Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine | Realistic Experience

The Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW uses premium-grade solid steel that ensures the perfect rowing balance. As a result, experience impact-filled yet effortless training and get a fitter physique while increasing your cardiovascular endurance. A great low-impact workout suitable for all ages, rowing will reward you with many benefits.

The use of water as a form of resistance in this rowing machine provides a realistic rowing experience. Namely, as the user rows faster / harder, the resistance naturally increases – the harder you row, the more challenging workout you get! The resistance is also adjustable by increasing or decreasing the tank’s amount of water for a customizable experience.

The Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW includes a fitness monitor that tracks SPM (strokes per minute), distance, total strokes, calories, and pulse. However, an HR chest strap for the pulse reading function does not come with the rower. The display has various modes: countdown mode, race mode, and recovery mode.

The AMZ-167RW comes with a durable injection-molded seat, giving users optimum exercise support. In addition, the machine also has oversized pedals with a slip-resistant surface, allowing for safe and smooth cycling. Furthermore, it also comes with adjustable foot straps that create the perfect fit to accommodate every user’s feet.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW
Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

Product: Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 2 years limited

My rating: is 9/10

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: 81L x 23W x 41H inches (206L x 58W x 104H cm)
  • Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • Frame: Steel
  • Footrests: Fixed, with adjustable straps
  • Resistance type: Water
  • Fitness Monitor: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
  • Warranty: 2 years limited

AMZ-167RW Frame Construction

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW water-resistance rower features a frame made of steel tubing and has several ABS parts in its construction. In contrast, the water tank is made of polycarbonate material. In addition, all the steel parts in the machine’s construction come coated with a corrosion-resistant black paint finish.

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

The fully assembled machine is not extremely large compared to other rowers. However, it still takes 81″L x 23″W (206 x 58 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is advisable to leave at least two clearance feet on each side and at its rear for unhindered usage and ease of access. Thus, the machine may not fit too well in a small room.

On the other hand, this Circuit Fitness rower can store vertically. If you’re wondering, the water can remain inside the tank when held upright.

The fully assembled machine weighs around 90 lbs (41 kg). Its front base has two small wheels to relocate once you have finished your workout quickly. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.

The rower’s sliding rail measures approximately 40″ (101 cm), while the seat travel length is approx—36″ (91 cm). Therefore, the unit should accommodate users up to 6’2 ″ (188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension and a correct rowing motion. Also, the rail supports users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

One last aspect regarding the rail position. For this rowing machine, the rail is horizontal and not inclined forward. Therefore, the rowing motion is neutral.

Seat and other parts

The Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW seat is a polyurethane material; it’s not super soft, but not extremely hard either. Instead, it offers optimal firmness and has a contoured surface for better positioning.

The seat base is steel-made. Therefore, it offers a bit of extra elevation compared to other rower seats. Plus, the AMZ-167RW has higher rear and front base stabilizers. Thus, the top of the seat is at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it allows a more accessible entry and exit, which can be quite a plus for users with specific disabilities.

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW
Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

The seat base integrates three sets of rollers—two slides on top of the rail, the third underneath it for extra stability. The rollers come with heavy-duty sealed ball bearings for a smooth seat motion, while their surface features a layer of rubberized material to reduce noise.

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW water-resistance rower features two pretty standard footrests. They are durable ABS material and non-adjustable, but they’re relatively large to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. In addition, they feature heel guards and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.

The machine’s footrests do not pivot on their axis. Instead, they are at an angle of approx 45° to provide an optimal position for the feet during rowing and firm support for the leg push phase.

The rower’s pulling handle consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap. Therefore, the unit’s drive system doesn’t require any lubrication. The pulling handle doesn’t integrate any pulse sensors; however, the machine’s fitness monitor has a pulse reading function.

AMZ-167RW Resistance system

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW has a durable polycarbonate water tank with a capacity of approx four gals (~15 liters). Unfortunately, the tank doesn’t have a water level adjusting system like the tanks on most First Degree Fitness rowers.

However, there are six levels marked on it, so to adjust the overall resistance, you must manually remove or add water. A small pump comes included with the rower for this.

The main resistance-generating element is the large, 16-blade impeller inside the water tank. The impeller spins in the water as you pull the handle, adding drag to the rowing motion.

It is essential to note that the resistance generated is not extreme, even at the sixth level. Nonetheless, the machine still offers the possibility to perform a consistent full-body workout.

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

Another essential aspect I must mention is the machine’s dynamic response resistance system. It is characteristic of all fluid and air resistance rowers.

For instance, the resistance increases if you row faster, similar to rowing a real boat to the water. That’s why an air or water rower is a better choice for anyone who wants to train professionally.

Like other water resistance rowers, the Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW doesn’t generate too much noise during usage. However, the sound of the impeller spinning in the water is soft.

Fitness monitor

The Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW includes a mid-range fitness monitor. The console is battery-powered and requires two AA batteries. It indicates time, time/500m, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes, calories, and pulse. The distance value is in meters only. There are not any miles or yards reading.

The machine does not have integrated pulse sensors in the pulling handle, but the monitor is telemetric. It can read your pulse from a 5.3 kHz HR chest strap. However, this accessory does not come with the rower.

Unfortunately, the fitness monitor does not have online connectivity or Bluetooth, nor is it compatible with any fitness apps. So instead, it has two workout programs. The first program is Manual, which has two workout modes. You can select goal settings for the first mode for a time, distance, strokes, calories, or pulse.

The monitor will count from the selected value to zero when choosing a goal. However, the pulse goal is a bit different. The monitor will notify you when you reach the desired pulse rate goal.

The second program is Race. As its name suggests, this program creates a racing training setting where you compete against the monitor. It displays the user and the CPU as two boat icons on the center display. When the program begins, the two images start to move.

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW
Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW

The program has 15 difficulty levels; the first level has a default timer of 8 minutes, while the 15th has a default timer of 1 minute. The distance is adjustable for each group. The Race begins when you hit start and ends whenever you or the PC reach the Race’s distance goal.

A Recovery function is also available. The pulse recovery has its button on the monitor for quick access. However, it also requires an HR chest strap. Unfortunately, these accessory does not come with the machine. When in use, it measures the heart rate cooldown at the end of the workout. The result will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

The Alarm and Sleep Mode are two other notable functions of the rower’s fitness monitor. The Alarm can notify you that it’s time to begin your training. The Sleep Mode initiates after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine. The monitor displays the current date, room temperature, and clock during sleep mode.

AMZ-167RW Assembly and Maintenance

The front unit of the rower with the water tank and the other resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer to the rail, insert the seat onto the railing, add the rear stabilizer, connect the fitness monitor and fill the tank with water.

Consequently, it shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The task is relatively simple, and the manual provides all the necessary instructions and schematics. An essential toolkit also comes with the rower.

It is advisable to keep the machine clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the seat rollers for maintenance. In addition, the water inside the tank requires chlorine treatment; a packet of water-purification tablets is included. Besides this, you only have to inspect the machine occasionally and check for any loose or damaged parts.

Pros

  • Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);

    Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW
    Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW
  • Aesthetic design;
  • Space-saving unit – can be stored vertically;
  • Transport wheels on the front base;
  • Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
  • Ergonomic, contoured designed seat;
  • Durable footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
  • Water-resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
  • Fitness monitor with a multi-window LCD that tracks time, 500m/time, pulse, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, and calories;
  • Two workout programs – Manual and Race;
  • Recovery function;
  • Long, foldable arm for the monitor;
  • Smooth and quiet operation;
  • Little maintenance is required;
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons

  • An HR chest strap does not come included;
  • There is no phone/tablet holder;
  • The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight.

Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine AMZ-167RW Summary

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-167RW is a water-resistance rower designed for home use. It has a durable polycarbonate tank featuring a 16-blade impeller, an ergonomic seat, and a fitness monitor with two workout programs, target-setting functions, and recovery.

It also has a durable rail, supporting users up to 300 lbs. Moreover, it’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share 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.

8 thoughts on “Circuit Fitness Water Rowing Machine | Realistic Experience”

  1. I have one complaint. I wear size 9 women’s shoes, and the foot straps won’t keep my feet in place. I will need to rig a strap around the heel of my shoes to keep my feet in place. Other than that, it’s great – quiet, sturdy, and really fun to use. I put it together by myself, and it was straightforward. I would repurchase it if I had to.

    Reply
    • Hi Ann, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. I hear you about the footrests. I wish that they would pivot a little, and that would fix the problem. More and more manufactures are adding pivoting footrests to the rower. I think all rowers will have pivoting footrests in the future. But for now, you’ll have to rig something, as you said.

      Warmest regards, Robert

      Reply
  2. This is an excellent and comprehensive review of this water rowing machine.

    I was totally unaware that you got rowing machines that used water for resistance.

    You certainly have covered every detail, and the cons are quite minor.

    It’s good to see that it can be stored vertically, as it will take up less room, but at the same time will be very noticeable, so you need to be careful about where you store it, but at least you can wheel it to a cupboard.

    Reply
    • Hello Geoff, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help.

      Warmest regards, Robert

      Reply
  3. Can anyone tell me where I can get a manual for a Circuit Fitness water rowing machine. Bought it used and the seller didn’t have it.

    Reply
  4. this is a wonderful review ; i have bought this but can not understand the console since i am following a rower on you tube who consistently uses stroke numbers to train – so row at 16 stroke rate ; is there any way to see my stroke on this console ?

    Reply

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