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adidas Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared
adidas brings a familiar name and built-in connectivity to home rowing, with two machines that share the same idea, a genuine resistance feel plus Kinomap and comfort features included. The R-21 is a water rower, the R-21x an air rower with fine resistance control. Here is how they compare and which suits your training.
Both adidas rowers come with Bluetooth, Kinomap and thoughtful extras built in. The R-21 is a water rower with seven levels and an included chest strap, giving a smooth, natural catch. The R-21x is an air rower combining a fan with an electromagnetic brake for 16 levels of on-the-fly control. Choose the R-21 for water feel, the R-21x for precise, adjustable air resistance.
At a glance
| Model | Resistance | Price | FitRank |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-21x | Fan + electromagnetic, 16 levels | £799 (was £1,200) | 4.2 |
| R-21 | Water, 7 levels | £699 (was £1,000) | 4.2 |
Both connect over Bluetooth to Kinomap and include a tablet holder. They score identically overall; the choice is resistance type and how much fine control you want.
The range, model by model
adidas R-21x Rowing Machine
Adjustable air rower
- 16 levels of combined air and electromagnetic resistance
- Handlebar quick-keys, change mid-stroke
- 12 preset programmes
- Kinomap and a built-in tablet holder
- Large footprint at 238cm long
- Pricier than most air rowers
- Dual resistance adds complexity
- No built-in class screen
The R-21x is the most adjustable air rower we cover, pairing a fan with an electromagnetic brake for 16 levels controlled by quick keys on the handle. With 12 preset programmes and Kinomap, it suits structured, varied sessions, though at 238cm it needs real floor space. Read our full R-21x review.
adidas R-21 Water Rower
Connected water rower
- Natural water resistance, 7 levels
- Kinomap built in, 60-day trial
- Heart-rate chest strap included
- Built-in tablet holder
- Only four workout programmes
- 150kg user weight limit
- Water needs an occasional purifier tablet
- Pricier than the value Xterra water rower
The R-21 pairs a genuine water-rowing feel with the connectivity most water rowers lack, Bluetooth, Kinomap and an included chest strap and tablet holder. It is a smooth, well-equipped water rower, let down only by having just four onboard programmes. Read our full R-21 review.
Who adidas rowing machines are for
adidas rowing machines are for buyers who want built-in connectivity and thoughtful extras from a familiar name, without stepping up to a premium specialist. Both include Kinomap and a tablet holder, and the R-21 even bundles a chest strap, so you are set up for guided or entertained rowing from day one.
If value is the priority, the Xterra rowers offer a similar feel for less, and if you want the best build in air, the JTX Ignite AirX is the step up. But for a connected water or air rower with the extras included, adidas makes a strong case.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the adidas R-21 and R-21x?
Which adidas rowing machine is best?
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Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.
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