Stamina DT Plus Rowing Machine 1409

Summary: This machine has exceeded my expectations. The assembly instructions were well-illustrated, but if you would struggle to assemble a dresser I would suggest the assistance of a second person. The action of the rower is fantastic and I have enjoyed my workouts immensely. I can’t speak to the serious rowers out there, but for general fitness this rower is smooth, easy to operate, and has enough challenge to fit a wide variety of needs. I recommend this rower at the highest possible level.Details:For context, I’m a male aged 45 who is working on weight loss, cardiovascular health, and general fitness. I’ve also had surgery on both of my knees and one arm, so a non-impact workout is essential for me. I had been working out regularly for three months, but after one 20-minute session on this rower I hurt in ways I didn’t know were possible – I truly felt like I was starting from scratch because different muscle groups were worked in different ways from bikes, treadmills, elipticals, and cross-country ski machines.The customer service from Stamina was excellent from the start. I was weighing the difference between this model (DT 1409) and the next lower version (DT 397). The customer service rep went through detailed diagrams with me to show that the 397 has a manual knob for controlling the magnets and a monitor that was much simpler, whereas the 1409’s magnets are automatically controlled by a monitor with multiple workout programs, a competition mode, and connectivity for a heart rate attachment. The machines are virtually identical otherwise, but I considered the additional tech more than worth the price bump.My rower arrived in a box that was badly beaten up, but it was so well-packaged that I have yet to find a scratch or dent, let alone serious damage. My greatest concern was the functionality of the magnets (other reviews had mentioned the magnets not working on the DT 397), but I have had no problems.The construction went smoothly and without problems, but primarily because I took my time and planned for it to take more than an hour. Some of the bolts are very similar in length, but laying everything out first helped tremendously. Three wrenches are provided, two of which are identical; and it’s necessary to use both at the same time when installing the foot pads.The workout itself is amazing. I reviewed videos from a couple of “rowing guys” on YouTube to try and get correct form, which truly makes a difference. In my limited experience of about two weeks, the workout programs on the machine set up quickly and run easily. The dual forms of resistance have put this machine in a superior level to similarly-priced rivals. The air resistance is awesome because even without a program, I can vary my intensity and feel different levels of resistance without altering any other setting - in other words, I can "sprint" and feel a substantial difference. Being able to have the magnetic resistance automatically change through the workout is more beneficial than I originally thought it would be, and creates a dynamic experience each time. But I’ve had to lower the resistance levels when starting because the magnetic braking power at the higher settings is truly killer. Those magnets don’t just slow the flywheel down, they actively prevent the wheel from getting going. It honestly feels like I’m “rowing uphill.” But I have had zero problems with bad knees. The lack of impact is wonderful and I shortened the stroke at first while I built up strength, preventing an injury or aggravation.I have yet to come across any real shortfalls of this machine. I’m not going to be rowing on water and I’m not concerned with the connectivity to the rowing community that the top-tier rowers provide. I’m happy to compete against myself and the machine, and for this the DT 1409 is perfect. Some have said that the seat wobbles a bit, but I believe it is intentionally designed with some give in order to facilitate easily entering and exiting the foot rests. I’ve yet to have any problems in a workout. The straps for the feet appear flimsy, but in truth they have been rock solid. (I did use a lighter to seal the edges where the different sides of the Velcro connect so they don’t catch on the foot rests.) I like that the monitor is easy to read throughout the workout and the cup holder fits a smart-phone fine.In a final evaluation, this machine is better than I thought it would be. I believe it provides at least the value of many higher-priced machines from companies trying to enter the market, and in truth I am completely happy with my purchase. Thank you, Stamina!