SOLE vs Echelon Rower Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• The SOLE SR550 offers a smooth, lifelike rowing experience with air and magnetic resistance.
• The Echelon Row-S has more tech-focused features like a larger touchscreen, but at a higher price point.
• The SOLE SR550 excels in durability, with a lifetime frame warranty and a weight capacity of 400 lbs.
• Both rowers are easy to store vertically, but the SOLE SR550 includes front wheels for added mobility.
• The SOLE SR550 offers great performance, comfort, and warranty at a lower price compared to the Echelon Row-S.

SOLE vs Echelon Rower Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

SOLE SR550 and Echelon Row-S offer comfortable and challenging home workouts, simulating outdoor rowing with none of the nasty consequences—like getting soaking wet and falling in a freezing body of water. It’s easy to see why one would opt for the indoor alternative—but how to decide which one?

Let’s break down the features, pros, and cons of both so you can pick the perfect machine for your home gym.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine: Priced at $1,499.99, the SOLE SR550 rowing machine makes exercise more enjoyable with an ultra-smooth air and eddy current resistance motion to create a realistic 'on the water' sensation. With a 10.1-inch touch screen, built-in apps, and screen mirroring capabilities, this rower provides an immersive workout experience.

Resistance Type & Experience

Feature	SOLE SR550	Echelon Row-S
Resistance Range	16 levels	32 levels
Resistance Type	Air and eddy current (magnetic resistance)	Magnetic resistance
Resistance Adjustments	Console and handlebar controls	Bluetooth® handlebar resistance controller
Experience	Realistic rowing feel, smooth, adjustable	Quiet, smooth, but lacks air resistance

Why It Matters:

The type of resistance directly affects how smooth your workout feels, how much control you have over intensity, and how noisy the machine is—important factors for home use.

Comparison:

The SOLE SR550 offers a unique combination of air and magnetic resistance. This system creates a smooth, lifelike rowing feel—similar to rowing on water. With 16 resistance levels, you can fine-tune the intensity through both the console and handlebar controls. The air resistance adds a dynamic element that adjusts naturally to your rowing speed.

The Echelon Row-S relies solely on magnetic resistance. With 32 levels, it offers more precision—but without the air component, it doesn’t replicate that realistic on-water sensation. But, it’s quiet—good for users looking for a smooth, silent workout experience.

Build Quality & Durability

Why It Matters:

Durability is key for any piece of fitness equipment—especially if you’re planning to use it regularly. A solid build ensures stability during workouts and a longer lifespan for your rower.

Comparison:

The SOLE SR550’s long aluminum rail and steel components offer a stable frame that feels sturdy, even during intense workouts. Plus, it’s built to support users up to 400 lbs.

The Echelon Row-S also has an aluminum and steel frame but supports a lower user weight—up to 350 lbs.

Comfort & Usability

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Echelon Row-S
Seat Comfort	Ergonomic, high seating position for easy access, well-padded	Padded smooth-glide comfort seat
Footrests	Adjustable pedals with flex settings	6-foot platform adjustments with Velcro straps
Handle Design	Ergonomic handle with resistance adjustment	Bluetooth® handlebar resistance controller
Console Display	10.1” touchscreen	22” HD touchscreen
Additional Features	10 preset programs, 12 user-defined programs	180° flipping screen for off-rower workouts

Why It Matters:
Comfort during a workout is important for both performance and enjoyment. An ergonomic seat, intuitive footrests, and easy-to-use controls let you focus on your fitness—not on adjusting your equipment again and again. That’s not the kind of workout anyone has in mind, ever!

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550 has a high, ergonomic seat which makes getting on and off the rower easy, while the large, adjustable foot pedals provide a secure grip during workouts. The wireless resistance adjustments on the handle make it simple to switch up intensity mid-row, without pausing.

The Echelon Row-S also delivers in comfort with its padded smooth-glide seat for a cushioned ride. The foot platform allows for 6 different adjustments with Velcro straps for added stability.

Storage & Space

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Echelon Row-S
Folding Capability	Folds and stores vertically, with front wheels for easy movement	Foldable for vertical storage
Footprint	97” L x 19” W x 52” H	84” L x 21” W x 45” H
Space Required	Minimal when stored vertically	Minimal when stored vertically

Why It Matters:
Space can be a limiting factor for many home gym setups—a rower that’s easy to store and doesn’t take up too much room is a big plus.

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550 is designed for easy storage. It folds up vertically and has front wheels, so you can move it around with minimal effort. At 97” in length when unfolded, it’s slightly larger than the Echelon—but once folded, it takes up very little space in any room.

Price & Warranty

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Echelon Row-S
Price	$1,499.99	$1,899.99
Warranty	Lifetime on frame, 2 years on parts	1 year standard, 5 years for Premier Members on frame and motor

Why It Matters:
Price and warranty should be at the top of your mind when deciding which rowing machine offers the best value. A good warranty ensures your investment is protected, and well the price will tell you which is the best option in your budget range.

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550 is priced at $1,499.99—an excellent option for those seeking a high-performance rower without breaking the bank. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, showing SOLE’s confidence in the durability of the machine—and the parts are covered for 2 years.

While Echelon’s warranty offers decent coverage with membership, SOLE’s stands out for long-term peace of mind.

Choose the Best Rower for Your Needs

If you’re looking for a realistic rowing feel with smooth resistance and a strong build, the SOLE SR550 is an excellent option. Durability, comfort, and ease of use—all at a competitive price. The lifetime frame warranty further solidifies its position as a smart long-term investment for your home gym.

The Echelon Row-S—with its higher price point—offers more techy features like a larger touchscreen and Bluetooth handlebar controls. But it falls short in durability and warranty compared to the SR550.

Get the Best Value with SOLE

At SOLE, we are committed to offering reliable, high-quality fitness equipment that delivers both performance and value.

The SOLE SR550 is a perfect example, offering a realistic rowing experience, robust build, and lifetime frame warranty—all at a price that’s hard to beat. Ready to improve your home workouts? Invest in the SOLE SR550 today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better: SOLE SR550 or Echelon Row-S?
The SOLE SR550 uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance, for a lifelike rowing experience with 16 resistance levels. The Echelon Row-S uses 32 levels of magnetic resistance, offering a quieter, smoother experience but without the air component.

The SOLE SR550 also has a better warranty and lower price—so essentially more value for money​.

What type of resistance do the SOLE SR550 and Echelon Row-S use?
The SOLE SR550 uses a combination of air and magnetic (eddy current) resistance, while the Echelon Row-S relies only on magnetic resistance​.

Which rower is more compact for storage?
Both the SOLE SR550 and Echelon Row-S are foldable for vertical storage, but SOLE also has wheels for easy transport.

What are the warranties like for these rowers?
The SOLE SR550 offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and 2 years on parts. The Echelon Row-S provides a 1-year standard warranty, with 5 years on the frame and motor for Premier Members​.