The ProForm 440R Rower is a great beginner rower that is versatile and well built for it’s low price.
Being a magnetic resistance rower makes it quiet and it’s space saving design makes it a great rowing machine for apartments and close living quarters.
It is also designed for dual action strength training by utilizing ProForm’s low pulley station design.
This design enables you to do more workouts than just rowing such as squats, bicep curls, tricep extensions and more!
- Integrated dual action strength training
- Oversized pivoting pedals with adjustable nylon foot straps.
- Space saver design. Find your foundation when you step into the pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps.
This is a good selling budget rower on the market but there are some mixed reviews that buyers should be aware of before purchasing.
Read the entire ProForm 440R Rower Review to find out more!
Resistance Type
The ProForm 440R Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine that makes it extremely quiet and offers 8 different resistance levels.
Initially when researching the 440R, there seemed to be some confusion on different sites about what type of resistance this rower was – some said magnetic and others said bungee cord.
I called the ProForm sales team and had a rep explain to me that is was a magnetic rower and it utilizes a C-magnet that moves to and from the flywheel thus increasing or decreasing resistance.
The closer the magnetic is to the flywheel, the harder the resistance. The farther the magnetic is form the flywheel, the easier the resistance.
Check out the video below for a visual representation of how magnetic resistance operates.
To find out more about magnetic resistance rowers read my article on different resistance types.
Resistance Specifics
The 440R has 8 different resistance levels that can be easily adjusted by turning a large red knob on the console.
Most users felt the resistance was strong, smooth, and extremely quiet. This makes it great for using while rowing early in the AM or while watching TV.
While most users felt the resistance levels were suitable for their workout needs, some mentioned that on the highest level they felt it was too easy.
After gathering more information, it seemed that beginner and elderly rowers thought the resistance was sufficient but people who had experience rowing or strength training found it to be too easy.
So if you are an advanced rower, this may not be the rowing machine for you!
The ProForm 440R does have a “low pulley station” and foot pads in the front that allow you to do a variety of other strength training exercises. Users can perform squats, bicep curls, upright rows, tricep extensions, and any other creative workouts.
While I advise people to purchase rowing machines based purely on rowing functionality, this is definitely an added benefit!
Overall
Most users found the resistance to be smooth and sufficient for their workout needs. However, stronger users felt they needed a few more resistance levels.
If you’re looking for stronger magnetic resistance, visit my final section for more recommendations.
Monitor/Control Panel
One great feature on the ProForm 440r Rower is the large LCD monitor on the center console.
The 440R monitor can track the following data:
- Strokes Per Minute
- Total Strokes
- Distance
- Time
- Calories Burned
While the monitor is fairly basic, it tracks the same data as other rowing machine models in its price range.
Nothing is worse than having to stop a workout or slow down due to your inability to read the time or distance on your monitor.
As you can see, the 440R’s monitor is large enough to read as you are working out and has the ability to go into scan mode, rotating between each of the data sets every 6 seconds.
The monitor will need 2AA batteries that are not included, so be sure to pick these up before you have your rower delivered!
Overall, users were happy with the monitor and felt it tracked enough data to get a great workout!
Build Quality
Buying a rowing machine with good build quality is a huge factor when making a decision.
Many users commented the ProForm 440R Rower build quality was a concern. This section had the most controversial reviews and I hope to add some input into this area.
Unhappy Users
Some users commented the machine moved slightly while rowing and the rower was delivered with missing parts .
Others mentioned when trying to fold the unit for storage, the pin would not align with the proper hole to secure it in place.
Another quality issue was with the bungee rope fraying where it attached to the handle and having issues retracting back into the machine.
Most of these commenters were able to fix the issue themselves, have the problem covered by the parts and labor warranty, or return the unit free of charge.
While this is great news, it is still a bummer to hear people experienced quality issues.
Happy Users
Other 440R users had NO complaints and said they were very satisfied with the quality and experienced no malfunctioning whatsoever! A very large percent of users (~50%) gave the rower a 5 or 4 star ratings!
I believe that a majority of the rowers are delivered in perfect working condition and that users are more likely to post a negative review than a positive review, thus the mixed results.
However, to be safe, I would be prepared for anything when receiving the ProForm 440R Rower. Make sure to unbox the rower carefully, saving all packaging, and purchase the unit from a retailer with a no charge return policy.
If you buy from a company like Amazon, you can call their customer service and benefit from their great refund policy.
If you have hardwood floors or any surface besides carpet, I would add a rowing machine mat to the floor to help secure it in place. The Stamina Fold-to-Fit Equipment Mat is a great choice.
Overall
While the build quality of the ProForm 440R Rower isn’t perfect, many people still found it to be an excellent home rowing machine.
I do believe a majority of people received models free of defect and that people are more likely to leave a negative review than a positive review.
Comfort
ProForm boasts about three features that add to the comfort level of the 440R Rower. These items are:
- A soft touch ergonomic handle: Allows users to comfortably grip the handle without slipping off and prevents hands from fatiguing.
- Adjustable ergonomic molded seat: Cushioned seat that adjusts to the perfect fit.
- Pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps: Designed to keep your feet in place while increasing stability.
After reviewing the rower more closely I believe all three of these featured to be about average.
The handle is your very basic, soft to the touch, rowing handle. Some users commented the handle diameter was a little small and could form blisters when you first start out, so you may want some gloves to begin with!
The seat did seem very soft, which is a plus compared to some hard plastic rowing seats, but some taller and above average size users felt the seat was a little small.
The pivoting pedals did seem to secure rowers feet in nicely, but it is a personal preference whether or not you like stationary or pivoting pedals. Pivoting pedals allow your feet to rotate back and forth with your rowing motion.
The seat slides very smoothly along the rail via 4 wheels. Most users said they felt the rowing motion to be strong and smooth, which is exactly what you want. The 440R does come with extra grease for the rail to keep it well maintained and performing properly.
Storage
The ProForm 440R Rower was built with a Space-Saver design which allows for easy mobility and storage.
Folding the unit up is as easy as removing one pin, folding, and reinserting the pin!
The only problem is that some users said the safety pin did not line up with the hole when folded but it wasn’t a big problem because the unit still remained in the folded position.
Basically the pin is a locking device to keep the unit folded. The unit does not need the pin to be inserted to be stored, but it does lock it securely into position.
The rower has 2 transport wheels in front that allows it to very easily be moved and has a small storage footprint of about 2.5′ L X 2.5′ W x 4.0′ H.
Capacity
The ProForm 440R is a compact rowing machine but can still fit a wide range of users.
A ProForm rower claiming they were 6’4″ tall and 225 lbs. used the rower with no problem.
I also saw a few users who were 5’3″ tall and also read some mentions of kids using the 440R. This would suggest there are no lower-end capacity issues for short users.
The manufacturer weight capacity is 250 lbs. but a rower weighing 265 lbs. used it without any issues.
So unless you are over 6’4″ and 265 lbs. I don’t think you will have an issue!
Dimensions
- Assembled dimensions:
- 76.6″L x 20.5″H x 38.3″W
- Storage Dimensions:
- 30.0″L x 38.3″W x 48.0″H
- Shipping weight: 71LBS
- Assembled weight: 68LBS
Assembly
The ProForm 440R comes in quite a few pieces and assembling the unit can take on average 30-45 minutes.
Some users were able to put it together in 20 minutes while others took an hour. A lot of users said they were not mechanically inclined and were able to put the unit together with no problem.
I cannot stress this enough but this is definitely a piece of equipment where you want to follow the instructions carefully and as long as you follow the directions everything will be fine.
There were a few users who received the unit with missing pieces and had to contact ProForm to receive replacement parts.
The unit does come with all the tools necessary to assemble the rowing machine except a small phillips head screwdriver to install the 2AA batteries (not included). If you do not have one no need to worry. Many times you can substitute a phillips head screwdriver with household items such as a coin, knife, soda can top, or you finger nail if strong enough.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great SpaceSaver design
- Smooth rowing motion
- 2-in-1 workout equipment: rowing machine and strength training
- Large LCD Monitor
- Very low priced
Cons:
- Users found the rowing machine difficult to assemble
- Some quality issues on a few machines
- Resistance level was not strong enough for advanced users
Consumer Reviews
Consumer reviews were pretty mixed across the board with a lot of reviews coming in just about average.
Users who understood what they were paying for were generally happy with the rowing machine and gave it a good rating. They understood they were not buying a higher end rowing machine, like the #1 best home rowing machine, and the 440R Rower would not row like a WaterRower made out of solid wood.
Users who gave it a poor review may have excepted more for the price and some did have legit quality issues.
I believe users were likely to come back and give a negative review over a positive review which is why I upped my score to a 3.5.
You can read more ProForm 440R Rower reviews here.
Average Rating: 3.5
Warranty
- 90-Day Part & Labor Warranty
- 5-Year Frame Warranty
ProForm 440R Rower Price
This ProForm Rower is a fairly low priced model and is backed by one of the largest fitness retailers in the world (ProForm/ ICON Fitness).
It can be found on a few online retail websites but you will want to buy from a trusted online seller. I feel Amazon usually has great pricing on rowing machines, free shipping on qualified orders, and easy checkout. Plus, they offer a layer of consumer protection and a great return policy.
Final Thoughts
While the ProForm 440R Rower is a decent budget magnetic rowing machine, it does have its fair share of issues.
Some people are able to find it on sale, which definitely makes it more attractive. Other users really like the ProForm brand and have zero issues with the 440R after buying!
Before buying, I recommend checking out the Stamina Air Rower 1399. It is similar in price but an air resistance rower. Many consider it the best budget rowing machine. Read my review here.
You should also check out the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Rower. It is usually priced lower than the Proform 440R and has higher reviews. Many consider it the best budget magnetic rowing machine. See my review here.
I hope you enjoyed my ProForm 440R Rower review. If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below!
