Fitness Reality and Schwinn make some of the most popular magnetic rowing machines. We have an in-depth look at two of their most popular models, the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus vs Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine – which is the best for you?
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus vs Schwinn Crewmaster – Specifications
| Fitness Reality 1000 Plus | Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Unit Weight | 63.6lbs | 90lbs |
| Dimensions | 88.5" L x 21.5" W x 21.5" H | 89.1" L x 21.1" W x 31.7" H |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 39. 5" L x 21. 5" W x 53. 5" H | 51" L x 21.1" W x 57" H |
| Drive type | Belt | Belt |
| Seat Height | 9.5" - 12" | Not stated |
| Inseam | 39" | Not stated |
| Weight Capacity | 250lbs | 300lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 14 | 10 |
| Display (Type) | Non-backlit 3.5" LCD | Non-backlit LCD |
| Display (Readouts) | Distance Time Total count Calories burned Strokes/min Scan | Time Count Distance Strokes Calories Recovery Pulse |
| Tablet Holder? | Yes | No |
| Bottle Holder? | No | No |
| Bluetooth compatible? | Yes | No |
| Transport wheels? | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in workout programs? | Yes (via app) | No |
| Heart rate monitor? | No | Compatible with POLAR chest strap |
| Warranty | 1 year (Frame) 90 days (Parts) | 10 years (Frame) 3 years (Parts) 1 year (Labor) |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus vs Schwinn Crewmaster – Similarities
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus and Schwinn Crewmaster both have a similar drive type
- Both magnetic rowing machines are belt driven.
Both the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus and Schwinn Crewmaster feature a similar display type
- The Fitness Reality has a 3.5” non-backlit LCD screen, while the Schwinn uses a non-backlit LCD screen.
Neither the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus nor the Schwinn Crewmaster has a bottle holder
- Neither of the two features a bottle holder.
Both magnetic rowers have transport wheels
- Both the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus and Schwinn Crewmaster feature transport wheels for easy moving and storage.
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus vs Schwinn Crewmaster – Differences
Both the Fitness Reality and Schwinn differ when it comes to their unit weights
- The Fitness Reality weighs 63.6lbs, while the Schwinn is heavier at 90lbs.
Both magnetic rowers have different dimensions
- The Fitness Reality is 88.5” long, 21.5” wide, and 21.5” tall, while the Schwinn has a length of 89.1”, a width of 21.1”, and a height of 31.7”.
The two magnetic rowers have different dimensions when folded
- The Fitness Reality has a length of 39.5”, a width of 21.5”, and a height of 53.5”, while the Schwinn is 51” long, 21.1” wide, and 57” tall.
Both the Fitness Reality and Schwinn have different weight capacities
- The Fitness Reality has a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs, while the Schwinn can carry users of up to 300lbs.
The Fitness Reality and Schwinn both have different resistance levels
- The Fitness Reality offers fourteen resistance levels, while the Schwinn has ten.
Only the Fitness Reality has a built-in tablet holder
- The Fitness Reality has a built-in tablet holder, while the Schwinn doesn’t.
Of the two magnetic rowers, only the Fitness Reality is Bluetooth compatible
- The Fitness Reality has Bluetooth connectivity, while the Schwinn does not offer this feature.
Only the Fitness Reality has built-in workout programs
- The Fitness Reality has built-in workout programs via the app, while the Schwinn has none.
Of the two, only the Schwinn features a heart rate monitor
- The Fitness Reality does not have a heart rate monitor, while the Schwinn can monitor the heart rate with compatible chest straps.
Both magnetic rowers offer different warranties
- The Fitness Reality has a one-year warranty for the frame and 90 days for the parts, while the Schwinn offers a ten-year warranty for the frame, three years for parts, and a year for labor.
Conclusion
Both machines have positive and negative points. Choosing between the two will depend on your preferences.
Here are some notable differences you might want to consider:
- The Schwinn offers a higher maximum weight than the Fitness Reality.
- The Fitness Reality has features that are not available with the Schwinn, such as a tablet holder, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in workout programs.
- The Schwinn has a better warranty than the Fitness Reality.
