Kettler Home Exercise/Fitness Equipment: Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine

Package arrived kind of beat up on the outside, but no damage to any parts and all pieces accounted for. Assembly took me a good 1.5 hours, but I'm not terribly mechanically inclined and I really took my time so I would get it right. Assembly instructions are in pictures, which I found to be well laid out and pretty straightforward. The only tricky part to me was orienting the arms/pistons correctly, and my advice is to read through the other reviews for tips -- that helped me immensely. It all went together just fine in the end, and I've been using it now for a couple of weeks.The construction is very solid and it feels like it will last a long time. It's true the foot rests are plastic, but they're not as flimsy as I was expecting from reading other reviews (like someone else mentioned, the fat velcro straps are for the foot rests and the skinny ones are for securing the arms for storage). To me they feel fine. The rower itself is awesome to use! It's kind of relaxing, actually, despite the workout...I find myself getting into this kind of zen state as I row and row and row. And I love the workout! Not quite a full-body workout but it does incorporate many muscle groups.I was not familiar with sculling so at first I wasn't sure I was doing it right by keeping my arms low as I pulled back and then raising my arms on the push -- and, in fact, that's not correct. Keeping your arms higher as you pull back (imagine the oars dipping into the water) and then pushing them forward at waist level (oars out of the water) is, I believe, the proper form, and it gives your upper body a much better workout.I haven't been using the computer thingie, so I can't comment on that. The size feels fine to me...I'm a 5'5", ~125 lb female and am very comfortable on it. But it's got enough length that I think it can accommodate taller people just fine as well. It does take up a bit of floor space when you're using it, but it's simple to fold up the arms and move it out of the way. It's heavy but not at all too heavy to move easily.So far I'm completely happy with it!

The Kadett and I have been together for a week now. Like any good relationship, I think that's substantial enough time to tell if you've found the one you'd like to spend the rest of forever with since 7 days is definitely sufficient for getting to know the ins and outs of a partner. With that being said, it seems the verdict so far is -- I can settle for the Kadett. Hello, Mr. Right Now.With the Texas summer chill quickly approaching, I figured it might be time to invest in a piece of exercise equipment that can be set up in my apartment and not force me to brave the raging forces outside. This machine suffices for that. Typically, I'm used to standard rowers that mimic the use of one oar so in a geeky way that's unfamiliar for a girl who hates working out, I was pretty stoked to try an erg that's modeled after the use of not one -- but TWO -- oars. The transition in rowing style isn't hard to get used to. Watching videos on "proper techniques" is always a safe bet, but honestly, the motion with this machine is so fluid and natural that your body should tell you if you're not doing something correctly. Pain does not always equal gain, people.The machine itself is a substantial piece of equipment. Believe it clocks in at around 65 lbs which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so awkward to move. (Kettler, the introduction of wheels somewhere on this frame would be well appreciated!) I guess I choose to see this as a bonus since lugging it around my place might bump up the fitness level, yes? Yes? With that being said though, the parts and make are quality. I have no fear that something is going to brake or fall apart. Pure beast, this one.Some things I don't love about this rower, hence the docking of a star on our relationship?- First, it was a monster to assemble. In general, it came together pretty easily until I got to the arms. Oh God, THE ARMS. The fittings used to secure them don't quite...well, fit. A few times I was forced to pull out a hammer in hopes of getting them in. Not sure if that's best practice, but between that and the slur of curse words, it seemed to do the trick. Assembly was a bit lengthier than anticipated -- two Mad Men episodes rather than just one. The incessant hammering may have been the culprit there, though.- Second, Mr. Kadett is a bit of a squeaker at times. He does the job, but the machine is not the quietest. The rotation of the arms causes a clinking noise every now and again, sometimes more frequent than others. It's not AWFUL, but a bit of a pain to listen.- Third, oh...the hand grips! One great thing about the grips is that they're able to rotate with the machine so you're not forced to constantly slide your precious skin awkwardly to keep with the motion. One not so great thing is that the hard plastic is...well...hard, and also features a seam that's convenient for developing blisters. This is kind of a bummer, but no pain, no gain...amiright? (No, I'm not right. Never listen to me.) One reviewer had suggested wrapping sports tape around the handles to cushion them a bit, which I'm going to try. May also snag some gloves for the full effect. Better to look like I'm trying too hard than to have beautiful whelps on my palms.All in all though, this is a decent machine for the price. Compared to models I was considering (looking at you, Concept2), it has a smaller footprint, is easier to move, is better for storing in a small space, and falls into the less inexpensive realm for quality of what you're getting. The motion of the ocean is also fantastic and actually seems to be less tiring and more natural than a standard one-rower erg -- Of course, you get the same degree of a work-out, it just feels less strenuous on body parts that a regular erg can wreak havoc on, like your back.So far in our brief romance, I'd recommend. If this relationship takes a turn for the worst though, I'll be sure to alert the tabloids. Happy rowing!