JLL R200 review: The BEST budget rowing machine

January 4, 2018

The JLL R200 is a home rowing machine that does the basics well. It’s priced competitively and is suitable for rowers of all levels. Here’s our JLL R200 review.

RRP: £399.99

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JLL R200 review: Design

Is the JLL R200 as good as the Concept 2 rowing machines you’ll find at gyms? No. But its a fifth of the price of the Concept 2 Model D and does, largely, the same job.

This machine gets a lot right. It provides everything you need for a decent rowing workout without over complicating anything. However, it’s not going to win any awards for build quality. But that’s the what keeps the price down. So it’s to be expected.

From a design point of view, we have two main complaints. The seat is a little hard and the footrests are on the small side. Apart from those two flaws, the rest of the machine works well.

It’s quick to assemble, folds in two and can be stored vertically. It also has wheels at the front to help you move it around.

JLL R200 review: Rowing

Where the JLL R200 really excels is with the actual rowing. It uses magnetic resistance to create drag which can be adjusted between ten different modes. Level 10 provides more than enough resistance to let users work on cardio and strength training. While Level 1 is easy enough for beginners to find their fitness with. The use of magnetic resistance rather than air- or water-based resistance helps keep the rowing action smooth and quiet.

JLL R200 review: Monitor

The monitor is pretty standard compared to the rest of the industry. It’s a monochrome LCD display that can display six key metrics: Total stroke count, Calorie’s burned; Stokes per minutes; Strokes per session; Distance; Time; And a Scan mode that lets automatically cycles through all the above. Operation is controlled by a large circular button that you press once to switch menus or hold down to reset. That’s it.

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It’s worth pointing out that even high-end rowing machines have simplistic monochrome menus. Market leaders, Concept 2 and the WaterRower machines offer little more than what the JLL R200 provides here.

JLL R200 review: Verdict

If you’re looking for a home rowing machine that’s closer to £100 than £1000 pounds then the JLL R200 is perfect for you. It’s not the best rowing machine on the market, but the rowing action is smooth and quiet, and its 10 levels of resistance provide a range of intensities good enough for any level.