First Degree Fitness Rowing Machine Reviews - Realistic Water Rower Workouts

Although First Degree Fitness rowing machines are produced by a relative newcomer compared to other companies offering high end rowers, the company has quickly built a reputation for reliability and an incredibly realistic motion that is prized by anyone who wants an alternative to being out on the water

Their unique construction relies on their patented Variable Fluid Resistance system.

While a few other companies produce rowing machines utilizing water tanks, none come close to the feel of First Degree Fitness rowing machines, which capture the unique “catch and finish” motion of actually rowing on water.

The movement of the blades in the tank churning water also gives rowers a pleasantly realistic sound effect. If you close your eyes, you’d swear you were on your favorite lake or river.

Let's dive right into our reviews to see what these solid machines are all about...

The Current First Degree Fitness Lineup

There are a number of choices when it comes to First Degree Fitness rowing machines.

You have the Evolution, Horizontal, Vortex, Azul and Neon Series, as well as Upper Body Ergs and Medical Equipment.

Here's a brief overview of each...

Evolution Series

Aside from the impressive Variable Fluid Resistance, the company’s flagship Evolution Series E-520 rower offers 20 levels of resistance (16 on the compact E316 model).

They use a belt drive system that does away with pesky maintenance on chains, although there is the periodic changing or maintenance of the water in the tank.

Horizontal Series

You then have the Horizontal Series which includes the Apollo Black, Hybrid and Pro V, the Aqua, Neptune, Newport, Pacific, Titan, Trident, Viking and new NEON models.

These models have the water tanks horizontally mounted, as opposed to the vertical mounting on the Evolution Series.

Vortex Series

The Vortex series features the sleek VX-2, VX-3 and VX3 FA with the same vertical orientation of the Evolution Series.

Azul Series

This series features the Cambridge, Kingston and St. John indoor rowers.  The Cambridge is more of a recreational rower, the Kingston is compact and the St. John is the commercial model with a vertical water tank.

So as you can see there's a wide range of options for you.  As each has a different look and feel, it's a matter of choosing the one that most appeals to you.

Which First Degree Fitness Rower Should You Choose?

With so many First Degree Fitness rowing machines, it's hard to figure out which one to choose.  During our latest review we counted 23 different residential models...that's a lot of rowers!

It really comes down to preference, because all of the First Degree machines are top-notch and offer an excellent on water feel.  

If you like the look of wood, go with one of the Horizontal Series rowing machines.  

If you want something really slick and model, check out the Vortex Series.  If you like bright blues go with the Azul Series; neons go with the, yes you've guessed it, Neon Series.

Also, just as a comparison, check out the rowing machines from WaterRower, another great brand with a variety of popular choices.

There’s a lot of attention to comfort in the WaterRower machines. Reviews across the board tend to focus on the high degree of comfort, particularly the air glide seat, which sits on rollers in a concealed track, which means less chance of injury and a smooth ride. 

The adjustable spreader accommodates any size foot and, like the angled handles, is easy to adjust quickly.

Finally, the seat on First Degree Fitness rowing machines is set at nearly the same height as a typical office task chair, making these the ideal indoor rower for anyone who has trouble getting up and down.

Consumers rave about the easy adaptation from low to high intensity workouts and the variable levels of resistance, although some people are a bit disappointed with the LCD display on the lower end models.

This is a minor consideration, however, unless you’re a competitive rower. The LCD display gives most of the information a typical home user would need, including speed, strokes and calories burned.

How are the Warranties?

The warranty on these machines varies depending on the model you choose, with frame coverage ranging from 5 to 10 years and the tanks from 2 to 3 years.

If you’re thinking of buying, consider splurging for one of the higher end models for the added protection, particularly if there will be multiple users.

Excellent Product at a Fair Price

We think First Degree Fitness rowing machines compare favorably with the top of the line Concept2 rower which uses an air resistance flywheel, and the price reflects this. In the end, choosing between them depends on what you’re looking for in an indoor rower.

Product reviews by users consistently reflect high brand loyalty. If you want the smoothest ride possible that also has an incredibly realistic feel, First Degree Fitness is an excellent choice.

First Degree Fitness Model Reviews

Most Popular Models

First Degree Fitness Evolution Series E-520 Fluid Rower - A real-water rower experience that has no equal thanks to the natural catch and full resistance momentum throughout the stroke.

First Degree Apollo Series - With three models sporting a horizontal tank, some of the most popular water rowers in the lineup.

First Degree Fitness Newport Water Rower - One of their more popular rowers with adjustable resistance and foot pads, smooth motion and large computer monitor.

First Degree Fitness Neptune Fluid Rower - Fluid Technology lets you adjust the variable resistance control from a light touch to a power sprint with the best on-the-water rowing emulation.

First Degree Fitness Pacific Fluid Rower - The Pacific Fluid rower offers the latest innovation in water rowers – adjustable resistance! With this new feature, you can move from light resistance to a sweating sprint with the turn of the dial.

First Degree Fitness Viking Fluid Rower - The beautiful Viking Fluid rower is a wooden frame high quality ergometer that is designed to deliver elegance as well as fitness functionality in the home.