Best Hydraulic Rowing Machines
Looking for a budget rowing machine? A hydraulic rower could be your perfect match. Also known as piston rowers, hydraulic rowing machines are the cheapest indoor rowers available. As well as being priced low, they are usually portable, run quietly, and require little space. You can also find hydraulic rowers that offer a wide range of resistance to support all skill levels. But this all comes at a price. Hydraulic rowers are not as durable as other rowers. It really comes down to whether you are willing to make some sacrifices for the sake of your home gym space and budget. Check out our top 3 hydraulic rowing machines on the market below, and scroll down to learn more about rowers in this category.
Our Top Three Hydraulic Rowing Machines
Model
Rating
Resistance Type
Weight Capacity
Folding
Resistance Levels
Pricing
Reviews
Hydraulic Rowers—What To Expect
Hydraulic rowing machines are the cheapest indoor rowers available. If you’re completely new to rowing, a hydraulic rower could be your best bet. You’re not going to be forking out hundreds of dollars for a machine that will just sit in the corner, if you decide rowing isn’t for you a few weeks down the line. They’re also a good fit for people with very limited space. Aside from being compact machines, they’re usually also foldable. Some models can be folded by folding the metal arms inwards allowing you to pack away the machine under a bed or in a closet. Some models simply tilt vertically so you can fold the machine up against a wall. They also tend to be very quiet rowing machines, allowing you to exercise at all hours without disturbing the rest of your household.
Just remember that hydraulic rowers are budget machines. They won’t be as durable as an air or water rower because they normally consist of at least some, or many cheaper parts. The resistance will not be as challenging, or the levels as diverse as on rowers in other categories. We haven’t seen many hydraulic rowers packed with features such as a flashy console with a library of workout programs. That said, you can find some models that have a good selection of features such as wireless heart-rate monitoring and some onboard programming. You will have ongoing maintenance with hydraulic rowing machines. As they are usually simple mechanical machines with pistons and moving arms, components will need tightening every few workout sessions. This all said, shoppers looking for a compact, quiet, simple rowing machine that doesn’t break the bank should start in the hydraulic rowing machine aisle.
How Do Hydraulic Resistance Rowing Machines Work?
Hydraulic rowers use fluid or air for resistance. With a hydraulic rower, it’s all about the movement of force. They usually have one or two pistons (cylinders filled with hydraulic fluid or air) that engage when the rider pulls back. The hydraulic cylinders are commonly attached to the handlebars of the rower. Resistance on each piston is altered with a dial or via grooves on the arms. You can then work against this force. Some hydraulic rowing machines have sliding seats to support full-body aerobic workouts, like the Avari Easy Glide Rower. Other hydraulic rowers are designed only for upper-body exercise and lack sliding seats. These are quite small machines yet can still be used by tall trainees (for example, the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower is only 48” long).
How Powerful Is The Resistance?
Resistance on hydraulic rowers is preset with light to heavy levels. For instance, the popular Stamina BodyTrac Glider has 12 resistance levels. Manufacturers of hydraulic rowing machines rarely provide specifics about their strength. Our hydraulic rowing machine reviews use customer comments for guidance. Which brands lead the hydraulic rower industry? Stamina Rowers are the leading manufacturer of very simple and low-budget hydraulic rowing machines, while Kettler makes more expensive hydraulic rowers that include heart rate monitoring.
Pros
Cons
1. Stamina BodyTrac Glider
At just Stamina BodyTrac Glider is certainly a budget machine. Saying this, it’s one of the best rowing machines that uses hydraulic resistance on the market. It’s sized to fit most adults and is more durable than other options in its price class. For such a bargain buy, the BodyTrac Glider features a wide range of resistance. It has 12 resistance levels that are comparable to an estimated 2-50 pounds of force. We have some concerns about the longevity of the machine, but if your budget is tight, this is one of the best options in its price category.
Read the Full Stamina BodyTrac Glider Review
Pros
Cons
2. Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Designed with glutes, back, legs, arms, and abs in mind, the Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine allows for a full body explosion by way of rowing. Designed with a manual adjustable knob, this durable steel frame can bear up to 250 pounds in user weight. Measuring 50″ x 36.22″ x 20″ and weighing 34 pounds, the rower is easy to move about the room. With an easy to read LCD monitor, users can check their stats as they upload. This rower also comes with a pivoting footplates and safety straps designed to fit any size of foot.
Read the Full Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine Review
Pros
Cons
3. Stamina 1333 Rower
Looking for compact, basic, and dirt cheap? That’s Stamina’s strong suit, and the 1333 Rower is one of many examples from the brand that will tick those boxes without fail. Is it any good? Well, that really depends on what you’re looking to get out of a rowing machine. Units like this won’t give you that real-world rowing feel. The mechanics of your motions will feel a bit clunky and awkward, you’ll still get a workout. The advantages here are really cost and size, and that’s about it. For the occasional user that wants something more than nothing, is tight on space, and is on a shoestring budget? It might be passable for you.
Read the Full Stamina 1333 Rower Review