BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine Review

Let's review the BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine . . .

BodyCraft manufactures a range of exercise equipment. Their fitness product line includes home gyms, free weight systems, functional trainers, and exercise bikes.

The VR100 is their main rower product--a "rowing simulator" as they call it. The Bodycraft rowing machine is priced for the home market at around $700, offering the average fitness consumer the benefits of indoor rowing exercise: a low-impact cardiovascular workout that hits the legs, arms, back, and abdominals like no other form of exercise.

But is the Bodycraft VR 100 Rowing Machine worth the money?

Let's check it out . . .

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine

Key Features

Six levels of resistance: one air resistance and five air/magnetic resistance levels

Fitness console tracks speed, time, distance, stroke count, calories burned

Aircraft grade aluminum and steel frame

Ergonomically designed, sealed urethane seat

44 inches of travel from pedals fits users of various heights

Folds for convenient storage

Read Reviews

Write a Review

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine Review

Let's start with the build quality. The BodyCraft VR100 rowing machine is solidly made. Weighing around seventy pounds, the frame is fashioned from the same grade of steel and aluminum used in aircraft.

The BodyCraft rowing simulator is designed for comfort, too. The padded, sealed urethane seat is ergonomically contoured. A ball-bearing roller system provides smooth, gliding operation.

One unique aspect of the Bodycraft VR 100 Rowing Machine is the mode of resistance. It has one level of air resistance. Then, levels two through six use a combination of air and magnetic resistance.

The benefit? Air and magnetic resistance tends to offer smoother motion than what you'll get with a hydraulic piston-powered rower. Also, it is quite challenging, offering progressively more difficult exercise sessions.

The BodyCraft VR 100 Rower also includes an adjustable fitness console. This computer tracks speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned.

A heart rate monitor receiver is built into the console. This is designed to work with Polar heart rate monitors and other compatible models. (The chest strap is optional.)

Another key benefit of the BodyCraft rowing machine is the range of users it can comfortably fit. It has a full 44 inches of travel from the pedals. This enables users at a wide variety of heights to use this rower without discomfort.

Like most good home exercise equipment, the BodyCraft rower can be easily stored when not in use. It can be folded and put away in a space of approximately 16 x 24 inches.

It's also fairly easy to assemble, and includes detailed, well-written instructions.

BodyCraft Rowing Machine - Consumer Feedback

What Consumers Like:

- Smooth rowing action; seat glides fluidly on the rails; challenging resistance levels

- Comfortably accomodates users of various heights

- Quiet operation

- Durable construction

- Easy to fold up and store

What Consumers Don't Like:

- Front end rises off ground during strokes; however, this could be due to center support not being properly tightened

- Computer may provide inaccurate data on distance and calories burned

- No split time tracking

- Experienced rowers looking for true rowing simulation may be disappointed

BodyCraft Rower - Features/Specifications

6 resistance levels--1 air resistance and 5 air and magnetic resistance--provides workout variety and progressive difficulty

Ergonomic urethane seat moves on precision-bearing rollers, for smooth operation

Durable frame constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and steel

44 inches of travel from pedals offers comfort for users of various heights

Adjustable (height and angle) console tracks your time, distance, strokes, calories burned

Built-in heart rate monitor receiver (Polar compatible; chest strap optional)

Lightweight aluminum handle

Folds for easy storage in a 24-by-16-inch space

Rower dimensions: Length: 68" x Width: 17" x Height: 22"

Maximum user weight: 250 pounds

Warranty Details

Lifetime coverage on the frame. One year on parts. 90 days on labor.

Summary

The BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine is a good value for the price. It offers a solid build that provides a low-impact, full body workout and smooth rowing action. While it's not quite up to snuff for users who are competitive rowers, it's a worthwhile choice for the average fitness consumer who wants to enjoy a quality cardiovascular workout at home.

Learn more about this Rowing Machine . . .

Related Reviews:

Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine

Have you personally used this rower? Share your review with us.