Since the Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine falls firmly in the budget category of rowers, you should not expect to find a full lineup of technological features. For many people shopping for a rower, the bells and whistles are not a major concern. The big question to answer is, can this product deliver an effective, full-body workout? This review will help you determine whether or not the Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine offers good value for its price.

Rowing Motion

There are some rowing machines out on the market that can truly provide you with a lifelike rowing motion. Unfortunately, those machines tend to be in a higher price range. The motion on the Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine is what you would expect from the budget category. It is smooth and comfortable, but without that lifelike feeling of being out on the water.

The machine is designed well enough to provide a safe, comfortable, and effective workout for anyone dealing with injuries or conditions in their joints.

Comfort

The Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine is surprisingly comfortable for a budget rower. The well-padded, polyurethane seat should provide ample support for those long rowing sessions. This is not something you can say about every machine on the market. Oversized footplates with adjustable straps also add to the overall comfort of this product.

Resistance

Many budget rowing machines use wind resistance systems. The Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine is one of the few that has a magnetic resistance system. Many users find that they prefer the adjustability and the quietness of magnetic systems. Users report that this machine is capable of delivering a highly challenging workout at the highest levels of resistance and that the lower levels are still well-suited to someone starting out with a new exercise regimen.

Computer Console

The LCD monitor is capable of tracking and displaying speed, distance, and calories burned. This is a relatively small amount of data to track, and it appears the calories counter is inaccurate. When you throw in the fact that the LCD screen is small and hard to read, it is clear that Phoenix did not put much focus on this feature.

Assembly and Storage

The Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine is of average weight for this type of product, so it is not especially difficult for one person to handle the assembly. Very few users have reported difficulty during assembly.

A foldable frame and storage wheels combine to make this product extremely easy to store. This might be one of the best features if you are dealing with limited space.

Warranty

The 98900 comes with a one-year frame warranty and a 90-day parts warranty.

Dimensions

The dimensions are 81.5 x 24 x 26.4 inches when fully assembled and 26 x 24.4 x 62.2 inches when folded. The 98900 weighs 81 pounds.

User Reviews

Reviews have leaned more toward the negative side. With an average rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars from more than 30 reviews on Amazon, it is clear that customers have plenty to complain about. Having said that, there are some positives that consistently get mentioned. These include the low price of this machine, the effectiveness of the workout experience, and the magnetic resistance system.

Any Complaints?

There are several complaints lodged by users on the Amazon product page. The most serious seems to be persistent reports of damaged parts in the shipping box. If you cannot be confident you are going to receive a fully functioning product, it is hard to follow through on a purchase. Other reviewers have pointed out that this rower emits some loud creaks and squeaks.

Final Recommendation

In general, the axiom ‘you get what you pay for’ definitely applies to exercise equipment. The Phoenix 98900 Power Rowing Machine is one clear case of a budget-friendly piece of equipment that has made some obvious compromises in order to keep its price down. If you are simply looking for a cheap, entry-level rower, this product does have something to offer. Otherwise, you should look elsewhere.

No video reviews found for this product.