Name: JLL R200 Rowing Machine
Brand: JLL Fitness
Price: 259.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

JLL R200 Rowing Machine

Start Rowing Score

The JLL R200 rowing machine looks well designed and comes at a very reasonable price. It is a very popular machine in the UK and one of the best machines you can purchase from JLL. Let’s take a deeper look and find out if it’s the right rowing machine for you.

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Pros

Big footplates
Quiet
Easy to read monitor screen
Easy to fold for storage
10 resistance levels
Very affordable

Cons

Resistance level will not be enough for experienced rowers
Taller users may have trouble
Maximum capacity is quite low (100kg)

This is our review of the JLL R200 rowing machine.

Resistance Type

The JLL R200 rower works via magnetic resistance. The magnet is positioned close to the flywheel and comes with an easy-to-reach resistance adjustment dial. The level of resistance is on a scale of 1 – 10. What’s great is that you can adjust the dial from within your seat whilst strapped in. No need to remove your feet, lean forward or get up to set your required level, which can be very annoying.

As with most magnetic rowers, the JLL R200 is very quiet. This is great if noise levels are a concern for you whilst at home. This is usually the case when you don’t want to disturb other members of your household but also some users just don’t like the constant ‘whooshing’ sound made by air rowers.

Unlike a lot of magnetic rowers, the rowing motion is quite smooth and the resistance responsive. This smooth rowing experience is due to the direct belt-driven system that JLL has incorporated into this machine.

That being said, the resistance levels on this machine are suitable for those looking to get into shape or as an exercise option to stay fit. If you are a more experienced rower or consider yourself to be quite fit already then you will probably find that even the maximum level does not provide a suitable level of resistance for more intense workouts.

I’d recommend this machine for more slow-duration and steady-stated cardio rather than more intense HIIT workouts. The resistance is great compared to other magnetic rowers and even better when you consider the price but it cannot compete with the higher-end air rowers when performing more intense bouts of exercise.

For most users just looking to get and stay fit, the R200 is more than capable of providing a good workout.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 124cm (L) x 52cm (w) x 58cm (H)
Resistance: Magnetic
Display Type: LCD
Maximum user weight: 100kg
Weight: 23kg
Warranty: 1-year
Material: Aluminium

Display/ Monitor

Don’t expect anything fancy from the display. No special features, no built-in workouts, and no games. But that’s okay. Remember this rowing machine is at the cheaper end of the scale so you can’t really compare it with the more expensive models.

However, what you do get is a super easy-to-read 3” LCD display that can track your progress with its 7-function monitor. Not bad at all.

The 7 functions you can track are Total Count (number of overall total strokes since the machine was first used), Calories, Stroke Rate, Count (overall total strokes performed in the current workout), Distance, Time, and Scan, which to be honest is more than enough for most recreational users.

The monitor functionality is super simple. It is controlled by one big button on the monitor. Pushing the button enables you to switch between the different tracking metrics available. If you push and hold the button, it will reset all of the machine’s readings back to zero.

Build Quality

The JLL R200 is a well-built rowing machine and does feel pretty sturdy. The seat rail is made of aluminum which keeps the machine lightweight. This is at the expense of some stability, especially when compared to more heavy-duty machines.

In most cases, you’ll be able to use the machine effectively with no movement. However, if you are performing harder, more intense rowing strokes you may find that the machine starts to move a little which could potentially damage your flooring. I recommend getting a rowing machine mat to protect your floor and reduce any movement if you are concerned.

The machine has a smooth sliding mechanism and fitted wheels under the seat which creates a nice back-and-forth rowing motion. As mentioned, when you up the anti the machine does not respond as well.

Comfort and Capacity

There’s no point in purchasing a machine that is uncomfortable or unpleasant to use regardless of the price. Luckily the R200 is not one of these machines and you’ll be able to get the most out of your workouts without having to worry about soreness from being uncomfortable.

The seat of the R200 is padded and comfortable to sit on. The ergonomic handlebars are covered in high-quality non-slip rubber with foam padding. This ensures an easy and comfortable grip whilst rowing with no rubbing against your hands and fingers.

The footplates on this rower are pretty large and will fit any shoe size comfortably. The plates are fitted with velcro straps with are easy to adjust but also keep your feet surprisingly secure throughout each stroke with no sliding movement.

The rail of the machine is definitely not the longest and some users (6’+) may struggle to use the machine comfortably. One problem taller users complain of is that they have to raise the handles during the recovery phase to avoid hitting their knees. This can make for a less-than-ideal rowing motion.

The maximum capacity for this machine listed by JLL is 100kg. I’m always a little disappointed when the maximum capacity is on the low side because it automatically stops the machine from being a good choice for those that are overweight. This machine is particularly would be a fantastic entry-level machine to help you lose weight but if you’re over 100kg you’re probably better off looking at one of our other rowing reviews.

Assembly

Assembling your R200 should not cause you too much trouble. It’s actually pretty easy to assemble but many users have complained that the instructions provided in the manual are poor and not clear enough to follow.

Expert assembly is an option provided but you really don’t need it. Just follow along with the video below and you’ll have your machine up and running in no time.

As already mentioned, the machine is lightweight weighing only 23kg. So you should be able to assemble the rower on your own.

Storage

The R200 is a great choice if you’re short on space. The machine folds upright for easy storage after your workout.

To fold and unfold the machine is simple. There are two knobs on top of the seat rail that need to be unscrewed all the way and released. You will then be able to lift the rail up until it clicks into place. Then, to make sure it’s secure, re-screw the knob underneath the rail. It’s not difficult but can be a bit fiddly.

You’ll also find built-on wheels that make it super easy to transport the rower to and from your storage area or between rooms.

Warranty

As you might expect for the price, the warranty is not the greatest. You only get a 1-year warranty. The machine also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price and value

If you are on a budget then the R200 is a great option. You definitely get a lot of value for money. When compared to other machines in its price range it certainly stands out as one of the better ones.

If you want a machine that comes with more bells and whistles then you will have to be open to paying more.

Final Thoughts (should you buy the JLL R200 rower?)

Overall the JLL R200 rowing machine is a fantastic entry-level machine. If you’re looking to get into shape or want an easy way to add some cardio into your training then this could be the machine for you.

I don’t have too many issues with the R200 rower. Yes, it would be nice if the maximum capacity was higher but it’s still decent considering the machine is made from aluminum. The cheaper models can’t have everything, otherwise, they wouldn’t be cheaper models.

If you don’t need anything beyond the basic metrics, don’t want to spend a small fortune, and are not highly experienced then you should highly consider this machine.