Updated: December 2025
| Model |
Longevity (30%) |
TCO (25%) |
Suitability (25%) |
Maintenance (10%) |
UX (10%) |
Total (/5) |
| Technogym SkillRow |
5.0 → 1.50 |
3.5 → 0.88 |
5.0 → 1.25 |
4.0 → 0.40 |
5.0 → 0.50 |
4.53 |
| Atletica MagnaRow |
4.0 → 1.20 |
5.0 → 1.25 |
4.0 → 1.00 |
4.0 → 0.40 |
4.0 → 0.40 |
4.25 |
| Life Fitness Row GX |
4.0 → 1.20 |
3.0 → 0.75 |
4.0 → 1.00 |
3.0 → 0.30 |
4.5 → 0.45 |
3.70 |
| Atletica CarbonRow |
3.5 → 1.05 |
4.5 → 1.13 |
3.5 → 0.88 |
4.0 → 0.40 |
3.5 → 0.35 |
3.81 |
¶ 1. Purpose and Context
This report evaluates rowing machine options for the One Residence community gym using the same framework as the treadmill, elliptical and stationary-bike analyses.
Vendors reviewed: Atletica (new), Technogym (refurbished), Life Fitness (used/refurbished).
Baseline benchmark:
- Atletica MagnaRow — €949 (new)
Premium window:
- €500–€750 more (target €1,450–€1,700) if a premium Technogym or Life Fitness rower provides substantial long-term value.
The report includes:
- Detailed model evaluation
- SkillRow pricing clarification
- Rowing-machine-specific reliability analysis
- Weighted scoring
- Final committee recommendation
- Dual air + magnetic resistance (10 air + 6 magnetic power levels)
- Generator-powered console (no external power needed)
- 160 kg max user weight
- Semi-commercial build
- Best value baseline option
- Air resistance only
- Lighter build
- Not preferred unless cost reduction is required
- Air + Magnetic “Multidrive” resistance
- High-end commercial machine
- Advanced biomechanics and LCD console
- Strong service and parts availability
- Ideal premium choice only when priced within the committee premium window
Key clarification:
There is only one generation of SkillRow.
The wide price range is due to refurb grade, warranty, cosmetics and reseller margins—not different versions of the machine.
- Water-resistance rower
- Certified for commercial use
- Smooth, natural rowing feel
- Requires water tank maintenance
- Only attractive when heavily discounted
Rowers are mechanically simpler and far more reliable than treadmills or ellipticals.
¶ Core wear items across all brands:
- Handle strap/chain
- Seat rollers
- Bearings
- Foot straps
- Console electronics
All of these components are:
- Generic
- Inexpensive
- Easy to replace
- Widely available
Unlike treadmills (motors, belts, decks) or ellipticals (linkages, bearings, load arms), air/magnetic rowers have almost no high-stress systems.
Atletica MagnaRow is mechanically simple, robust, and low-maintenance.
It does not carry meaningful reliability risk for a 150-member community gym.
The premium brands (Technogym, Life Fitness) mainly deliver:
- Better stroke feel
- Brand prestige
- Higher resale value
- Console sophistication
—not essential durability advantages.
There is ONE SkillRow model. No different generations exist.
The price spread (€1,700–€2,700) is driven by:
- Grade A+ showroom refurb: new paint, rebuilt components, 12–24 month warranty → €2,300–€2,700
- Standard refurb: inspected, partially renewed, 6–12 month warranty → €1,700–€2,000
- Gym offload (“as-is”): minimal refurb, 3–6 month warranty → €1,400–€1,700
Benelux is typically more expensive; Italy and Spain often cheaper.
Longer warranty = higher price.
¶ 4.4 Seasonal demand
Gym-upgrade season (Sept–Jan) raises prices.
Pros:
- Outstanding value
- Dual resistance system
- Robust frame
- Simple, low-maintenance components
- No external power
- Minimal reliability risk
Cons:
- Less refined stroke than SkillRow
- Basic console
- Lower resale value
Pros:
- Best stroke feel of all candidates
- Premium build quality
- Excellent brand consistency with other Technogym cardio units
- Strong vendor support
- App integration for guided workouts
Cons:
- Often exceeds the committee’s premium threshold
- Electronics more complex than Atletica
- Premium largely represents experience, not essential durability
Pros:
- Excellent water-rowing feel
- Commercial-grade construction
Cons:
- Water tank maintenance
- Higher cost, lower alignment with rest of cardio fleet
| Model |
Longevity |
TCO |
Suitability |
Maintenance |
UX |
Total (/5) |
| Technogym SkillRow |
5.0 |
3.5 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
4.53 |
| Atletica MagnaRow |
4.0 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.25 |
| Life Fitness Row GX |
4.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
3.70 |
| Atletica CarbonRow |
3.5 |
4.5 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
3.81 |
Choose: Technogym SkillRow (Refurbished)
- Best overall performer
- Strong brand alignment
- Superior user experience
Choose: Atletica MagnaRow (New)
- Minimal reliability risk
- Outstanding value
- Perfectly suitable for community-gym usage
- Life Fitness Row GX (maintenance-heavy)
- Atletica CarbonRow (inferior to MagnaRow for small cost difference)
- Rowers are highly reliable across brands; Atletica carries no meaningful durability risk.
- The Technogym SkillRow is a premium upgrade, not a necessity.
- The final decision should be based on:
- Price
- Vendor alignment
- Warranty
- User experience priorities
If a SkillRow deal fits the budget, best choice. If not, Atletica MagnaRow