Stamina offers quite a few different types of rowers, but the Wave series includes some of the newest models. As the term suggests, these are water resistance rowing machines.
In this review we’ll address to the Stamina Wave Water Rowing Machine 1450 also referred to as the Stamina 1450 Wave. It’s not a commercial grade machine, however it’s perfect for home use as it can provide the required training setting even for professional athletes.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 85.35L x 20.25W x 32.75H inches (217L x 52W x 83H cm)
- Assembled weight: 71 lbs (32.2 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, count, SPM, calories, pulse, recovery function, goal setting functions
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction and parts
The frame of this Stamina Wave rower is completely made of steel, including the main beam. That’s why it’s a bit heavier than other water rowing machines. Without water inside the tank it
weighs approx. 71 lbs. The tank’s capacity is not specified anywhere, but its somewhere around 4.5 gal. (17 l). Thus, by filling the tank with water, will add approx. 37 lbs (16.7 kg) more to the overall weight of the machine. The front base however, is equipped with a set of small wheels to facilitate the relocation of the machine.
In terms of dimensions, this fitness machine is rather large, especially lengthwise. It’s 85.35″ (217 cm) long, 20.25″ (52 cm) wide, and it also requires at least one foot of clearance at the rear and at least two feet of clearance on each side for safe operation. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for a small apartment or room. In case usage space is an issue, you may want to have a look at a hydraulic rower, such as the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060 or the Kettler Favorit. These take half the space of a water rower or air rower machine. On the other hand, the frame of the Stamina 1450 Wave features a folding design. The gliding beam with the seat folds vertically, reducing the machine’s length to approx. 1/3.
The frame of this water rower rests on three base stabilizers. The middle and front base tubes feature heat injected caps, while the rear stabilizer integrates adjustable levelers. Differently put, the machine offers excellent stability, even if it’s not placed on a rubberized mat. However placing it on a mat for usage is recommended.
This Stamina rower is equipped with a contoured seat, with a thin surface of padding for extra comfort. The seat’s gliding mechanism integrates six wheels, two pairs on top of the rail, one 
pair underneath. These wheels feature sealed ball bearings for a smooth gliding on the rail, and for a long lifespan.
As we’ve mentioned above, the rail of this machine is made of steel not extruded aluminum as for other similar models. But despite this fact, the rower’s weight capacity is only 250 lbs (113.3 kg). Even though several other sources mention that the machine’s weight capacity is 300 lbs (136 kg), the manual specifies clearly that the machine shouldn’t be loaded with more than 250 lbs. Also, the gliding beam is fairly long; it can accommodate users over 6’5″ (195 cm) with no problem.
The rower’s gliding beam is not horizontal. It’s set at a slight angle. This actually comes with three benefits. One, the recovery motion for each stroke is done faster. Two, it provides a slightly more consistent workout for the legs. Three, its easier to take position on the seat, if you pull it to the rear end, which may be quite a plus for elderly users, or users with disabilities. At its highest point, the seat is situated at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level.
The footrests on the Stamina 1450 Wave water rower are size adjustable, being able to accommodate sports shoes of all sizes. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps, offering all the stability required. Their angle it’s non-adjustable though. They’re mounted on a plate set at an angle of approx 45°, the optimal angle required.
The machine’s pulling handle is slightly curved to reduce the impact on the the user’s wrists. It’s completely coated with rubber foam material, providing a superior, comfortable grip.
Water tank and resistance
The Stamina 1450 Waver water rowing machine is equipped with a heavy-duty water tank, made of polycarbonate material, blue in color. The tank integrates a 3-blade impeller, attached 
to a system of heavy-duty bungee cords and pulleys. As you pull the handle, the flywheel begins to spin into the water tank, generating resistance.
Evidently, since the resistance is water generated, it’s variable. It depends on the amount of strength you put behind each stroke, or how fast you stroke. However, the overall resistance output also depends on the water level in the tank. There are 10 markings on it, and by filling it up to the 10th marking, you will benefit from a maximum overall resistance output. As we’ve mentioned above, the capacity of the tank is not specified, but it’s somewhere around 4.5 gal (17 l).
The rowing motion and feel is similar to the rowing of a real boat. It’s also quiet, far from producing the noise level of an air rower, such as the Marcy NS-6050RE or the BodyCraft VR500 Pro.
Exercise meter
The console unit, or exercise meter that comes with the Stamina Wave 35-1450 has quite a bit more to offer than a basic unit. First of all, it features a 7-panel display, which means it can indicate up to 7 workout metrics simultaneously, so you won’t have to scroll through them all 
the time. It indicates time, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes (count), pulse and calories. Your pulse is read via the wireless HR chest strap accessory which is included. Also, when it comes to heart rate, the console has a Pulse Recovery function, which measures how quickly you return to a resting heart rate after exercising. You can use this function to measure improvement as you get into shape. The meter will monitor your heart rate for 60 seconds and calculate a Pulse Recovery value from 1 to 6.
The exercise meter doesn’t have any on-board workout apps. However, it does have goal setting functions for time, count, distance, calories and pulse. Differently put, you can setup a certain value for each one of these workout metrics, and the console will start to count down for each of them, as you commence the workout.
The unit is easy to operate. It’s powered on by pulling the handlebar or by pressing any of its buttons, and will automatically shut off after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine. Its MODE button fulfills the selection function for a specific value. The Up / Down arrows are used to increase or decrease a certain value. RESET evidently clears all the given values to zero. The Recovery button covers the unit’s recovery function. Finally, the unit uses 2-AA batteries, which are not included.
Assembly and Maintenance
The water tank with its impeller and all the internal pulleys, pulling handle, straps, as well as the footrests, come ready-assembled, attached to the front part of the metallic frame. Therefore, all you have to do for assembly is attach the gliding beam, the seat, the rear stabilizer, and the console. This whole task shouldn’t take more than 30 min. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, and the tools required are also provided. The tank requires to be filled with tap water. A small siphon pump is provided for it.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to change the water in the tank periodically. Chlorine pills for treating the water are not supplied, but it’s recommended to use water purification tablets such as sodium dichlor (56% chlorine), and not pool chlorine or trichlor (90% chlorine). Other than that it’s recommended to wipe the rower’s beam with a piece of cloth before each use, to make sure there aren’t any small particles on it which may cause damage to the beam or to the seat rollers.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel construction;
- Folding design;
- Long gliding beam, thus the machine can accommodate tall users, over 6’5″;
- Padded, contoured seat;
- Adjustable footrests, with straps and heel guards, for maximum stability;
- Variable water resistance, which provides a natural rowing feel;
- Low noise level;
- Mid range fitness meter, with a 7 panel display, pulse reading, goals and recovery functions;
- Flexible console bracket allowing the adjustment of its angle;
- Chest strap transmitter for tracking pulse, included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Easy to handle and relocate;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Console doesn’t have backlight, thus it may be a bit difficult to read in poor lighting
conditions; - No angle adjustability for the footrests.
Summary
The Stamina 1450 Wave is a water resistance rowing machine, meant for home use. It features a sturdy, steel frame with a folding, space-saving design. It can provide training possibilities for users of all levels. It’s equipped with a mid-range console, with a 7-panel display. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a full-body cardio workout as rowing involves multiple groups of muscles, such as deltoids, rhomboids, biceps, paraspinals, hamstrings, quads and glutes. But nonetheless, its also a machine great for rehab training, stamina building, muscle toning, and weight loss. Finally, although it’s not exactly an inexpensive machine, it does cost a few $100s less than a WaterRower for example. Therefore, we can safely say it offers an excellent price / value ratio.
