Kettler Favorit Review
It is a budget hydraulic rower with some interesting features. It is among the top ten best-selling home rowers on Amazon. The main highlight of this rower is the competitive price for the packed features and the brand name. It has a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, which is higher than average hydraulic rowers. The frame comes from German manufacturers who are known for technological innovations; so it is durable and sturdy. The frame is powder coated to give it extra strength. Kettler offers a lifetime warranty on the frame which is very unusual in training equipment.
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Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine
(3.9 / 5)This is a good rowing machine for the price. I love this product
The equipment is excellent for building body strength; however, it does not emulate the real rowing action in water. It is designed for users in the height range of 5’ to 6’ but shorter users including pre-teens had no issues using it. It is a sophisticated, above average rower compared to the run of the mill hydraulic piston rowers in the market. It includes a multifunctional fitness monitor with a pulse rate monitor. It can be easily folded and has several resistance level settings. Overall it is a solid rower with its fair share of shortcomings.
Features of Kettler Favorit
Resistance type: It utilizes piston-pressure to offer the required resistance to the rower. It operates quietly and is compact, ideal for smaller training areas. The rower has 50 different levels of resistance, which is not typical in rowing machines. This makes is ideal for users of all ages and all fitness levels. The machine comes with two separate rowing handles with pistons attached to each handle. Users experience a continuous resistance, so one does not have to pull against different resistances during workouts. This does not only ensure a comfortable rowing action but it also provides an equal amount of simulation and development to the muscle. The footrests are adjustable. The size and pivoting motion allows anyone to find a comfortable fit. The rowing action has a gravity assisted return because of the slightly raised rear of the rower. This is great for some users, but for others it reduces the legs workout.
Performance monitor: The monitor has a plain appearance, but provides a range of useful feedback like total distance, distance covered during one session, number of strokes, pulse rate and energy consumption. The device is way more superior compared to fitness monitors that come with other hydraulic rowers. All of the recorded statistics are displayed on the same screen. It monitors the pulse rate in two ways: an optional chest strap heart rate monitor or an included ear clip (one end is clipped to the ear while the other is plugged into the monitor).
Build Quality: The build quality is the most attractive feature of the brand. The manufacturers believe that the frame is indestructible. The frame is created from carbon steel and is powder coated so it has a stronger exterior. The machine has a five years warranty while the frame has a lifetime warranty. The quality of the roller wheels under the seats is usually an issue in hydraulic rowers, but there were no complaints from the users about the roller wheels on Kettler Favorit. There are also no squeaking noises that are common in cheaper rowing machines. This quality makes it ideal for users who like to row while watching television. There is no maintenance required apart from some wiping down the seat track.
Construction: The rower is a result of German Engineering which means it involves the use of advanced technology. It has a very stable and sturdy feel to it. The brand has specially built this rower to last, which explains the lifetime warranty. The seat smoothly glides over the steel track and is well padded for comfort. The sealed ball bearings eliminate the need for lubrication.
Comfort: The seat is heavily padded, wide and contoured; it is comfortable enough for rowing for long periods. The seats glide up and down very smoothly, thanks to the high quality rollers underneath the seat. The handles are above average and very comfortable for a fitness equipment. The extra thickness of the rubber prevents blisters.
Adjustable straps secure the feet on the footrests. The pivoting motion of the footrest allows for natural movement when rowing. The machine has a smooth rowing motion. The rower allows for free motion handles; one can pull and push the handles, or swing out the handles to the side. This is very similar to what one would experience when rowing in the water.
Assembly: The equipment is very easy to assemble; takes about 35 minutes to set it up. The instruction manuals however, are not in English. A few users found that inconvenient, others rely on the pictures to put the machine together.
Conclusion
Kettler favorit is an excellent choice for individuals looking to own a high quality rowing machine for casual use. It has a solid build quality, lifetime frame warranty and an unusually large range of adjustable resistance. The free motion handles emulates rowing a boat. Some of the disadvantages include: the machine provides less lower body workout; some people find it difficult to assemble the rower; it has no wheels for transporting.