ROWBRO:

Row Machines are nothing new. You sit on a sliding seat and pull the handle that spins a fan to create resistance and you row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. ROWBRO isn’t reinventing the indoor row machine, it is just a redesign that minimizes sound and space taken up. 

ROWBRO uses a magnetic resistance system, which isn’t breaking news but it is much quieter than those that use water and air, while still providing proper resistance. 

One of its greatest selling points is that it is completely portable. Just how is it portable and stable? Instead of using a raised static track, a single track is folded onto the floor and the rolling seat is placed on top. The main unit is placed in a door frame and is held in place by a handy adjustable bar that can fit into any doorway. 

It looks super simple to set up and stow away, so you could easily knock out a workout and get back to your day without having to dedicate a whole room to exercise. 

ROWBRO even goes a step ahead with their minimalism and doesn’t even include a screen. They did us all a favor and made it Bluetooth-compatible, so you can just use your own tablet or phone with the ROWBRO app. This makes it not only cheaper but also keeps all of your info in one place. 

ROWBRO isn’t really a leap into the future but is definitely a step in the right direction. They didn’t reinvent the indoor rowing machine but made it much more approachable for people who can’t commit to having a stationary rowing machine in their homes.

ROWBRO is second to none when it comes to being portable, lightweight, and easily stowed. The best the competition can do is have a folding mechanism in the frame and be pushed against the wall. 

Both the ShareVGO and Merach offer a quiet workout and an app to view your progress but the ROWBRO app offers much more in detail information about your overall workout and doesn’t just relay time and the force you are pulling with. You can compete with yourself and track your progress over time, which will be sure to keep up with your workout routine, instead of letting your workout equipment turn into a drying rack.

The competition has more resistance levels but honestly, this isn’t weight lifting, three modes are plenty for most people who don’t plan on becoming professional rowers. 

Overall the ROWBRO focuses on portability, which it dominates the competition in, but lacks in having to set up, while it still is easy, and having to work out near a door frame.

This is ROWBRO’s first project and the bros behind it have definitely taken a back seat. The ROWBROS are based in Switzerland and have teamed up with BUSSE, a German Design +Engineering firm. On BUSSE’s official page there is an article about their partnership with ROWBRO so we do know a reputable firm is behind the product.

The manufacturing is going to be all done in Europe so you can expect it to have a much higher quality due to stricter industry restrictions.

They have been posting updates on feedback from backers. You can find different videos and photos of tests that they are running as well as new additions and tinkering on the rowing machine. They have improved their traction pad and made their seat more ergonomic as mentioned in their last update and it got positive feedback. They also made some safety improvements by adding a brake for the seat to make it easier to get off and on. 

There is definitely someone behind the wheel of this campaign steering it in the right direction and answering concerns of the project.

The demo videos look great and it is clear that there is a product ready that works and is ready to be manufactured.

If the one thing stopping you from getting a full body workout is a lack of space in your home, you should get excited about ROWBRO. It isn’t going to change the way you exercise, but it will definitely get you to actually exercise more. Something doesn’t have to break new grounds to be great. 

Are you ready to row?