The Fluid Rower E316 from First Degree Fitness is quite the new kid on the block when comparing commercial rowing machines, slowly but surely more and more of the Fluid Rowers are starting to appear in gyms and health clubs all over the world.

The Fluid Rower range use a special water chamber, with large fan blades that cut into the water when you row. Not only does this give a smooth resistance, it also makes a water noise not unlike rowing in a real boat. Many athletes and rowers have said the find the water noise made by the fluid rower very relaxing and it really helps to stimulate a good fast paced exercise program.

The machine was fairly straight forward to assemble and was supplied with a screw driver and a spanner, so nothing was needed at all to aid the swift assembly. I took around 35 minutes to have the machine fully put together and the large polycarbonate tank filled with water.

The seat is firm and comfortable, the t bar hand grip attached to the  cable had a neoprene covering which felt good in the hand. The quality of the materials used in the E316 are very good, the machine felt very sturdy and did not shake when rowed hard. Also the height of the seat position is very good, no bending right down, it almost felt at office chair height but not quite as high. I could see this machine being used by athletes with injuries or older people so they didn’t have to get low to get on to the seat, some rowing machines are very low down.

One thing that really stood out from its main rival the Concept 2 rowing machines was the instant pull with no slack when first starting to row, the concept 2 has a slight delay before you pull your full stroke, this isn’t the case with the Fluid Rower E316.

The an LCD computer covers all the areas you would expect, from 500m times, stroke rate, calories burnt, time, rowing strokes on a clear LCD screen. It hasn’t quite got the features of the Concept 2 but I understand this will be changing very soon.(so watch this space for the latest updates)

• 16 level patented Variable Fluid Resistance
• Direct Drive System (patent applied)
• Rigid frame construction for maximum stability
• Extended transport wheels for ease of movement
• Dyneema(R) cable – no chains, no lubrication
• Interactive Performance Monitor
• Ergonomic handle
• Seat at “office chair” height for ease of entry & exit
• Air-glide seat rollers
• Dual anodised aluminium seat rail
• Concealed roller design – cleaner, safer & smoother
• Unique Heel Support assembly (reg. design)
• Instant one-touch adjustment for foot size
• Compact footprint
• Optional back support

Priced from £999 this is a serious rowing machine, built to a very high standard with quality materials used throughout. Its been rated by many professional rowers to rank  in the top 5 best indoor rowing machines in the world. For a fantastic range of Rowing machines visit healthclubsathome.com