EDIT: I'm editing my original review up to 5 stars.The machine is great, and I found my error on how to get customer service.Looking again at the product page, I saw an "other products from HCI Fitness" link.HCI Fitness is in Seattle, and looks like who I'd contact to resolve any further service problems.It certainly isn't obvious from what's inside the box, but now I know and feel much more confident about the machine.Below is my original review:
There is only one reason I'm not giving this product five stars.On my first workout on this machine, I got about 2/3 through when suddenly the computer displayed an "E-2" error.I tried power cycling the machine, but "E-2" came back.That's when I went to the manual to look for customer service.
The only contact info of any kind that I found was the company website.The website URL is shared with "Zeta & Co" auto parts, and clicking through to Proteus Fitness revealed a pretty basic and Taiwan-based website.I could either call or email Taiwan.I chose email.To the company's credit, I received a response in 24 hours, with a Word doc with pictures on what I might look for to troubleshoot the E-2 error.As it turns out, in that time my husband unplugged and plugged the machine back in several times and the error cleared itself.We think it isn't a computer problem, but rather perhaps something with the magnetic resistance getting stuck that aborted the workout program.But what if it hadn't worked out?What if it's flawed in some way still?How would I get this machine fixed?They really need a U.S. customer service line or something that instills a little more confidence.
We've had a couple error-free workouts on the machine since.The machine itself is fantastic... smooth mechanical operation, well-constructed.The workout programs are great.We especially like that they aren't fixed length... you can choose the workout profile and separately the workout time and one will scale to the other.So far, we're keeping the machine, but I'm checking Amazon's return policy so I know what I'm dealing with.If it remains error free before a return period is up, we'll probably roll the dice and keep it.We love it that much.If it craps out again, sadly it will have to go back to Amazon rather than have some reasonable repair path available.
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Proteus PAR-5500 Commercial Club Series Rowing MachineProduct Description: The Proteus PAR-5500 folds for easy storage.Get fit without trudging to the gym day after day with the Proteus PAR-5500 Club Series rowing machine. The professional-grade PAR-5500 makes use of both air and magnetic resistance systems to create a genuine rowing experience. The air resistance system provides an "on the water" feel, so your body will believe you're rowing on the Thames even if your mind doesn't. The linear magnetic resistance system, meanwhile, provides the strength and smoothness you've come to expect from gym machines.
The machine also includes a comfortable ergo seat with unique seat rollers located on the underside of the seat rail. This not only prevents dust and dirt from gathering on the rail, but it also helps the seat glide exceptionally well with each stroke. And thanks to the pivoting foot pedals--which offer five adjustable levels--you can easily optimize your position on the rowing machine. As a whole, the PAR-5500's ergonomic, high-quality design makes it perfectly suited for both cardio workouts and endurance training.
To keep your workouts on track, the PAR-5500 offers an oversized, easy-to-read LCD display panel and an advanced computer with 16 levels of electronically controlled resistance. Users can also turn to the 15 preset workout programs, which include six preprogrammed workouts, four user-controlled workouts, four heart-rate-controlled workouts, and one watt-control program. During each program, the computer will automatically increase and decrease the resistance level according to the profiles shown on the LCD display. Other features include a built-in cooling fan, transport wheels for easy transport, and a folding frame for storage.
An easy-to-read LCD display panel offers an advanced computer with 16 levels of electronically controlled resistance. Specifications:
Frame: Commercial aircraft grade aluminum
Resistance levels: 16
Recovery function: Yes
Display panel: 16 columns
Distance display: 100m, with feedback windows
Feedback: Time, 500m split time, strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, watts, calories, and HR
Displayed when not in use: Clock, alarm, date, and temperature
Programs: Manual, P1-P12, heart rate control, race, and user
Heart rate measurement: Built-in receiver
Max capacity: 280 pounds
Dimensions: 96 x 31 by 19 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 100 pounds
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Fits my two new extra tall 6Volt Golf Cart Batteries for the RV perfectly.The lid has tabs that hold it against the top of the battery so the battery is held securely regardless of the brand or height of your battery.Great fit, great value.
