The fan-powered resistance of air rowers makes them a number of the finest rowing machines for interval coaching and intense exercises. Every stroke on the Vulcan Scull Rower matches your effort — the tougher you pull, the tougher you’re employed. Its heavy metal body goals to scale back the wobble usually felt on lighter rowers, releasing you as much as concentrate on heart-pounding rows. However for BarBend skilled reviewer Amanda Capritto, cardio isn’t the one draw. “[Rowers] may also be used for some power coaching workout routines, like pikes, for added versatility.”
Whereas we want we might get a little bit extra out of the essential digital monitor, its above-average sturdiness signifies that it’s in it for the lengthy haul. Our tester, a licensed private coach, isn’t positive it fairly matches the poster little one for air rowers — the Concept2 RowErg — however isn’t far off. Take a look at our full Vulcan Scull Rower assessment to see the way it has held up after months of use by our workforce. For extra particulars on how we check all our merchandise, head over to the BarBend tools testing methodology.
Vulcan Scull Rower
With a heavy-duty metal development, this sturdy rower gives stability even at most resistance and energy. The agency, contoured seat helps lengthy rowing exercises, whereas the entrance wheels make for simple maneuvering.
Important Takeaways
- As our tester notes, this heavy-duty, metal air rower is a worthy competitor to the star of this class — the Concept2 RowErg.
- The monorail on the Scull Rower doesn’t fold, so that you’ll must retailer it vertically between exercises.
- Regardless of its hefty 101-pound total weight, our tester has no points tilting and rolling it round our fitness center.
Vulcan Scull Rower Specs
| Worth | $849.99 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs |
| Product Weight | 101lbs |
| Resistance | Air |
| Product Dimensions | 94” L x 25” W x 48” H |
| Show | LCD monitor |
| Guarantee | Lifetime body, 2-year shifting elements, 90-day smooth elements |
If you happen to spot an air rower in your fitness center or whereas scrolling social media, chances are high it’s the golden little one, the Concept2 RowErg. However as our tester, a licensed private coach, has found, the Vulcan Scull Rower gives a severe problem to its (deserved) supremacy. “When you’ll want to tackle some steady-state or interval cardio, I do assume the Scull Rower is a brilliant possibility,” they are saying. “The query is — can it compete with the RowErg?”
A fast verify of every rower’s builds would point out — possibly? “Whereas the RowErg is usually aluminum, the vast majority of the Scull Rower construct is metal,” our tester notes, highlighting its high quality development. “After all, that makes it heavier when you’ll want to transfer it round.”
A serious contributor to that high quality is the chain-drive system powering the fan. Just like the chain on a bicycle, any such resistance system requires a bit of normal upkeep — lubrication and cleansing, largely — however even at max effort, we’ve but to really feel a wobble.
Oddly sufficient, its rock-solid construct helps a decrease weight capability (350 kilos) than some lighter rowers. “The Scull Rower hits the business commonplace, however a bunch of high quality rowers are pushing properly previous that,” they are saying. The RowErg, for instance, helps as much as 500 kilos, and the Aviron Sturdy Rower can deal with 507 kilos, thus opening up rowing exercises to a wider inhabitants of athletes.
It’s within the little issues the place the Vulcan Scull Rower distinguishes itself. “I truly want the firmer padding on the Scull Rower over the Concept2,” our tester says. In addition they spotlight the thinner handlebar, which may very well be a boon for athletes with smaller palms or anybody, like our tester, who can lose their grip when the sweat begins streaming.
One thing that received’t be streaming? Digital coaching. You could possibly load up scenic rows or trainer-led classes in your telephone, however don’t anticipate a lot from the LCD monitor. Exterior of monitoring primary metrics and following applications, our tester has few good issues to say concerning the show.
“By way of the quantity of area it takes up — and actually the entire design — that is extraordinarily much like the Concept2 RowErg,” our tester says. Whereas we expect the Scull Rower is among the finest air rowing machines we’ve examined, we’re unsure if this relative newcomer has the products to tackle the time-tested legend.
Professionals
Steady throughout use, even at excessive depth, per our tester
Heavy-duty metal development
Contoured seat and huge foot pedals
Cons
Digital monitor is just too primary, per our tester
Weight capability falls wanting different high quality air rowers
Doesn’t fold, so it could solely be saved vertically and Vulcan doesn’t supply wall hooks
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Vulcan Scull Rower
For novices and rowing veterans alike, the Vulcan Scull Rower has loads to supply. Whereas we expect its sturdy construct makes a terrific possibility for many individuals, it will not be the very best match for everybody. Take a look at who we expect may gain advantage essentially the most — and the least — from including this air rowing machine to their residence or storage fitness center.
Really useful for:
- Athletes on the lookout for high-intensity rowing exercises that require elevated stability
- Rowers preferring a agency seat
- Those that want getting their cardio work in from rowing
Not Really useful for:
- Tech-forward customers who need to practice with one of many finest rowing apps
- Anybody on the lookout for a foldable rower for his or her area
- Individuals searching for a water or magnetic resistance rowing machine
Our Expertise Coaching With the Vulcan Scull Rower
After testing out over 30 rowing machines of all shapes, sizes, and resistance methods, the BarBend roster of health junkies is aware of a top quality rower after we see one. For any rowing machine we check, our workforce of former collegiate rowers, coaches, and licensed health professionals assigns rankings of 1 (yuck) to five (yay) throughout classes like sturdiness, adjustability, ergonomics, and extra. Check out what our consultants and testers must say about our time with the Vulcan Scull Rower.
Sturdiness and Development
Relying on their builds, the vast majority of air rowers are likely to weigh wherever from 55 to 110 kilos. The heavy-duty metal used within the body of Scull Rower places it on the high of that vary, nevertheless it additionally permits for a steady journey. “It has only a little bit of plastic, however it's a tremendous strong machine,” says our tester, a licensed private coach. “This factor is usually metal, so even at max resistance and max effort, there was zero shaking.”
They proceed, “So long as you deal with the chain drive system, this factor ought to final a very long time.” Chain-drive resistance methods use sturdy steel chains (like a bicycle) to energy the fan. This sort of system is sturdy, however requires a bit extra upkeep than a belt-drive system. Sturdiness scores a 4 out of 5.
Each the Vulcan Scull Rower and Concept2 RowErg go for the sturdiness of a sequence, however after quite a few steady-state and HIIT rowing exercises on each, our tester notes an vital distinction. “The Scull Rower is definitely a bit louder than the RowErg.”
It additionally holds much less weight than the RowErg. “In comparison with the 500-pound vary on one thing just like the Concept2 RowErg, it leaves a tad to be desired,” our tester says. “These two rowers are insanely related, however the largest distinction is the load and consumer weight capability.”
Footprint and Portability
In comparison with a treadmill or elliptical, our tester discovered this 101-pound rower to be a comparatively simple carry. “It truly feels comparatively gentle and for those who use the wheels, I don’t assume many individuals would have bother shifting it round,” they word. If you happen to assume you’ll must relocate it a ton, do not forget that the lengthy and slim form could make it a bit awkward. Nonetheless, we price its footprint and portability 4.5 out of 5.
We frequently examine air rowers to one among our favorites within the class, the Concept2 RowErg, so an enormous issue for portability is total weight. “Don’t get me unsuitable — the Scull Rower is very easy to maneuver round,” our tester provides. “However the Concept2 is barely 57 kilos, so yeah, it feels approach lighter whenever you tilt it up and roll it.”
The size far exceeds the width on rowing machines, so preserve the Scull Rower’s 94-inch size in thoughts when planning the place to station it. Plan on ceding 16.32 sq. ft of flooring area to your new rower, which is near the dimensions of a loveseat — simply stretched out. (1)
The rail additionally doesn’t fold, so when you'll want to stow it away, your best choice is to face it up vertically. Vulcan additionally doesn’t supply any wall-mounted hooks to safe it. Simply do not forget that it’s 94 inches lengthy, which might simply sneak in beneath the standard 8-foot ceiling. (2)
Tech Capabilities and Conveniences
Not many rowing machines can squeeze within the conveniences usually seen on the finest train bikes or treadmills. There’s not loads of area on a rower for a cup holder, in spite of everything. Nonetheless, our tester was anticipating extra from the monitor. “My least favourite a part of the Scull Rower is unquestionably the display screen,” they are saying, score the Scull Rower’s tech capabilities a 1 out of 5. “It’s only a primary LCD display screen with a pair goal and time applications.”
As rudimentary as it could be, you'll be able to nonetheless monitor your present program, plus vital exercise information. “It will probably truly observe loads of metrics — energy, stroke price, distance, and so forth. — plus there’s a recreation you'll be able to play.” Preserving tabs in your coronary heart price can be made simpler by the included coronary heart price chest strap.
A stunning omission is a scarcity of Bluetooth connectivity — I imply, I’ve seen teddy bears with Bluetooth — which hopefully isn't a cynical ploy to get us to improve to the V2.0 monitor. For a further $69 (or $59 for those who purchase it with the rower), you'll be able to join your units and sync up Kinomap — and solely Kinomap — however our tester struggles to see the worth. “You'll be able to improve to Vulcan’s V2.0 monitor, however truthfully, it doesn’t appear a lot totally different,” they are saying. Since you nonetheless received’t have the ability to sync up with the finest exercise apps, our tester isn’t offered. “Though it’s fairly meh, I believe I’d simply keep on with the unique.”
Adjustability and Ergonomics
Hopping on a rower that makes use of magnetic resistance — a steel flywheel saddled with magnets — can extra intently resemble an train bike. On a magnetic rower, you'll be able to merely push a button or flip a knob and it magically (by science) will get harder to tug or pedal.
On air rowing machines just like the Vulcan Scull Rower, you’ll be adjusting a damper. “Principally, whenever you set it on the bottom degree, the fan attracts in little or no air, making it simpler to tug,” our tester explains. “Then on increased settings, extra air is let in, which ramps up the resistance you're feeling in every stroke.”
An enormous part of our tester’s 4.5 out of 5 score for adjustability and ergonomics is the sliding seat. “OK, I actually love this seat. It’s simply barely contoured and has agency padding, which I believe is ideal — even for lengthy classes,” they are saying.
Within the head-to-head matchup with the RowErg, we lean in the direction of the Concept2 rower, however there's one particular win for the Scull Rower. “The foot pedals are a spot the place I believe the Scull Rower wins out over the RowErg,” our tester says. “They’re product of metal, have a wider base, and are simply heavy-duty.”
They proceed, “I additionally want the handlebar on the Vulcan as a result of the diameter is thinner — particularly throughout longer rows. As my grip begins to fatigue, it simply makes it a little bit simpler to lock in and preserve going.”
What to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for the Vulcan Scull Rower
As our skilled reviewers Amanda Capritto and Lauren Keary word, rowing machines just like the Vulcan Scull Rower can present a wealth of advantages. “Rowing is nice for many who need a full physique exercise and are on the lookout for a type of cardio that's low affect,” Keary says. There are, nevertheless, vital elements to contemplate earlier than including this rower to your own home fitness center. Right here are some things to contemplate earlier than shopping for the Vulcan Scull Rower.
- Footprint and Portability: “Dimension, weight and portability are vital, as you’ll want to make sure the machine will slot in your area and it’s comparatively simple to maneuver for those who received’t have the ability to go away it stationary,” Capritto says. Double verify the Scull Rower’s dimensions, then measure your area to be sure you’ll have loads of room. Additionally do not forget that, whereas our tester finds it comparatively simple to carry and roll round, it does weigh 101 kilos.
- Development and Stability: In line with our tester, the Scull Rower’s metal body gives a bit extra stability throughout the finest rowing machine exercises than lighter choices. If you happen to’re planning on firing up high-intensity exercises or rowing at max effort usually, that stability shall be important. If you happen to’re extra fascinated about steady-state cardio, although, you might be higher off with a lighter (and cheaper) possibility.
- Storage: The Scull Rower doesn't fold in half to scale back its footprint. Which means your solely possibility is to retailer it vertically, however do not forget that it measures 94 inches lengthy. If you happen to flip it up, it'll simply barely match beneath the common 8-foot ceiling, so take into account the way you’ll retailer your rower between exercises. (2)
- Resistance Sort: The Scull Rower makes use of a fan to create the adjustable resistance you're feeling in every pull, however as Keary explains, there are different choices. “Air rowers are sturdy and supply adjustable resistance that may emulate the resistance you’d really feel on the water. They’re a bit noisy however in relation to a dependable and inexpensive machine, an air rower is the way in which to go,” she says. “Magnetic rowers supply related capabilities, [but] they’re sometimes dearer (attributable to how quiet they're) and plenty of can embrace streaming or tech additions that improve that price ticket additional.”
Vulcan Scull Rower Vs. Rivals
The BarBend workforce has examined a ton of the very best rowers from high quality manufacturers like Hydrow, Rogue, Ergatta, and extra. Right here’s a fast breakdown of how the Vulcan Scull Rower holds up towards two of our highest-rated air rowers — the Concept2 RowErg and Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower. All three land across the identical worth level, however they differ by way of their total weight and weight capability. The heavier builds on the Scull Rower and Blitz Air Rower might cut back a little bit of wobble, however the RowErg’s wider consumer weight capability opens up indoor rowing exercises for extra folks. Dive into the nitty gritty on these three high quality air rowing machines with our chart under.
| Vulcan Scull Rower | Concept2 RowErg | Bells Of Metal Blitz Air Rower | |
| Worth | $849.99 | $990 | $849.99 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs | 500lbs | 320lbs |
| Product Weight | 101lbs | 57lbs | 90.4lbs |
| Resistance | Air | Air | Air |
| Product Dimensions | 94” L x 25” W x 48” H | 95” L x 24” W | 95” L x 24.25” W x 37.5” H |
| Show | LCD monitor | LCD monitor | LCD monitor |
| Guarantee | Lifetime body, 2-year shifting elements, 90-day smooth elements | 5-year body, 2-year elements and console | 5-year body, 2-year elements |
Ordering and Assembling the Vulcan Scull Rower
Once you order your Vulcan Scull Rower, you’ll have a couple of choices earlier than including it to your cart. You'll be able to add the upgraded V2.0 monitor for $59 or select to increase your guarantee for $89, then proceed to checkout.
Locations to Purchase the Vulcan Scull Rower
You'll be able to order the Vulcan Scull Rower instantly from their web site.
Model Status and Buyer Evaluations
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Vulcan Power Coaching Techniques has been offering high quality residence fitness center tools since 2009. They provide a number of the finest barbells, squat racks, and bumper plates we’ve personally examined. Additionally, each product on this veteran-owned firm’s lineup is manufactured within the U.S. To contact the client care workforce, you'll be able to fill out the shape on their contact web page or name 877-986-4313.
Like our tester, many buyer critiques of the Scull Rower point out how related this air rower is to the Concept2. “I'm very proud of this rower. It's so significantly better than anticipated and competes admirably with the Idea 2,” one assessment reads. On the product web page, the rankings common 4.8 out of 5. Whereas a number of recognize the choice to improve the monitor, most agree with our workforce that it doesn’t appear to supply a lot worth. “In addition they supply an upgraded monitor, however I opted to go together with the essential. It has all the data I would like,” one buyer writes.
Warranties
“I do love that Vulcan gives a lifetime guarantee on the body, plus any arduous, shifting elements — just like the foot pedals or handlebar — are coated for 2 years,” our tester, a licensed private coach, says. Mushy elements just like the foot straps even have 90 days of protection, and you should buy a further prolonged guarantee at checkout for $89.
Closing Ideas on the Vulcan Scull Rower Evaluate
After placing a mess of air rowers by the wringer, our tester is aware of two issues — their butt is sore and what makes high quality machines just like the Scull Rower stand out. Generally, air rowers could be quite gentle, which is nice for portability however can create stability points at increased intensities. The high-quality metal body of the Scull Rower helps cut back the wobble we’ve skilled on lighter machines, nevertheless it additionally makes it a bit heavier than others within the class.
Nevertheless, stacked up towards the cream of the crop, our tester isn’t fairly offered simply but. “I'm impressed with the Scull Rower, but when I might solely select one, I’d nonetheless go together with the Concept2 RowErg,” they are saying. “The PM5 monitor is rather more intuitive and is suitable with Bluetooth and ANT+ units, plus the weight capability reaches 500 kilos.” That stated, the Scull Rower could be had for about $140 much less and we recognize the lifetime guarantee on the body. Ultimately, we expect the Vulcan Scull Rower places up a very good battle, however knocking off the champ is a tall job.
Vulcan Scull Rower Evaluate FAQs
How a lot does the Vulcan Scull Rower price?
The Scull Rower at present goes for $849.99 at vulcanstrength.com. At checkout, you can even tack on the upgraded, Bluetooth-enabled V2.0 monitor or an prolonged guarantee. Not like the Vulcan Scull Rower, most of the finest finances rowing machines can be found on Amazon, however you could find extra budget-friendly choices there from manufacturers like Sunny Well being & Health.
What rower is utilized in CrossFit?
Air rowers are widespread in CrossFit as a result of the fan-powered resistance system is especially well-suited for interval coaching. The Concept2 RowErg is one among our high picks amongst air rowing machines and has been a staple in lots of CrossFit gyms for years.
Are residence indoor rowing machines any good?
Bringing the air rowing expertise residence can assist make firing up an intense exercise rather more handy than a visit to the fitness center. “Rowing is a improbable full-body exercise,” says BarBend skilled Amanda Capritto. “I notably like rowing as a result of it engages the vast majority of the physique’s muscle groups and may develop energy and explosiveness within the glutes and hamstrings along with bettering cardiovascular endurance.”
References
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A information to couch dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/weblog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
- Rybczynski, W. (n.d.) Ceiling Heights in Houses and Workplaces. Wharton College of Pennsylvania Actual Property Middle. https://realestate.wharton.upenn.edu/working-papers/ceiling-heights-in-homes-and-offices/
