Cons
- Problems with the flywheel and the rowing cable for some users
Overall
The rower is, arguably, the best equipped machine for the price. It comes with unique premium features like the use of combined air and magnetic technologies and 6 presets that offer a complete workout even for the advanced user. The computing features of the monitor are also above average for the price.
Design
Although it doesn`t stand out, the design holds up well in modern times. It has a foldable design, an extruded aluminum slide rail, a high density foam seat and a padded handlebar. The LCD design is brilliant as it is adjustable to the height or preference of every user. Weighing just 50lbs, the machine is also one of the lightest on the market which makes it good for home use or in situations where you need to easily move it from place to place.
You can even use it in a smaller apartment as it has reduced dimensions. The length is just 72 inches and it still provides enough strength to support pressures of up to 250lbs.
Performance
The machine is designed for all fitness levels and caters to the needs of all individuals. The built-in programs include: valley, mountain1, mountain 2, rolling, fat burn and ramp. The monitor displays: the total number of strokes, strokes per minute, watts produced, calories burned, resistance level and rowing position.
It is safe to say these features are hard to find in this class, if not impossible. When you pair them up with the extended 5-year frame warranty and 1-year parts warranty, there are no reasons to say the machine will not perform as similarly to some high-end models. Sure, it has no backlit monitor or an air vent, but apart from the heart monitoring capabilities, this machine lacks no serious feature.
Conclusion
You would have to spend an extra $200-$300 to find a machine as well equipped as the XTERRA ERG400 Rower. Although some users have reported some problems with the flywheel system, the machine offers a good warranty to pot most people at ease when it comes to durability. It offers complex presets that are just not available at this price range. The monitor does a good job at showing basic information plus watts produced and rowing position.
Most machines don`t offer out-of-the-box heart rate monitoring as you have to pay extra. As long as you don`t mind the lack of compatibility with a heart rate monitoring system the XTERRA ERG400 Rower will be one of the best machine you can get for this price.