Marcy Compact 8-Level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine with Transport Wheels

I got this with a bit of concern from some of the comments saying that it's hard to assemble, directions aren't clear, equipment was damaged etc.Despite the negative feedback there was plenty of positive feedback so I decided to give it a shot.The package arrived on time in good condition. There was a corner that on the cardboard box that was a bit damaged but it was a big box and the foam on the inside secured the machine and protected it from whatever caused it.I assembled it in thirty minutes or less. The directions are very straight forward. If you're unable to follow these directions then you're the problem, not the directions. It's easy enough to see how it goes together without the directions so they shouldn't even require much details anyway.Once assembled I hopped on and gave it a shot. The next thing that concerned me was the tensions as most people complained that there wasn't much of a difference from 2 to 8. I checked this out and although the difference isn't great there is a difference in each step. Whether you can really tell or not may be the issue. It seems minute but existent. For $199.00 I didn't expect this to be the same as using a machine at the gym that cost thousands.The machine works great, it folds up nicely and is easy to move from room to room. The digital display is very basic but I don't need much to jump on and get to work.Overall I am pleased with the machine and it's performance!

This is so fun! I would give it five stars, but the assembly instructions left a little to be desired.Here are my added assembly steps:Before starting, gather the following items: Source of music (to reduce frustration), two AA batteries (not included).The instruction book-*None of the pieces are labeled, but you can pretty much figure everything out from the drawings. The nuts/bolts look very similar, but if you count them and look at the parts list, you'll know which is which.* Putting on the pedals can be hellish. I had a lot of trouble getting one on and lined up but the other one was no problem. Here's a tip for you non-experts. Put the washer and screw on one end. This will be the end away from the center. Put the ^%&%$** pedal on the bracket (heel cup on the bottom). Wiggle and push and swear until you get the axle all the way through. Stick your fingers in the teeny tiny space and attach the other washer and screw. Tighten it as much as you can with your fingers. IMPORTANT: Now, put one of the small allen wrenches in the inside (loose) screw and hold it still while you use the other allen wrench to turn it from the other side. It doesn't matter that the outside screw is already in, this will screw the axle onto the inner screw. SO much easier then trying to move the wrench around in the teeny area. (I know, because I did it the hard way first.)* The four holes on the rail go on the bottom. (Yes, I did it wrong at first.) After you attach and tighten the two screws on the top of the seat rail, pull the big pin out, put the rail in vertical position, and put the pin back in. This makes it MUCH easier to put the four screws in the bottom and add the rubber bumpers. Also, attach the other leg/support this way, making sure it's facing the right way.* Put the rail back down.Here's where I had the biggest problem...THERE WERE NO MORE INSTRUCTIONS!!! Maybe I was missing a page. I hope I was missing a page.At this point I have two screws, a seat, two bumpers, and two end caps that are still sitting on the floor. Honestly, it's not THAT hard to figure out what to do, but I really shouldn't have to. So:* Put the seat on FIRST. (Wheels go in the tracks.) Screw the rubber bumpers on just like you did the other ones with the only screws you have left. Stick the end caps in the end. (Funny: These are the only parts that are labeled.).* Open the little door on the back of the computer and put the batteries in. (You could probably do this before you attach the computer, but I left the batteries in the house so I haven't done this part yet.)**** Try it out.Holy crap! This is SO much fun! If you are old (like me) or out of shape (like me) you should make sure not to go overboard or you'll feel it later.PROS:Even with the sometimes lacking assembly instructions, I put this together in less than an hour.TOOLS ARE INCLUDED!!It folds up so it takes slightly less space.CONS:Honestly, the only complaint I have is the instructions. That was annoying, but not a real problem.So far, I would recommend this.Nicole

Got this for my dad as his christmas present. The assembly was easy and it's not too heavy. It comes with wheels so he can move it around by himself with ease. I tried some reps on it, and it was very smooth. The resistant levels on this rower is a little too light for me, but it works perfectly for my dad. Another thing to mention is it can stand up to save space for storage. It fits in the closet when my dad is not using it.

I am convinced the reason other reviews are mentioning the foot pad is that the factory welded the mount bar in the incorrect position. This may not be the case on every model but it was on mine. There is an L bracket that you bolt the foot pads too, it can be seen in the pictures above. The bracket is welded so that the hole is up, and the hole should be facing the forward position (like in the pictures). I was able to fix this by drilling new holes (see picture). If you don't want to have to drill new holes then this might not be the machine for you. I have attempted to contact the manufacturer about this defect but can't seem to reach anyone.Overall it's not bad. I am used to much higher quality machines and this one is just kinda meh. I haven't used many in this price range so I am no expert. However, I am disappointed about the quality, especially given the having to drill new holes, for the price.UPDATE: this rower completely failed after about a week of normal use. I am very disappointed in the product. The foot pads have started wearing out the screw holes where the two screws hold them in place. Meaning the foot pads themselves have to be tightened every use. This started after the third use. The cable has completely stopped retracting and now takes about 5 minutes or so to slowly wind itself back up. I am guessing this is meant for much lighter use and not any prolonged rowing. The plastic cover for the cable that covers it at the handle to keep it from sliding off center has started to crack and looks like it will fail after a couple more uses. In my opinion it's probably a much better idea to bite the bullet and buy a much batter machine unless you are looking for another piece of equipment to collect dust until you get around to selling it on craigslist