Fitness Apollo II Reserve AR Indoor Water Rowing Machine, Black

I purchased the Apollo II as an alternative to riding with my cycling smart trainer with Zwift. I actually received an Apollo Pro V which i presume is the latest version of the Apollo 2. Bonus! This is an upgrade based on the head unit having bluetooth to pair with your pc or phone. The unit was easy to assemble with clear instructions; but still count on it taking about 30 minutes to unbox and build with the tools supplied in package. Also, make sure to assemble it in the room you plan to use and store it as once it is assembled you do not want to move it up or down stairs by yourself. The high quality roller blade wheels make it easy to shift it from horizontal to the vertical storage position, and it does not take up too much room in vertical and looks good against the wall in my office. It was also easy to fill the tank with the siphon provided and calibrate to the computer. I like the adjuster knob for resistance v. changing water level in less expensive competitor's units. The computer automatically starts when you begin rowing and pairs to your chosen device for virtual workouts. I have to say i'm still figuring out the virtual apps to use similar to Zwift(not sure that a true comparison exists for rowing), but I'll update later after i've tried what is available. So far I've only used it a few days, but the quality of the rowing and low noise level v. wind trainers is excellent. It appears to be a great alternative to indoor cycling to maintain my fitness over the winter and into the season.

I am NOT a row guy or a professional rower or even like the sport to be honest. I have always felt like this was a really great workout because it utilizes 80%+ of your muscles at some point. I needed something for home and i wanted to get a row machine. Started looking at pricing/specs/ratings/etc.. I came across a few water retention models and started to look into them. I found you can get in fairly inexpensive, but i cannot vouch for quality etc.. I went with this guy. More expensive then i originally was wanting to spend, but No other (except commercial models well over 1900 dollars, starting) offered adjustable water resistance without having to drain water out. I could not have made a better choice. From the smooth pull and what i would call what feels as much like a row as you can on dry land, to the sturdy build and easy install . I am 6' 2" 365lbs (i hope the manufacturer does not see this and voids my warranty, but as sturdy as it is, i dont think i will need it.) As a bigger guy, the foot placement sit perfect for me so my knees are not too far out or in when i come in and i feel no movement of the entire unit when coming back, even hard. The bar that you pull back is very comfortable and ergonomic, well thought out. I honestly could not be happier. Not having to hear a wind tunnel during my work out and feeling like i am rowing in water, worth a lot. Plus this thing is built like a beast and i appreciate that. If i knocked this thing for anything. Just give us bigger guys the option of a little more cushion so we can row a little longer. Other than that. I love this thing.

I recently purchased this rower after trying and considering several alternative rowers. I am completely satisfied with my purchase. I have used the Concept 2 at my commercial gym and I wanted to have a rower at home. I have never liked the chain and the noise of the Concept 2. I tried several water rowers at a local fitness equipment store and I definitely preferred the feel and sound of water rowers. This rower came to my house in two shipments (delivered over two consecutive days, which I thought was strange), and I was required to pick it up at a local FedEx office - it was not permitted to be left at my house as per instructions given to FedEx by Amazon.It was easy to assemble - no problems there. One reviewer said that the bungee attachment on his rower was plastic - mine was metal and I have no issues with this.I admit that I do not feel a huge difference between maximum resistance and minimum resistance, which is one of the selling points of this product. I typically have used it set to maximum, which is not a great deal of resistance. But it serves the purpose of providing a great cardio workout, and I have no complaints.I really like that it is quiet and the sound of the water is relaxing. I can watch TV or listen to music while rowing without issues. I cannot imagine that it would bother others in the room either.All in all, I highly recommend this product!

I purchased this machine back in November 2018 and have used it consistently at least 4 days a week. After weighing the differences between a Water Rower and this model, I went with the First Degree Fitness version and couldn't be happier. Fit and finish are flawless, the machine feels solid, and I have confidence in the water tank's engineering and integrity. It took me about an hour to put together. First Degree supplies good quality tools for assembly, although a deep-set socket wrench set will make assembly go a little faster. I'd wanted to buy a Water Rower for about 15 years, but after reading reports of leaking tanks and poor quality part fit, I purchased the Apollo II and I'm quite pleased with it. My only criticism is the bungee spindle above the water tank makes a low chafing noise as you row, so it's not just the swish of water in the tank you hear. I'll look into a possible remedy for this little annoyance. Overall, a great workout. You WILL sweat and gain strength.