Guide
Rowing, but the right way: technique talk with Fabian
by Michael Restin
The Assault Rower Elite, a machine for purists with space
1.11.2022
Translation: machine translated
When it comes to rowing machines with air resistance, the models from Concept2 are the undisputed flagships. Assault Fitness counters with a colossus that appeals to a special target group.
I really realise that the Assault Rower Elite is in a different weight class when the delivery man drops the test machine off at the garage door. At 65 kilograms, it weighs more than twice as much as a Concept2. An attack on my intervertebral discs. With the help of my neighbour, I heave the package into the flat and wonder if the machine is in the right place. It cries out for a studio, gym or loft, which unfortunately I cannot serve with. But it's the Corona winter of 2020, a time when an available piece of home fitness equipment is considered a stroke of luck and I'm grateful to be able to try out the monster for a few weeks. Accordingly motivated, I put my back into the oars and seek advice from Fabian, who, as a rowing athlete, becomes my motivator and coach.
While I'm dealing with stroke rates, intervals and technique, the stores are emptying and the supply chains are nowhere near as stable as the Assault Rower's chain hoist. At some point the "Ever Given" gets wedged in the Suez Canal and we get used to all the imponderables. The state of emergency becomes the new normal and it soon becomes clear that no new rowing machines will find their way to Europe any time soon. Neither from Assault Fitness nor from Concept2. So I kept my experiences to myself for the time being, because a review would have been pointless at this point. In the meantime, the warehouses are full again and that's a good thing, because the device deserves a few words. The Assault Rower Elite is something like the "Ever Given" among rowing machines. It's a massive behemoth that can take a beating if you're not wedging yourself in the hallway with it.
Building
On the Assault Rower, everything is a bit bigger and more massive. As soon as the packaging is opened, your gaze lingers on the 19-inch windmill. With red blades behind grilles, it doesn't hide, but stands out visually.
For this, unlike Concept2, there is no way to change the airflow to determine whether the drag feels more like a racing boat or a Roman galley. More on this later. But even with this detail, the Assault Rower makes it unmistakably clear: there are few frills or levers here, but lots of steel and aluminium. Accordingly, I have to screw all the parts tight. Nothing can be folded, swivelled or simply plugged together.
The biggest challenge is to connect the centrepiece to the track. A second pair of hands is certainly helpful here. Everything else, i.e. fitting the footrests, display, handle, seat and support legs, is not difficult, but hard work. After a good hour, the last thing I can do is insert four AA batteries into the calculator-sized display and I'm ready to go.
Resistance
Whoever chooses an AirRower will be rewarded with a realistic rowing experience, where the resistance increases continuously and depends on how much power you apply. The relatively simple principle makes the devices self-sufficient and durable, a power supply is not necessary and the power can be measured very well. It's no wonder that studios, competitions and dry training mainly use equipment like this. Most of them come from Concept2.
Whoever, like me, has mainly sat on such a model in the gym before, misses the possibility of regulating the air supply on the Assault Rower at first. The intensity of your workout does not depend on the air flap position in the cover of the windmill. You can work out either way. Concept2 compares its effect to the gears on a bicycle. It would have been easy to rely on the same principle for the Assault Rower. But the brand's motto seems to be "reduce to the max", it is more at home in Crossfit and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) than in rowing and accordingly focuses on maximum stability and minimum adjustment options.
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Noise is not frowned upon in the scene either, because the disadvantage of an AirRower is quite clearly the background noise. Especially with short, intensive intervals, it can swell so much that you need a suitable training room or tolerant neighbours. In addition, the Assault Rower with its open housing makes so much wind that you should not sort your stamp collection in the same room. The quieter and more homely alternative would be a rower with water resistance.
Seat position
The Assault Rower makes an immediate impression when you get on it. The four feet can be adjusted individually until the device stands firmly on the ground and, due to its high weight, makes no effort to slide during the workout. The high and, in combination with the position of the footrests, rather upright seating position creates an SUV feeling. The seat, which is as comfortable as it is ergonomic, is the first point where I have the feeling of being more comfortably accommodated than on the Concept2 models I know. Those are also available with raised legs, but I have never sat on them in similar comfort. The Assault chair sorts out the rear end, has a small cut-out for the tailbone and is well padded, but still offers enough support. In addition, it runs 1A over the rail. After training, it is locked in the rearmost position.
Grip and traction feel
The handle sits on a two-stage chain and belt drive, which should not reach its limits even during HIIT training. I like the smooth running and the high position of the chain. Nothing disturbs, there is no design compromise. The rowing feeling is first-class and the quiet noises when pulling and rolling are swallowed up by the wind. The handle is a little angled and thicker than I'm used to, but it sits well in the hand and is certainly suitable for people with larger paws.
Display
Directly in the field of vision, a rather simple display stretches out in front of my nose. Here, too, the Assault Rower limits itself to the essentials and displays time, number of strokes, distance, pace, calories and (via Bluetooth/ANT+ with chest strap) heart rate. I can set myself goals relatively easily, choose between eight HIIT programmes or create my own programme. What I can't do beyond that is find motivation or even distraction.
There is nothing designed here in terms of play. I'm not even allowed to race with a small pace boat like the PM5 Monitor from Concept2. It is similarly compact, but has more functions. Of course, the Assault Rower likes it spartan - but in the upper price range in which it plays, it could do with a bit more. Even a smartphone or iPad holder would be a real improvement. Since I don't do HIIT so much, but rather longer rowing sessions in the evening, I don't crave data, but entertainment. And looking at the TV over the towering Rower is almost impossible.
Stowing away
His uncompromisingly massive design makes the Assault Rower a space hog even after the workout is over. Although it can be easily lifted at the back and manoeuvred around on rollers, even when parked on end it remains what it is: an impressively large rowing trainer that cannot be bent or even stored folded like Concept2's models.
235 centimetres long, 51 centimetres wide and 123.4 centimetres high cannot be argued away and are always somehow in the way in normal-sized rooms. It's better to buy a battleship like the Assault Rower only if you have a permanent place for it. The only thing more difficult than hiding it is taking it apart again and pressing it back into its packaging. So think twice - it takes up space and is coming into the house to stay.
Conclusion
The Aussault Rower Elite is a very good rowing trainer. Still, it falls more into the "special interest" category. If you're into Crossfit and HIIT, steel and aluminium, then you're getting heavy quality here. The manufacturer claims that this thing is "designed to take a beating". Nothing slips or wobbles, even taller and heavier people can work out on it. The maximum load is given as 158.8 kilograms. Which is funny, because the more delicate-looking Concept2 RowErg is approved for up to 230 kilograms. That doesn't mean much, except that it's very hard to beat its more versatile rival in any category. For most who are serious about rowing training, it remains the first choice. If you fall for the Aussault Rower Elite, I can understand because of the design and materials, as well as the comfort. It's for purists with space who are happy to forgo a few niceties, adjustments and data.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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