Looking for a great all around rower with strong resistance?
Then look no further than the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower!
This dual air & magnetic resistance combination offers a smooth strong rowing stroke for all ages & fitness levels.
Complete with 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance and a multi-function monitor, this rowing machine offers a lot of great features.
Plus, you receive a full-body workout that burns calories and is low-impact!
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower is sold by Cap Barbell Inc. under the model #: CHR-VANTAGEWIS. It is also sold internationally by Proteus Fitness under the name Vantage W7 and by another fitness retailer under the name Dynamic R1 Pro Rower.
Luckily, the Velocity Vantage CHR-VANTAGEWIS Rower is priced the lowest!
Resistance Type
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower is a combination of air and magnetic resistance.
Both styles operate very similarly but offer slightly different benefits.
That’s what makes the combination so great!
Air rowers operate by pulling the handle and spinning the fan flywheel. As the flywheel spins faster, the more air is sucked into the fan housing, and the more resistance it creates.
Basically, the faster you row, the more resistance you create.
Magnetic rowers operate by also pulling a handle and spinning a flywheel. A magnet inside the housing can be moved closer or farther from the metal flywheel to create more or less resistance.
No matter how fast or slow you row, the resistance will stay the same (the selected level).
This is why we call magnetic resistance “adjustable” and air resistance “variable”.
Air resistance will automatically change resistance based on your rowing speed, while magnetic resistance is manually controlled by the user turning a knob or pressing a button.
The two different rowing styles add a lot of other benefits which I’ll list below.
Resistance Benefits
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower has 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance. This can help add a lot of variations to your workouts!
The resistance can be adjusted by the monitor and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The rowing stroke is smooth, strong, and has no lag.
A benefit of the air & magnetic combo is the excellent overall resistance strength it provides. Many users felt it was strong enough for the most elite athletes and the hardest level was stronger than the highest level on a Concept2.
This is because on air rowers you must row fast in order to feel a greater resistance. However, with magnetic rowers you can set the resistance level to high and feel strong resistance even when rowing slow.
By combining the two, you get the benefit of the high-end power of air and the low-end power of magnetic. Overall, this creates a stronger resistance.
Another benefit of the air & magnetic combo is the greatly reduced noise level from air-only rowers. Air-only rowers are notoriously loud but adding magnetic resistance causes the flywheel to spin slower and is in return a lot quieter.
Resistance Negatives
Unfortunately, some of the positive aspects of the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower resistance can be seen as negatives to some users.
Magnetic rowers are virtually silent, which some people love, but when you add the air resistance competent it makes the machine louder. This can be a negative for people who want a quiet rowing machine.
However, users mentioned that the noise level is lower than other air-only rowers. The noise level is not loud enough to be heard in a different room and users should be able to hear a TV at normal volumes.
Another negative is the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower must be plugged into an electrical outlet to use the monitor. This really isn’t a big deal but the monitor does control the magnetic tension. If the monitor breaks a user would not be able to adjust the resistance and would need to have the rower serviced.
Recovery Discrepancy
The resistance caused some users, especially Concept2 users, to comment on a few performance differences. The differences are neither positive nor negative and only cause a slight difference in stroke feeling and race times.
It is a little confusing but I’ll do my best to explain.
When using an air-only rower, a user pulls the handle and spins the flywheel. As the user recovers to perform another stroke, the flywheel continues to spin and slows down some due to resistance. The flywheel is still spinning as the user pulls another stroke, making the resistance feel a little lighter but smooth.
This is exactly the same as rowing a boat. When the user pulls the oars, the boat glides forwards. As they recover to perform another stroke, the boat continues to glide forwards, only slowing down some due to resistance. The rower then pulls the oars through the water again as the boat is gliding forwards.
To go faster and feel more resistance, the rower must row faster!
Rowing on the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower is slightly different.
When the rower pulls the handle, they spin the flywheel. On the recovery, the magnetic resistance slows the flywheel down more than normal and at high levels it completely stops the flywheel. This causes a heavy stroke and makes it feel like you are starting from a dead stop every stroke.
This is great for people who want strong/heavy resistance but not good for people who like the resistance felt while on water and accurate race times. Concept2 users will notice the difference in their overall times and split times.
Like I said, this is not a positive or negative but just a component of resistance I wanted to point out. Setting the magnetic resistance to lower levels can minimize this discrepancy.
Overall
The resistance on the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower is strong, smooth and built to accommodate any user.
Users who love strong resistance will love this erg. The video below shows how the strong resistance is enough for people who are in very good shape.
Monitor/Control Panel
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower has a extra large, height adjustable, backlit LCD monitor.
The monitor provides a variety of workout features and tracks the following fitness data:
- Time
- Time/500m (split time)
- SPM (strokes per minute)
- Distance (meters)
- Strokes
- Calories or Calories/Hour
- Watts
- Pulse
- Resistance Level (16 levels)
Each data set is displayed in its own window with large, easy to read lettering. You can use the 6 buttons to control the data and monitor modes mentioned below.
The monitor is powered by a 6v/1000mA adapter which fits into any ordinary household outlet.
Monitor Modes
The monitor includes Manual and Race modes, 12 preset workout programs, 5 different user profiles, watts control, 5 target heart rate percentages, and a recovery mode.
- Manual Mode: Select different functions to target such as distance, time, or calories and begin rowing until your target is reached. The program profile will show on the Matrix.
- Race Mode: Create a race based off distance and split time and “race” against the computer. The two boats will be shown racing on the Matrix.
- Profile Mode: Choose between 12 different workout profiles based on different fitness metrics.
- Watts Mode: Select a desired watt level to maintain along with other desired exercise levels.
- HRC Mode: Choose target heart rate to maintain during a workout (55%, 75%, 90% and Target Heart Rate).
- User Mode: Choose between 5 different personal user programs that can be stored on the monitor and set for different target goals.
A great bonus of the Velocity Exercise Vantage Magnetic Rowing Machine is that it comes with a FREE heart rate monitor. This allows you to see your pulse at all times on the monitor and use the various heart rate functions provided.
The only downside about the Velocity Vantage Rower monitor is that is has no PC functionality. It cannot connect to a computer to use various 3rd party software to analyze your fitness data, track progress, or race against other rowers from around the world.
While this may not be a big deal to some users, other users really want these features. There are other rowing machines that include these features for the same price.
Overall
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower monitor is a great addition to this rowing machine and received a lot of praise from users.
It’s large, easy to read, adjustable, and packed with a ton of features.
Build Quality
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Magnetic Rowing Machine is classified as semi-commercial, meaning it is a gym quality rower built for home-use.
A large, durable seat sits on top of an oversized aluminum seat rail that can hold the weight of heavy users.
The handle is attached to a tough, nylon strap made from the same material as a seat belt. So don’t think it will fray or break during a hard rowing session!
The footrests and straps are durable and made from high quality material.
The only negative mention was about the plastic flywheel casing seeming to be a little weak. However, the part is only cosmetic and does not effect the functionality of the rower.
There is no squeaking or clinking noises during the rowing stroke and the overall build quality seems high.
Below is a video of the Proteus Vantage W7 Rower which is the same exact rower as the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower.
I believe Proteus is the main manufacturer who sells outside of the U.S. while Velocity and Dynamic are the brands that sell this model in the U.S..
Comfort
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower features an extremely comfortable rowing motion with all the necessary accessories.
The large padded seat has a contoured design to alleviate back pressure and take pressure off your tail bone and other high pressure points.
The seat sits 19.5″ off the ground, making it easy for people to get on and off the rower without adding pressure to their knees and joints.
The padded handlebar is ergonomically designed to prevent hand fatigue and avoid blisters. It is connected to a strong nylon strap that provides a smooth, quiet rowing stroke.
Your feet will rest comfortably in oversized footrests with easy adjustable straps that can fit any shoes size.
Overall the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower is built to provide lasting comfort on very long rowing sessions.
Storage
The Velocity Vantage Rower has an easy fold design that vastly reduces the rowing machine footprint and allows easy mobility.
All a user has to do is pull the quick release pin, fold the seat rail up, and allow the pin to snap back in place.
The rower can then be pushed on its 4 built in caster wheels.
It’s so easy that children have been able to fold, push, and store the rower.
While storing does reduce the footprint by a lot the Velocity Vantage will still take up 54” x 18” x 63” (L x W x H) of floor space.
Capacity
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower has a fairly large capacity which is normal for a rowing machine in this price range.
The maximum user weight capacity is set at 350lbs. and users as tall as 6’6″ can use this rowing machine with room to spare.
If you are taller than 6’6″ it really depends on your inseam length if you will be able to use this rowing machine.
Anyone taller than 6″6″ or over 350 lbs. may want to look into the Concept2 Model D, which is in the same price range, and has a larger capacity (link to review below).
There is no size limitation for this rower and shorter people will have no issues using the Velocity Exercise Vantage Magnetic Rowing Machine.
Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions:
- 97.0″ x 18.0″ x 43.0″ (L x W x H)
- Folded Dimension:
- 54.0″ x 18.0″ x 62.0 (L x W x H)
- Shipping Weight:
- 100 lbs.
- Assembled Weight:
- 83 lbs.
- SKU:
- CHR-VANTAGEWIS
Assembly
Assembling the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower is fairly straightforward. On average, it took about an hour to complete.
Some people were able to do it in less but the manual pictures can be a bit confusing. Just make sure to take your time and read the instructions carefully.
All the bolts are lightly threaded into the appropriate holes, so there in no hassle in trying to figure out which bolt goes where.
All the necessary tools needed for assembly come with the rowing machine.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong resistance
- Magnetic & air resistance combination
- Multi-function fitness monitor
- Free heart rate monitor
- 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
- Low noise level
- Easy storage and mobility
- Large capacity
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Rowing data (times) differ from industry standard
- Monitor lacks PC functionality
- Short warranty
- Other great options in this price range
Consumer Reviews
Consumers seemed very happy with the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower and gave it a lot of positive reviews. Many users enjoy the strong resistance provided by the air & magnetic combo.
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower seems to also be a popular seller outside the U.S. under the Proteus Vantage W7 Rower name. This may be due to the Concept2 being manufactured in the U.S. which reduces cost domestically but increases costs internationally.
Buyers should also be aware of some reviews being left by people who were given a Velocity Vantage Rowing Machine for free in return for an “honest review”. Most of the time these reviews are far from honest and very biased. Almost every “honest” review left was for 5-stars.
See more Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower reviews here.
Average Rating: 4.5
Warranty
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower sells under the model # CHR-VANTAGEWIS by Cap Barbell Inc.. It seems they source their rowers from Proteus Fitness who sells the rower under the model Proteus Vantage W7 Rower.
Velocity Exercise offers the following warranty:
- Frame: 5-years
- Monitor: 90-days
- All Other Parts: 30-days
While the frame warranty is standard for rowing machines in this price range, the monitor and parts warranty is very low. I never like when warranties are less than 3-months.
Many other rowing machines in this price range offer longer warranties that cover parts for up to 2-years.
If you encounter a warranty issue contact Cap Barbell at: [email protected]
Just make sure to reference model # CHR-VANTAGEWIS. You can also contact Proteus Fitness and reference model #: Vantage W7.
Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower Price
The Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower is a reasonably priced rowing machine that includes great resistance, solid build quality, and a good monitor.
The price of this rowing machine varies depending on where you buy it but Amazon tends to have very competitive prices and offers free shipping on qualified orders. They also act as a layer of protection between the manufacturer and consumer.
Overall Review
Overall, the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower is an excellent rowing machine that offers a ton of great features.
If you want a rowing machine with strong resistance this is a great option!
Many people have compared the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower vs. the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower and have noticed that they are the exact same machine. However, the Velocity Vantage Rower cost less so it wins in my book.
Other consumers like to compare the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower vs. Concept2 Rowers. In my opinion, the Concept2 is a better rowing machine overall because it has the excellent PM5 monitor, great rowing feel, superb build quality, long warranty, and large online community. However, if you really favor strong resistance the Velocity Vantage may be a better option.
You can see my complete Model D breakdown here to compare.
I hope you enjoyed my Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Rower review! Leave me a comment in the section below!
