The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower (CHR-2001) frame is durable, sturdy, and lightweight aluminum. The rowing beam is anodized aluminum with rectangular tubing support for added durability. Additionally, the Velocity Magnetic Rower has double bearings, significantly reducing the bearings’ wear over time.
The Velocity Magnetic Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine that is extremely quiet and offers adjustable resistance. In addition, it comes equipped with a Drum Magnetic Control (DMC) system, essentially a magnetic braking system.
You spin the metal flywheel inside the front housing as you pull the rowing handle. Inside the housing is a magnet that can move closer or farther from the metal flywheel. The closer the magnet is to the wheel, the stronger the resistance. The farther the magnet is from the flywheel, the weaker the resistance.
The Velocity Fitness Magnetic Rower comes with a 5-button multi-function fitness monitor. Furthermore, it is at the base of the rower and easy to access while rowing. The fitness monitor keeps track of essential workout data, including Time, Count, Distance (in km), Calories, Strokes per minute, Watts, and Pulse.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower (CHR-2001)
Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: Frame 5 years / Console 90 days / Parts 30 days
My rating: 7.5/10
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: 80L x 20W x 25H inches (203L x 51W x 63.5H cm)
- Product weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Frame: Anodized aluminum
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, eight levels
- Fitness Monitor: 12 workout programs
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Console 90 days / Parts 30 days
CHR-2001 Frame
The sliding rail and the front base are anodized aluminum, and this rower is quite sturdy. Even though it’s rated for a maximum user weight of 275 lbs (125 kg), it should sustain up to 300 lbs with no problem. In addition, the rear base is hard plastic, giving the sliding rail a slight slope. Therefore, this particular aspect offers a better workout for the legs.
The flywheel and motor cover are made of hard plastic and come pre-attached, protecting the machine’s drive and brake systems. The front base is cylindrical, has plastic caps on its ends, and comes with small transport wheels.
Although it’s not extremely heavy equipment, it’s not easy to relocate and store after each session, so the wheels may come in handy.
Overall, the frame is pretty long, with an 80″L x 20″W footprint. However, it’s foldable as the gliding rail lifts. This way, the machine will take only 36″ of floor length-wise.
Footrests and Seat
The footrests on the Velocity CHR-2001 are wide enough to accommodate feet of all sizes. They’re thick, hard plastic with a ribbed design. Furthermore, they’re also equipped with straps to prevent slippage of the feet during workouts.
But most importantly, the footrests are angle-adjustable, so you can tilt them at the angle that you feel most comfortable. Unfortunately, they’re not horizontally adjustable, so they cannot be adjusted front-to-back. Also, the rowing strap’s length and the seat’s rail are for users between 4’10” – 6’1″ (147 – 185 cm).
Last but not least, regarding the frame of this rower, its seat is made of polyurethane material. It’s a hard seat without cushioning, but its contoured design offers enough comfort. If you’re new to rowing and the seat may be too hard, a gel seat cover should solve the problem.
CHR-2001 Resistance system
This rowing machine features a drum magnetic control system (DMC). In other words, its resistance system involves a magnetic flywheel, a tension pulley, and a small servomotor.
The Velocity CHR-2001 features a rowing strap, not a chain, connecting to a pulley of about the same diameter as the flywheel. In addition, the pulley and the wheel connect via a high-torque transmission belt.
Therefore, since there’s no connection between the flywheel and the brake pad, and the “drive” of the machine involves a belt, not a chain, there’s virtually no maintenance required to the machine’s insides. On top of that, this rower does not emit too much noise. The only sound you will hear as you work out is the whirring of the seat’s wheels on the gliding rail.
The resistance adjustment is made exclusively through the machine’s incorporated fitness monitor. The machine is capable of 8 resistance levels. However, you can use it without powering it and using the default level 1 resistance setting.
Its maximum resistance level is comparable to about 3/4 of the maximum resistance setting that a gym-grade air rower can provide. As a result, you will benefit from more than enough resistance for a consistent workout.
Also, to use the programs on the console and adjust resistance, the machine requires a connection to a 110V circuit. The unit comes with an adapter. More specifically, it’s an AHEAD AC Adaptor, class 2, with an AC120V, 60Hz, and 14W input and an output of DC 6V, 1000 mA. This adapter does not work with a 220V outlet.
Console
The fitness monitor included with the Velocity Exercise magnetic rower isn’t precisely the most advanced one, but it has much more to offer than a simple rower monitor. First, this performance monitor can track time, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories, Pulse, and wattage.
It gives you the possibility to set goals for distance and time. Also, it has 12 workout apps, including six preloaded workout programs, one manual, 1 for heart rate, and four user profile programs.
The manual program is best if you want to manually adjust the resistance as you row. The HR program focuses on providing a cardio-focused workout, while the six preset programs will automatically adjust the resistance as you row, simulating windy or stronger currents. The user profiles offer an essential function if multiple persons use the machine.
The monitor is telemetry enabled and tracks Pulse via a heart rate chest strap that comes with the rower. It also features a Pulse Recovery function, which rates your Pulse after your workout.
To use this function, you need to press the Pulse Recovery button for 1 minute, and via the chest strap, the monitor will rate your heart rate F1 – F6 (F1-best, F6-worst).
Other than this, the monitor is pretty straightforward to use. It has a Start/Stop button, two arrow buttons for resistance or scanning through the programs, an Enter button for selecting values, and the Pulse mentioned above, the Recovery button.
CHR-2001 Assembly and Maintenance
One of the most simple fitness machines to assemble, this Velocity rower only requires you to attach the front base to the mainframe, the gliding rail, the seat, and the footrests. Along with the “insides,” the fitness monitor is connected and covered by plastic shrouds.
The manual included with the box offers excellent step-by-step guidance throughout the process. In addition, the tools required for the assembly also come included. Consequently, the entire task shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes of your time.
Maintenance doesn’t require too much hassle, either. Since it’s a magnetic resistance machine, the braking system has no wear and tear, so you don’t have to worry about replacing brake pads.
The whole maintenance requires you to keep the seat rail free of debris that might damage the rollers. Also, some silicone-based lubricants should solve the problem if it begins to squeak.
Pros
- Solid and sturdy frame with quite an appealing design;
- Space-saving, as it has a foldable frame;
- Gliding rail slightly inclined for a better leg workout;
- Angle-adjustable footrests;
- Contoured seat for optimal ergonomics;
- Adjustable, electric-powered, magnetic resistance, with eight levels;
- 12 workout apps;
- Goal setting functions;
- Includes chest strap for monitoring heart rate;
- Tranquil machine;
- Little maintenance is required;
Cons
- Although it has a pretty large footprint, it doesn’t accommodate extra tall users, only up to 6’1″ – 6’2″;
- Resistance doesn’t have a natural feel as in air or water rowers, but this doesn’t stop the machine from offering a solid aerobic workout.
Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower Summary
The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower (CHR-2001) provides everything you want from a magnetic rower. Diversity in workout routines, variable resistance, and an excellent setting for a consistent daily cardio workout are some of this machine’s main benefits.
Above all, it has an excellent price/quality ratio and is a pretty solid machine.
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.
My footprint is not very big, so I shouldn’t have any problem with this connection. I liked the feel of water rowers. And I know what you mean when you say this one doesn’t feel as natural. But yet, I can live with that. I like that it has a foldable frame.
Thanks for this review. You have helped me make up my mind.
With your review of the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower that costs $640, I was able to decide that this was a bit larger than I can comfortably accommodate. There are a few models that take up less storage space, but when using would still require about the same room. I think that what you made me realize with all of the information you have provided that I just need to choose another kind of exercise to have the equipment at home.
As my husband and I are both tall, the restrictions there limited us. I appreciate you sharing all the information for me to make an informed decision.