ProForm Rowers
The ProForm brand was established in the mid-1980s to serve the mass market. It is owned by ICON Health and Fitness, a leading worldwide distributor of numerous fitness equipment brands. ProForm’s rowing machines have been mostly geared towards the entry level market, but more recently they have been upping their game with newer models that compete in the mid to upper register of the rowing machine category (for home use). With recent model updates, the brand now has two new models that are very closely aligned with NordicTrack in terms of specifications and access to interactive training.
Top ProForm Rowing Machines
Model
Rating
Resistance Type
Weight Capacity
Folding
Resistance Levels
Pricing
Reviews
ProForm Rowing Machines
With the addition of a couple of new models, ProForm now has two different rowers in their catalog of active products. That said, as a leading brand always on the move, there are a number of great used models that, while no longer in production, are still sold online.
The Great:
- Interactivity: Though not an absolute necessity in the category, ProForm is one of very few offering streaming video training programs, which can be a great motivator for those who are new to at-home workouts
- Build Quality: As a general rule, ProForm machines (regardless of category) are typically well built considering their respective categories.
- Easy-to-Use Console: Regardless of the model in question, the LCD consoles on all of the brand’s consoles are simple and easy to use.
The Not-So-Great:
- Light Resistance: In many shoppers’ reviews, the resistance on the ProForm rower is criticized as weak. This model isn’t the best choice for people who are already in good shape. Also, the resistance is controlled with a knob instead of digitally. Digital controls can be more convenient.
- No Programs On Entry Model: ProForm’s 440R rower doesn’t have preset workouts. More expensive rowing machines have programs that automatically adjust the machine’s resistance. With the 440R Rower, tension adjustments are made manually.
- Questionable Longevity With Heavy Use: For entry level rowers—people looking to row a couple of times a week—the more affordable 440R should last fine, but it is not built to a level that can sustain heavy use over time.
- Small Seat: Some have found the sliding seat on ProForm rowers to be a bit small. It can be uncomfortable for larger riders.
- Weight Capacity: The maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds, which is light compared with the maximums of other brands’ rowing machines.
OUR CONCLUSION:
Overall ProForm rowing machines mostly land in the middle of the pack, with their big selling point being iFit interactive training, if this isn’t a priority for you, we’d recommend looking at other models in the same price bracket.
1. ProForm Pro R10
Coming in at the top of the ProForm Rower Strength Series lineup is the Pro R10. Built to work with the iFit app, the Pro R10 features 24 levels of digital resistance using Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR). Built with a 10-inch Smart HD Touchscreen, and an ergonomic molded seat, the unit is built to suit users of about any level. And as a foldable rower with transport wheels, it’s easy enough to roll into the closet when not in use.
At the introduction, ProForm is offering three years of the iFit workout app free with the rower, which at a price of $1,403 makes it essentially free as the app is $39 per month. The benefits of this are significant as one can use the iFit app anywhere anytime on other devices for workouts other than rowing.
Positives
- Foldable: Although the rower has a relatively large footprint (86.5″ long by 22″ wide) it’s easily foldable.
- Resistance: The 24 levels of digitally-controlled magnetic resistance allow for a smooth and quiet row.
- iFit-enabled: The rower can be adjusted by professional trainers from remote locations.
- Comfort Features: The ProForm Pro R10 features an audio auxiliary port, as well as over-sized foot pedals and a multi-grip handlebar.
Negatives
- Warranty: Considering the price, we would have liked to see longer coverage than the 12-month limited parts and labor warranty provides.
- No Onboard Workouts: There are no preset workouts and the 10-inch screen is designed to work with iFit. So while the rower will work manually, one would need to utilize a different screen or television if they want specialized routines.
Pros
Cons
2. ProForm 750R
Part of the new ProForm Rower Strength Series, the 750R comes in at a great price of $999 with a 5-inch high contrast display for workout metrics and readout. Engineered with an integrated tablet-holder, the 750R is designed as a bring-your-own-screen rower. The good new is this doesn’t lock one into any particular app. Designed iFit-enabled, if one uses their own tablet or television they can either use that program or another.
Measuring 22″ x 86.5″ x 45.5″ with a user weight capacity of 250 pounds, the 750R brings a sleek and attractive package to the home gym, utilizing Silent Magnetic Resistance. ProForm offers a 10-year warranty on the frame with one year for parts and labor.
Positives
- Price: At under $1,000 the 750R brings a strong offering.
- Ergonomic seat: The rower offers a comfortable ride to users of various sizes.
- Strong Warranty: With 10 years for the frame, users can trust they’ll be taken care of in case of a problem.
Negatives
- Small Screen: Competing models offer much larger devices.
- No Onboard Workouts: Most rowers at this price range offer some kind of built-in programming.
Pros
Cons
3. ProForm Carbon R7
No longer in active production, ProForm Carbon R7’s remain on the market through retailers as well as by way of used models. Measuring 22″ x 86.5″ x 47.1″ with a folding space-saver concept, the unit can be rolled away easily on transport wheels. Bluetooth-enabled, the rower is designed with an integrated tablet holder to augment the 5-inch backlit display. Part of the iFit-enabled series, the machine works with that program, but as it’s a bring-your-own-screen model other programs work too.
With 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance digitally controlled, the rower also features an ergonomic, molded seat with oversized steel seat rails.
Read the Full ProForm Carbon R7 Review
Pros
Cons
4. ProForm 440R Rower
On the more affordable end of the rowing machine spectrum, the ProForm 440R is a special offering on account of a very simple yet thoughtful bit of product design. By adding two small footrests at the front of the unit, the rower instantly becomes a multi-function workout station. This allows its users to do high rows, bicep curls and other workouts as well as using the machine for conventional rowing. The rower is not without its flaws—its size is restrictive for users over six feet tall, it doesn’t have a good reliability track record, and its construction feels a bit flimsy when compared to some other rowers in the category—yet overall it could still be a smart buy based on your specific needs and interests. If you’re new to rowing, on a budget, and on the smaller side in terms of physical build, we would still recommend it.
Read the Full ProForm 440R Rower Review