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The V-fit Air Tornado rower is a center pull rower equipped with an Air resistance system. This system has the advantage of offering progressive resistance proportional to your effort. The downside is that these systems are generally noisy, which is the case with this Tornado. This entry-level model, designed for beginners and intermediate users, is a good compromise if you have a limited budget, although more careful work could have been done on the overall quality.
DESCRIPTION
The V-fit Air Tornado rower is a center pull rower equipped with an Air resistance system. This system has the advantage of offering progressive resistance according to the speed of rotation. The PU fan spinner is 50 cm in diameter.
This rower is equipped with an on-board computer with 1 single button for the 6 functions: Calories, Scan, Cycle counter, Cadence, Total number of cycles , Weather
The V-Fit Air is also equipped with giant, pivoting pedals for good foot support.
Relatively light (19.5 kg), it remains rather bulky (dimensions: 212 cm x 44 cm x 74 cm L x W x H) with its main tubular frame is made of steel, its rail of aluminum. However, it has a folding system that will save precious centimeters (folded dimensions: 120 cm x 44 cm x 75 cm L x W x H) and is easily transported thanks to the transport wheels on the front frame. It can support a maximum user weight of 115 kg and comes with a 12 month warranty on parts. First and foremost it is an air resistance rower: there is no adjustment resistance (unlike magnetic resistance rowers). The harder you pull, the higher the resistance: the sensation is similar to that of an oar. This, added to the pace, allows you to work in training (20-24 strokes / minute), or in power (from 30 strokes / minute). Anaerobic or aerobic work, anything is possible… It is essential to execute the movement well and to work progressively. The counter has 3 dials which can display: • Either the number of strokes / minute, the distance covered, and time, • Either the total number of strokes, the speed and the calories consumed (approximate). The change and reset are carried out by pressing the button for a longer or shorter time. single button.
The assembly, despite a manual only available in English, is quite easy thanks to the drawings and also thanks to the fact that most of the elements are already pre-assembled. Only the last assemblies remain to be done (allow about an hour, without special equipment because it is provided).
When the time comes to assemble the console, we have seen that the 2 batteries necessary for its use not included with the device.
Comfort of use
At first impression, the V-fit Air Tornado rower looks robust , the general ergonomics are good. The seat is suitable, the product is comfortable and stable.
While performing the movement, however, I found the stroke a little weak for a tall person (1m88). The handle butts against the blower which forces us to have a movement with a VERY reduced amplitude. The size of the footrests also seems too short for me (45 in size). As for people with small footwear, the straps can be ill-suited.
As for noise, the air resistance rower is by nature noisier especially if like this one is operated by a chain. This can get in the way in an apartment. The fan animated when you pull, blows air, it's not deafening, but you still have to increase the sound of the television to hear it see it wearing a helmet while rowing. < br /> The chain is not too hard nor too soft, no hardship position. However, the fast forward reverse may jam the chain, a largely minor problem.
The counter is clear and easy to use, although a little cheap. You can switch between 8 functions including 2 in constant display (large and clear display which allows you to constantly follow your effort without having to bend down to read the small numbers).
A slight defect concerning the rails, the seat wheels catch dust and other shavings from the rail, suddenly the sliding becomes jerky which is quite unpleasant.
Efficiency
The rowing machines center do not exactly reproduce the full movement of rowing, the muscles used are not exactly the same as on a Scandinavian rower.
Regarding air resistance, and even if we would have liked a partially adjustable resistance, it is progressive according to the traction force that is exerted, which makes this rower not only efficient but scalable. It is therefore only by rowing faster that we increase the air resistance and therefore that of the rower. The progressiveness of the resistance thanks to the air wheel is very pleasant.
For more experienced users, the resistance can however quickly turn out to be very low, which gives the impression of rowing in a vacuum.
I am used to using high-end rowing machines (concept 2) and I find that the V-fit Tornado provides very good feelings of resistance and movements given its price. On the other hand, I am very disappointed with the computer: the instantaneous speed is very approximate therefore not reliable and the distance is only given in 1 / 10th of a km so not precise.
< br /> Storage
The appliance, when folded, does not take up that much space and can have its place in the living room. You still have to fold it. The folding system in fact involves manual screwing / unscrewing, it could have been more practical but it is a habit to take when using it.
Be careful simply by folding the rower for the put away after use. The speedometer cable gets stuck when you bend the rower and the cutting edges of the bars tend to damage the wire (Seat Sensor Cable - 22).
Durability
The overall quality of the V-Fit Air Tornado is decent for this price even though some finishes leave something to be desired. The plastic of one of the toe clips had a weakness where the foot strap passes. This part can be replaced very easily without returning the complete rower which is heavy and bulky
The resistance wheel cover is also made of plastic. It looks very fragile and deformable. Watch out for wear over time.
As seen above, take good care of the speedometer cable when you fold the rower where it will no longer detect back and forth movements. And we don't know if it's possible to have a new cable and if we can take the whole thing apart. Other users report weaknesses in the sensor cable assembly.
Another point of concern is that the drive chain has started to get stuck in the drive sprocket because it is not perfectly straight. It can derail, it surprises when you are in the effort. Obligation to remove the cover to re-engage.
Other remarks mention a loss of resistance (almost zero) without any explanation which makes it completely unusable. Probably due to the elastic band which loses tension very quickly, making the movement too easy.
PROS
Ease of use
Overall comfort
Stability
Soft and progressive air resistance
Resistance varies according to the power that one puts in motion
Practical, it folds up for standing storage
Easy to assemble / Hassle-free assembly
Perfect for daily training
Quality / price ratio
(Reliable and robust)
CONS
Non-adjustable resistance
Quality of finishes
Not suitable for all sizes
Instructions in English
Air resistance = noise
Inconvenient folding system
No pre-recorded sessions
Bulky
BOTTOM LINE
Convinced by the enthusiastic comments of users and its attractive price, we have chosen to test this V-Fit Tornado, and the results are rather mixed.
Despite a rather good comfort of use, a seat and pleasant handles, the quality of the rower is generally average. Many parts wear out prematurely which questions its longevity.
Apart from its few faults and noise, this is an efficient machine with which you can train on a daily basis. This rowing machine, which is aimed at beginner or intermediate users, allows you to adapt your effort at will by adjusting the parameters (speed, force, duration).
And if we take into account the price, although the " Concept 2 ”is the must in terms of air rower with its ergonomic position and especially its reduced noise (we only hear the noise of the air)… its price is € 1,300, more than 4 times more expensive.
For regular users who are not looking for performance, this V-fit and its 300 € remains very competitive. For others, we recommend that you save even more and upgrade to a Kettler or Concept 2.