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A budget rower can be a great addition to any home gym. The YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine is an excellent example of an affordable rowing machine. It’s within the “budget” range, but, does its quality match the price?
This in-depth review explores all the important details of the YOSUDA Rowing Machine to determine whether it’s really worth buying. This will help you understand its pros and cons, features and specifications, design flaws, as well as how it compares to other rowers in the same price bracket.
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Product specifications
- Resistance mechanism: Magnetic
- Max weight capacity: 350lb
- Frame material: Alloy steel
- Assembled dimensions: 74.8”L x 27”W x 8.25”H
- Shipping dimensions: 48.5”L x 25.5”W x 9.5”H
- Assembled weight: 60lb
- Shipping weight: 49.4lb
- Display type: LCD
- Number of batteries required: 2AAA batteries (included)
Assembly
The YOSUDA Rowing Machine absolutely excels when it comes to assembly. Most of the components come preassembled and you only need to put together a few screws/bolts. The assembly process only takes about 30 minutes and you’re ready to row. It comes with detailed instructions (instructional video and accompanying manual) to help you complete assembly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Well-built and sturdy
- Incredibly easy to fold for storage
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Good height and weight capacity
- Features Smartphone or tablet holder
- The extremely easy assembly process
Cons
- The monitor is rather simple with minimal training data displayed
- Resistance may seem mediocre to seasoned rowers
Key features and specifications – Yosuda Rower
Magnetic resistance mechanism
The YOSUDA Rowing Machine features magnetic resistance that utilizes a metal flywheel and magnets to create resistance. This means that the metal flywheel spins and interacts with the magnets when you pull the handle.
The magnets are close to the flywheel which makes it harder to spin the wheel when you pull on the handle. Therefore, you can easily adjust the magnetic resistance by adjusting the knob or dial to change the metal’s proximity to the magnets.
Magnetic resistance allows you to row slowly or fast, but the resistance changes only when the dial is adjusted. The difficulty level can be adjusted mid-workout, making it easier or harder without interrupting your workout session.
The YOSUDA Rowing machine comes with 8 levels of resistance. However, all levels produce minimal noise because the flywheel never makes contact with the magnet.
As a result, magnetic rowers are among the least noisy types of rowing machines. It is therefore ideal for use in apartments or shared homes without worrying about disturbing your next-door neighbors.
One of the main downsides of magnetic resistance is that some users find that even the highest difficulty level on magnetic rowing machines does not generate enough resistance for a solid workout. Moreover, magnetic resistance does not replicate the resistance you feel rowing in the outdoors.
Despite its shortcomings, with magnetic resistance, you can expect a rower that is quiet, smooth, and sturdy enough to give you an intense workout.
Control Panel/Monitor
The YOSUDA Rowing Machine features a compact, simple monitor that displays workout data including:
- Stroke count
- Calories burnt
- Distance
- Time
- Total stroke
The scan button allows you to set the display to switch between metrics, so you can keep track of the details without interrupting your rowing session. The in-built monitor is set at a perfect viewing angle and it features large numbers that are easily visible from any rowing position.
The monitor also includes a stand for holding your tablet or Smartphone. This is a great feature for people who like listening to music or watching their favorite TV shows while rowing. However, the simple LCD monitor does not incorporate more advanced functionality and tracking capabilities such as pre-set workout modes and heart rate count. Although The YOSUDA monitor is basic, it’s what is expected on a budget model and is perfectly in line with other rowers in this price bracket.
Build quality
If you want to be motivated to row for longer periods of time, then you need a comfortable rowing machine that can handle intense use without causing injury or developing mechanical issues. The YOSUDA Rower features a very sturdy and solid frame built using premium commercial-quality alloy steel.
The foot pedals and frame are built from strong plastic that many users seem happy about. The rower itself is extremely stable as it features thick legs extending from the frame to give the machine a wider base. You can rest assured it won’t jump, rock, shift, or twist even during the most intense rowing sessions.
To maximize stability, the YOSUDA comes with “balance regulators” on the legs that can be easily screwed or unscrewed to make sure the rower is extremely stable even on rough/uneven surfaces. The simple Velcro foot straps seem a little cheap but should be easy to replace in case anything happens.
Thankfully, the YOSUDA Rower does not have some of the construction and design flaws commonly found in lower-end rowers. In fact, many users seem quite happy with the sturdiness and build quality of the YOSUDA Rowing Machine.
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Comfort
In addition to delivering a comfortable, smooth towing stroke, the YOSUDA is mostly free of irritating noises. The non-slip handle is made from sturdy metal but is easy to grip due to the foam padding. The seat is significantly larger than most of its competitors, hence perfect for heavier and larger users.
The thick seat padding is surprisingly soft with ergonomic contours that keep your butt comfortably planted on the seat even during the most intense rowing sessions.
Storage
The YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine really shines when it comes to storage. It can be easily folded up and stored in a vertical position. It also features caster wheels at the front, making it easy to move out of the way and store away after use.
The machine has a 4 square feet footprint, which means it is perfectly sized for any gym, garage, or living room setup.
Capacity
The YOSUDA has a max weight capacity of 350lb, which is slightly higher than average. Its sturdy steel frame ensures that it can handle larger and heavier users without rocking, creaking, or shifting. The rower has a 49.2” rail and can accommodate users up to 6’6” tall.
More information on the best affordable rowing machines HERE!
The bottom line
The YOSUDA Magnetic Rower is one of the best budget models we’ve reviewed. Despite its few shortcomings, it offers great comfort, is well-built, and delivers good quality considering its reasonably low price.
Keep in mind that most of its issues are commonplace to budget machines (quality control issues, simplistic monitors, or magnetic rowing machines (low resistance).
