First Degree Fitness Viking 2 AR Home Fluid Machine

The reason that I purchased from First Degree was because of the ability to adjust the resistance. This was the only rower I could find that had that feature. I thought it was important because of the way the rower works. Without this feature you have to slow down to decrease the resistance. With the First Degree you can decrease the resistance, but keep up the rep speed. The directions were great, and the assembly went perfectly, and it looks terrific. All aspects of the machine are comfortable, and it is as smooth as can be. I feel excellent about the purchase, and so will you.

I did my research before choosing this model. his thing is not only well built, it is wonderful to use and beautiful laying down or standing up. It rolls smoothly and provides a serious workout. Fortunately, it is adjustable or beginners. We love the gentle sound of the water, and the electronics seem of high quality. It is also easy to moves around.

Solid machine. Will last me many many years and add to my overall fitness levels.

I locally purchased the viking pro, which is basically the same model, but the front frame is made in one piece of wood instead of screwed together with bolts. A bit more expensive, but basically the same. I really recommand an AR waterrower, each model would do. I just figured i would keep mine for a long time so, why not have a beautiful wooden one.I am very happy with this rower, not only because of the smooth movents it makes, but also for the rest-giving sound the water makes whenever you pull it. I have filled the water tank with distilled water and added a little chlorine tablet which is delivered with the rower. The water didn't change color neither smells.I have had mine for one year now, and the only thing i had to change, was the elastic, which makes the handle return smoothly. It was a bit worn, but i suppose it depends on the usage frequence. It is great that the first degree rower comes with an adjustable resistance button. I personally hardly ever change my resistance, but i know my girlfriend is rowing on a lower level. Everyone is happy... When you change the resistance, you are actualy tranferring water from the outer circle into an inner circle, so there is less resistance when you pull. It takes like 5-10 seconds to complete this process, afterwards, to increase resistance, this is instantly as the water flows right out of that inner circle. Clever system, nice to see!The computer is rather simple. If you change the resistance you are rowing on, you need to adjust the level manually on the computer. It doesn't really keep track of previous rowings so if you are looking for that kind of thing, you probably would need another rower. You can however connect the computer on a laptop an save it there but i never did this.Hope this helps,Michel

I just purchased (locally, not from Amazon) this rowing machine today, so this review is a first impression.All of the components and hardware were well boxed, and upon inspection, were damage free. The wood is a very nice color, and the hardware is plain black. Overall, I'm impressed, but maybe the hardware could have been a bronze or brushed type of finish.Assembly was very easy, taking me a lazy 30 minutes or so to complete. Honestly, unboxing and inventory/inspection took me longer. Note: A cheap (but adequate) set of tools is provided, and you need nothing of your own (but a 13mm ratchet wrench made assembly much more efficient for me.)This unit takes 17 liters of water (a little over 4 gallons for we 'Muricans) so have plenty of distilled water on hand. Filling is simplicity itself if you place your water source higher than the tank.On to using the machine!! I tried the rower in the store, and was obviously impressed enough to buy it. The rowing motion is butter smooth, there is no slack before the "catch," and the seat is wonderful (compared to the C2.) The computer is simple, but adequate. The adjustable resistance is a great feature as well for when my girlfriend wants to use it.Overall, I think I got exactly what I paid for. I like how well the machine is built, i like how classy it looks, I appreciate how smooth it operates, and I anticipate years of trouble-free use out of it.