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Friday, February 14th
Originally designed for use in hotels, Sole Fitness cardio machines are now sold worldwide. The company claims to be dedicated to providing strong and reliable equipment at reasonable prices, and to prioritize integrity in their business practices. They say they strive to improve the quality of their equipment without increasing the cost. This review will be short and sweet, because Sole Fitness only has one rower in their product line.
Nothing special
The Sole SR550 is a combination air and water resistance rower with a 10.1 inch touchscreen, a handlebar with resistance controls, and built-in fitness programs. (Note: in the product description, the brand claims that their rower is the only rower with handlebar controls, but we found at least one other model from a different brand with this feature.) When not in use, the SR550 can be folded up and stored away. Like most newer models of rowing machines, it is Bluetooth-compatible and has fitness tracking features. For $1,599, we aren't particularly impressed with this rower's offerings.
Poor reputation
At the time of our last review, we expressed concern about Sole Fitness's "C+" rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unfortunately, their rating has since dropped further to an "F". Unhappy customers complain about poor customer service and lack of response from Sole Fitness when dealing with issues with their equipment. They also express frustration with the company not honoring their warranty, even in cases where the damage to the equipment was not due to any fault of the customer.
Typical warranty
The default warranty that comes with your rower is Lifetime for the frame, 1 year for labor, and 2 years for all other parts. The Lifetime frame warranty is nice, but we don't entirely trust Sole Fitness to honor it based on common customer complaints.
Shipping (should be) free
Upon visiting the Sole Fitness website, you will be greeted with a pop-up offering free curbside shipping. To take advantage of this offer, you have to enter your email address first. Your Sole Fitness package will be shipped within 2-4 business days and delivered within 10-14 business days. A tracking number will be emailed to you once the item has been shipped. They do ship to Alaska and Hawaii, but you'll have to contact Customer Service for a quote on the cost.
Great return policy, but there are trust issues
Sole Fitness offers a satisfaction guarantee on all products with a 30-day return policy. All equipment has a lifetime guarantee on frames and motors, and multi-year warranties on parts and labor. Open box returns are accepted with no cost for return shipping and no restocking fee - one of the best return policies we've seen. That is, if you can get a customer service representative to process the return within the 30-day window: complaints on their Better Business Bureau listing reveal some customers have been given the runaround about their defective Sole Fitness purchases, only to be told in the end that the return timeframe has passed.
Better options elsewhere
Sole Fitness' rowing machine doesn't win us over for several reasons. While their return policy is commendable, they don't have a great track record when it comes to honoring it. A better response to complaints about defective machinery would also be necessary for them to climb higher in our rankings. The limited variety of rowers is also a drawback. If the SR500 is your top pick, then sure, go for it. However, we believe that most buyers would appreciate a broader selection of rowing machines before finalizing their choice.
Rowing machines, or "rowers," have swiftly sailed into the mainstream fitness world, gaining traction as a one-stop solution for a comprehensive workout. They're not just about the sport of rowing anymore; they're about sculpting your body, boosting your cardio, and getting fit in a fun way. Rowing machines provide an all-in-one workout, working the legs, back, arms, and core.
So it should come as no surprise that rowing machines have become so popular. With rowing, you can elevate your heart rate and improve endurance without stepping outside. What's more, rowing is gentle on your knees and joints, thanks to the smooth motion and the seated position. The resistance can be adjusted to tailor the session - amp up the intensity for a challenge or keep it light and steady.
What are the different styles of rowing machines? Rowers come equipped with a variety of resistance types, each offering a distinct rowing experience. Each type caters to different preferences in terms of workout dynamics, noise levels, and maintenance needs.
Are you seeking the ideal rowing machine for your personal gym space? Here's what you should consider as you shop:
If you're looking for a comprehensive breakdown of the top machines on the market, Top Consumer Reviews is the right place to be. We hope these ranked reviews will help steer you toward a rowing machine that aligns with your fitness aspirations!
Select any 2 Rowing Machines to compare them head to head