A true water rowing experience is the best way to describe the Viking 2 AR water rower. This isn’t a low-end model by any means, but it is a machine that you would expect an Olympic athlete to train on when they can’t get out on the water.
The 2 AR features a water-filled flywheel with 4.5 gallons of water in it. The water is what provides resistance when rowing.
The great thing about water rowing is that to go twice as fast, you need to expend eight times the energy to reach this goal. If you row faster, you’ll automatically increase the resistance.
But there is also an adjustable resistance system, which is unique to this Viking 2 AR.
This may be one of the most complete rowing machines we’ve ever tried. Let’s take a look at this model’s features before going deeper into our review.
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Features
- Water-filled flywheel
- Triple-blade inside of the tank
- Ergonomic handle
- Adjustable resistance
- Smooth, textured seat
- Adjustable footplates
- 125-pound weight
Before going any further, please note the weight of this machine is 125 pounds not 500 pounds. The company lists the weight as 500 pounds, but this is an error. This model is much lighter, which is a good thing.
Can you even imagine trying to move a 500-pound machine?
This is a heavy rower, but this is what should be expected with a real wooden frame. Considered a light commercial machine, this model is able to provide users with years of use and is extremely solid in design.
Assembly is rather quick with the cheap set of tools that are included. In total, it takes 30 – 40 minutes to assemble the unit going at a slug’s pace.
Perfect for interval and resistance training, there is an adjustable resistance option, or you can row faster to increase the amount of drag or resistance when rowing.
Comfortable and quiet, the seat offers a textured design that is comfortable even with extended sessions. The seat doesn’t produce any slippage no matter how hard you’re rowing. The handles are padded, too, and allow for a firm grip – minus slippage.
Straps are available on the adjustable footplates, and there is an interactive performance monitor, too.
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The monitor provides you with:
- Quick-start options
- Manual programs
- Interval training options
- Heart rate sensor
- USB port
- Distance, calorie, time monitoring
And this is a custom monitor, not the S4, which many high-end models seem to offer. Don’t worry, this monitor is just as good or better than the competition.
Pros
- Resistance option
- True water rowing
- Comfortable design
- Durable
Cons
- Large (7-feet in length)
- Expensive
Water rowers are expensive. Period. There is no way around the expense of a water rowing machine. And the size is a bit large at 7 feet, but again, for a wooden unit that simulates rowing on the lake, this is to be expected.
The Viking 2 AR was designed to simulate rowing on a river, and this model sounds and feels just like the real thing.
Designed to perfection, you’ll work over 80% of your muscles when rowing with the 2 AR, and the possibilities are limitless. If you want a rower that will provide a challenge 10 – 20 years from now, this is the only option. Row faster or put on the resistance, and anyone will find that the workout is exceptional.
The Viking 2 AR is one of maybe 5 water rowers with this level of quality – it’s that good.