H2O Fitness Rowers
Headquartered in Washington, H2O Fitness is one of HealthCare International’s (HCI) many affordable fitness equipment brands. HCI owns a variety of brands that help stock physical therapy clinics, hospitals and residential gyms. Their focus is on active aging and rehabilitation. Their H2O Fitness line of ProRowers is comprised of two affordable water rowers: the Home Series RX-750 and the Club Series RX-950. As you may have gathered from the product names, the former rowing machine is designed for residential use, and the latter can also handle commercial use. Learn more about the pros and cons of H2O Fitness’s rowing machines below.
Top H2O Fitness Rowing Machines
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H2O Fitness Rowing Machines
H2O Fitness currently manufacture two water rowing machines: the RX-750 Home Rower and the RX-950 Club Rower. These machines naturally adapt to the rider’s strength. Each H2O Fitness rower has a metal frame and a water drive with a 2.5 to 4.5 gallon capacity. The Club Rower is noticeably more robust. It measures 89” long, weighs 117 pounds and has a 550-pound user weight capacity. The Home Rower is 78” long, weighs 65 pounds and and a 350-pound capacity. A bungee cord system (instead of a chain) minimizes the need for regular maintenance and promotes quiet operation on both models. However, it’s not as durable as the chain systems used on more expensive water rowing machines.
The Great
- Water Resistance: Water resistance allows for what HCI calls “natural adaptive resistance”. The more vigorously a person rows, the more water force pushes back. This makes water rowing machines a perfect fit for any skill level. H2O Fitness uses strong polycarbonate tanks that are virtually indestructible.
- Footrests: To support healthy motion, H2O Fitness water rowers have pivoting footrests. These can accommodate just about any shoe size and are textured for grip.
- Data: A simple LCD workout monitor keeps track of Time, Distance, 500 Meters Split Time, Strokes/Min, Calories and Heart Rate.
- Heart-Rate Monitoring: Both models are equipped with a wireless heart-rate receiver. The chest straps are sold separately.
- Lumbar Support: The RX-950 is available with a standard seat and with back support.
- Very High Capacity: The RX-950 can support up to 550 pounds. The RX-750 can hold up to 350 pounds.
- Price: These models are affordable water rowers.
- RX-950 Warranty: The warranty on the RX-950 is competitive. Buyers get a lifetime guarantee for the frame, three years for the tank & seals, and two years for the non-wearing mechanical (and other) components. The RX-750 warranty isn’t as impressive, offering 3 years on the frame and just a year for all the other parts. That said, you can pay extra for a 3-year or lifetime warranty to be added on.
The Not-So-Great
- Light Programming: The computer monitor can be set for a certain number of calories or strokes, but there aren’t any built-in programs for interval training, races and other preset workouts.
- Not Backlit: The data screens aren’t backlit. A lamp is needed for viewing the readouts at night.
- Bungee System: Resistance is delivered with a tension cord. More expensive rowing machines use metal chains, which are noisier but more durable.
Our Conclusion
Water rowers by H2O Fitness are most appealing to beginners or those using them for rehabilitation. The brand cuts costs by using very good but not premium parts, and by keeping the electronics very limited. The RX-750 Home Rower is very affordable for a water rower. The RX-950 Club Rower is less exciting; you can now get the popular and very durable WaterRower Natural for $200 less.
Pros
Cons
1. H2O Fitness RX-950 Club Series Rower
Usually when we talk about commercial-grade fitness club equipment, the sticker price jumps up to somewhere north of a couple grand (at least). This is not the case with the H2O Fitness RX-950 Club Series rowing machine. It delivers tremendous bang for buck when you compare it to similar models from First Degree Fitness, WaterRower, and others. It has a significant weight capacity, a sturdy steel frame, a great warranty, and its seat is one of very few that are fitted with a backrest for additional support. All in all this reads really well for a $1,299 price point.
Read the Full H2O Fitness RX-950 Club Series Rower Review
Pros
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2. H2O Fitness RX-750 Home Series
The H2O Fitness RX-750 water rower is another great example of a lesser known brand delivering big value in the water resistance category. The machine is packed with features typically seen on rowers for over $1,000; it has pivoting footplates, very respectable warranty terms, a large and easy to read monitor, and even a built-in heart rate receiver. There’s significant appeal to the feel and sound that comes with a water rower, and to be able to get into the category at this price point is mighty appealing, especially knowing that the machine is well covered against any issues or defects.
Read the Full H2O Fitness RX-750 Home Series Review