MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine Review + My Verdict
MaxKare is known throughout the home fitness industry as a company that provides high quality fitness equipment at a price that is affordable for most budgets. Previously, I reviewed the MaxKare indoor water rower which I classified as a ‘you get what you pay for’ home water rower. The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine is very much similar to the water resistance version, there are certainly some things to like about the magnetic resistance machine when comparing the two. The frame and slide rail are both made of solid steel, and yet the MaxKare Magnetic Rower has a disappointing maximum user weight capacity of only 243 lbs. This is low even for an entry-level model, so understandably if you need a higher weight capacity, check out the Merax Magnetic Indoor Rower which can accommodate up to about 300 lbs at a similar price point.
One feature I always like to highlight when it comes to indoor rowing machines, is the ability for users to fold the frame when the machine is not in use. The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine does come with a foldable frame, which cuts the total length of the machine from 76.4” to 37.4”. The frame basically folds up in half so you will have to deal with an increased height of 42.3” compared to about half that size when the machine is in use. In total, the MaxKare magnetic rowing machine weighs 64 lbs when shipped and 61.7 lbs when fully assembled, making it one of the lighter machines on the market.
The magnetic resistance system is what I think puts the MaxKare Magnetic rower slightly above its water resistance sibling. MaxKare has included 16 levels of fully adjustable magnetic resistance, which can be varied using the convenient resistance dial that is located under the monitor. Magnetic resistance rower is often preferred by those who enjoy silent workouts and the smooth magnetic flywheel provides a more fluid stroke when compared to water resistance rowers or air resistance indoor rowers. With the 16 levels of resistance, MaxKare provides a broader range of workout difficulties compared to the Joroto M35 Magnetic Rower which provides 10 levels of resistance and the Merax Magnetic Rower which only provides 8.
If you like technology and connected fitness machines, then the MaxKare Magnetic Rower may disappoint. It comes with a fairly standard digital display panel where you can keep track of things like time, strokes, calories burned, and total strokes. Don’t expect to be able to sync your smartphone or other connected device with the MaxKare Magnetic Rower since it has no Bluetooth connectivity. At this price point, it’s rare to find a rowing machine with integrated connectivity. I can suggest taking a look at the ShareVgo SRM1000 magnetic rower, which does come with Bluetooth connection and a dedicated fitness app.
Some assembly is required for the MaxKare magnetic rowing machine, but there does not seem to be much difficulty and should take the average person about 30-45 minutes to complete. MaxKare does offer 24/7 customer support through its website so you can definitely feel free to reach out to them if you are having any difficulties. In terms of shipping, MaxKare has a dedicated site but interestingly enough you cannot order the machine from there. It acts more as a catalogue than a consumer facing eCommerce site. Just make it easy on yourself and order the MaxKare magnetic rower off of Amazon for fast and free shipping.
The warranty is actually one thing that stands out about MaxKare compared to other entry level models. MaxKare offers a full 24 month warranty on any defective parts, as well as a full 30-day money back guarantee. Finally, you may be wondering about the price of the MaxKare magnetic rowing machine. At just $239.99, it’s hard to beat the MaxKare magnetic rower as one of the best values in the indoor rowing machine market. If you are looking to add a quality machine to your home gym and want to stick to a budget, the MaxKare magnetic rowing machine is the perfect model for you!
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine Pros
- Rock bottom price is friendly for any budget
- 16 levels of fully adjustable magnetic resistance
- Solid steel frame and slide rail
- Foldable frame makes storage easy
- Transport wheels for easy mobility
- Water bottle holder
- Easy assembly and fast shipping through Amazon
- Good warranty for an entry-level model
- Non slip handlebars
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine Cons
- No connected technology options
- Very low maximum user weight capacity
- 45” inseam may not be long enough for some users
- Monitor is extremely limited
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
