Smart rowing machine with integrated trainer tested - Augletics Eight Style

The Eight Style from Augletics is a quiet, foldable, smart rowing machine. It impresses with its sturdy construction, large 15.6-inch display and virtual trainer. Thanks to sensors and the accompanying software, the rowing machine can analyze technique and posture in real time and suggest improvements.

The large display can be used to watch media - videos and movies can be played while training data remains visible. A map view helps with orientation during training and is intended to keep boredom at bay.

However, the rowing machine from Augletics is not perfect. When training together with other online participants, you notice that the positions of the other rowers sometimes jump around. This disrupts the feeling of rowing together. The sluggish controls when using media are also annoying. 

We also experience problems with some devices when connecting headphones or heart rate monitors via Bluetooth. 

Augletics offers just one product, the Eight rowing machine. It comes in two versions: Eight and Eight Style. With essentially the same design, the differences lie in the display size, additional sensors and a virtual coach. While the standard Eight costs 1990 euros, the Style costs an extra 800 euros.

The Eight Style is available in two colour options: black and oak. The test model is an Augletics Eight Style in black. 

The manufacturer sells the rowing machine in its own online shop. We did not find it at any other retailers. The RRP is 2790 euros.

Rowing machines are said to offer a low-impact yet highly effective workout. With entertainment features, a large display and a digital trainer, Augletics aims to deliver a particularly smart exercise machine with the Eight Style. The manufacturer emphasizes the quiet operation of the eddy current brake. The rowing machine can also be folded up, making workouts possible even in small apartments.

According to the website, the Eight Style rowing machine is delivered in three packages. There are no shipping costs within Germany. In addition to the machine, instructions in several languages and the necessary tools are included. For a fee of 199 euros, the machine is delivered, assembled and set up.

We cannot comment on assembly here because the test unit was delivered fully assembled.

The folding mechanism is well designed. The entire seat rail can be folded upwards. This makes the rowing machine very short, but it does require vertical space. Thanks to the built-in wheels, the Eight Style can easily be moved by one person. A locking pin prevents it from unfolding accidentally.

When folding it up, the display must be turned to the side to prevent damage. The Augletics machine must be plugged into a power outlet for workouts. The supplied power cable is about three metres long. Operation without a power supply - as with the Decathlon Woodrower - is not possible.

Augletics uses a brushed stainless steel frame. A central square-section beam provides a slim appearance while ensuring exceptional rigidity. Your feet rest on an adjustable plastic plate. Straps hold your feet in position.

The handlebar is 51 cm wide, and the grips are made of TPV and are quite hard. One distinctive feature of the Augletics Eight is its drive belt. It is made of PE but has steel reinforcement. Its appearance is reminiscent of belts used in automotive or bicycle drivetrains. The manufacturer promises exceptional tensile strength and durability.

The second eye-catching feature is the large display. On the Style version, it boasts a generous 15.6-inch screen diagonal. Augletics uses an Android-based system, but the user interface is entirely its own. The fitness machine is operated exclusively via touchscreen inputs; there are no buttons. Speakers are integrated into the display housing.

The manufacturer offers its own smartphone app, available for Android and iOS. The app provides a workout overview including a history. Data can be displayed for days, weeks, months and years. It includes time, kilometers, calories burned, rowing strokes, speed and a rating.

Workouts are automatically synchronized with the app upon completion. However, neither the app nor an account is required to train on the rowing machine. The system also works offline. The Eight Style really comes into its own with a Wi-Fi connection, though. 

Augletics offers workouts on virtual maps, and routes of the week keep things from getting boring too quickly. With an active user account, other users are shown live, adding to the competitive element. Content from YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video can also be shown on the display.

However, media playback reveals that the built-in hardware is reaching its limits. During testing, the system became very sluggish when using Prime Video. Playback stuttered. YouTube videos, on the other hand, ran smoothly. Headphones and speakers can be connected via Bluetooth. We had no problems with Baseus Bowie MC2, but an Amazon Echo Dot could not be paired successfully. 

The Augletics Eight Style is supposed to be able to receive heart rate data from other devices. However, this did not work during testing with a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 - the smartwatch was not found, even though it was in the appropriate mode. We did have success with a Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro, though. When the "Broadcast heart rate" function is selected, the wearable appears as a heart rate monitor on the rowing machine. The heart rate readings are then integrated automatically.

Workouts can be started quickly on the Augletics Eight Style. No initial settings are required. The resistance can be changed at any time during a workout. Sessions are plotted on maps in various countries. Alternatively, the manufacturer offers preset workouts. These are organized by level and time commitment. You can also create and save your own workouts. Targets for time, distance and resistance can be set. For saved workouts, the resistance is adjusted automatically.

When entertainment apps are used, the workout display is overlaid on the video. The size and position of the workout information can be adjusted. Thanks to the quiet operation, the volume of the built-in speakers is sufficient, though headphones make the experience even more comfortable. 

One highlight of the Augletics Eight Style is the virtual trainer. It can be displayed during a workout and assesses your rowing technique. A numerical score is complemented by a graphical display. The machine distinguishes between the categories of consistency, rhythm, recovery, stroke length and movement sequence. Clicking on a category opens a submenu with tips for improvement. 

The trainer can distinguish between beginners and advanced users. Changes in the movement sequence are displayed almost in real time. 

During a workout, it becomes apparent that the belt oscillates after abrupt movements, such as the handle hitting your chest. After a short adjustment period, however, the movement on the machine is very smooth, and the trainer's instructions can be put into practice immediately.

The way other users are displayed on the map is sometimes confusing during testing. Someone overtakes you in a sudden jump, or after gradually catching up with another person, you suddenly find yourself far behind again - which is demotivating. The multimedia features are a mixed bag. Workout data is overlaid very well on YouTube videos. The Prime Video app crashes several times during testing - which is no fun. Entertainment also has to be started before the workout. It is not possible to start videos from within a workout.

On two occasions during testing, workout data is not saved automatically. The workout analysis can also be sent by email on request. Multiple user profiles can be stored on the Eight Style.

The Eight Style from Auglectics is a great, smart rowing machine. The machine operates quietly, is very stable and folds up to save space. Its main strengths are its large display and integrated virtual trainer, which can help improve rowing movements and technique. 

The large display lets you watch videos while training, although the underpowered hardware occasionally gets in the way.