Rowing is one of the most effective forms of cardio you can do. So having a rower at home without spending a ridiculous amount of money is always worth considering.
That's why today we want to take a closer look at the JLL R200 Rowing Machine, one of the most popular and affordable rowing machines in the UK.
There's a convenient folding design, near silent when being, and more features that make it great for home use. That said, it may be a bit too small for larger people or too fragile for heavier contenders.
Let's take a closer look at the JLL R200 Rowing Machine.
JLL R200 Rowing Machine Review: Introduction
The JLL R200 Rowing Machine is a fantastic entry-level rowing machine but we want to see how durable, functional, and space-efficient this model is.
Right off the bat, what we have to say is that it has a very reasonable price of about £250 at the time of writing this, it's a real bargain.
Now, it has a few drawbacks, such as nowhere to put your phone or tablet and very large people will feel cramped, but it also makes for a great option for small areas and people who need a quick cardiovascular workout.
JLL R200 Rowing Machine: Availability and Cost
Something to note is that this is an exclusively European product, and it's only available in the UK. At this time, the cost is £259.99.
Setting Up the JLL R200
Something that we like about this particular rowing machine is that the setup is straightforward.
First, it comes in a narrow and long box along with all of the tools you need for assembly.
Unlike much larger and more complex rowing machines, a single person can assemble this unit in just a few minutes. It's not a very complex assembly process, so you can get started with rowing much faster.
It comes with a three-inch LCD screen that is powered by batteries, so you don't even have to plug it in.
Not having to plug it in makes it quite versatile and it means that you don't have to constantly be near a power source.
Our Experience with the JLL R200 Rowing Machine
The JLL R200 has a few benefits and drawbacks we need to talk about, so let’s do that now.
Folding Design, Weight, and Size
One of the main benefits worth noting about this rowing machine is the fact that it's designed for space efficiency. It already isn't as long as it is, but what makes it even more space-efficient is that it features a folding design.
The folding design of this rowing machine effectively cuts it in half when folded, which means that you can easily fit it into a tight space, potentially even in a small closet in your apartment.
On that note, it weighs just 23 kilograms, which isn't overly heavy for a unit of this nature, and it comes complete with its own wheels for transportation. So not only can you easily store it in a small space, but getting it to that space is easy as well.
The only downside on this front is that the foot cradles catch on the floor, particularly on carpets, when moving the rowing machine around. It's not a huge issue, but it is something that you have to correct every time you open it.
That said, it's space efficiency and lightweight design do of course have their benefits.
Durability
Now, in terms of the overall durability and functionality of this unit, it's made with metal slide rails, as well as other metal and high-quality plastic components.
Overall, the frame is fairly durable and it feels robust enough, although keep in mind that it has a maximum 100 kilogram weight capacity. As we said, this rowing machine is not designed for the largest of people.
This rowing machine also features plastic foot cradles along with Velcro straps, both of which feel slightly low quality, but they do the trick.
What is very durable is the thick and well-padded handle, which seems to be able to take a lot of wear and tear, although the foam does also pick up a bit of smell.
Performance
Something worth noting about the JLL R200 is that it performs quite well. What we mean is that the slide rail is sturdy, but also smooth. You won't notice much resistance on the rail, and even the seat is quite comfortable. It has a good deal of padding, which is important for prolonged rowing sessions.
The machine itself features 10 levels of magnetic resistance, which can be adjusted via the turn-dial knob.
The first few levels are extremely easy but are very challenging on maximum resistance. While being used the resistance is almost silent so you won't disturb the whole house as you exercise.
We wouldn't expect anything more from such an affordable unit, which can also be said for the fairly basic 3-inch LCD display. The monochrome display is easy to read and tracks workout time, strokes, strokes per minute, calories burned, time and distance. It shows two sets of numbers at a time, and it works as intended.
With that being said, there aren't any connected features or workout programs available at all, which might be a drawback for those who want a more interactive experience.
Related Posts: See more from JLL with our reviews of the JLL IC200 Pro and JLL IC300 Pro.
Final Thoughts: Is the JLL R200 Rowing Machine Worth the Investment?
For the low price that it comes to us at, the JLL R200 is most definitely worth the investment. With such a low price, it’s barely an investment at all, yet you get a functional and space-efficient rowing machine.
It might have a few drawbacks, such as not being suitable for large people and not having any workout programs, but its overall durability, great performance, and space-efficient design make it worth considering.
This is why we chose it as one of our top 11 rowing machines for home use.
