Stamina Dual Air and Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine w/Fitness Coaching App - 8 Levels Magnetic & Air Resistance, LCD Monitor - Compact Rowing Machines for Home Use

Did quite a bit of research before buying this rower. I’m newer to rowing so the only experience I’ve had is with those high end commercial water units I’ve used at a resort gym. They are very nice and work well. So, that was the expectation I was after but at a budget price. Stamina has a very good reputation in all the reviews I looked at. This DT 397 is a newer unit for them so I could not find much on it, but based on all the info I dug up I decided Stamina was a good choice and this model was the one for me. It came just after Christmas. It was easy enough to put together and the instructions and parts were all there. The fit and finish is excellent. For a mid $300 rower I am very impressed. I am 6’2” about 230. The rail is plenty long enough for me. They say this unit will handle up to 6’6” and I’m sure it would. The duel technology of magnet and air resistance works well and they include a couple of workouts you can download to your cell phone or tablet for exercises as well as several other things via Stamina. Have used a workout and my rower and I am very pleased with this machine, it’s quality and functionality and the support of the seller and Stamina. Highly recommend this rower.

Mind you this is only on day one. We will have to see about wear and tear further down the line. It was very easy to assemble. It took a little under 30 minutes to put together and all the tools needed are provided. The hardest part to put on was the bottom peg for the foot rests. Action is very smooth and I can feel the difference in tension adjusting the resistance dial. I like how you can direct the air flow on you or not and the cup holder is a good size. The display is very nice, large and readable. Some of the other displays I looked at were very chinsy. The handle pulls wonderfully and the seat is comfortable and glides well. On the negatives. The Velcro straps for your feet are cheep. Could have been a little nicer and the seat has a slight wobble in the track the is a little distracting while rowing. If those two things were better I would say 5 stars.

This is an awesome rower as an alternate for the more expensive brands. The product came in early which is impressive because tomorrow is Christmas Day.The customer service with Accompany Life is by far the best. They more than willing to help with any questions. I am very appreciative of them for contacting me through Amazon to check in.After recieving the well packaged item I had it assembled easily in less than 1 hours. The instructions were easy to follow. Take note when you are tightening the bolts into the aluminum section, do not over tighten. Get it finger tight with the provide tools then an extra 1/4 to a 1/2 turn more is all thats needed.There is some noise from the internal fan as I row. It is not bad at all. The trade off is nice as it provides cooling effect.It stamds up securely for storage and has a minimal foot print. Which is great in small areas.Thanks again Accompany Life. 5 stars all the way. I look forward to doing business again with your Company again.

Bottom Line -- It's ease of storage and dual-resistance are mostly unique for this price point and thus potentially worth considering. But, as might be expected, dual resistance means that neither is implemented that well. I do not know that either of those features are worth $100+ (over single-resistance machines that are slightly less convenient). Finally, actual rowers or athletes are definitely going to want to spend more for a better machine. UPDATE: The price has changed, so the comparison to other machines may also change. I do use it multiple times a week and it does the job.Context: I am a 5'8" middle-age woman of average-to-low fitness. I've just had this for a few weeks so I can't speak to longevity. I didn't want to spend too much and am space-constrained. I used an air rower at a gym many years ago and remembered liking it.Footrests: The pads rotate freely for the benefit of the inflexible and are not adjustable in height nor able to be fixed in place. This may be actually my main problem with it, as I think this is contributing to discomfort because my form is wrong. I'm trying to figure out how to fix this. That being said, they are super large and the velcro can be moved to a lower position. UPDATE: I used some thermoplastic to attach the rod for the feet on top of the track next to the bin. So, they are at a good height now.Reach: When the seat is all the way forward (and my feet are thus parallel to the floor), my knees are a knuckles-width from the handle's resting point (a bit close). Every instruction video (including the manufacturers) use a fancier model in which the footrests are fixed and people's hands go much farther past their toes than this. So, I'm not sure how to modify my actions to compensate (see also footrests). If it weren't for my back aching and studying proper form, I might not notice this issue, though. You can certainly still "row" and get a good workout. UPDATE: I used some thermoplastic to attach the rod for the feet on top of the track next to the bin. Now my knees are at my elbows when the handle is resting and my feet are in a better spot. I'm just short enough that I now travel the entire track but don't hit the back.Air Resistance: The lowest setting (air-only) does not feel quite like I remember. Even when I pull slowly I feel enough resistance. Plus, it stops more at the end of the stroke. Indeed, the difference in resistance between pulling slowly and fast is not much. But, it feels vastly more air-like than with magnetic resistance, which is the point. There is a little vent through which you can feel the air move, which I like. And, of course, it makes a whooshing noise when using it, but I do not find the noise excessive or disturbing.Magnetic Resistance: There is definitely some difference in feel and difficulty between the lowest (no magnetic) and highest setting, but it is not as much as I expected. The lowest resistance is not super easy and the highest is not super hard. The highest resistance (most magnetic) still does make noise because of the air wheel, albeit a bit less (mostly it is quiet between strokes), whereas a magnetic-only machine would presumably be silent. UPDATE: I rarely use this as I find the resistance from air sufficient.The Monitor: It beeps (albeit softly) after every stroke, very annoying. I'm going to unplug it, but it does have a nice ledge for a phone. The distance calculation does seem to take into account how far I have pulled the handle, but the calorie counter seems tied to the stroke, no matter how long or how much resistance. UPDATE: The screen started fading out so I got a replacement under warranty. It was easy to request, but took extra time to arrive and ended up being even worse than the original, though it didn't beep for every stroke. I got a fitness watch that tracks rowing so I finally did unplug it.The seat: It's rolls pretty smooth as long as I sit straight, which is what one does while rowing. If I reposition or turn around to fetch something it squeaks and wiggles a bit. It is padded, but the contours don't work for me (see also footrests). UPDATE: After using a towel for a while, I got a cushion. I'm happier.Size/Storage: This machine seems about as small as it could be. What is unique is that you just lift up the back end and roll it away for storage. So, it takes up the least amount of floor room possible. Since I have to put it away every time, it is nice not to have multiple steps. UPDATE: I still really like this feature. It's super easy to put away and fits in the corner well.Assembly: It wasn't too hard for me to do by myself, though it took a lot of concentration. All the screws and washers came attached to a labeled piece of cardboard, which was wonderful. The most difficult parts were getting the foam on the handle and attaching the cup holder (it doesn't fit well but I'm not using it).