Diamondback Rowers
You may be familiar with Diamondback as a renowned bicycle company. Diamondback Bicycles was founded as “Diamond Back” in 1977 as a pioneer in BMX bikes. In 1991, Diamondback Fitness was born. The now-legendary bike company saw this as an opportunity to branch into making indoor cardio trainers. Their current equipment lineup includes ellipticals, recumbent and upright bikes, and indoor cycles. In the past, they made one rower: the 910R. Although currently discontinued, you can still find the model online or at factory discount outlets. Learn more about Diamondback’s sole rower—the 910R—below, as well as the great and not-so-great aspects of the Diamondback brand.
Top Diamondback Rowing Machines
Model
Rating
Resistance Type
Weight Capacity
Folding
Resistance Levels
Pricing
Reviews
Diamondback Rowing Machines
Diamondback has only ever produced one rower—the 910R—which is now discontinued. You can however, sometimes find the model online or at factory discount outlets. The 910R is an air and magnetic resistance rowing machine. The magnetic element adds adjustability and challenge. Highlights include 16 resistance levels, a backlit LCD monitor, and wireless heart-rate monitoring capability. Its console includes 19 workout programs, which is impressive, or at least a healthy enough amount for a rower around the $1K mark. At 101.4″ long by 22.4″ wide, it’s not a small rower by any stretch. But it does fold to save space, if you have that space to spare initially for when the machine is in use.
The Great
- Quick Assembly: The 910R arrives mostly assembled, and tools and instructions are provided.
- High-Quality Frame: Steel and aluminum team up to form a sturdy frame and glide rail. The steel support frame is powder coated for durability, and the aluminum rail is anodized (coated) to keep a factory-fresh shine for years.
- All-Levels Resistance: Diamondback’s hybrid resistance system uses magnetics and a fan. With a choice of magnetic resistance and air resistance, you can train at any skill level and intensity.
- Workout Programs and Data: Many row machines lack on-board programming, but the 910R provides 19 exercise programs including race workouts and a fitness test. Workout feedback includes total strokes, strokes per minute, time per 500 meters, total meters, calories and pulse.
- Adjustable Console: To suit users of different heights the computer monitor has an adjustable angle.
- Folds for Storage: This cross-trainer folds and has wheels for easy storage.
- Good Warranty: Buyer protection includes a lifetime limited warranty on the frame and three years on the parts and electronics. It’s a fair deal for the row machine’s $1,099 sale price.
The Not-So-Great
- No Data Transfer: The 910R doesn’t sync with mobile apps or have a USB port for sharing your workout stats.
- Not Connected: Unlike hybrid rowers by the brand Concept2, which have similar pricing, the Diamondback can’t digitally connect with others for online races.
- Wireless Monitor Costs Extra: Diamondback fitness machines work with wireless heart-rate monitors, but the compatible chest straps are sold separately.
- Weight Limit 300 Pounds: The 910R rower can safely support almost anyone, as the weight limit is 300 pounds. Still, many rowers from other brands can support more weight. They might have higher quality components overall.
Our Conclusion
If you can find a Diamondback 910R rowing machine at a factory outlet or online, it’s a solid air rower choice. You likely won’t be disappointed. At $1,099, it’s a durable and reliable trainer that will keep you challenged for years to come. This is partly due to its adjustable air resistance. As you progress, you add more challenge simply by rowing faster. The rower also has an inclusive workout program library; its 19 programs will allow you to continually mix up your workout routine.
If you can’t get your hands on a Diamondback 910R rower, we would recommend checking out the top-ranked Concept2 Model E rower. It doesn’t cost much more than the 910R, but it has a longer standard warranty and a whole host of other special features. With the Model E for example, you can race against other rowers online, adding a new dimension to your training regime.
Pros
Cons
1. Diamondback 910R Rower
Much like every other piece of fitness equipment from the brand, the Diamondback 910R rower is a high-spec unit that has proven quite competitive against the likes of Concept2, NordicTrack, and others. It’s an air resistance rowing machine with added magnetic resistance to add a layer of adjustability. All told, the machine boasts 16 resistance levels, a sleek backlit LCD monitor, and the ability to sync up to a wireless Polar heart-rate monitor (sold separately). From a design standpoint it’s hard not to see the parallel between this unit and the Concept2 rowing machines. Its console rests on an adjustable arm, its fan/flywheel spool is raised up and off the back of the machine, and its solid steel support arms look like carbon copies of those on the high-spec Concept2 Model E. The pairing of construction, features, and warranty help earn this machine a solid overall score.
Read the Full Diamondback 910R Rower Review