 6’3″ or 6’4″ you may want to consider another option.
Anyone below these limits can use the rower just fine.
Important – If you have not read my other reviews, just be aware that the rowing stroke is limited for tall users on a lot of budget models. If you can imagine yourself sitting on the rower with your legs all the way bent forward and your arms fully extended, you will see the handle will probably hit into the front housing. This means if you are tall, you may not be able to complete a full rowing stroke like you can on the more advanced options. On the advanced rowers, you will see the handle can move very far in front of a user’s feet.
Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions:
- 75.20″ x 19.29″ x 15.75″ (LxWxH)
- Folded Dimensions:
- 40.00″ x 19.29″ x 46.06″ (LxWxH)
- Package Dimensions:
- 44.50″ x 25.50″ x 8.75″ (LxWxH)
- Product Weight:
- ~67 lbs.
Assembly
Most consumers felt the Echanfit Foldable Indoor Rower was easy to assemble and took about 30 minutes to complete.
Normally, I read the manual and look at the instructions, number of parts, etc. but there is no website for Echanfit or any manuals online! (a bit bizarre and nerve-racking in my opinion)
I was able to find a video of a man assembling the rower (see below) and he looks to be the Quality Control man in the factory.
It seems very simple and it’s a nice guide for what steps to complete first. He assembles the rower in 4 minutes so I’m sure it can be done in under 30 minutes!
As I say in all my reviews, just clear out space, lay everything out neatly, follow the instructions, and take your time!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smooth, quiet rowing stroke
- Good price point
- 16 levels of resistance
- Phone & tablet holder
- Small footprint
- Easy to assemble
- Folds for storage
Cons:
- Not a lot of information available about the manufacturer & warranty
- Basic warranty
- Basic monitor
- Pivoting footrests (can be pro or con)
Consumer Reviews
Most consumer reviews of the Echanfit Rower are positive and users feel it is a great budget magnetic rowing machine.
In general, people thought it is a great rower for the price but there are a few issues here and there.
I think it’s very common for these budget rowers to perform well and have decent quality but some people will run into issues where the monitor doesn’t work or the foot pedal breaks. So a majority of people will review the rower highly and some will give it a very low rating. This usually averages out to about a 4.3-4.5 star rating on Amazon.
I’ve reviewed multiple of these budget magnetic rowers and they all follow this very similar pattern and rating structure.
One concern with the Echanfit Rower is they do not have a website and their customer service team does not appear to be native English speakers based on their Amazon comments. To me, this just seems like it could be an issue if something goes wrong with your rower. However, they are highly responsive in answering questions on Amazon.
My other concern is they have the same rower listed multiple times on Amazon. This is typically against Amazon’s policy and my concern is I typically see companies do this when they get a lot of bad reviews, so they fix the problem, and then try to relist the product. It does seem that both listings have decent reviews.
You can read more Echanfit Rower reviews here:
Average Rating: 4.5
Warranty
As I was not able to find a manual for this model I had to do some research on the warranty by reading the various comments from the Echanfit customer service.
On one question, the customer service rep reported the following warranty policy:
- Parts: 1-Year
- Refund for Quality Issues: 30-Days
- Model: CRW 4901
Echanfit Rower Price
One of the major benefits of the Echanfit Rowing Machine is the price! It’s really amazing that you can now buy a decent budget rowing machine for a few hundred dollars.
Echanfit doesn’t have a website and their products are only listed on Amazon so you don’t have to do any price shopping. Most consumers felt the rower was priced appropriately and it was a great value for the product.
I prefer buying from Amazon anyway over going direct to the brand (unless it’s a well-known brand) because Amazon offers free shipping on qualified orders, has great pricing, fast shipping, and they act as a layer of protection between the consumer and the manufacturer. A lot of times, if there are any issues with your product, you can open a claim with Amazon (instead of the manufacturer) and they will work to get you a refund!
Echanfit Model Comparison
I wanted to include a section to compare the different Echanfit Rowing Machines because there are a few very similar options. Currently, they have the R49 (CR49), which is the model in this review, and the R49 Pro in black or orange.
The models are very similar but have a few cosmetic differences. The R49 (CR49) has a different seat, different monitor design, and ‘less robust’ foot pedals. The R49 Pro has ‘thicker’ foot pedals, a larger seat, and a slightly different design where the handle enters the housing.
In general, I think the models are very similar and will have the same performance and resistance settings. They can also vary slightly in price.
Below is a photo comparing some of the small differences:
Again, I worry that Echanfit lists the R49 Pro Orange twice (same as the regular R49). This can be a way to avoid negative reviews when one model starts to get bad reviews, they list it again to try to get a higher star rating. I think the regular R49 has consistently received better reviews. It still seems odd to me and I’ve only ever seen it done by companies trying to avoid or hide something.
Overall Review
Overall, I think the Echanfit Rower can be a great budget magnetic rowing machine and it has a lot of similarities to the other popular low-cost options.
You’ll get good quality, a smooth, quiet rowing stroke, all for a fair price. There are some small downsides like the company not having a website which does worry me about things like a warranty claim.
The company also lists the same model under two different Amazon pages which makes me wonder why they don’t sell it under just one listing page.
Before purchasing this option, I would check out 3 of the other popular options in this price range that have been around longer and have a longer track record of reviews. They would be the following reviews:
They are 3 really great options that many of my readers have enjoyed. They also have the same downsides of basic monitors and potentially having light resistance for experienced users.
If you are looking for a different resistance type, like air resistance, then I would check out the Stamina Air Rower 1399.
I hope you enjoyed my Enchanfit Rower review and please leave any comments or questions below!
