FitnessQuest Dual Piston Rower Edge 250

Pros: Smooth ride (when new) and the dual-hinge rowing handles allow for a realistic rowing motion
Cons: Early part failure, defective design limits range of motion.

After 6 months of use (twice a week) the plastic rollers on the seat started to disintegrate making for a less than smooth ride and yesterday the roller bearings broke free, disabling the rower until parts are ordered. I only weigh 180 pounds so weight is not the issue.
My last rower (other manufacturer) had 5 settings. There are only 3 resistance setting on this machine and it is a GREAT LEAP in required strength/effort when transitioning between these 3 settings. This machine uses the shortest piston/piston shafts I've ever seen in a rower. In as much your forward motion is limited on the lowest setting and rearward motion is limited on higher settings. I had to adapt my rower with slotted angle iron spacers to extend the total length of the pistons (I'm on the middle resistance setting). I've sent this info to Fitness Quest but their response was not enthusiastic. I recommend you spend more money and skip this entry level machine.