Xterra ERG700 Magnetic and Air Rower Review
If you are having difficulties trying to choose which type of indoor rowing machine would suit you best, why not try the Xterra ERG700 which offers both air and magnetic resistance. Why does a rowing machine need two types of resistance? Magnetic rowers are smooth and silent, which are ideal for working out at home or in an office. Air turbine rowers provide realistic resistance that mimics rowing a real life boat. With both forms of resistance on the Xterra ERG700, users get 16 levels of fully controllable resistance that provides a challenging workout for beginners and avid rowers alike.
The Xterra ERG700 may look imposing upon first sight, but the machine is ergonomically designed to provide full extensions to users when going through the rowing motions. The frame is made of solid steel and provides a very impressive maximum user weight capacity of 350 lbs. Compared to other magnetic rower models like the NordicTrack RW200 which only has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, the Xterra ERG700 is made for users of all sizes in mind.
The Xterra ERG700 is definitely one of the longest rowing machines on the market as it measures out at 97” L x 18” W x 38” H. In my opinion, eight feet in length is a bit excessive for a home fitness machine and I can understand if you don’t have the space to use it. If you need a more compact rowing machine, I suggest checking out the Joroto M35 Magnetic Rower which is two feet shorter than the ERG700. If you have the space to use the ERG700, storage is a little easier given the fact that Xterra has made this model with a folding frame, a feature that I love for rowing machines given the need for larger frames.
Xterra provides users with a 5.5” fully backlit blue LCD screen that does provide users with real time data like program info, elapsed time, stroke count, distance, calories, resistance level, and heart rate. What the console does not provide users with is any sort of Bluetooth connection where they can integrate their smartphone or other connected device. If the Xterra ERG700 were an entry level machine, I think I could forgive this. But for the price you pay, I would definitely expect some sort of Bluetooth integration or at least a better monitor. That alone makes me lean towards a connected machine like any of the NordicTrack RW models, or even the Women’s Health/Men’s Health Bluetooth magnetic rower.
The heart and soul of any indoor rowing machine is its resistance system. The dual resistance format of the Xterra Fitness ERG700 rower provides the smooth pull of the magnetic flywheel, while also adding in the additional bonus of the controlled air resistance levels. The Xterra ERG700 is much quieter than a water resistance machine, and the manual adjustment of resistance levels is a major benefit. Given that the ERG700 has the dual resistance system, it should come as no surprise that it is heavier than your typical magnetic rower. At 80.9 lbs, the Xterra ERG700 is heavier than most of its peers, but a sturdy base built in wheels help make moving the machine around much less of a chore.
Xterra is a trusted name in the home fitness equipment industry and it backs up its products with a solid lifetime warranty for the frame and 5-year warranty for the parts. While you can absolutely order this model from the official Xterra website, the company estimates that it will take at least 1-2 weeks to reach your home. If you want it faster, Amazon is a solution for fast, free shipping especially if you have a Prime membership. Finally, I left the most important piece of information for last: the price. The Xterra ERG700 is priced like a premium machine without a lot of the premium features. At $1,399 on the Xterra website, the ERG 700 is a high quality machine with a price tag that seems a little too steep.
Xterra Fitness ERG700 Rower Pros
Solid steel frame with aluminum seat rail
Can accommodate up to 350 lbs
Dual resistance system with 16 levels of resistance
Great warranty from Xterra
5.5” blue LCD backlit monitor
Manually adjustable resistance levels
The frame is foldable for easy storage
Xterra Fitness ERG700 Rower Cons
A bit overpriced
No Bluetooth or WiFi connections
No smartphone or table integration
The machine is too long for at home usage, even with the foldable frame
At just over 80 lbs, it is a hefty and cumbersome machine to move around
Conclusion
The Xterra ERG700 gets high marks from me for its innovative design, dual resistance system, and overall premium rowing experience. What I don’t love is a lack of technology and the premium price tag that Xterra charges. Although the pros far outweigh the cons for the Xterra ERG700, the overall size of the machine is also concerning considering most people may not have eight feet of space to operate the rower. At this price, I’d highly recommend the NordicTrack RW500 as a comparable experience with added technology from an iconic fitness brand. The Xterra ERG700 is nice, but for the value there are other magnetic rowers on the market that give you a better bang for your buck.
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.
