Aviron Impact Review – The Best Smart Rower For You?

It’s time to check out one of the best streaming rowers available in my Aviron Impact review!

The world of home rowing machines has been revolutionized by the phenomenon of content streaming, and the Aviron Impact takes center stage with a bang.

Aviron is a newcomer to the industry but has quickly found thousands of enthusiastic and loyal users.

While the rower itself boasts high-end features, it is the media platform that truly steals the show. With its innovative video game-inspired workouts, the Aviron Impact is designed to inject excitement into your exercise routine.

In this Aviron Impact review, I will delve into all the features that this exceptional rower has to offer, as well as highlight any areas where it may have room for improvement.

Aviron Impact Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Equipped with a 22″ HD touchscreen console
• Bluetooth compatibility
• Compatible with heart rate monitors
• Features built-in speakers
• Utilizes a dual magnetic/air resistance system
• Offers 16 resistance levels
• Operates quietly
• Provides up to 100 lb of resistance
• Offers game-based workouts
• Abundance of racing options
• Allows competition against friends and elite rowers
• Access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney+, and YouTube
• Boasts a weight capacity of 397 lb
• Features a folding frame for convenient storage
• Offers performance guided workouts
• Provides instructor-led workouts
• Tracks workout metrics
• Supports unlimited user profiles
• Backed by a good warranty

Cons:

• Comes with a premium price tag (cheaper than Hydrow or Peloton though)
• Parts warranty could be longer

As you can see there are way more pros than cons. And overall this is our favorite smart rower that you can buy. It has so many features, it’s built really well and comes at a reasonable price. Recommended.

Aviron Impact Review – Hardware

The Aviron rower utilizes a unique combination of magnetic and air systems to create resistance.

This hybrid design allows you to experience the benefits of both systems in a single machine. While most combo rowers primarily rely on magnetic resistance, the Aviron stands out by offering a balanced combination of both.

Magnetic resistance has its advantages, such as providing a quiet workout environment and offering consistent resistance regardless of your pulling intensity, which is not achievable with pure air or water rowers.

The Aviron allows you to select from 16 magnetic resistance levels. For cardio workouts, Aviron recommends using the first 10 levels, while levels 11-16 are suitable for strength training exercises.

At level 16, the Aviron delivers approximately 100 lbs of resistance.

While it’s unusual to see a rower’s resistance system quantified in pounds, this signifies a substantial amount of resistance. This feature is particularly useful when performing strength training exercises like bicep curls using the rowing handle.

When rowing on the Aviron, you’ll primarily feel the magnetic resistance during steady-state rowing.

However, if you increase your rowing rate, you’ll experience a slight boost from the air resistance.

The Aviron’s frame is constructed from a combination of steel and aluminum, providing a sturdy yet lightweight feel.

With an assembled weight of 97 lbs, the Aviron Impact strikes a balance between stability and portability, and it conveniently folds in half for storage.

It’s worth noting that the upgraded Strong Series version weighs 17 lbs more and lacks the folding feature (see my Impact vs Strong comparison here).

The Aviron Impact boasts a maximum weight capacity of 397 lbs and comfortably accommodates taller rowers up to approximately 6’7″ tall (with a 38″ inseam).

For smooth and quiet operation, the handle is connected to the flywheel using a commercial-grade nylon belt. This design ensures a noise level of around 60 decibels, comparable to normal conversation or a standard dishwasher.

Overall, the Aviron Impact Series rower excels in its design and features. The combination of magnetic and air resistance provides the best of both worlds, and the robust frame caters to a wide range of users.

aviron impact series rower review: A Smart Streaming Rower

To be honest, most high-end streaming rowers are impressive rowing machines, and the Aviron is no exception. However, the real magic lies in its streaming service.

Equipped with a 22″ HD touchscreen display, the Aviron offers an Android OS-based interface. It also features built-in speakers, a front-facing camera, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi compatibility.

Now, let’s dive into the unique workout options.

The Aviron provides game-based workouts that add an exciting twist to your exercise routine.

You can choose from various racing-style games, including thrilling pursuits to outrun zombies, killer octopuses, or indulge in classic car racing games.

By adjusting your rowing pace, you control the speed of your avatar in these games.

Aviron makes the best rowing machine with video games and the best part is that these engaging workouts make you forget that you’re actually exercising.

Most of Aviron’s workouts follow the principles of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), offering short yet intense sessions. However, there are plenty of other exercise options available as well.

One standout feature is the “Pros vs Joes” mode, where you can challenge and compete head-to-head with elite rowers, including Olympians.

It’s a humbling experience that tests your skills against the pros.

You can also participate in races within the Aviron community and enjoy scenic virtual rowing experiences across stunning destinations worldwide.

The Aviron offers guided workouts, both rowing and non-rowing exercises, to help you improve your overall fitness.

The latest addition of instructor-led workouts provides even more variety, allowing you to choose the workout style that suits you best.

The rower also includes performance guided workouts that utilize your metrics to tailor your training sessions.

The console can automatically adjust the resistance to ensure you’re pushing yourself hard enough to make progress.

All your workout data is saved by the Aviron’s computer, enabling you to easily track your metrics and performance over time.

Beyond the exciting workout options, Aviron integrates a social media platform directly into the rower’s console.

You can connect with friends, participate in monthly challenges, access leaderboards, and engage in friendly races with fellow rowers.

You can also share your results and metrics on social media right from the rower’s interface.

Impressively, the Aviron comes with built-in access to popular entertainment streaming apps like Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube.

You can enjoy your favorite shows directly on the touchscreen console while simultaneously viewing your workout metrics. It’s a game changer, providing a unique blend of entertainment and exercise.

Now, it’s worth noting that these fantastic workout options are not free.

Similar to other streaming devices, the Aviron requires a monthly membership fee to access its full range of features.

The Aviron membership costs $29 per month or $299 per year, comparable to Ergatta and slightly cheaper than Hydrow’s membership.

While you can use the Aviron without a membership, it grants you access to only one free rowing workout.

Without a membership, you can still manually row, view and track your workouts, add and follow friends, as well as create a profile—a generous offering compared to some other smart rowing machines.

But, to be honest, if you don’t plan to use this with the streaming options you are missing out on the main reason to buy it.

With a membership, you can create unlimited user profiles, allowing the whole family, including the kids, to enjoy the rower with its cool games.

The Aviron offers highly unique workouts. It takes the concept of gaming-inspired exercises from Ergatta and elevates it to the next level.

And let’s not forget the ability to watch Netflix while rowing—they cover all the bases!

Aviron Impact Rower Review: Workout Options

Aviron rowers are packed with all sorts of content to keep you engaged. This is why I love them so much. Aviron makes working out at home fun!

With an Aviron home rowing machine, you can choose from eight distinct workout modes, each catering to various fitness preferences and goals.

Games

Experience interactive video games where you can shoot robots, evade zombies, or demolish bricks.

These immersive games respond to your rowing speed and force, making your workouts engaging and enjoyable.

Aviron’s games set them apart from other streaming rowers and are unanimously praised for breaking the monotony of rowing.

Coached Programs

Follow along with personalized rowing instructor Austen as he guides you through tailored rowing and strengthening workouts.

This option provides a similar experience to traditional, instructor-led workouts, ensuring proper form and effective training.

Streaming

Access popular streaming entertainment apps directly from the 22″ HD touchscreen console.

Whether you want to binge-watch your favorite shows on Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, or enjoy music on Spotify, Aviron lets you stay entertained while working out.

Scenic Rows

Immerse yourself in serene and picturesque waterways as you exercise from the comfort of your home.

These scenic rowing experiences allow you to relax and enjoy captivating virtual environments during your workouts.

Power Play

Combine the thrill of games and guided workouts with Power Play.

You can take part in races against friends and the computer, focusing on different aspects of your rowing technique. Power Play adds a competitive element to your training while helping you improve your stroke.

Live Competition

Embrace the exhilaration of live races with Aviron’s no-holds-barred competition mode.

Challenge friends to a real-time race or aim for the top spot on the leaderboard.

Aviron occasionally organizes community-wide live events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement.

Guided Programs

Similar to coached programs, guided workouts take you through a series of rowing and off-the-rower exercises tailored to your goals and fitness level.

These programs offer a comprehensive approach to training, catering to your specific needs and helping you progress.

Pros vs Joes

Experience the thrill of racing against elite athletes in the Pros vs Joes feature.

Challenge yourself against pre-recorded competitions featuring athletes from various sports and disciplines. Measure your performance against some of the fittest individuals, including Olympic rowers, if you dare.

What I love about Aviron’s extensive range of workout modes is that you won’t have to worry about getting bored with your routine.

Having a rowing machine is one thing, but the added entertainment options that Aviron provides increase the chance that you will actually want to use it.

Warranty: Aviron Stands Behind the Impact Series Rower

When it comes to warranty, Aviron demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction with the following coverage for the Impact Series Rower:

• 10-year frame warranty
• 1-year parts warranty

This warranty package is really generous.

Aviron surpasses other leading rowing machine brands, such as Hydrow, Concept2, and Ergatta, who typically offer 5-year frame warranties.

The 1-year parts warranty is also decent.

All in all, Aviron rowers come with a highly competitive warranty that ensures peace of mind and underscores their commitment to delivering a reliable and long-lasting rowing machine.

Aviron Impact Review – Final Thoughts

I hope that you have enjoyed reading my Aviron Impact review. I think it’s pretty obvious how much I like this machine!

In fact, I have to say Aviron Impact is my favorite of all the smart rowers that I have reviewed (ok it’s tied with the Aviron Strong).

While they may be pricier than standard rowing machines, the immersive and engaging workouts Aviron offers will completely transform your at-home exercise routine.

For me, Aviron is far better than the likes of Hydrow or Peloton Row.

If the idea of playing games while exercising sounds appealing to you, Aviron is our top recommendation. But it’s not just the games, you also get the coached programs, scenic rows, and awesome community to go with it.

Plus there’s competition and Netflix/Hulu etc access and…the list goes on and on.

Basically, Aviron covers all the bases and has something for everyone.

You can’t get bored using an Aviron.

For me, this is the big thing. If you enjoy it you’ll use it. And if you use it you’ll be well on the way to a fitter healthier and happier you.

Aviron offer a 30-day risk-free trial, giving you the opportunity to experience the benefits firsthand and decide if Aviron is the perfect rower for your needs.

I really recommend that you take advantage of their trial offer and see for yourself how Aviron can revolutionize your home workouts.