Echelon Review: Rowing Machines

Founded on the principle of "echelon" formation - where cyclists work together to go farther and faster - Echelon Fitness positions itself as a community-focused alternative in the connected rowing machine market. Their two budget-friendly rowing machines might catch your eye with their sub to $1,000 price tags, but as you'll discover in our review, Echelon's approach to fitness equipment comes with some significant asterisks.

Two machines under $1,000

Echelon offers just two rowing machine models, with minimal customization options and a narrow price range:

• Echelon Row ($899): Their entry-level model features magnetic resistance, a device holder for your own tablet or smartphone, and Bluetooth controls. Best for budget-conscious beginners who already own a tablet and want a basic connected rowing experience. Requires subscription for most functionality.
• Echelon Row-s ($999): Their premium model includes all features of the standard Row plus a built-in 22" HD touchscreen with integrated speakers. Best for users who want an all-in-one solution without needing to provide their own display.

Beware the subscription bait-and-switch

While Echelon rowing machines tempt with their sub to $1,000 price tags, there's a costly asterisk attached. Unlike competitors that offer functional standalone equipment, Echelon's rowing machines are essentially expensive paperweights without their Premier membership ($39. 99/month or $399. 99 annually). Even basic "free row" functionality requires an active internet connection and app login. This subscription-dependent model has sparked widespread customer frustration, with numerous reviewers reporting that after software updates, their machines became unusable without maintaining the subscription. When evaluating Echelon's seemingly budget-friendly rowing machines, remember to factor in this ongoing cost - over just three years, you'll spend more on subscriptions than on the actual hardware.

Free shipping isn't really free

Echelon's shipping policy feels like a rowing machine workout itself: full of resistance. While they advertise "Free Shipping" with their rowing machines, the fine print reveals this only applies when you purchase an annual Premier Membership. Expect delivery within 2-3 business days for smaller items (under 150 lbs), but rowing machines may take 10-14 days through FedEx Freight, which only delivers to ground level - so hope you don't live in a walk-up apartment or you'll be lugging your new Echelon machine up the stairs yourself.

30-day returns that come with hoops to jump through

Echelon allows returns within 30 days of delivery, but your rowing machine must be returned in "brand new, re-sellable condition" with all original packaging, manuals, and accessories. While they provide a prepaid shipping label, Echelon reserves the right to deduct fees or deny returns if they determine the product shows any signs of use or damage. After 30 days? You're completely out of luck, as Echelon flatly states that "return requests after 30 days from delivery date will not be accepted."

Warranty protection that costs extra

In perhaps the most questionable policy among rowing machine manufacturers, Echelon doesn't appear to include a warranty with their machines unless you pay extra. Extended warranty packages range from $60 (1 year) to $240 (4 years). This reflects Echelon's subscription-and-upcharge-focused business model where the initial purchase price is just the beginning of your financial relationship.

Customers don't mince words about their Echelon disappointment

With a dismal 1.4-star average rating from 176 reviews on Trustpilot, Echelon's rowing machines have rowed their way into troubled waters. "Absolutely the worst company to deal with. Do not buy anything from them. The equipment is such poor quality and their customer service department is not helpful whatsoever," writes one frustrated customer. The recurring theme in negative reviews isn't just about hardware issues - it's about Echelon's business practices. Another customer explains their predicament: "I bought an Echelon product to own it, not to rent it. But after a recent forced software update, the bike I paid for now requires an internet connection just to function, even in basic mode." Even positive reviews come with asterisks, like one user who loves their EX5s bike but laments, "YOU HAVE TO PAY just to see your personal statistics which is really ridiculous when you buy an expensive, connected piece of exercise equipment." When it comes to Echelon rowing machines, the stream of customer experiences suggests you're better off pulling in a different direction.

Echelon's nickel-and-dime business model leaves rowers high and dry

Echelon has perfected the art of the upsell, turning what should be a straightforward rowing machine purchase into a labyrinth of additional charges. From the misleading "free shipping" that's only free with an annual membership, to the paid warranties that should come standard, to the forced internet connectivity that renders your machine useless without a subscription - Echelon treats its rowing machines as mere gateways to your wallet rather than fitness solutions. This is a business model built on extracting maximum revenue after the initial purchase, not on customer satisfaction. We cannot recommend Echelon rowing machines to anyone seeking a reliable, hassle-free rowing experience. We especially urge fitness enthusiasts who value ownership rights, offline workout capabilities, or transparent pricing to avoid Echelon's rowing machines entirely - unless you enjoy paying subscription fees just to access basic functions on equipment you thought you owned.

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On the Echelon website