Customer Reviews

Phoenix 98900 Power Rower

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

We were looking for a reasonably priced rowing machine and the MR 900 was one of the few reviewed. It has a tension adjustment knob at the base, so that you can increase your workout. The seat slides easily and the handlebar pulls back fine. As a smaller woman, I find the footpedal position a bit awkward and despite the velcro strip, I can't quite get the right fit. The other review that I saw for this machine also mentioned that the footpads were not as well placed as they might be. Phoenix could really improve their machine by allowing some adjustment in height and better width grip on this feature. The display is fine, but the calorie count seems off--either that or I'm just not working as hard as I think I am. I don't think it accounts for the quickness with which you pull or your body weight and might just be taking into account the tension, time, and number of pulls. Overall, I'm really pleased. My stomach, legs, and arms get a nice workout. I guess the trick is to emphasize using your back with your stomach and legs vs. forearms, which I am still trying to get used to. If you are concerned with noise, the seat motion causes no noise, but the air on the pull definitely does. If you've got an iPod or mp3 player it won't matter, though.

The Phoenix 98900 Power Rower is my first rowing machine and I am thinking that it is an near excellent choice for anyone seeking an entry-level rowing machine. The actual magnetic resistance rowing action on the Phoenix 98900 provides a constant movement that can be adjusted to accommodate differing levels of endurance and strenght (core and upper body), and the seat action guides almost silently on a silicon wheel carriage.

Subjectively, I also think that the Phoenix 98900 is of a sleek-looking design and it easily folds up to reduce the footprint size when it is not in use.

I now tend to use my Phoenix 98900 five days a week for 30+ minute sessions at the highest resistance setting (averaging 4 miles per hour and burning 110 calories per session and I can see the improvement to my abs and reduction of my "love handles") and I can honestly say that I look forward to using my Phoenix 98900 rowing machine.

The minor issues that I have with the Phoenix 98900 include:

a multi-paneled, digital display that is way too small to be easily read (unless you are perhaps a twenty-something and your vision is already 20/20) with display captions printed in white over a silver metallic background;

tacky, add-on stickers for the Phoenix 98900 that seem like a last-minute afterthought by the manufacturer (these stickers went directly into the trash can);

poor assembly instructions, particularly with the mounting to the "feet" (and I still have a part left over from the handle receiver that I have not yet figured out exactly where it is supposed to be attached to the Phoenix 98900);

poor cleaning instructions (be careful about how you are cleaning the seat rail as the silicon wheels will begin screeching if you apply the wrong household cleaners); and;

a somewhat limited resistance range for those individuals also engaged in upper-body strength weight training.

Having stated all of the aforementioned comments about the Phoenix 98900 rowing machine, I would strongly recommend this rowing exercise equipment for purchase by my family and friends.

I hate to come down on this rower so hard, but it just broke at the most inopportune time. I have had it for 2 years. It has been ok, but it has neither been as smooth, or quiet as I expected it to be based on its product description and maybe other reviews. I took it apart today to see why it stopped working (the nylon strap wouldn't retract anymore). Inside, there's a coiled spring that winds the strap after each pull. This spring broke, and to this point, I'm having a difficult time finding out if it's a replaceable part. Even if it is, i don't know if i'll be able to get it back together. I wanted to get a more expensive rower when i bought this one, but just didn't want to spend the money, now I'm regretting not doing that.

It puts together easy 25 min(foot pedals and seat). only used once so far its sturdy seems worth the $203. doesn't want to fold back up?(maybe I should read instructions)...(nah) oh yeah its quiet. I read many reviews before purchasing(amazon is best price) take the good comments and bad and believe somewhere in the middle. I'm happy with it. I'll try to update this if it breaks or is junk but so far so good.

This machine will definitely give you a workout. It has multiple settings for tension, so you can control the intensity of the workout. It folds away, but not easily - it's takes some time and it's awkward to handle so we just leave it out. For the price, it's GREAT!!!

No chance we'd buy this product again! On day 91 of ownership, the tension spring that retracts the cord snapped. And we weren't using the machine any harder than normal. Our Concept 2 is on the way.

This rowing machine is great for my needs.
Since having a stroke, it has really helped me to strenghthen my body. This type of rowing machine was highly recommened on the "stroke exercises" website and after using it I can understand why.

Maryann

I was hesitant in ordering the Phoenix 98900 Power Rower, however after shopping around decided for the price it was worth the risk. The unit is very effective for delivering and effective workout. The adjustable tension allows for my wife to use the machine as well. Although the unit is portable, we have decided to leave it set up. This unit is not professional grade; however it is effective for us. It has been a good add to our running and cycling workouts.

I was excited about this machine because of the price and high reviews I saw on another site, but it turned out to be a big disappointment. When it arrived I assembled it and afterwards noticed a crack in the plastic of the chain guard (the huge front piece). The machine was still usable and seemed like it would be ok with some duct tape, but I didn't want to start with a broken machine. So I had to disassemble it, box it up, drag it out of the basement and ship it back. Amazon was good about it and sent another one right away. When I opened that one, it had a crack on the same piece and broken foot pieces, which made the machine unusable. So once again, I had to box I all back up, drag it up the steps, and send it back. Amazon said they have resolved the issue, but I have decided to just wait and save for a quality machine that has only positive reviews, the Concept 2! If you try this one, I hope you don't have the same problems with shipping!

I bought this rower in December and after about 7 months of use the mechanism attaching the belt to the flywheel broke. I had enjoyed the machine and used it about 5 times a wheel. The machine is of a good size, and, with me being about 6'3'' in height, the long length made it possible for me to extend my legs fully. However, the flywheel was a bit noisy and the seat did not move as freely on the slide. I should have heeded the advice of one of the earlier reviewers who also had the belt break from the flywheel.