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BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine

List price: $840.00
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Product Details

Binding: Sports
Brand: Bodycraft
Label: BodyCraft
Dimension: 0.3 x 68 x 0.26 inches
Manufacturer: BodyCraft
Model: VR100
Publisher: BodyCraft
Release Date: March 06, 2008
Studio: BodyCraft

Features and Descriptions

Sturdy rowing machine with 6 resistance levels (1 air resistance and 5 air and magnetic resistance)
Contoured ergonomic seat glides along precision-bearing rollers to ensure smooth performance
Aircraft-grade aluminum and steel frame; 44 inches of travel from pedals to accommodate different heights
Adjustable (height and angle) console tracks your time, distance, strokes, calories burned, and heart rate
Folds up for easy storage; measures 17 x 22 x 68 inches (W x H x D); lifetime frame warranty

Ratings & Comments(Average: 4.0

)

- I know I'm going against the grain, but it's really worthless
Don't be fooled by its slick appearance: Whoever designed this machine has no clue about rowing.

To row the standard 2000m distance on the BodyCraft VR100 takes EXACTLY two hundred and twenty strokes. It does not matter if you take 220 long, powerful strokes or 220 stunted, one-foot strokes; the computer always displays 2 km. Nor is it responsive to resistance. 220 strokes at the highest resistance level gives you 2 km, as it does at the very lowest resistance level. Also, according to the computer, you burn .6 calories for every stroke; it does not matter if they are long and laborious or short and effortless. Clearly, the manufacturers installed a dummy computer to fool unwitting buyers - in no way does it measure power, like a real ergometer.

Thus, the exerciser has ALMOST NO CLUE about his performance and fitness. The computer is nothing more than a stroke counter and a clock. (The "stroke rate" indicator is fickle and nearly useless, and the "speed" is also made up. How can you measure speed without measuring power?)

What's left? A rolling seat with a handle. Perhaps this part of the unit could be worth, say, $300 - the construction looks solid. Some people can live without a computer, and just need something for a proper workout. But maddening quirks ensure the unit gives you nothing resembling an actual rowing experience. (Good indoor machines already have enough trouble in this regard.)

The foot braces: They swivel about and envelop the whole foot. On real boats and proper rowing machines, the feet are strapped onto a fixed plate. The strap holds down only the ball of the foot, allowing the heel to come up at the catch (when the rower is stretching forward, about to pull). Since the ball of the foot is fixed firmly to the boat, all the rower's energy flows into the boat when he begins the leg drive. On the BodyCraft, the entire foot pivots. How can you row with no fixed surface to push against?

The flywheel: It is mounted very close to the track, making it very easy to bump into at the catch. This is infuriating.

Resistance: The oars of a rowing shell at speed provide surprisingly little resistance - a high cadence is the key to going fast and getting a good cardio workout. Resistance on the BodyCraft is huge - only the bottom two resistance levels resemble anything like an actual boat, and poorly at that. Plus, a nearby electric fan was all it took to permanently increase the magnetic resistance on my VR100, making it even more useless.

Why waste $700 for this piece of junk? Buy a new or used Concept2.

- Athletic Trainer, RN, former collegiate athlete
Operation is smooth, resistance levels could be a bit more challenging, easy to assemble, if you actually just follow the steps, and you get out what you put into the workout.
I was going to purchase the Stamina ATS 1400, because I have used it before with good results, but after reading some of the shady reviews on it and finding a website created by a fitness professional who calls himself an exercise equipment expert (hint hint), I went with this rower, the vr100, which he recommends. Like this person, I have been to many gyms, and have beat myself up on plenty of machines. This is the only rower that I have used to date, that has not worsened my aching knees. Good buy assuming it makes to you in one piece through the shipping process!

- Everything I wanted in a Rowing Machine
I bought this rowing machine as my New Year's resolution to get back in shape and I hate jogging. I read lots of reviews. I needed something small and well built, but not too expensive. This was the perfect machine.

I keep it in my basement and even with the fan blowing, I can still hear my TV set 20ft away - and it's not blaringly loud. The seat slides smoothly on the rails. the pull in nice and even, and the computer works well, though I found that I sometimes had to push the connection back in to the back of the computer - guess it ocassionally vibrated out - that's the only comment even close to negative I'd have for this. After more than 100 hours on this machine, it still rides like the day I bought it and I still get a good workout and am not even at level 6 in intensity yet. (I'm a 50yr old woman who was in avg shape to start).

A few other pleasant surprises -

I only wear a size 6 shoe and the foot holders actually hold my feet down - though the strap does come over my toes and not further down. I tried other rowers and my feet were too short. My husband, who wears a size 10 !/2 shoe also had no problem.

Both of us get a good range of motion and workout - he at 5'10" and me at 4'11" - again, not something we usually find easily.

I didn't spend the money for the heart rate monitor. A few months after I purchased this machine, Costco was selling the Nike Women's heart rate monitor and watch for $50. I bought it, thinking I'd use the watch and monitor. To my surprise, the monitor was automatically discovered by the rowing machine computer and I see all my vitals right in front of me - I didn't have to do any setup.

There are no programming settings, so you're on your own for a workout, however, if you want a decent aerobic workout without putting on your shoes and heading out the door, this is a great find.

- A good product
Like Bodycraft stuff--a good product for the home. Not really built for commercial use but clearly does the job at home. The build is good enough neither creaky nor rock solid--the front end plastic--is just that plastic. The machine is not quiet--no unhealthy grating sounds, just a lot of wind noise. Computer is iffy--heartrate monitor doesn't work with the exercise--too much chest motion.

Still, unless you're some type of superathlete--this machine will do a very respectable conditioning job; of course you have to hold up your end of the bargain. I don't know if I can beleive the calorie count but I can burn 800 in 30 minutes at 45 strokes a minute--and machine recommends 60 to 70 strokes a minute.

So a reasonable machine for around the house. Not superb but very good.

- Simple, and a great workout
I needed a low impact workout that will still challenge me, that I can vary in intensity. A friend recommended this machine, and I'm thrilled with it.

Opening the box was daunting. The instructions include an exploded parts view with many, many parts that made the machine look very complex. In reality, though, it took about half an hour to assemble, I did it by myself, and the instructions were clear and simple so that I never had to back up and do something over again. All the tools were included.

If you're not in shape, get someone to help you move the box. It's big and clumsy, and one end is heavier than the other. Getting it in and out of the car, and up the steps was challenging. The box weighed about 75 pounds, I think. But the individual pieces are very manageable and easy to assemble.

Once together, this thing is a dream! The movement is very smooth, operating it is simple and straightforward, and the display is obvious. It's solidly built - doesn't rock, or move around on the floor, and is very quiet despite the fan. The fan is perfectly positioned to help keep you cool. The seat is comfortable and glides easily, and the pull is smooth and firm. Intensity adjustment is simple, obvious, and fine enough to accommodate varying fitness levels.

This piece of equipment is very near the gym quality machines I've used at a much lower price. I'm pleased, and will put this manufacturer at the top of my list when I'm looking for other pieces of equipment.

Product Highlights

BigPicture Personal Fitness

A virtual companion that helps you build a personal diet and exercise plan you can live and succeed with.

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine

BigPicture Personal Fitness
A virtual companion that helps you build a personal diet and exercise plan you can live and succeed with. learn more

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