JTX Freedom Air, Foldable Rowing Machine, Mag-Air Resistance, 135kg User Capacity, 2 Year In-home Warranty, Self powered - no plugs needed

I have been using the Concept2 rowing machine at my gym and finally decided to buy one for home. After several months of trying out and being disappointed by the quality of rowing machines within my budget I came across the JTX Air Rower. Most of the bigger brands sell rowing machines but none of them feel very sturdy at all. The build quality of the the JTX Rowing Machine was really difficult to see in the pictures but it really is a solid piece of kit – really comparable to the commercial rowing machines in my gym. Its got a really great stroke (very smooth and not at all noisy. The combination of air and electro-magnetic resistance is really great because the programmes keep me focused but I really do like the feeling of the Concept2 resistance (which this mimics). The other great thing that I hadn’t noticed was that it comes with the cardio heart rate programmes and a free chest strap. Most of the other rowers I tried don’t include the chest strap, or charge extra, but its such a nice feature. It means that the programmes adjust the resistance to keep you working out at the best level for getting fit. Finally -buying through Amazon you never really know what the customer service will be like. I have to say JTX Fitness surpassed all my expectations. I got a call so I could choose when it would be delivered and also offered some rowing machine support from a personal trainer if I wanted it ( I got a bit more advice about the cardio programmes which was really helpful). I then rang back when I wanted to check how to set it up and they couldn’t have been more helpful. 10 stars!

This has been a complete disappointment so far. There appears to be an issue with the monitor unit in that it keeps resetting itself mid-way through a row. When it does this, the resistance setting goes with it...pretty much making the machine anything but 'superior'. I have been contacted JTX and waiting for a reply.

Arrived promptly and when expected. Easy to set up although took me a bit longer than estimated in booklet because the allen keys supplied with the rower were insufficient to the task and I very nearly rounded the heads on the allen-head bolts. Not sure i want to try taking it apart again so not likely to be an issue. This is the right size for spare room (suspect the Concept 2 I was looking at initially would not and was £400 dearer) and seems to be robust and well made. Seems to be relatively quiet so no fear of upsetting the neighbours. Smooth rowing action. The interface on the monitor appears quite simple to use with reasonable selection of preset programmes. Intend to use this regularly so will update as I go as not given it (or myself) a proper test run yet. Two minor gripes: this rower is obviously not designed for average women or men with small feet - I am 5ft7 with size 7/EUR 43. There are six settings on the "pedals" but even on the smallest the strap essentially cuts off circulation to my toes as my feet. I will need to see how that is after a bit of use and may have to jury-rig some form of alternative strap. The second gripe is that the machine is obviously a return which has been repackaged as the monitor was full of scratches but as only cosmetic and does take affect use, I am letting it ride. As a consequence i am only giving a 4-star review.

Ordered in response to prospect of 3+ months social distancing and the resulting inability to attend the gym or join weekly Rambler's excursions to the hills. My previous experience of rowing machines was limited to those provided by gyms I've belonged to - Concept2. Buying the JTX Freedom was something of a gamble but existing on-line reviews were encouraging. Ordering was easy and delivery was both timely and on time - with accurate information provided at each stage. Assembly was straightforward with all required tools provided; the diagrams were accurate - i only had to scratch my head a couple of time! The questions were - which items were the seat stops (round illustrated and square supplied) & where did the bolts securing the two main sections together actually go? Also, where is the 4th washer for the footrest? (After an extensive, unsuccessful search I came to the conclusion that it hadn't been supplied. (I was able to finish the assembly using an alternative washer from my toolkit). I've only used the rower once 'in anger'. After using the Concept2 it was a little difficult to get used to - resistance settings, data displayed on the console and the adjustment of the footrest length (the moving section kept coming off the fixed section - probably because the material used is still quite stiff). However, the first exercise session was quite satisfactory. I have contacted the supplier about the missing item and I have been advised that it will be posted as a matter of urgency. I can confirm that the aforementioned washer arrived a short while ago (14.30, 21/03/2020). Given the general circumstances, I think that's pretty darned good.

I bought an earlier model of this rower 4 years ago. Unfortunately one of the foot rests has split in 2. Only moderate use but ok, fair enough. This is out of warranty of course. But the website does say that spare parts are available. However, this was not the case. I was told that these parts are no longer available but I could be offered a discount on a new rower! So pleased be warned that you might only own JTX rowers until something breaks - not happy rowing for years to come.