XEBEX Air Rower Review: Is This Worth The Hype?

Looking for an air rowing machine that can handle serious workouts without breaking your budget? You have probably heard about the XEBEX Air Rower.

This powerful fitness machine has been making waves in home gyms and CrossFit boxes across the country. But does it live up to the hype?

This complete review digs deep into everything you need to know about the XEBEX Air Rower. We tested this machine for weeks. We pushed it to the limits.

Key Takeaways

• Built Like a Tank: The XEBEX Air Rower features a 95 pound steel frame that can support users up to 500 pounds. This machine went through durability testing with one million robotic arm pulls without failure.
• Comfortable Design: The seat sits 21 inches off the ground, making it easier for people with mobility issues to get on and off. The molded foam seat provides better comfort than many competitors during long rowing sessions.
• Smart Storage Solution: The 2.0 model folds in half for storage, taking up less than 50% of its original footprint. This makes it perfect for home gyms with low ceilings or limited space.
• Smooth Performance: The air resistance system provides a direct connection to the flywheel with 10 damper settings to control airflow and resistance levels throughout your workout.
• Different Tracking System: The monitor uses a proprietary formula for calculating calories and distance that differs from Concept2, which means your times and metrics will not directly compare between machines.
• Solid Warranty Coverage: Comes with a 5 year frame warranty and 2 year parts and console warranty, showing the manufacturer stands behind the product quality.

What Makes the XEBEX Air Rower Stand Out

The XEBEX Air Rower enters a competitive market dominated by established names. But this machine brings something different to the table. Get RXd designed this rower for serious athletes who demand commercial quality equipment at home gym prices.

The construction immediately catches your attention. The frame uses heavy duty steel throughout all critical areas. The welds look clean and professional. No cheap plastic parts hold together important structural components. This rower feels solid from the moment you start assembling it.

The 95 pound weight might sound excessive. But this weight contributes to stability during high intensity intervals. The machine does not slide or shake when you push maximum power through the leg drive. Four wheels on the 2.0 model make moving it around easier than you would expect for something this heavy.

Air resistance provides unlimited scaling. The harder you pull, the more resistance you create. This makes the XEBEX suitable for complete beginners and elite athletes. The 10 position damper lets you adjust how much air enters the flywheel housing on each stroke.

Understanding Air Resistance Technology

Air rowers work differently than magnetic or water resistance machines. The flywheel contains fan blades that spin when you pull the handle. These blades push air, creating resistance. Pull harder and faster, and you create more resistance automatically.

The XEBEX uses a stainless steel chain instead of cheaper rubber cords. This chain connects the handle to the flywheel. Steel chains last longer than rubber alternatives. They provide a more direct feel during the rowing stroke. The chain requires minimal maintenance, just some oil every few months.

The damper setting changes how much air flows into the flywheel housing. Think of it like gears on a bicycle. Lower settings require less force to accelerate but you need more strokes. Higher settings need more force per stroke but fewer total strokes for the same workout.

Many people misunderstand damper settings. Setting 10 does not automatically give you the hardest workout. Setting 5 might actually work better for most people. The resistance still increases with your effort at any damper setting. Experiment to find what feels best for your rowing style.

Top 3 Alternatives for XEBEX Air Rower

Assembly and Setup Process

The XEBEX Air Rower arrives partially assembled in a large box. The company packs everything carefully with foam and cardboard protection. Users report receiving their machines without scratches or damage during shipping.

Assembly requires basic tools that come included in the box. You need three different Allen wrenches, one Phillips head screwdriver, and a small wrench. The instruction manual provides clear pictures and easy to follow text. Most people can complete assembly in 30 to 45 minutes.

Having a second person helps during assembly. Some parts are bulky and awkward to hold in position while tightening bolts. But one person can complete the job alone if needed. Just budget extra time for solo assembly.

The packaging shows attention to detail. Larger parts that might touch during shipping get wrapped separately. Batteries come included for the monitor. Everything you need arrives in one box. No surprise trips to the hardware store for missing parts or tools.

Frame Construction and Build Quality

The XEBEX frame uses powder coated steel for all structural components. The black finish looks professional and resists scratching better than painted surfaces. The legs and fan housing mount show excellent weld quality with minimal slop.

Quality control testing puts each machine through one million pulls from robotic arms. This testing simulates years of heavy use in commercial gym settings. The 500 pound weight capacity means this rower accommodates nearly all users comfortably.

The seat rail appears to use aluminum construction. The surface feels smooth to the touch. The seat glides effortlessly along the rail using quality rollers. Even after extended use, the sliding action stays smooth and quiet.

Compare this construction to budget rowers and the difference becomes obvious. Cheap machines use thin steel tubing and lots of plastic parts. The XEBEX feels solid and substantial. You can tell this machine was built to last decades, not just a few years.

Seat Comfort and Design

The seat deserves special mention for its thoughtful design. The molded foam provides firm support without feeling hard. The raised edges help keep you centered on the seat during powerful leg drives. Many users report less soreness compared to flat seats on other machines.

The 21 inch seat height makes getting on and off easier than low profile models. This benefits older users, people with knee problems, and larger athletes. The height also makes the XEBEX a good choice for physical therapy and rehabilitation settings.

The seat glides smoothly on quality rollers. No sticking or catching interrupts your rowing rhythm. The rail features a slight downward angle toward the machine. This means the seat automatically returns to the starting position when you hop off during circuit training.

Budget rowers often sacrifice seat comfort to cut costs. Users end up buying aftermarket seat cushions just to make long workouts tolerable. The XEBEX eliminates this problem with a seat that works well right out of the box.

Handle and Grip Experience

The handle features a comfortable diameter that most hand sizes can grip securely. Texture on the grip prevents slipping during intense workouts when hands get sweaty. The handle width allows for natural hand positioning without straining wrists.

A slight bend at each end of the handle helps keep wrists straight during the finish of the rowing stroke. Straight handles force you to either stop short or bend your wrists uncomfortably. This ergonomic detail shows thoughtful design.

Some users notice a clicking sound at the connection point between handle and chain during the first pull of high intensity intervals. This comes from a small plastic piece that houses the connection. The clicking typically goes away after the first stroke or two. Adjusting your technique to accelerate smoothly instead of jerking eliminates the problem.

The stainless steel chain provides a direct feel throughout the rowing stroke. The return feels smooth and connected. Chain maintenance requires just a few minutes every few months with some lubricating oil.

Foot Pedals and Adjustability

The foot pedals mount on heavy duty steel bases. These feel rock solid even during maximum power output. A hardened plastic layer covers the base with a pivoting heel cap that moves with your foot during the recovery phase.

Nylon straps secure your feet in place with quick adjust buckles. The straps tighten and loosen easily between users of different shoe sizes. This makes the XEBEX ideal for families where multiple people share the machine.

Height adjustment happens through an easy to see orange tab on the side. Press the tab and slide the foot platform up or down until it clicks into the desired position. The system makes adjustment obvious even for first time users.

The 3.0 model adds three different foot width settings compared to just one on the 2.0 version. This accommodates people who prefer a wider or narrower stance. But most users find the standard width comfortable without adjustment.

Monitor Features and Display

The LCD monitor tracks distance, time, watts, calories, heart rate, strokes per minute, and stroke distance. The display shows all metrics clearly during workouts. Battery power keeps the monitor running, though the 3.0 model adds a generator to extend battery life.

Pre programmed workouts include Quick Start, Competition Racing, Interval or Tabata, Target Time, Target Distance, Target Calories, Target Strokes, and Target Heart Rate. The monitor starts tracking automatically when you begin rowing. Programming specific workouts takes just a few button presses.

The 3.0 model features a backlit display that helps in darker workout spaces. The 2.0 lacks backlighting but the screen still shows clearly in normal lighting conditions. Both versions include the Force Curve feature that was previously missing from earlier XEBEX models.

Heart rate monitoring requires an external device operating on 5k frequency. The monitor does not include a built in heart rate sensor or wireless connectivity to fitness apps. This keeps costs down but limits integration with modern fitness tracking ecosystems.

Understanding XEBEX Metrics vs Concept2

Here comes an important consideration for serious rowers. The XEBEX uses proprietary formulas to calculate calories and distance. These formulas differ significantly from the calculations used by Concept2 rowers.

This means your 2000 meter time on a XEBEX will not match your time on a Concept2. Your calorie burn numbers will also differ between machines. If you train for rowing competitions or CrossFit events that specify Concept2 standards, this creates problems.

CrossFit determined the original XEBEX 1.0 was not eligible for competition use during the 2018 Open due to these metric differences. Get RXd has since sent updated models for testing and potential approval. But this remains a consideration for competitive athletes.

For home gym users focused on general fitness, the metric differences matter less. You simply track your own progress over time on the same machine. The XEBEX still provides an excellent cardiovascular workout regardless of how it calculates the numbers.

Performance During Steady State Cardio

The XEBEX shines during longer, moderate intensity rowing sessions. The air resistance provides smooth, consistent feedback throughout the full range of motion. The seat comfort becomes more important during these longer workouts, and the XEBEX delivers.

The pickup of the flywheel feels direct and connected. Pull harder and you immediately feel more resistance. Ease off and the resistance drops. This creates an intuitive workout experience that beginners pick up quickly.

Noise levels stay reasonable for an air rower. All air resistance machines make some noise from the flywheel fan. The XEBEX produces typical air rower sounds without excessive rattling or vibration. Most people can use it in a garage or basement without disturbing the whole house.

The rowing feel closely matches the Concept2 experience during steady state work. Close your eyes during a moderate pace row and you would struggle to tell the difference. This familiarity helps people transition between machines at home and the gym.

High Intensity Interval Training

The heavy frame provides excellent stability during all out sprints. The machine does not walk across the floor or shake when you push maximum power. The 95 pound weight contributes significantly to this stability.

The air resistance scales automatically with your effort. Sprint intervals create significantly more resistance than steady rowing. This variable resistance eliminates the need to manually adjust settings between work and rest intervals.

Some users experience that clicking sound from the handle connection during the explosive start of high intensity pulls. This typically happens when jerking the handle aggressively instead of accelerating smoothly through the stroke. Adjusting technique eliminates the problem.

The damper setting becomes more important during interval work. Experiment with different settings to find what allows you to maintain good form at high intensities. Many people prefer slightly lower damper settings for sprint work compared to steady state rowing.

Storage and Space Considerations

The XEBEX 2.0 folds in half for storage using a simple pin mechanism. Pull the pin, lift the back end, and the machine folds into a vertical position measuring 36 inches long by 20 inches wide by 55 inches tall. This takes up less than half the floor space of the rowing position.

Four wheels make moving the folded machine easy on flat surfaces. You can roll it across a garage or basement floor without help. The folding feature works great for home gyms with limited space or low ceilings.

Maintenance Requirements

Air rowers require minimal maintenance compared to other cardio equipment. The XEBEX needs even less attention than many competitors thanks to quality construction and materials.

The stainless steel chain needs lubrication every two to three months. This takes about 10 minutes. Apply some chain oil, work it in by doing a few slow strokes, wipe off the excess. This simple maintenance keeps the chain running smoothly for years.

The flywheel stays clean through normal use thanks to the enclosed housing. If dust accumulates inside, remove the housing and vacuum it out once or twice a year. This takes just a few minutes with basic tools.

Warranty Coverage and Support

Get RXd backs the XEBEX with a five year warranty on the frame and a two year warranty on parts and the console. This coverage demonstrates confidence in the product durability. Few manufacturers offer this level of protection.

The company has operated in the fitness industry for 30 years. They manufacture products in Taiwan using established quality control processes. Customer service reportedly responds quickly to warranty claims and technical questions.

Compare this warranty to budget rowers that often provide just 90 days to one year of coverage. The extended XEBEX warranty provides peace of mind that the company stands behind their product for the long term.

Frame warranties typically cover structural failures and manufacturing defects. Parts warranties cover components that wear out or break during normal use. Read the warranty terms carefully to understand exactly what is and is not covered.

Who Should Buy the XEBEX Air Rower

The XEBEX works well for home gym owners who want commercial quality equipment at a reasonable price. The durable construction handles daily use by multiple family members without problems. The 500 pound weight capacity accommodates nearly all users.

CrossFit athletes training at home benefit from the familiar air resistance feel. Just remember the metric differences if you plan to compete in events using Concept2 standards. For general CrossFit training, the XEBEX performs excellently.

People with mobility limitations appreciate the 21 inch seat height. Getting on and off proves easier than low profile models. The raised seat also helps people recovering from injuries or surgeries who cannot easily lower themselves to the ground.

Comparing XEBEX Models: 2.0 vs 3.0

The XEBEX 2.0 retails around $749 while the 3.0 costs approximately $829. Both machines feature similar construction quality and performance. The differences come down to specific features and design choices.

The 2.0 folds in half for storage while the 3.0 uses a traditional tilt and roll design. The folding mechanism on the 2.0 works great for low ceiling spaces. The 3.0 requires about 7 feet of vertical clearance for storage.

The 3.0 features a backlit monitor display and a generator to extend battery life. The 2.0 has a non backlit display powered solely by batteries. The backlight helps in darker workout spaces but is not essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the XEBEX Air Rower work for tall people?

Yes, the XEBEX accommodates users up to 6 feet 5 inches or taller comfortably. The rail measures over 8 feet from fan to end, providing plenty of length for full leg extension during the drive phase.

Can I use the XEBEX in my apartment?

Air rowers make noise from the flywheel fan. The XEBEX produces typical air rower sounds that could disturb neighbors in apartments with thin walls or floors. Consider a magnetic resistance rower if noise is a major concern.

How does the XEBEX compare to water rowers?

Air rowers like the XEBEX provide unlimited resistance scaling based on your effort. Water rowers create a different feel that some people prefer. Air rowers typically cost less and require less maintenance than water models.

Will the XEBEX rust in my garage?

The powder coated steel frame resists rust better than painted surfaces. Keep the machine in a relatively dry environment. Wipe off any moisture after workouts. The chain should be oiled regularly which also helps prevent rust.

Can kids use the XEBEX safely?

The adjustable foot pedals accommodate different sizes. The seat height might be challenging for very young children. Supervise children during use to ensure proper form and safety. The machine has no pinch points or dangerous moving parts when used correctly.

Does the XEBEX connect to fitness apps?

The standard monitor does not include Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. The Smart Connect versions offer connectivity features for tracking workouts in apps. Check which model you are purchasing if app integration matters to you.

How long does assembly take?

Most people complete assembly in 30 to 45 minutes with basic tools. Having a second person helps but is not required. The instruction manual provides clear guidance. No special skills or experience needed.

What is the difference between air and magnetic rowing machines?

Air resistance provides unlimited scaling based on effort while magnetic resistance uses preset levels. Air rowers typically make more noise but cost less. Magnetic rowers run quieter but cannot match the natural resistance scaling of air models.

Can I row every day on the XEBEX?

The durable construction handles daily use without problems. Rowing is low impact so daily sessions work well for cardiovascular fitness. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed to prevent overtraining.

Is the XEBEX good for weight loss?

Rowing burns significant calories and works multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Combined with proper nutrition, regular rowing sessions on the XEBEX can definitely support weight loss goals. The comfortable seat encourages longer workouts which burn more calories.