Roger Black Electromagnetic Rowing Machine
Main Features in Summary:
Electromagnetic resistance x 16
Console LCD tracking
Variable tension control
Multiple programmes 1-9
Foldable / Transport wheels
Requires home assembly
Foot straps are adjustable
Max user weight 110kg
Warranty is 12 months
Pros to be Noted:
- One very important thing to note is the fact that there is a backup support customer service to call which is great for any potential issues that may arise.
- You are protected with a 12-month warranty, so your investment is protected for a minimum of 1 year which is great to know
- There is a good range of resistance tensions to choose from so you can choose easier settings starting off and then work towards the more difficult resistance tension levels as times goes by.
- Many higher spec rowing machines can cost over £500 and in some cases over £1000 while this rowing machine offers a much lower price point which is ideal for people who need to work off a tighter budget or for people looking for a basic yet effective machine at the lowest possible price.
- It is easy to assemble and use and it can be folded in an upright position which is great if you have limited storage space available
- Perfect for a novice or beginners rather than the more intense athlete, there is minimal noise experienced and again it is ideal if you less than £220/£250 to spend.
Cons to be Noted:
- Setting the programs could be a whole lot easier to manage – there is a bit of work navigating the settings but gets manageable once you get the hang of it.
- Some of the time settings for the workouts can be a little unreliable - doesn’t always work out exactly as you had expected.
- Distance is only calculated in kilometers – it cannot be converted to miles and there is no heart rate pulse monitor available and the calorie counting seems to be a little off.
- The size of this rowing machine is not the largest around and is limited to people with a max user weight of 110kg and an inside leg length of 96cm
- There are no added features such as loud speakers, training app’s or MP3 connectivity which helps to keep you motivated for longer.
- The saddle is not all that bad but there are definitely more comfortable saddles elsewhere – more padding would have been better
Price Guide: £180 to £220 @ Argos UK
Further images of this Roger Black Rowing machines are outlined below – scroll side to side
Roger Black Electromagnetic Rowing Machine Monitor
Roger Black Air Rowing Machine
Main Features to Note:
Air resistance rowing machine
8 levels of tension resistance
Foldable when not in use
Console Tracking / Transport wheels
For people 1.5m to 1.8m in height
Max user weight capacity 120kg
Requires home self-assembly (minimal)
Price Guide: £220 to £270 @ Argos UK
A brief comparison table is outlined below for the 2 Roger Black rowing machines in this review:
| Roger Black Rowing Machine | Electromagnetic | Air Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance levels: | 8 | 8 |
| Foldable: | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions: | H158 x W55 x D77cm | H66 x W77 x D201cm |
| Folded: | H143 x W56 x D63.5cm | H135 x W46 x D101cm |
| Max user weight: | 110kg | 120kg |
| Warranty: | 1 year | 1 year |
Read also: Our List for the Best Cheap Rowing Machines in the UK Here
Part 4: Video Summary, Conclusion & Feedback
Conclusion:
After using this rowing machine for over 2 weeks, we would have to say that this rowing machine is really more geared towards the novice or the beginner instead of the more intense rowing athlete. If you are at the advanced levels of your rowing efforts, then this rowing machine will most likely not live up to your own expectations. However, if you are just starting off and you need something basic to get you going, then this rowing machine will fit the bill for you in our opinion. The frame, console and saddle are not all that bad – we have seen better elsewhere but thankfully this rowing machine is matched with the appropriate lower price tag which works better for people that need to work off a more affordable lower type budget.
Is it the Roger Black Electromagnetic Rowing machine the best rowing machine out there? Certainly not! We didn’t come across any technical problems ourselves with it over the 2 weeks however we have seen others reports issues such as magnets slipping, resistance lost and many cases where the item needed to be returned which is worrying to see. Based on this, I would be more confident in recommending the Roger Black Air Rowing machine over the Roger Black Electromagnetic Rowing machine in our honest opinion.
Optional Feedback:
Have you ever used a Roger Black Rowing Machine yourself in the recent past – Air or Electromagnetic?
If so, please feel free to share your own experiences and educate the wider community by leaving your feedback in the comment box section provided below!
Video Summary
Thank you for sharing a lovely, informative review about Roger Black rowing machines with us. It is truly amazing that you covered this subject so well in your post. I’ve learned a lot from reading your post and gained a lot of knowledge about it. I like the overview and FAQ of the points in your article. I bought this machine to exercise at home lockdown through which I have been able to exercise which is very good quality and I will tell you you can buy it to exercise in a small space.
I have read and enjoyed your article so I would like to share your article with my friends by sharing it in the Facebook group so that everyone can know about your article and gain knowledge about it. This machine is well worth the money in my opinion
Many thanks for your feedback and for sharing it with your Facebook group – it is very much appreciated!
Do you have a copy of the user manual for the Air rower as I have lost mine. Argos can’t supply a digital one. My tension is very stiff even at setting 1 (low). Unless I am really weak now. My daughter can’t even move the the pullcord on the rower handle at level 1, so surely that can’t be right
Hi there, I don’t have a copy but you can take a look at the manual here or even get it downloaded, hope that helps you and best of luck
Ive noticed that there are two version rowing handles on the Roger Black / Argos electro magnetic rowing machine. One has a smaller bar attached in addition to the rowing bar. Im guessing the smaller bar is to stop the bumping. The other has just a regular bar. Do you know if the smaller bar/ two bar version was an earlier or later model? Argos no longer sell Roger Black rowing machines 🙁
How do you adjust/ increase the resistance levels on the electromagnetic version of this rower?
Mine has E1 (yes E1 & NOT E2) error code on the display & keeps bleeping a constant beep as soon as you power it on. I did some searching & it looks like its a common fault but no spare parts available 🙁 #righttorepair
Do you know what this fault means? I can’t find anything online about it
Hi there – Did you get an answer to the E1 problem? Ours is doing the same and can’t find anything about it.
Hi, you should contact Roger Black fitness directly – check out their contact page here where you can request a call back from them, they will call you back asap, best of luck