Bodycraft VR500 Commercial Rower Review
Shop NowThe Bodycraft VR500 has various features that contributes towards a smooth, quiet, efficient and comfortable exercise session. The mechanics of the Bodycraft VR500 and its structure reflects the ingenious and methodical approach of its makers, which translates into an excellent exercise equipment.
Overview & Ratings
Any fitness enthusiast would swear by the benefits of rowing. Rowing targets the entire body rather than specific areas and produces great results. It is the rowing machine that would manage to burn more calories in less amount of time than compared with treadmills, cycles or cross-trainers. And one can avoid the inconvenience of a gym and still reap the benefits of rowing with the Bodycraft VR500.
The Bodycraft VR500 is the finest model in its series. The Bodycraft Rower VR500 has a durable construct, ergonomic design and innovative technological features. And the little perks will win your heart. Perks such as the convenience to opt resistance from the handlebars itself, flexibility, quality and what not! Therefore, based on our extensive analysis we have rated the Bodycraft VR500 Commercial Rower 9.4/10.
Although this is a detailed Bodycraft VR500 review, following is a video review to give you a different perspective on the product: Bodycraft VR500 Commercial Rower Video Review
Features and Specs
Intro
Dimensions
- Assembled dimensions : 98.5" x 20" x 38.5"
- Folded dimensions: 58.5" x 20" x 77”
- Weight: 45.5 kg
Features
The Bodycraft VR500 gives top-notch quality in a price tag it well deserves. Some of its features that are bound to appeal to you for their uniqueness are as follows:
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Magnificent Monitor
The Bodycraft VR500 has a computer system embedded with all the controls and programs imaginable. Plus, a state of the art widescreen LCD display and keys with LED backlighting. It can keep a track and record the workout data of up to 4 users. The console of the Bodycraft VR500 can also keep track of a varied parameters like calories burned, amount of rowing strokes, distance, time and so on. However, the best feature of the Bodycraft VR500 is the great variety of programs the user can opt from. The Bodycraft VR500 comes preprogrammed with 8 kinds of workouts, such as the QuickStart where the user can choose from 32 levels of resistance. Other programs include the Manual program, 12 Preset Profiles, 5 Race Modes, User Race Modes, Advanced Interval Programs, Watt Goal etc.
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Uniquely Comfortable Seat
The Bodycraft VR500 has a seat that would make you wonder if it is made out of clouds. In fact, it is this seat of the BodyCraft VR500 that has stood out and proved pivotal in the Bodycraft vs Concept 2 debate for many users. Much of the convenience of the seat lies in its strategic positioning. The seat is placed at a height of 19 inches and thereby is accommodating to any body type and age.
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Air and Eddy Current Magnetic Resistance
The Bodycraft VR500 uses a combined system of air and eddy current magnetic resistance. This system increases the resistance as the user increases speed, thereby giving much better resistance than any of the Bodycraft VR500 contemporaries. Plus, the user can choose from 32 different levels of resistance that can be controlled electronically.
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Handy Handlebars
The Bodycraft VR500 Rowing Machine has aluminum handlebars. They have the right balance of sturdiness, flexibility and comfort; all thanks to its ergonomic design. To top it off, these handlebars have 4 keys that enable the user to control resistance directly from the handlebars itself, leaving no room for interruptions during the workout.
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Warranty
The Bodycraft VR500 offers two kinds of warranties.
For Residential: Frame - Lifetime; Parts - 7 years; Wear Items - 1 year; Labor - 2years
For Light Commercial: Frame - 10 years; Parts - 3 years; Labor and Wear Items - 1 year -
Shipping and Assembly
Shipping of Bodycraft VR500 might cost a bit depending on country of residence but shipping is free of cost if purchased from Amazon.com Assembly is easy and the Bodycraft VR500 is delivered with manual and required tools. The instructions are clear and it will take less than an hour to assemble the Bodycraft VR500 single handedly.
Our Likes
The Bodycraft VR500 Commercial Rower is the exercise equipment that guarantees a smooth workout. It is loaded with features that are thoughtful, advanced and convenient.
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Sturdiness and Comfort
The frame of the Bodycraft VR500 is made of aluminum and finished with steel, which contributes towards its durability. Its track is an I Beam Mono Rail that is made from T13 aluminum as well. Also, the support legs are built with steel. The track along with the comfortably padded and contoured large seat can handle a weight of up to 320 lbs. The nylon strap is another durable aspect of the Bodycraft VR500 that has been tested with 580 lbs. and 500,000 repetitions. Apart from the perfectly ergonomic seat, the comfort-oriented features of the Bodycraft VR500 also include the footrest. The footrest has a heel rest and straps and they are adjustable as well. Also, the handlebars provide a good grip along with the ease to control the resistance with wireless technology. Another convenience that Bodycraft VR500 offers is the option to fold the equipment and it has wheels that greatly help in transportation and storage.
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Exciting Programs
The Bodycraft VR500 has a wonderful line-up of programs. It has 12 programs that give the users the option of 8 kinds of workouts. However, the heart rate programs deserve a special mention for their uniqueness. On the whole, these programs have the flexibility to accommodate a variety of users that includes the athletes, the casual fitness enthusiasts or those under therapy.
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Zero Maintenance
The Bodycraft VR500 requires no oiling or any other maintenance jobs thanks to its choice of using long-lasting materials like the nylon drive strap.
Our Dislikes
Users who own the Bodycraft VR500 have complained about the bulky size of the machine, designed so to accommodate all body types. If you are short of space then the Bodycraft VR500 can become an eyesore. But it isn’t so huge that it eats up the entire space and makes the area look claustrophobic. It has the standard dimensions to fit a regular gym or exercise area. Plus, with transport wheels and foldable frame, the Bodycraft VR500 is easy to move around and store.
Our Verdict
The Bodycraft VR500 is truly one of the best rowing machines. Its positives outweigh the negative aspects. It has a durable construct, readable and user-friendly console. It offers a wide array of options in terms of workouts comparatively. It is built to facilitate effective workout sessions for any type of user. It is hassle free, quiet and smooth. Also check out Best Rowing Machine Reviews 2018.
All these qualities make the Bodycraft VR500 a reliable rowing machine. It is built to ensure satisfactory results and it measures up to the expectations.
Price & Shop
Question & Answers
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Q. Does the Bodycraft VR500 need to be plugged in a socket or does it have battery?
A. The Bodycraft VR500 would be needed to plug in due to its LCD display, handlebars controls and servo controlled resistance.
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Q. How much does the Bodycraft VR500 weigh?
A. It weighs 116 lbs with the box and 101 lbs on assembly.
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Q. At what level of resistance does it began to feel like actual rowing with the Bodycraft VR500?
A. At Level 1 itself the Bodycraft VR500 can simulate actual rowing. However, it goes beyond being a simulator and resistance increases steadily with speed and levels.
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Khadija Begum
Khadija Begum is a freelance content writer, blogger and a book hoarder. She enjoys putting a creative spin on the product reviews, tech articles or lifestyle and health articles she writes. She aims to productively use her certificates in Psychology, Lifestyle & Wellness Management and keen interest in fitness to inform her readers of the most efficient methods and equipment to pursue healthy living.
She has a diploma in creative writing, an award for a short story that validates her existence and is currently pursuing a degree in English Literature, Journalism and Social Work.