This Dynamic R1 Pro Rower is a great rower that is both a magnetic and air resistance rower.
If you are looking for a rower that has strong resistance then this rower that is both air and magnetic resistant will be a great pick for you.
It has 16 levels that resistance can be adjusted to so that makes it suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages.
This rower offers a low impact full body workout that is smooth and quiet.
In as much as this rower has great reviews one still has to question if its value is worth its price. Well, that is exactly what I will be explaining in this review.
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Resistance Type
This rower is both a magnetic and an air resistance rower.
It provides the best of both resistance types.
An air rower works in such a way that once the handle is drawn, the flywheel spins and the fan blades in it produce wind. Resistance is created when the flywheel spins.
The more you row, the more wind you produce and the more wind you produce, the harder it is to row because you increase the resistance.
A magnetic rower works almost the same way by drawing the handle and the flywheel spinning. In the flywheel, the magnet moves close of far away from the flywheel so less or more resistance is created.
There are lots of benefits to combining these two types of resistance and will explain them below.
Benefits of Resistance
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower has a smooth and sturdy stroke that comes from both air and magnetic resistance.
It offers 16 adjustable resistance levels that are controlled on the multiple function monitor.
The fact that this is a dual resistance rower, it is quieter than most air rowers.
The combination of both magnetic and air brings about a great resistance. The faster you row the more the resistance on air rowers where as a constant resistance is maintained by a magnetic rower irrespective of one’s speed.
This means that you get the most power from air and the less power from magnetic which means you generally get a great resistance from other single resistant rowers.
According to customer reviews, the strength of resistance from the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower is even greater than that of the Concept2 Model D.
Complaints on Resistance
It’s a shame that some of the benefits of resistance on the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower can also be viewed as complaints.
Magnetic rowers are not noisy and with the added air resistance they obviously become a bit noisier. This is not a problem however for those that are okay with air rowers, it however is for those that are used to magnetic rowers that are not noisy.
The noise that the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower produces is not enough to be heard outside or in another room but it still produces some noise.
This rower has to have a power source for the monitor to work as well as power up the magnetic resistance. It’s not a big deal but if the monitor breaks, the rower cannot function properly meaning you cannot adjust resistance so your rower will have to be serviced.
Recovery Discrepancy
This is neither a benefit nor a complaint but the strong resistance on this rower comes with causes a difference in recovery performance. In case you don’t understand what that means, kindly read on as I explain further.
When you are rowing on an air rower, the flywheel spins. When you recover to do another stroke, you slow down because of the air creating resistance but the flywheel is still spinning. When you proceed to your next stroke resistance feels light and smooth.
This is what resistance on water feels like. As you row a boat, the oars move the boat forward through the water. When you do recover and want to do another stroke, your boat still moves forward. It may slow down as you progress from one stroke to the next but it still moves forward making each stroke feel lighter.
This functionality does not exist on the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower because it has an extra magnetic resistance. When you do one stroke, the magnetic resistance slows down the flywheel even more which makes your stroke heavier. The strokes make one feel as though the boat is stopping every time.
The difference comes in when one is comparing the distance they cover per the number of strokes and split times. This means on air rowers such as the Concept2 one will cover more distance with lower strokes and have a low split time. The reason is because one travels a longer distance during the recovery phase.
If you love strong resistance then this should not be a problem to you but if you usually compare racing times then your racing times will be inaccurate because of the resistance.
Summary
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower offers great resistance that most people enjoy.
If you want strong resistance the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower is a good pick. The recovery discrepancy can be set to the lowest level to make the rower function more air resistant.
If what you are looking for is comparison of time, spot on race data and also compete with other rowers then you are better off buying the Concept2 Model D Rower.
Monitor
The monitor on the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower displays: Strokes per minute, watts, calories, time, distance, split time, pulse, resistance levels and strokes.
All of the listed data is displayed on its own window. The monitor is also backlit and is adjustable so it is easy to use in many conditions. This data is controlled by the use of 6 buttons: enter, up, down, recovery, start/stop and reset.
It is powered by a 6v/1000mA adapter that is easily usable in any power outlet in the house.
Monitor Modes
This monitor has race modes as well as manual modes, 12 pre-set programs, watts control, 5 different user profiles, 5 target heart rate percentages and a recovery function. It’s a good thing they offer many training options.
- User mode: One can select amongst five user programs to be stored on the monitor for different target goals.
- Manual mode: Pick which functions you want to target such as calories, time and distance then start rowing until you achieve your goal.
- Watts mode: Choose the watt level you want to maintain and also other exercise levels.
- Profile mode: Depending on fitness metrics you can choose between 12 different profiles.
- HRC mode: Pick the heart rate you want throughout the workout that should be maintained.
- Race mode: make a race created off split time and distance then compete with the computer.
If you wish, you can purchase a heart rate monitor for the recovery mode as well as any other thig that needs ones pulse.
A heart rate monitor that is 5KHz frequency will do just fine, such as the Polar H7 Heart Rate Monitor.
Summary
The monitor on the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower has good features and is perfect for keeping track of your workout progress.
Build Quality
This rower is fairly decent when it comes to its build quality.
The seat rail is made of aluminium and it supports large users thus there were no complaints of it breaking or falling apart.
The nylon strap on the handle is durable and can with stand long rowing sessions. The seat, food pedals and straps are also durable and good quality.
There were no negative remarks from users about this rowers build quality so I guess it’s all good.
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Comfort
In as much as there was very little information on build quality, I was able to get very good reviews on the comfort of the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower. Most of the time, good comfort reviews equate to good build quality.
This rowers has a large comfy seat that slides along the aluminium set rail smoothly. The seat also relieves one from any pressure that leads to back pain and one reviewer went ahead to say that is soft but built to last.
People with joint related problems can get on and off the seat easily because it sits 19.5 inches from the ground.
It has a soft handle that has a comfortable grip as well as the nylon strap that eradicates noise emission during rowing.
The foot pedals are large enough to be adjusted and accommodate various shoe sizes.
Generally, this rower has a smooth and sturdy stroke.
Storage
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower can be easily stored and reduced in size when not in use.
It’s as easy as pulling the quick lock pin, folding the seat rail upwards and allowing the pin to lock in place.
This process takes about 5 seconds to do and undo.
The rower also features caster wheels which make it easier to move around.
Capacity
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower is large in capacity and fits almost all user sizes.
The company that handles customer service plus warranties, Golden Designs Inc. says on their website that the maximum weight per user is 300 lbs.
But, the manual that also has the same company as the contact says the maximum is 396lbs.
This means the rower can even withstand 400lbs but I am sure the company just wants to minimize the number of warranty claims by stating a lighter user weight.
Velocity fitness makes the same rower and says the weight limit is 350lbs.
I am sure the rower can handle up to 400lbs but your warranty will be voided if anything happens to your rower.
According to a little chat I had with Golden Design Inc., if you are up to 6’6 you can use this rower with ease.
The Dynamic R1 Pro Rower has no height limit for short people.
Dimensions
Assembled Dimensions:
- 0″ x 17.7″ x 42.6″ (L x W x H)
Folded Dimensions:
- 8″ x 17.8″ x 62.5″ (L x W x H)
Weight:
- 83 lbs.
Assembly
When it comes to putting the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower together, it can become a bit confusing but easy to manage.
It has 8 steps to it and what is confusing is the diagram and how to follow it.
There is a user that says it’s easier to lay down all the parts and put them together but I strongly advise against this.
Just take your time and follow the instructions carefully. In less than an hour you will be finished with the set up.
To put everything together you need a screw driver, an allen wrench and a 14mm open wrench. Â Its better to have this tools on hand because I could not find them listed on the manual.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower
Advantages
- Combination of magnetic and air resistance rower
- Easily foldable for storage
- 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
- Large capacity
- Very strong resistance
- Quieter than air rowers
- Vast functioning monitor
Disadvantages
- Short Warranty
- Monitor data varies a lot from industry standard
- Low customer feedback and sales
- More options in this price range that are better
- Recovery discrepancy may give incorrect data
Customer Reviews
This rowers has very few reviews meaning not many people are buying it. If many people are not buying it, it means they are buying other rowers.
If you really look for reviews on this rower, you will get them but under the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower which is the same rower for a cheaper price.
This is why it has less reviews. The Concept2 Model D is also cheaper and it’s the best-selling rower till date.
Although there are those who still purchase this rower and give it high ratings. Some that got it off Costco sales which makes sense to buy it then.
There are those that love the resistance this rower gives but there are those who disliked it for that precise reason. If you are Concept2 user and enjoy the resistance it provides then this rower may not be the best choice for you.
Overall rating out of 5 -> 4.3
Warranty
The warranty is serviced by Golden Designs Inc. who act as product representative. They are also product representatives of First Degree Fitness, another rowing machine company.
Their customer service is good because they always reply promptly and with the required information any time that I have contacted them.
The limited warranty is 1 year for all parts.
If this was the warranty for other small parts then it would be okay, but the frame should have a longer warranty like other rowers in this price range.
Price
Most retailers have this rower along the same price range.
As I often advice, Amazon always has the lowest prices and its best to purchase from them in as much as Costco also has a competitive price.
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Conclusion
Generally, this rower is very good and has a sturdy and smooth resistance. The monitor is excellent and the rower is for people of all ages and fitness levels.
The only thing that concerns me is that at the price this rower is being sold for, there are better options.
If you compare this rower to Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower, they exactly alike only that one is cheaper.
If you compare it with the Concept2 Model D, it has a stronger resistance but does not feel like a natural row on water. The Concept2 is better in terms of build quality, warranty, and price. It also has set the standard in terms of rowing machine racing, time comparisons and world record setting. So, if you prefer a rower that offers data tracking and competitive rowing then the Concept2 is your rower.
In conclusion, when you want a rower that offers very strong resistance, the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower or the Velocity Exercise Vantage Programmable Air Magnetic Rower should be among your options depending on price. But if you want the best-selling rower in the market and the best rowing machine in general then the Concept2 is definitely the one for you.
Feel free to let me know any questions you may have about the Dynamic R1 Pro Rower in the comment section below and I hope you enjoyed the review!