If you’re looking for a rowing machine with a decent price tag, then the V-Fit Tornado Air Rower might be what you need. Here’s everything you need to know about it in this V-Fit Tornado Air Rower Review.
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V-Fit have developed a solid reputation in the budget-to-intermediate home fitness equipment market.
The V Fit Tornado Air Rower fits their product aims at the lower end of the market in terms of price, but looks to offer a workout accustomed to a more premium-priced product. We decided to test it out and bring you our verdict in our comprehensive V-Fit Tornado Air Rower review.
V-Fit Tornado Air Rower – First Impressions
The V-Fit Tornado rowing machine is designed to be used in a home setup. Despite this, it has striking black and orange looks and a design that wouldn’t look out of place in a commercial gym.
The Tornado Air Rower has a fairly standard footprint compared to other rowing machines with dimensions of 212cm (l) x 44cm (w) x 74cm (h). It folds up when not in use, which almost halves the length to 120cm with the other dimensions remaining pretty much the same – this makes storing the Tornado discretely more than possible.
The central display is a little smaller than some other models, but shows all the data you need and works perfectly fine with power coming from a couple of AA batteries. The overall design looks great and is fairly slimline as you might expect, with the 50cm diameter 12 vane air resistance system taking up the bulk of the space at the head of the unit.
The seat and handles have a good amount of padding and on first use the Tornado rowing machine feels smooth and comfortable to use.
Tornado Air Rower Specifications
The Tornado has a tubular steel main frame that is silver coloured in an epoxy powder coating. The air resistance provides a stern test thanks to its 20 roller freewheel bearings, and this system provides more resistance the harder and faster you row.
There are no manual resistance adjustments necessary which means you can essentially control the level of resistance mid-row with your own effort levels.
The rowing arm (handles) are perfectly contoured to provide a maximum extension on each row and features comfortable grips that are padded with high-density foam. The rowing arm attaches to a single chain similar to premium models such as the Concept 2 Rower.
The footplates are oversized and have adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable and efficient row, and the seat is well padded and covered in PU leather. The roller action of the seat is as smooth as you might expect and the length of the main frame and design of the rowing arm will allow users of all heights (even up to 6’3″) to enjoy using this rowing machine.
The maximum user weight of the Tornado is 115kg, which is just over 18 stone. The transport wheels that are at the front of the rower make it easy to move and at a weight of just under 20kg this is fairly easy to do.
Using The Tornado Air Rower
The lack of manual adjustment when it comes to resistance was something that concerned us a little prior to testing the Tornado rowing machine.
This concern was unfounded though as the amount of resistance provided from increased rowing speeds is proportionate to what you feel you need. Unless you are aiming to build a lot of strength in shorter rowing sessions with high resistance (which we wouldn’t recommend this for), then the Tornado is going to be more than sufficient.
If you are looking to develop a steady balance between cardio, strength and stamina then the V-Fit Tornado is ideal for most users.
We found the seat and handles to be comfortable when using the rower for up to 30 minutes at a time, and although the display screen is small it gives all the real-time data you need and is easily viewed from the seated rowing position.
The display shows time, calories burned, distance, speed, strokes and stroke rate with all distances and speeds shown using KM. You can select which data is displayed or you can use the scan feature to cycle through them.
There is clearly a difference between using a budget rower such as the V-Fit Tornado and a commercial rower such as a Concept 2, but for most home users the Tornado will more than suffice. Unless you are a professional rower or looking to undertake seriously long rowing sessions, then the V-Fit is a great option that we enjoyed using again and again for the time we had it.
We experienced no sticking or other chain related issues and found the roller system to be smooth at all times albeit a little noisy to use – but there aren’t many rowers that offer a quiet workout.
Tornado Air Rower Verdict
The V-Fit Tornado is an exceptional budget rower that has a lot more going for it than many of its rivals in the same price range. It is easily stored away when not in use and allows for pretty compact storage and the transport wheels mean it is easy to move. It is basic in its concept, but performs consistently well with the air resistance providing plenty of challenge for all levels of experience.
It looks great and although it won’t be upsetting too many of the premium range models, it does offer more than enough for the home user looking for a good cardio workout with an attractive price tag.