The Matrix Rower Rivals All the Top High-End Machines

The Matrix Rower is part of the company's new residential lineup, bringing the unmatched quality and performance of their health club machines to the home gym.  Like all of their cardio equipment, the rowing machine is designed to give you the most effective workout possible.

The Rower

The Matrix Rower is all black with a silver aluminum rail and yellow accents.  It features a self-powered adjustable console providing all of the necessary workout stats.

Let's take a look at some of the best features...

• Length/Width/Height: 87.6" x 21.5" x 22.7"
• Magnetic Resistance
• Compact and portable
• Large LCD display
• Wireless Heart rate monitoring
• Adjustable footboard
• Machine Weight: 121 pounds
• Max User Weight: 350 pounds
• Transport wheels
• Warranty – 3 years parts, 3 years labor

The Buzz

Matrix is making a big splash in the home exercise equipment market, bringing their great reputation for high quality, well designed machines with them.  The reviews so far have been very positive, and they are giving a real challenge to Life Fitness, Precor and other brands that have made this transition.

The Rower is no exception.  It is extremely well designed and the magnetic resistance is super smooth and natural feeling.  

There are 10 resistance levels to choose from, as well as three built in programs: manual, interval and challenge.

We had the pleasure of trying out one of these machines at a local outlet, as our gym only has the Concept2 rowers.  Not only do they look great...sleek, modern, durable, but they perform equally well.  Getting on you can feel immediately how solid they are.

You can adjust the footpad for the perfect fit, and once you start rowing it is amazing how quiet and fluid the motion feels.  It supports up to 350 lbs. so it doesn't rock or vibrate as you use it.

You can easily adjust the resistance levels and transition is seamless, and  the workouts, although not extensive, are enough to get you burning calories and seeing results.

If you have a heart rate monitor you can get an accurate reading.  It would be nice if the Matrix Rower came with a chest strap at this price, but it's definitely not a deal breaker, as most rowing machines do not come with one.

The display is basic but clear and intuitive, unlike those you find on most home rowing machines.

At just under $2,000, it is a bit expensive, but it is one of the best rowing machines you can buy for your home.

How Does the Matrix Rower Compare to the Competition?

The Matrix rower has become the machine of choice in many health clubs around the world, which speaks to its high quality and durability.  In some places, including LA Fitness, it has replaced the popular Concept 2 rowing machines, which says a lot given the high praise that those machines get.

Pricewise, the Matrix rower is one of the more expensive machines out there, but in line with the offerings from Life Fitness and BodyCraft.  It is a lot more expensive than the Concept2 machines, both the Model D and the Model E, so that is worth considering.

As with all of the Matrix cardio equipment, the build and durability is top-notch, and the performance is very smooth and has a more natural feel than many of its competitors on the market.

As we mentioned, the Matrix rower uses magnetic resistance, which is smoother and quieter than the air resistance on the Matrix rowers.  It's also 10 inches shorter and uses a belt drive vs the chain on the Concept 2 Model D and E.

The computer is simple and very similar to what you find on the Bodycraft VR500, but not as advanced as the PM5 monitor on the Concept 2 rowers.  If accuracy is very important to you, and/or you are more of a serious rower, the Model D or E might be the better choice for you.

All in all, the Matrix rower compares favorably with its competition, and has a lot of features and capabilities that the others do not.

What We Say About the Matrix Rower

We really like the all of the cardio equipment in Matrix' new home lineup, and the rower is very impressive.  It is super smooth and comfortable to use, yet durable enough to be in a commercial gym setting.

If you have the budget for it, you really can't go wrong with a Matrix Rower.  It will last for years no matter how often you use it, and will require very little maintenance.

Note that if you buy online, the shipping is free, which is a great thing.  They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee, so if by chance you aren't pleased with the rowing experience you can always return it no questions asked.

If you can find it on sale under $1,900, it's a very good deal, and you'll be getting a top of the line, commercial-grade rowing machine that fits perfectly into your home gym.