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Why pay for a touchscreen when you have plenty lying around? In this review of the Aviron Strong Go Rower, you’ll learn how to upgrade Aviron’s more affordable rower with an iPad.
Updated: May 15, 2024
Tons of exercise equipment include touchscreen displays. For brands like Aviron, interactivity is essential to their subscription content. However, many of us already have perfectly usable screens lying around. The Aviron Strong Go could save you money. It is priced more affordably because it doesn’t have its own screen. You just have to supply your own iPad. Unfortunately, if you are a loyal Android user like I am, you might not be as stoked about this Aviron Strong Go review.
The Aviron Strong Go rowing machine is identical to the Aviron Strong without the touchscreen. It replaces the Aviron Impact Series Rower and is more reasonably priced. It has a 10-year warranty on its frame. All other parts and components are covered for 1 year. Aviron users also have an option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty. Currently, the lifetime warranty is available on a subscription basis for $9/month. While this is a great option for exercisers who plan to stick with Aviron long-term, I would really like to see the included 1-year warranty improved.
The Aviron Strong Go has a steel and aluminum frame. It is very sturdy and thoughtfully constructed. It supports a maximum user weight of 507 lbs. This weight capacity is very impressive, making the Strong Go a great option for larger users.
You can store the Aviron Strong Go Rower upright or horizontally. Upright storage does not require a wall mount. If you have children or pets who would try to knock it over, your circumstances could differ.
The rower weighs 105 lbs and has transport wheels. The rear stabilizer doubles as a handle to help you pull the rower down and wheel it around. I am 5’4”, and I have a little trouble reaching the stabilizer, but I can still move it around on my own easily. Because the Aviron Strong Go is so tall, make sure your ceiling is tall enough for it. Standing upright the Aviron Strong Go is 7 feet tall.
The handle is comfortable and padded. The handle is attached to a Nylon strap. It feels sturdy and smooth during each rowing stroke. I have plenty of room for my grip on the handle. I measured each side of the handle to be 8.5 inches. It rotates freely to keep your hands in a comfortable position during the rowing stroke.
Our handle was upgraded with the Quick Adjust Remote Control. This remote has two buttons for adjusting your resistance up and down. There are also controls on the screen but opting for this upgrade makes adjusting your resistance less disruptive to your rowing.
The Aviron Strong Go uses a belt drive. The belt drive feels quiet and smooth. I prefer this design over a chain drive, because it requires less maintenance, feels smooth, and sounds a lot quieter.
The resistance is magnetic and air. The air resistance on the Aviron Strong Go is not as loud as rowing machines that only use air resistance. Air resistance also provides a gentle cooling effect. The magnetic resistance component allows you to adjust the resistance levels. There are 16 magnetic resistance levels.
The rail on the Aviron Strong Go rowing machine is a monorail and measures about 48 inches. This length can accommodate a maximum user height of about 6’8”. It is aluminum. The slope of the rail assists your recovery to the catch. The height of the rail ranges from about 10 to 11 inches. The rail is smooth and easy for the seat to glide along.
The seat sits approximately 20 inches off the ground. This height makes it more similar to sitting into a chair. Many other rowing machines are very low to the ground and may be too difficult for some exercisers to use.
We have the upgraded Cloud Seat. This seat is softer while the original seat is firmer and more durable. You can upgrade to the Cloud Seat when you purchase the Strong Go Rower or at a later date if you want to test out the original seat first.
The foot stretchers have multiple levels. I wear a women’s size 8, and I set the foot stretchers to level 2 out of 7. The Strong Go’s footboards adjust in their spacing. Whether you want your feet close together or far apart, you can adjust it with the crank on the side. A narrower stance recreates more realistic on-the-water rowing geometry. A wider stance may feel more beginner-friendly.
The Aviron Strong Go differs from the Aviron Strong the most regarding its features. The Strong Go does not have a touchscreen display. It has a lot of upgrade options with compatible accessories offered by Aviron. In addition to purchasing only the rower, you can choose the performance or premium package.
The console is very simple. The Strong Go was designed to work with an iPad. Without one, it is very simple. There is no screen on the Aviron Strong. You cannot see any metrics without a connected display. There are two buttons on the console to adjust the resistance. There is an additional button for connecting your Bluetooth device. It will light up blue when the rower is ready to pair.
At this time, you cannot use the Aviron Strong Go without an iPad or iPhone. Aviron recommends using an iPad over an iPhone for a better view of Aviron content. I only have Android devices, so I was pretty sad about the Strong Go’s lack of support for Android devices. It seems like support for Android is in the works, but for now, I was fortunate enough to borrow an Apple device from a fellow reviewer.
To train with Aviron content you need an active membership and to download the app. Your iPad will take the place of a display and operate just as a built-in screen would. The Strong Go has a tablet holder with a spring-loaded clip to fit your device snugly.
The air resistance generates a light breeze that flows through the vents in the Aviron Strong Go. It’s gentle and refreshing. Because it is generated by your rowing force, the air flow will strengthen as you row harder. If you get really hot while exercising, the Strong Go helps you cool off.
The Aviron Strong Go can be purchased alone or upgraded to the Performance or Premium package. The Performance Package includes the Velcro foot straps and a protective mat to go under the rower. The Premium packages includes both of those plus the Quick Adjust Remote and the Cloud Seat. You can purchase these accessories later on, but buying them as part of the package is more cost-effective.
Using the Aviron Strong Go Rower starts with plugging it in and connecting your phone. However, You can use the rower’s air resistance without plugging it in. For the full experience, you need to turn the Strong Go on and connect an iPhone or iPad. Press the long white button on the console and wait for it to blink blue when it’s in pairing mode.
Once you are connected, you get access to all of Aviron’s content. Aviron’s training style is so fun. It doesn’t always feel like a workout because there are so many other things to concentrate on. The only downside to the games is that they don’t encourage you to keep good rowing form. It’s easy to try to win instead of rowing well. I don’t think more experienced rowers will have a problem but beginners might.
The Aviron Strong Go is really comfortable compared to other rowers. The seat is about 20 inches high, making sitting down and getting up easier. The handle is soft. The footboards adjust in width. These features combine to show you how much Aviron cares about your comfort. And that, in turn, increases your odds of routinely exercising.
You should choose Aviron over other rowing subscription services because of the gamified training content. If you want to add fun to your training experience, Aviron gets you. The Strong Go is a great option for exercisers who are addicted to phone games or video games. It is a great way to combine your gaming addiction with exercise. A lot of the games are very similar to phone games. You might be shooting snowballs or running away from enemies with the speed and force of your rowing.
Aviron is dedicated to improving and expanding their content. They have many more content options in addition to their games. There are competitions, coached classes, structured workouts, and scenic routes. Because the Aviron Strong Go does not have a built-in display, you can’t stream content from Netflix or other entertainment platforms like you can on the Strong. You can still use the Aviron Strong Go while streaming, but the Aviron app won’t run in the background to track your metrics.
The Aviron Strong Go Rower does not require a subscription to function. However, it has very limited features without a membership. If you keep the app, you can still track your workout and view your training metrics. For Android users like me, you can row and adjust the resistance. You cannot see any metrics or record your workouts. I hope Aviron improves this soon. Without an iPad or iPhone, I relied on my Garmin watch to record my time, heart rate, and stroke rate. Unfortunately, rowing speed and distance were the metrics I did not have access to.
The Aviron Strong Go is an affordable alternative to the Aviron Strong and its built-in touchscreen. I only recommend the Strong Go for exercisers who own or plan to purchase an iPad until Aviron supports Android devices. There is no other option for viewing or recording workout metrics. I strongly recommend subscribing to the Aviron training platform with the Strong Go. There are tons of fun rowing games, competitions, and structured training programs to choose from. The Aviron is great for new exercisers who need incentives to adhere to a routine. If you want to make the Strong Go more comfortable, consider upgrading to the performance or premium package for additional accessories.
