When it comes to rowing machines, Magnetic Rowing machine is very popular nowadays. So, today we’ll cover one of the best one with magnetic resistance. It is Kettler R220 which can be programmed accordingly. The rowing machine has a good sturdy and ergonomic build that gives you good comfort while you are doing rowing.

It has an advanced LCD monitor as well with which you get plenty of information about your workout. When it comes to usage, the machine is very smooth and quiet as well. You can use it in your home, and the person is sitting in the next room won’t be disturbed. It has good quality padded seats that glides over the ball bearings smoothly, and you don’t feel any jerk while doing it. Its track is made up of Aluminium, and you don’t have chances of rust and corrosion.

According to the company, the footrest is designed biomechanically that gives you a good grip, and you also get good with adjustable nylon straps. With the LCD monitor, you get information like distance covered, strokes per minute, time per 500m, calories burn and much more. With the machine, you get 16 resistance levels and 18 program options that you can go for.

Table of Contents

Kettler R220 Review

In this section, we’ll talk about different essential aspects of the rowing machine. It includes build quality, monitor specs, cost, warranty and much more. So, let’s dive into each of these specs one by one.

Build Quality:
The rowing machine has pretty solid build quality. Its frame is very durable made of aluminum and steel combination. It has a smooth finish which makes it look good aesthetically as well. The front part and rear stabilizers are made of steel. The main track on which you slide while doing the rowing is made of aluminum alloy. The company claims that the body is coated with the corrosion resistant paint that makes it more durable and long lasting. Other parts like flywheel and resistance are of high-quality ABS material.

When it comes to size, it’s not very large. It is compact and can be stored in a small place very easily. As it is not very long, it is not very comfortable for the users above 6feet height. The rail of the machine can be folded that makes it smaller in size, and you can store it without a problem. To lift the rail, there is a pin which allows you to lock and unlock the rail. Its user weight capacity is 245 lbs. Its weight is 81 lbs, and its dimensions are 70.5” long x 20.5” wide x 31.5” high.

**The company provides you a lifetime warranty on frame and 1-year warranty on parts and electronics.

Advanced Magnetic System:
It has advanced , and balanced braking system & center pull which gives you smooth and silent performance. Its ball-bearing rollers provide you the smooth gliding with high precision. What I really appreciate about this machine that it is almost maintenance free and it lasts for years without you worrying about it much. When it comes to resistance, it uses the motorized resistance, here you have to connect the machine with the power source. Once you enter the data in the console, it will adjust the resistance accordingly with its servo motors.

What is also unique about the machine that it doesn’t create a dynamic response. If you set the machine at a particular level then no matter how hard you row, the resistance will remain the same.

Monitor Console unit:
The LCD monitor displays a very good amount of information about your workout. It gives you the information about heart rate, resistance level, energy consumption, time, strokes, strokes per minute, 500m pace and much more. The console unit looks very sturdy. It has a 5-inch diagonal screen, multi-panel display, high contrast which gives you clear visibility.
You won’t get any pulse sensor with the machine, but it has polar compatibility. It tracks your pulse through the polar HR transmission system. Though, you have to buy the accessory separately. It is also not compatible with any online apps or another system. It doesn’t have the USB port for workout data. So, it was a pretty simple unit, don’t expect too much from it.

Comfortable Rowing Experience:
It has a very comfortable rowing experience. It has fully padded contoured seats which allows you to do the rowing for a longer time. The footrest is large enough, and you get adjustable straps as well which gives you the perfect fit. Its foldable design makes it suitable for storing it in a small storage area.

Technical Specifications

Kettler R220	Specifications
User Weight	Up to 245lbs
Machine Weight	81lbs
Dimensions	70.45 x 20.50 x 31.50 Inches
Color	Black
Resistant Type	Magnetic
Levels	16
Warranty	1 year
Online Rating	Ok
Price	Check Here

World Rowing Championship| Watch the Video till End

How to Assemble it?

A lot of people have been asking about the Kettler r220 assembly. The machine comes partially assembled and the remaining setup you can do in 15-20 mins. The resistance system and drive of the machine are sealed by the covers. You just have to attach the track, rear base, and the seat.

According to the company, it is a very low maintenance machine. It lasts for years without any glitch. You just have to maintain the basic cleanliness. Make sure that it has nothing on the track while you are using it.

Kettler R220 Pros & Cons

In this section, we’ll talk about both aspects of the machine. We’ll cover both positives and negatives. You read this section thoroughly; it will give you an idea about both sides.

Pros

The machine has a solid build and a good design. The user weight capacity of 245 lbs is also decent enough.
It has a folding frame design which allows you to store the Kettler r220 in small spaces. It also has transport wheels which makes it portable as well.
Contoured padded seats with large footrest and adjustable straps make the rowing experience more comfortable.
The Kettler console gives you enough workout data to keep track of all your exercise information. It is also Polar HR compatible.
The machine is very quiet, low maintenance and you get excellent warranty period as well. 1 year on parts and lifetime on frame.

Cons

If you are a tall guy, more than 6feet height then it’s not going to be the right choice for you. Because its rail track is not very long.
It is polar HR compatible with that accessory you have to buy separately. So, be ready to spend some extra bucks.
The monitor is not battery operated. You need to have a power source for it.
Some users are also not happy with its looks and seats. That’s up to you…

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Advanced Rowing Machine Workouts

Conclusions

The Kettler R220 is the right deal if you are looking for a mid-level rowing machine. It does a great job for beginners. Don’t compare the machine with Concept 2 and WaterRower. It also comes at a very affordable price and has some advanced features as well. You can buy it on Amazon or their official website if you are looking for a better alternative. We have mentioned the few below. In case of any confusion, you can let us know in the comments as well.