Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff
Let’s Get Started:
The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the name Kettler is strong, German engineering. The Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer is just that. This rower machine has a strong and reliable steel frame that is powder coated for extra durability. The Kettler Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer is designed to be more than just a rowing machine, as the name suggests. With this machine you can perform a multitude of exercises while sitting or standing. There is no doubt you will get a full body workout with this rower. If there is any question, then you can use the chest strap heart rate monitor that comes with this machine to ensure your optimal intensity output.
The Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer uses magnetic resistance to provide the user eight unique levels of intensity. It also has a thick padded seat that glides quietly and effortlessly on the steel monorail. When you’re done exercising, Kettler designed the Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer to be folded for easy storage. This is a great machine designed for more than just rowing.
Click here to see the price of the Kettler Stroker Rower and Multi Trainer on Amazon.
Technical Info:
Dimensions:
- Length: 86”
- Width: 24”
- Height: 32”
- Weight: 104 lbs
- Max user weight: 286 lbs
Features:
- Includes a wireless chest strap heart rate transmitter (Polar T-34 compatible) which senses heart rate and transmits the data to the computer.
- Magnetic brake system resistance can be manually adjusted with indexed settings from 1 to 8 providing a wide and challenging range.
- Biomechanically correct footplates offer a natural pivoting action providing a full longitudinal rowing motion.
- Thick padding on the seat provides maximum comfort and combines with top grade rollers to yield exceptionally smooth performance.
- Seat smoothly glides along a steel track.
- Sturdy, powder coated, steel frame folds up when not in use reducing wasted space.
- Transport casters are built in to make moving simple and easy.
- Included steel platform accessories attach to provide 10 additional exercises.
Computer Features:
- Vivid LCD display.
- Recovery function provides cardio wellness grading indexed 1 to 6 to track improvement.
- Beat generator to keep cadence.
- Workout data includes:
- Energy
- Pulse
- Time 500M
- Time
- Strokes
- Stroke Frequency
Warranty:
- 2 year
Shipping and Assembly:
Shipping costs will vary for the Kettler Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer Rower depending on where you purchase from and what type of delivery you prefer. However, some retailers, such as Amazon.com, will provide free shipping.
A good portion of the Kettler assembly manual is in German, but it is illustrated very well and easy to follow. It helps that most of the components of the Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer are assembled and you only need to connect the pieces. There are 24 bolts that you’ll need to install in about six steps in the manual. It’s easy for one person to complete and should only take about 45 minutes.
What We Love About the Kettler Stroker Rowing Machine:
Design
The Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer is designed with the user in mind. Rowing is a great full body workout, but Kettler provides a better all around workout with this machine. Because of its design, you can do so much more than just rowing. There are a number of upper body workouts that you can perform while sitting or standing by the Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer. To just name a few, you can perform curls, extensions and crossover pulls. Kettler has provided videos that show the additional exercises that you can do to ensure a complete workout. Another great design feature is this is a foldable rowing machine. So, when you’re done exercising, you can simply wheel this machine out of the way and fold it up into a compact position.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The best feature of the Kettler Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer is its ability to monitor your heart rate while exercising. In this price range, this option is not a given. The Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer provides a Polar chest strap heart rate monitor when you buy the machine. This device will ensure that you are working out at the right intensity for losing weight or for increasing your cardiovascular or anaerobic fitness. Without this measurement, you can guess that you are working out at the right intensity, but you won’t know for sure.
What Isn’t So Great:
Console
The console on the Kettler Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer is kind of a letdown. It provides good readouts while you’re exercising, but that’s it. There are no pre-programmed workouts on the console to keep you motivated while exercising. Additionally, there is no way to download or transfer your workout statistics. If this is something you are interested in, it is not hard to find on competitor models. Check out our review of the XTERRA ERG400 Rower.
Resistance
Another drawback that we found on the Kettler Stroker Rower and Multi-Trainer is the resistance. This rower provides magnetic resistance, which is pretty typical at this price point. Most competition provide either magnetic or air resistance and in rare occasions both. Magnetic resistance, however, is not the issue. The issue that we have with the resistance is that there are only eight levels. This is far fewer than you’ll find on rowers in this price range. The competition generally provides twice the amount, but at the very least 10 levels. With eight levels, it may be difficult for you to find a good intensity where you can put out a good exertion, yet work out long enough to make a difference.
Final Word on the Kettler Stroker Rower & Multi-Trainer:
For the mid-level price range, the Kettler Stroker Rowing Machine is a decent buy. The best features about this machine are the number of different exercising you can perform and its ability to measure your heart rate while exercising. We also love that Kettler provides a chest strap heart rate monitor with the machine. The things we don’t like about this rower are the limited number of resistance settings and weak computer console. Overall, it’s a good machine and will get the job done.
Click here to see the price of the Kettler Stroker Rower and Multi Trainer on Amazon:
