Customer Reviews

Stamina 1205 Precision Rower

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

I bought a used rower years ago and came to work it several times a week. I'm a busy person, so I don't have time for a sophisticated work out routine. I just want to work one machine for both strength and aerobic training. Rowing is great for this purpose. When I broke my rower, I started shopping. Unfortunately, even used rowers are over $100. I struggled with this model versus the smaller ones that stand up vertically for easy storage. I couldn't find any reviews on this that addressed the storage question. Finally, I chose it because it didn't look like I could break it from normal usage, whereas the kind that fold nicely seem flimsy.

Pros:
- This machine is very sturdy. It's solid, stable, and does not rock at all when in use.
- It is amazingly quiet. The only sound is the whisper of the pistons. I can use it with the TV on normal volume.
- The seat is very comfortable. I sat on it for 30 minutes the first time with no discomfort.

Cons:
- It does not fold, collapse, or stand up vertically. It just sits on the floor. It would be very awkward to try to store it under a bed. Don't lift the back end too far or the plug for the timer will bend. This is why it only has 4 stars.
- The front bumper pads are just stuck on. You can't drag it backwards without them popping off. The back ones also just sit on there, but they face sideways, so they won't come off.
- The instructions were difficult. My wife and I kept flipping back and forth in the manual to figure out to which bolt each step of the direction referred.

The work out was great. I really like using this machine. I only wish I had a better place to put it when I'm not using it.

Probably one of the best rowers I've ever used.
It was easy to assembly, and looks and feels really solid.
Lots of adjustment in the "power level" - from really easy to really hard.
I'm 6' and it is definitely large enough (will easily work for taller people as well). My wife is 5'3", and she finds it easy to use too.
Highly recommended.

I had one of these similar many years ago and let it go at a garage sale. Dumb idea! As I get older, this Stamina machine has replaced it and is giving me all the exercise I need. Good to set in front of the tv and row for 30 minutes, I've gone from a size 40 to a size 36 waist. I like the hydraulic part of it and the adjustability.

The first month I had this rower was great. Very smooth, lots of resistence, quiet, etc. I used it 6 days a week for 30-45 minutes a day.

Then, the squeaks came. Very loud creaks and squeaks that were hard on the ears. I have to keep a can of WD40 nearby when I use it to lubricate the joints periodically, and even then, there are some noises that are coming from inside the shocks that I cannot lubricate.

Then, the seat guides started disintegrating. The plastic wheels under seat actually have cracks and pits forming in them, which gives a very choppy, loud and bumpy travel of the seat. Not smooth at all.

Then, the left shock started going flat and losing resistence. There would be no resistence until the shock was pulled half-way back. This makes for a difficult row, when you have your right arm with constant resistence and your left arm with no resistence, but then sudden resistence at some point.

I emailed Stamina, and they are sending me replacement parts under warranty. From what I have read here, however, I feel the uneven wear of the shocks is something that will persist, and it also sounds like the seat guides are not made that well either. Thus, I expect to have similar problems in the future.

For the money, it is a good deal, and a good chance to experiment with rowing to see if you like it. If you want to stick with it and row more intensely, however, you should go for a non-hydraulic rower and use one that uses water or wind for more even resistence.

I thought the packaging, instructions, ease of assembly were adequate and nothing too difficult.

I bought this based on the reviews here and the price. I needed something small, quiet and effective - and this one is all of them.

It took awhile to put together and, because it came partially assembled, I was looking for parts that I thought were missing.

As far as Stamina's customer service is concerned, when one of the shocks started to slip (not offer resistance)- I e-mailed my replacement order on a Thursday evening (covered by warranty) via their website and the new part arrived on the following Tuesday.

I'd buy another one of these anytime.

I first purchased this same rower over 20 years ago as therapy for a back and shoulder injury. It helped a great deal to aid in healing and regaining full strength on both sides of my body as each rowing arm is separately adjustable. After a year's use, I was probably in the best physical condition of my life. Unfortunately, I sold it when I felt I no longer needed it. I now have the need to exercise again (old age and not enough exercise) and was delighted to see this rower was still available. I received it quickly (love Amazon), it assembled in less than an hour and I am back to rowing. Great rower for the price!!!

Bought this rower in lieu of joining a gym. Rowing exercises several muscle groups throughout the body, and does good for cardio as well. An hour after opening up the box, I had the unit together, so I would judge it easy to assemble. The little computer that comes with the rower is easy to use, though you could just ignore it and still use the rower...it's just a monitoring device. Ease-of-rowing settings are set by easy-to-set manual sliders. Nothing seems fragile in the design or construction, so I expect this rower to last for quite some time.

This Rower is terrific for the $. It is quiet,lightweight but sturdy,and easy to move. The directions have a few flaws : one flaw: when they tell you to turn the Rower over..they keep their diagrams up...gets dicey until you realize that little fact.Be sure to notice the adjustment markings on the arms..and assemble the markings upwards and facing the back of the Rower. When you put the straps on the footpads...the velcro faces outside of the footpad....other than that you should have no problem with assembly...The instructions clearly identify the hardware..the diagrams are crisp...Should only take a couple of hours. I am a 61yr old female..and I did it in 3hrs...but could have done it in 2hrs if I had known the above info !!

Great machine, adjustable for different fitness levels, and easy assembly. Not too heavy and stores under the bed. Wonderful addition to my home gym. This single machine works several muscle groups for a great full body workout that does not cause injury to joints. I love it!

Worked well at the beginning but both shocks lost tension in little over 3 months of regular use. Manufacturer charges full price for replacement because warranty is only 3 months. Overall quality and durability not up to mark expected from exercise equipment.