The fan-powered resistance of air rowers makes them a few of the best rowing machines for interval coaching and intense exercises. Every stroke on the Vulcan Scull Rower matches your effort — the more durable you pull, the more durable you’re employed. Its heavy metal body goals to cut back the wobble usually felt on lighter rowers, liberating you as much as deal with heart-pounding rows. However for BarBend knowledgeable reviewer Amanda Capritto, cardio isn’t the one draw. “[Rowers] can be used for some power coaching workout routines, like pikes, for added versatility.”
Whereas we want we might get somewhat 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 baby for air rowers — the Concept2 RowErg — however isn’t far off. Take a look at our full Vulcan Scull Rower evaluate to see the way it has held up after months of use by our crew. For extra particulars on how we check all our merchandise, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
Vulcan Scull Rower
With a heavy-duty metal development, this sturdy rower presents stability even at most resistance and energy. The agency, contoured seat helps lengthy rowing exercises, whereas the entrance wheels make for simple maneuvering.
Primary 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 general weight, our tester has no points tilting and rolling it round our health club.
Vulcan Scull Rower Specs
| Value | $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 transferring elements, 90-day smooth elements |
For those who spot an air rower in your health club or whereas scrolling social media, likelihood is it’s the golden baby, the Concept2 RowErg. However as our tester, a licensed private coach, has found, the Vulcan Scull Rower presents a critical problem to its (deserved) supremacy. “When you must tackle some steady-state or interval cardio, I do suppose the Scull Rower is an excellent choice,” they are saying. “The query is — can it compete with the RowErg?”
A fast test 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. “In fact, that makes it heavier when you must 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, this sort of resistance system requires a bit of normal upkeep — lubrication and cleansing, principally — 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 trade customary, however a bunch of high quality rowers are pushing effectively previous that,” they are saying. The RowErg, for instance, helps as much as 500 kilos, and the Aviron Strong 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 really favor the firmer padding on the Scull Rower over the Concept2,” our tester says. In addition they spotlight the thinner handlebar, which could possibly be a boon for athletes with smaller arms 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 can load up scenic rows or trainer-led classes in your telephone, however don’t count on a lot from the LCD monitor. Outdoors of monitoring fundamental metrics and following applications, our tester has few good issues to say concerning the show.
“When it comes to the quantity of house 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 without doubt one of the best air rowing machines we’ve examined, we’re undecided if this relative newcomer has the products to tackle the time-tested legend.
Professionals
Secure 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 fundamental, per our tester
Weight capability falls wanting different high quality air rowers
Doesn’t fold, so it could actually solely be saved vertically and Vulcan doesn’t provide wall hooks
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Vulcan Scull Rower
For freshmen and rowing veterans alike, the Vulcan Scull Rower has loads to supply. Whereas we expect its sturdy construct makes an incredible choice for many individuals, it will not be the perfect match for everybody. Take a look at who we expect may benefit essentially the most — and the least — from including this air rowing machine to their house or storage health club.
Really useful for:
- Athletes on the lookout for high-intensity rowing exercises that require elevated stability
- Rowers preferring a agency seat
- People who favor getting their cardio work in from rowing
Not Really useful for:
- Tech-forward customers who need to prepare with one of many best rowing apps
- Anybody on the lookout for a foldable rower for his or her house
- Folks 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 crew of former collegiate rowers, coaches, and authorized 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 should say about our time with the Vulcan Scull Rower.
Sturdiness and Building
Relying on their builds, the vast majority of air rowers are inclined to weigh anyplace 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 secure experience. “It has only a little bit of plastic, however it's a tremendous stable 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 maintain 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 type 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 series, however after quite a few steady-state and HIIT rowing workouts on each, our tester notes an necessary 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 comparable, however the greatest distinction is the load and person weight capability.”
Footprint and Portability
In comparison with a treadmill or elliptical, our tester discovered this 101-pound rower to be a comparatively simple raise. “It really feels comparatively mild and in case you use the wheels, I don’t suppose many individuals would have bother transferring it round,” they word. For those who suppose 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 certainly one of our favorites within the class, the Concept2 RowErg, so a giant issue for portability is general weight. “Don’t get me fallacious — the Scull Rower is very easy to maneuver round,” our tester provides. “However the Concept2 is simply 57 kilos, so yeah, it feels method 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 ground house to your new rower, which is near the scale of a loveseat — simply stretched out. (1)
The rail additionally doesn’t fold, so when you must stow it away, the best choice is to face it up vertically. Vulcan additionally doesn’t provide 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 best exercise bikes or treadmills. There’s not plenty of house on a rower for a cup holder, in any case. Nonetheless, our tester was anticipating extra from the monitor. “My least favourite a part of the Scull Rower is certainly the display,” they are saying, ranking the Scull Rower’s tech capabilities a 1 out of 5. “It’s only a fundamental LCD display with a pair goal and time applications.”
As rudimentary as it could be, you may nonetheless monitor your present program, plus necessary exercise information. “It could possibly really observe plenty of metrics — energy, stroke price, distance, and many others. — plus there’s a recreation you may play.” Holding 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 will not be a cynical ploy to get us to improve to the V2.0 monitor. For an extra $69 (or $59 in case you purchase it with the rower), you may join your gadgets and sync up Kinomap — and solely Kinomap — however our tester struggles to see the worth. “You may 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 be capable of sync up with the best workout apps, our tester isn’t offered. “Though it’s fairly meh, I believe I’d simply persist 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 may merely push a button or flip a knob and it magically (via 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 larger settings, extra air is let in, which ramps up the resistance you are feeling in every stroke.”
An enormous part of our tester’s 4.5 out of 5 ranking 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 may be 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 made from metal, have a wider base, and are simply heavy-duty.”
They proceed, “I additionally favor 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 somewhat simpler to lock in and preserve going.”
What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for the Vulcan Scull Rower
As our knowledgeable 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 individuals who desire a full physique exercise and are on the lookout for a type of cardio that's low impression,” Keary says. There are, nevertheless, necessary elements to contemplate earlier than including this rower to your property health club. Right here are some things to contemplate earlier than shopping for the Vulcan Scull Rower.
- Footprint and Portability: “Dimension, weight and portability are necessary, as you’ll want to make sure the machine will slot in your house and it’s comparatively simple to maneuver in case you received’t be capable of go away it stationary,” Capritto says. Double test the Scull Rower’s dimensions, then measure your house to be sure to’ll have loads of room. Additionally do not forget that, whereas our tester finds it comparatively simple to raise and roll round, it does weigh 101 kilos.
- Building and Stability: Based on our tester, the Scull Rower’s metal body presents a bit extra stability in the course of the best rowing machine workouts than lighter choices. For those who’re planning on firing up high-intensity exercises or rowing at max effort usually, that stability will likely be important. For those who’re extra considering steady-state cardio, although, chances are you'll be higher off with a lighter (and cheaper) choice.
- Storage: The Scull Rower doesn't fold in half to cut back its footprint. Which means your solely choice is to retailer it vertically, however do not forget that it measures 94 inches lengthy. For those who flip it up, it'll simply barely match beneath the common 8-foot ceiling, so contemplate the way you’ll retailer your rower between exercises. (2)
- Resistance Kind: The Scull Rower makes use of a fan to create the adjustable resistance you are 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 on the subject of a dependable and reasonably priced machine, an air rower is the best way to go,” she says. “Magnetic rowers provide comparable capabilities, [but] they’re usually dearer (attributable to how quiet they're) and lots of can embrace streaming or tech additions that improve that price ticket additional.”
Vulcan Scull Rower Vs. Opponents
The BarBend crew has examined a ton of the perfect 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 general weight and weight capability. The heavier builds on the Scull Rower and Blitz Air Rower could cut back a little bit of wobble, however the RowErg’s wider person weight capability opens up indoor rowing workouts for extra individuals. Dive into the nitty gritty on these three high quality air rowing machines with our chart beneath.
| Vulcan Scull Rower | Concept2 RowErg | Bells Of Metal Blitz Air Rower | |
| Value | $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 transferring 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
If you order your Vulcan Scull Rower, you’ll have a number of choices earlier than including it to your cart. You may 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 may order the Vulcan Scull Rower immediately from their web site.
Model Popularity and Buyer Critiques
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Vulcan Power Coaching Methods has been offering high quality house health club gear since 2009. They provide a few of the best 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 crew, you may 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 comparable this air rower is to the Concept2. “I'm very proud of this rower. It's so a lot better than anticipated and competes admirably with the Idea 2,” one evaluate 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 crew that it doesn’t appear to supply a lot worth. “In addition they provide an upgraded monitor, however I opted to go along with the essential. It has all the knowledge I would like,” one buyer writes.
Warranties
“I do love that Vulcan presents a lifetime guarantee on the body, plus any laborious, transferring elements — just like the foot pedals or handlebar — are lined 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 an extra prolonged guarantee at checkout for $89.
Ultimate Ideas on the Vulcan Scull Rower Evaluation
After placing a mess of air rowers via 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. Typically, air rowers may be relatively mild, which is nice for portability however can create stability points at larger 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 along with the Concept2 RowErg,” they are saying. “The PM5 monitor is rather more intuitive and is appropriate with Bluetooth and ANT+ gadgets, plus the weight capability reaches 500 kilos.” That mentioned, the Scull Rower may 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 superb battle, however knocking off the champ is a tall job.
Vulcan Scull Rower Evaluation FAQs
How a lot does the Vulcan Scull Rower value?
The Scull Rower at the moment goes for $849.99 at vulcanstrength.com. At checkout, you can too tack on the upgraded, Bluetooth-enabled V2.0 monitor or an prolonged guarantee. Not like the Vulcan Scull Rower, most of the best budget rowing machines can be found on Amazon, however you will discover extra budget-friendly choices there from manufacturers like Sunny Well being & Health.
What rower is utilized in CrossFit?
Air rowers are well-liked in CrossFit as a result of the fan-powered resistance system is especially well-suited for interval coaching. The Concept2 RowErg is certainly one of our high picks amongst air rowing machines and has been a staple in lots of CrossFit gyms for years.
Are house indoor rowing machines any good?
Bringing the air rowing expertise house will help make firing up an intense exercise rather more handy than a visit to the health club. “Rowing is a improbable full-body exercise,” says BarBend knowledgeable Amanda Capritto. “I notably like rowing as a result of it engages the vast majority of the physique’s muscle groups and might 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/