VR500 Pro Rowing Machine

REVIEWS   I've been very happy with my rower so far. It's smooth and sturdy, and I'm confident it will last for many years. I assembled the machine myself, which was simple enough, but note that you should keep all pieces in the box to aid in assembly. I also ended up dropping a bolt into the main mechanical part, which was incredibly difficult to retrieve - so try to avoid that! I'm going to buy the phone / tablet holder today. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Molly 2020-04-01   I have enjoyed rowing many years(at the local health club).Along comes COVID19 and the ability to row at home becomes a necessity! I have trained on different higher end machines such Bodycraft, Concept2, Water Rower, etc. Bodycraft has a great combination of "build", design, tech, low noise level and ease and small storage footprint .. My son who crewed at UVA really likes this machine! Maybe because he doesn't have to get up at 4:30 every morning as he did in college.to "use the erg" ((-: Extremely satisfied with product and customer service as they promptly answered any questions I had...Heck as a bonus even my wife has likes this machine! VR500 Pro Rowing Machine PATRICK HERRINGTON MD2020-04-07   The best Rowing Machine you can buy, such a complete total workout. Design is impeccable, and the functionality is top notch. This machine is Amazing! VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Christopher C2020-03-28   After a lot of research I decided to purchase the VR500, and I absolutely LOVE it! It is a great workout! A good change from our Bowflex Max Trainer. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine TSabroff2020-02-04   Being newer to rowing but looking for the easy to use machine this is perfect. Comfortable, easy to assemble, easy to use, easy to store. Absolutely perfect to get that full body workout at home. Highly satisfied and highly recommend! VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Veronica Jones2023-02-26   We compared this BodyCraft VR500 side-by-side with a Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. We tried the minimum, medium and nearly the maximum resistance settings on each. We bought the BodyCraft. Cons: - Few reviews for comparison - Might be hard to use when we don't feel very energetic; might be comparable to the Sole elliptical we just sold because it was too hard to use sometimes - Resale value might be poor because Concept 2 machines are so much more popular - Large footprint, just like the Concept2 Pros: Padded, comfortable seat Programs for when we get bored with it: 4 user profiles, 12 program profiles (4 race; 4 heart rate - 55%, 75%, 90%; custom; 2 interval; 1 custom; and manual/quick start/countdown) The beam is long enough for my legs to fully extend: I have a 36" inseam. When I fully extend my legs, I have 9 1/2" remaining behind me My Polar heart rate monitor works with it, even when my legs are fully extended and I'm leaning back as far as I can (my back is very flexible) Consistent resistance throughout strokes Soft, durable, comfortable handlebar 32 levels of resistance adjustable during rowing from the buttons on the handlebar Air and magnetic resistance Comparison with the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine: Stars *** seat much more comfortable*** - a deal breaker! *** resistance is adjustable from the handlebar*** - a deal breaker! *** Easier to adjust resistance: press buttons on handlebar instead of having to stop rowing, step out of the footrests, and adjust the resistance on the flywheel*** - a deal-breaker! *** The Concept2 handle became easier to pull once we got momentum going, especially when starting each stroke which made less use of our leg muscles and put more stress on our backs and arms*** - a deal breaker! Pluses Better warranty: Concept2 is only warrantied for 5 years on certain frame parts, and 2 years on the rest of the machine. See BodyCraft warranty info below. The seat is higher: the brochure states it is 19". Ours is 18" to the top of the lowest point. 32 levels of resistance compared with 10 Foot straps easier to adjust because the nylon webbing is smoother, but the footrest design is very similar Nylon web strap connects the handlebar to the fly wheel instead of a metal chain On the Concept2, the seat kept cutting into the backs of my ankles because I kept hyper-flexing my legs, i.e., I kept going too far forward during my recovery stroke The Concept2 has a shorter beam Comparable = Comparable durability of I beam and rollers under the seat = Comparable handlebar = Both seem to be sturdy, built to last many years Negatives - The footrest heel cup is narrower, but it stretches, and the design is nearly identical - Pricey unless you get a deal like what we got from our local fitness store: only $200 difference :) - The salesman said the Concept2 display gave more information that is more relevant for rowing athletes, but we were just looking for a full-body workout machine, so this was not meaningful to us. The BodyCraft display shows: average and total: time and distance in meters; average: pulse and strokes per minute; and total: calories and watts. It also shows your resistance level as you row. - Less popular - Comes in one color; the Concept2 comes in a choice of colors STORY We went to our local fitness store to try recumbent bicycles. My husband asked about the rowing machines. He had owned a piston-style one decades ago and wondered why they didn't have any like it. The salesman explained the differences between pistons, flywheels and water wheels. We tried the magnetic and air flywheels and the water wheels. We understand that the piston-type are less durable and less ergonomic. When we tried the water flywheels, we liked the sound of the rushing water, but we thought that would probably get annoying. We also decided on a different flywheel because our cellar has no drainage, and we didn't want to take a chance on the water tank leaking. The salesman told us the tank only holds around a gallon of water, but still... We tried the air flywheel. We liked the breeze that came off of it, but we didn't like the noise it made. Then we tried the BodyCraft VR500. The seat was the first remarkable thing about it: it was SO comfortable! We liked the feel of pulling on the nylon webbing better than the metal chain in the Concept2. The handlebar felt MUCH better than the other machines, except it was comparable to the Concept2. We had fun easily adjusting the resistance using the buttons on the handlebar as we rowed, without affecting our pace. We so enjoyed the workout we got on the rowing machines during both visits, we lost interest in the recumbent bicycles. We have a treadmill, so didn't really need more lower-body exercise equipment. I use it for weekly cross training. I am a runner who has won and placed in 5K races (for my age group) in the rural area where we live. My husband is working up to using it daily to supplement his daily 30-minute walk. I viewed dozens of YouTube videos that explain how to use a rower. I found the one called Rowing Technique by doosport to be the most helpful. We downloaded the Concept2 training manual from their website. It is great! We plan to follow their advice regarding workouts as we get used to the machine. WARRANTY I saw varying statements about the residential warranty for this rower. The BodyCraft website states "Lifetime Frame, 5 years Parts". The BodyCraft brochure states "Lifetime Frame, 5 year parts, 1 year wear items, 2 year labor." VR500 Pro Rowing Machine WeaverGrace2014-08-26   My wife did all of the research and then presented me with a choice of three. I choose this one and she said it was her first choice too. So we bought it, had a great sales experience from a local dealer. Took a bit to put it together when we got home, but I did notice the excellent quality as I was assembling it. My wife and I both love it. It’s comfortable, quiet and a great workout. Appreciate the preprogrammed choices, and ability to custom program. Looking forward to years of enjoyment, yes it’s actually fun to use. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Jim C2020-04-10   We tried the Concept and Bodycraft rowers. We liked the Bodycraft VR500 better and purchased that model. Now that we are using it as part of our exercise routines, we know we made the right choice. It is a well made rower and we have been extremely happy with it. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine David2016-12-10   I read the review by Weavergrace (as well as the reviews for Concept 2) and decided to go with VR500, even though Concept 2's glowing reviews and the lower price was tempting. But I use a similar machine as the Concept 2 at the gym and if I'm not careful the seat hits the back of my lower legs. Also, the gym unit is very light and i have to be careful that I don't lose my balance. The VR500 arrived as promised, and I assembled it, although due to unclear instructions I used the wrong support under the unit when I had to turn the unit upside down and I accidentally broke the computer off the hinges (warning: don't take all the parts out of the box initially because you will need the foam support under the unit as you assemble it, fish out the owner's/installation manual and read it carefully before proceeding to assemble and if possible get someone to help you - I did it alone). When I called BodyCraft, they sent me a new replacement (shell for the computer) and I was able to easily swap it back (the computer was not damaged, so I was able to use the rower with the computer while waiting for the part). I love this machine. It is sturdy, the belt is smooth, has a great feel (no jerkiness) and I love the adjustable tension on the handle. The computer is very nice. I only wish it had a port (or wireless) to upload my data, but I can do that manually. I like the manual, preset and user-customizable, as well as multiple user options. I hope to use this machine for decades. I also appreciate their customer focus and prompt shipping of the part, no questions asked. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Melparsi2014-08-26   I have a home gym and wanted to add a rower to my collection of machines that are effective toward my physical goals. Sure, you can find rowers that are inexpensive, but, I learned a long time ago that, if you buy a cheap product, you are going to get even cheaper quality. And, especially for workout equipment, if you don't buy quality equipment that moves smoothly and is enjoyable to use, you're simply not going to use it. After a lot of research and reading every review I could find on every rower considered, I decided to purchase the BodyCraft VR500. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. It was delivered in a big box strapped to two wooden pallets. Understanding the assembly directions was not difficult. However, some of the pieces are heavy and have to be held at an awkward angle to assemble so, when I got to that point, I asked a neighbor to come over to help hold a piece in place while I attached it. I couldn't possibly be happier with my BodyCraft VR500. This is the most amazing piece of equipment on the planet. The BodyCraft VR500 is a beautiful piece of professional quality equipment. It is belt driven instead of chain driven which makes it very quiet to use so you can watch tv while you are conveniently torturing yourself. I've learned that, no matter how 'in shape' you are, this rower will prove to you very quickly that you're not quite there yet, but it can sure get you there. If you're looking for a quality rower, the BodyCraft VR500 is an excellent choice. There isn't a better rower, anywhere, at any price. It is worth every penny and you will not be disappointed. VR500 Pro Rowing Machine Betty Hobbs2014-08-26