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Crafted from sturdy wood, the Trunk Water Rowing Machine boasts superior quality and several excellent features, such as a dynamic resistance system, a decent monitor, and a whisper-quiet belt drive – a remarkable feature for a rowing machine within its price range.
It features a dynamic resistance system which means that there are no predetermined resistance levels to manually adjust; instead, resistance is determined by the strength of your pull and rowing pace. Therefore, it has infinite resistance levels, which makes it one of the favorites among rowing enthusiasts.
Its ergonomic design, from the foot-board, and seat, to the comfortable anti-slip handles make it easy and fun to operate. It’s definitely a machine worth serious consideration and we want to explore everything this foldable rowing machine has to offer, as well as its drawbacks.
Product specifications:
- Dimensions: 82”L x 22”W x 20”H
- Weight: 64lb
- Resistance: Water
- Maximum user height: 6’5”
- Storage: Vertical or folding
- Maximum weight capacity: 330lb
- Frame: Wood
Just like rowing an actual rower in the outdoors
The dynamic resistance imitates the feel of actual outdoor rowing. The resistance increases as you row faster and harder, just like rowing an actual rowboat. Moreover, since it’s a water rower, you can hear the soothing whooshing sound as the paddles push through the water in the tank.
Is the Trunk Water Rower noisy?
No, although you can hear the water moving in the tank, water resistance systems are one of the quietest systems available. In fact, most rowing enthusiasts prefer water resistance because of its natural soothing sound.
Key features of the Trunk Water Rowing Machine:
Belt drive system:
The Trunk Water Rowing Machine features a belt drive system which is quieter than the chain drives that come with air rowers. This rower comes with premium quality rollers and ball bearings which glide effortlessly across the rail, keeping the rowing motion smooth and the noise to a minimum.
This foldable rowing machine can be conveniently used in shared houses or apartments without disturbing those around you.
The quiet belt drive, dynamic resistance system, and the whooshing sound of the paddles and water in the tank ensure a quiet, smooth rowing experience.
Build and stability:
This foldable mid-level rower weighs just 63lb, compared to heavy rowers which can weigh 100lb+. Its weight is fair for the price range and it ensures that the machine will always be firmly planted on the ground.
Additionally, wood rowers usually have a low COG (center of gravity) compared to other rower types, which helps maintain stability while rowing. The Trunk comes with four rubber feet to protect floors from scratches and prevent slips during your rowing sessions.
The contoured seat is also an excellent stability feature that provides support and prevents your but from sliding during the push phase. The seat padding is made from premium high-density foam that is neither too hard nor too soft to be off-putting.
LCD Monitor
The LCD offers a touch beyond most monitors on rowers we’ve seen in this price bracket as it is equipped with a decent goal-setting feature. This allows you to set realistic goals for your rowing workouts based on distance, time, etc. Moreover, it comes with a wireless heart rate monitor, a priceless feature for people who want to train within a chosen heart rate range. However, the HR chest strap must be purchased separately.
The monitor is large and easy to read. It runs on batteries so you don’t have to use a power outlet. The LCD monitor also keeps track of workout stats such as the number of strokes rate, 500M split time, distance rowed, time, and includes Bluetooth.
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Folding storage
The trunk offers a vertical storage option as well as a foldable version of this rowing machine. The foldable version is designed to fold to 50% of its original footprint, making it a great space-saving option.
When stored upright, the Trunk Water Rower requires just 0.3 square meters.
Relatively easy assembly
Assembling the Trunk Rower is not super easy as it is a relatively larger machine but the complicated components such as the resistance systems and drive come pre-assembled.
You need to attach the front of the machine to the rail, connect the footrests, the seat to the rail, the phone holder, and the LCD fitness monitor. Tools and detailed instructions for the assembly process are provided.
Are there any other features worth mentioning?
Keep in mind that the Trunk Water Rowing Machine is a bit large so it’s essential to make sure that you have ample space to use the rower comfortably before buying.
However, when it comes to rowing machines large is great because it usually comes with a longer rail. With a 40-inch inseam, the Trunk comes with one of the longest rails. It can accommodate users up to 6’5” and 330lb, making it a great option for large users.
The Trunk also features in-built transportation wheels, so you just need to tilt and roll to move it around.
Pros and Cons – TRUNK Water Rower
Pros
- The study build supports a max of 330lb
- Ideal for all fitness levels
- Dynamic water resistance system designed to mimic outdoor rowing
- Aesthetically appealing wood rower complements any interior home décor
- A contoured seat helps prevent slipping in the drive phase
- Smooth maintenance-free belt drive
- Long rail designed to accommodate larger users (up to 6’5”)
- Features in-built transport wheels
- The monitor includes goal setting, pulse rate monitoring, and Bluetooth
Cons
- The heart rate chest strap must be bought separately
The bottom line
There are very few foldable wood rowers in this price range worth considering and the Trunk Wood Rower is definitely one of them. Although the build quality is not commercial grade, this rower is very decent considering the price. It is perfect for any home gym, and since extra water can be added to the tank, even avid rowers will find adequate resistance from this rowing machine. Overall, the Trunk Foldable Solid Wood Rower is well-built and requires very little maintenance.
