A row of new options

The days when every serious exerciser had a fold-up air-piston rowing machine rolled under the bed are long gone (probably because those flimsy machines weren’t very good). But a new generation of rowers is trying to rekindle the rowing flame. With smooth, solid motion and more user-friendly features, they make it easier for all ages to get the terrific all-body strength and aerobic benefits for which rowing is known.

*

A natural frame of mind

WaterRower: Wooden water-resistance machine that gets out of the way fast.

Likes: Immerses you in a feeling of real rowing. The water resistance (pulling a rotor through water housed in a horizontal, see-through polycarbonite drum) produces a quiet, toilet-bowlish “whoosh” that is smooth and soothing. A nylon pull-strap helps make the machine more natural and quiet than the rattling, chain-driven Concept2, bottom. Also, the wood-framed machines (in oak, walnut and cherry) look more natural in a living room. (A metal Hi-Rise version runs $1,795.) Very space-efficient storage; lifts up and sets on end in seconds, with a tiny 4-square-foot footprint. Very comfy, padded, oval handle. Good monitor data.

Dislikes: No adjustable resistance levers like on the other three models tested. You simply increase resistance naturally, as you would on water, by rowing faster. (Some people may see this as a positive.)

Price: $1,095 to $1,495. www.waterrower.com or (800) 852-2210.

No-frills action at a low price

BodyCraft VR100: Good quality, low-cost fold-up model that uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance.

Likes: Sturdy, smooth, satisfying stroke action. Very comfortable, contoured seat. Quiet nylon strap. Highly motivating “air conditioning” action; the fan blade vents funnel air directly onto your face, rewarding you for making strong pulls. Folds for storage into a 16-by-24-inch space. Has a built-in heart rate monitor receiver (chest strap is optional).

Dislikes: Somewhat unreliable readout monitor; strokes-per-minute, total strokes, distance and speed seem to fluctuate too much. Foot pads are not adjustable and not fixed, so they pivot when you push off (which is initially uncomfortable to those used to the rowers at the gym). Also, seems too cramped for people taller than 6 feet.

Price: $699. www.bodycraft.com or (800) 990-5556.

Easy enter-exit machine has fans

Concept2 Model E: A chain-driven, fan-resistance rower with a tall seating position specifically designed for older users.

Likes: Same solid feel as the Concept2 Model D, yet with the seat positioned 6 inches higher, making it easier to enter and exit. Highly motivating monitor has programs that allow you to “race” icons of other boats. It can even store old workouts in memory so you can race against yourself. Heart-rate monitor and chest strap included. Seat is slightly more padded and contoured than on a normal Concept2.

Dislikes: None -- except for the extra $200 you pay over the Model D.

Price: $1,200. www.concept2.com or (800) 245-5676.

For more fluid resistance

First Degree Fluid Rower: Heavy-duty, adjustable, water-resistance machine.

Likes: Very smooth, solid, quiet and “immersing” due to the use of a nylon strap and see-through water chamber, which sits vertically. It also has adjustable resistance, so you can change difficulty with a light fingertip touch on a large handle. Overall flawless operation. Racy looks, too.

Dislikes: Not as pretty or as portable as the WaterRower. Has wheels to roll away, but can’t stand straight up.

Price: $1,699. www.firstdegreefitness.com or (206) 285-5219.

- Roy M. Wallack