Boasting more than a decade of development and technical research, the BodyCraft VR500 Commercial Rower is one of the market’s most professional fitness equipment pieces. Professional athletes often use this machine during their training sessions; efficient, durable, and packed with handy features.
The VR500 is slightly more expensive than the Concept2 rowers, but it’s worth every cent again. Indeed, with this machine alone, you can benefit from a challenging full-body workout that will engage every major muscle group for rapid and efficient weight loss.
You can quickly expect to lose more than 10 pounds in just a few weeks. Indeed, the machine provides a deficit of approximately 1000 calories or more in only one hour at high intensity.
The VR500 is a rowing machine made for commercial use, offering various features and functions. But one of its most essential qualities is that it combines air resistance with magnetic resistance to deliver superior workout possibilities and a resistance “feel” similar to the rowing of a real boat.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: BodyCraft VR500 Commercial Rower
Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: In-home / Frame: Lifetime / Parts: 5 years / Labor: 2 years / Wear Items: 1 year (see the light-commercial warranty below)
My rating: 9.25/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 98.5L x 20W x 38.5H inches (250L x 51W x 98H cm)
- Product weight: 101 lbs (45.5 kg)
- Max. user weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Aluminum, foldable
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air & eddy current, 32 levels
- Fitness Monitor: 12 workout programs, four user profiles
- Warranty:
- Residential: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years / Wear parts one year
- Light commercial: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Wear items one year / Labor 90 days
VR500 Frame Construction
The VR500 Pro frame mainly uses anodized aluminum and integrates steel and complex plastic elements. To be more specific, the gliding beam is made of aluminum, while its support legs are steel-made. The protective casing of the flywheel is heavy-duty plastic.
The steel legs are powder coated with corrosion-resistant paint (black), while the gliding beam features its natural (silver) finish, only engraving the logo.
The frame’s bases integrate small rubber stabilizers to prevent damage to the floor and add more stability to the machine. The front plate also features small transport wheels, rendering the handling and relocation of the assembled device much more manageable.
The rower is not precisely light when fully assembled, as it weighs approx. 101 lbs (45.5 kg), but leaning it on its front wheels, you will be handling less than half its weight.
The frame features a folding design. The aluminum rail folds up and has a child safety lock. When folded, its length is reduced to 58.5″ (149 cm), while its height becomes approx—77″ (195.5 cm). When unfolded, its footprint is relatively large, especially length-wise, as it takes 98.5″L x 20″W (250L x 51W cm) of floor space. Its highest point is approx — 38.5″ (98 cm) when unfolded.
Thus, the machine is made for users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) or users with an inseam up to 42″ (107 cm). It can also hold up to 350 lbs (159 kg) of user weight, which puts the machine in the commercial class.
Seat and other parts
The seat equipped on the BodyCraft VR500 features a contoured surface and a layer of padding that is not too thick but provides adequate comfort for prolonged rowing sessions, alleviating the coccyx bone and lower back.
The rear of the seat also features a small lip, preventing you from slipping backward if your gear is a less adherent fabric. The seat integrates a set of four wheels with heavy-duty sealed ball bearings, offering a smooth glide.
Also, an important aspect to mention here is that the gliding rail isn’t completely horizontal. Instead, it’s at a slight angle when the rower is in a workout position. Therefore, it positively impacts the leg workout, as it adds a bit of difficulty, conversely rendering the recovery phase slightly easier.
One last aspect regarding the seat is its height. At its highest point, the top of the seat is approx. 19″ (48 cm) above floor level. In other words, it should be high enough to supply an easy mount/dismount even for users with impaired movement or other disabilities.
The rower’s footrests are made of heavy-duty nylon material. They’re size adjustable, accommodating sports shoes or feet of all sizes. They also incorporate adjustable straps to secure feet in place, which can be very handy for users with disabilities. However, the footrests do not pivot. There stationary at an angle of approx — 45 °.
VR500 Resistance and drive system
The resistance system of this BodyCraft rower combines air and eddy current resistance. Its main resistance elements are a magnetic flywheel fan and a small servo motor. Since the flywheel is fan-shaped, the resistance is variable and proportional to how hard you pull.
However, the overall level of resistance generated by the machine is increasable via its eddy current system. And this eddy current system can offer up to 32 exceptional tension levels. Thus, the resistance offered by this rowing machine is no joke. It’s a pro-rower designed to supply the required training setting for professional athletes.
The machine’s drive system consists mainly of a nylon strap, which wraps on a small spring drum. A small pulley connects to the spring drum axis and attaches to the flywheel fan via a poly “v” heavy-duty drive belt.
The pulling strap is attached to an aluminum handlebar, coated with a thin layer of rubber foam for a comfortable grip. The handlebar integrates a remote (wireless) control with keys that allow quick resistance adjustment without interrupting your workout.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise level produced by this machine. Compared with a rower with maximum air resistance, such as the Concept2 models, the noise level of the BodyCraft VR500 is considerably lower. The fan does emit a “woosh” noise when it spins, but as a general idea, it’s far from being loud enough to cover the volume of your TV.
Fitness monitor
The fitness monitor supplied with the VR500 Pro rowing machine is quite advanced. First, it features a full, easy-to-read display with an LED backlight and backlit keys. It mounts on an adjustable arm with easy dual pivot points.
The monitor tracks the following metrics: distance, time, strokes per minute (SPM), pulse, calories burned, and watts. It also indicates the current resistance setting, the existing profile, and the length displayed in meters.
The fitness monitor has 12 workout programs preloaded, including 4 Races, 4 HRC, two intervals, 1 Custom, and 1 Manual. The HR control programs are 55%, 75%, and 90%; however, there’s also a custom HR setting. The custom program allows you to create your workout, inserting the desired limits. In addition, there are four user profiles, which will enable you to save four unique settings to swap between activities quickly. Finally, the monitor allows you to select target goals for time, distance, and watts.
The monitor can read pulse via the HR chest strap. Unfortunately, this accessory does not come with the machine. However, it’s compatible with any Polar HR strap transmitter with a 5 kHz frequency.
The rower requires a connection to a power circuit for the monitor and resistance levels to become available. A power adapter is supplied with the machine and connects to the frame on the front leg stabilizer. The monitor will start when it detects movement on the seat and will enter sleep mode after 4 minutes of inactivity on the rower.
VR500 Assembly and Maintenance
Some assembly is (required) for the VR500 BodyCraft rower. However, the console’s internal mechanisms come fully assembled and attached to the frame’s front part. The gliding part of the seat also comes already attached to the rail.
Therefore, you will only have to attach the legs, bases, rail, footplates, and seat, which shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes. The necessary assembly tools and a comprehensive set of manuals for assembly and operation are included.
Maintenance requires the periodic inspection of the machine’s joints and bolts. It would help wipe off the rails with a cloth to remove any sand, dirt, or small objects that may damage the seat rollers or the rail itself.
Pros
- Folding, space-saving design;
- Solid frame, able to support users up to 350 lbs;
- Air & eddy current resistance system for a natural rowing feel, reduced noise, and professional-level workouts;
- 32 levels of resistance;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Comfortable contoured, spacious seat with a padded top;
- 12 preloaded workout apps;
- Four user profiles on the monitor;
- Multiple values displayed by the fitness monitor, such as time, speed, distance, strokes per minute and total strokes, calories, and pulse;
- Resistance controls integrated into the handlebar;
- Quiet machine;
- Excellent workout for back, arms, legs, and core muscles;
- Maintenance-Free;
- Great warranty package.
Cons
- Large footprint;
- They are slightly higher in cost than similar rowers.
BodyCraft VR500 Commercial Rower Summary
The BodyCraft VR500 is a rowing machine designed for commercial or professional use. It can supply medium to high-difficulty workouts and an advanced fitness monitor.
It’s an excellent machine for strength and stamina building, interval training, and cross-training. Still, it’s also a perfect machine for anyone needing consistent cardio training daily or at least several days per week.
It features dual resistance (air and eddy current), offering the natural rowing feel and the possibility to increase its overall resistance to bolster the consistency of your workout. In addition, it has a sturdy frame with a folding design, which can be very handy, especially if usage space is an issue.
Finally, it’s not exactly a cheap rower, actually a few $100s more expensive than the Concept2 Model D and E. However, quality and durability match its price.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.
Hi, a rower is an excellent piece of exercise equipment, and it delivers a great cardiovascular workout. But it also gives your back and upper body a workout for your muscles. So it gives you functional strength, and also get your heart rate up. You will get a good sweat with it.
Hello Robert, thanks for the thorough review. It’s easy to see how you’ll benefit from a challenging full-body workout that will engage every major muscle group for rapid and efficient weight loss.
I believe it is efficient, durable, and packed with handy features. It’s not exactly a cheap rower, however, I believe quality and durability match its price.
Kind regards!
I have never used a rowing machine before, but I can see how it’s a total body workout. The way that this machine is devised, it seems that it would work very smoothly, even at a higher resistance. The console seems to track everything one needs as well. The reviews that I’ve read on this machine are excellent!
A rower is something we need in our home gym. I have recently read that in terms of time, weight loss is best achieved with consistency. So, aim for at least 30 minutes per day on a rower; anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week is great! Getting enough rest days is also important, especially when we’re just getting started!
Hi Ann, it’s so true about being consistent. Thanks for reminding us!
Best regards,
Robert