Q: Is there anywhere near Bristol that I can try the rower before buying. I want one that is realistic and I understand that the air ones are the best for that, so I want to know how the magnetic bit affects the "feel".

A: Unfortuantely these come direct from the supplier so there is nowhere to test them. An Air rowing machine uses air as the resistance that you will work against. Magnetic rowing machines are quieter and smoother and enable you to work whilst others watch TV without being disturbed. The Air Rowing machines resistance relies totally on how hard you workout and is speed Proportionate. A Magnetic Rowing machine has a friction free rowing style and multi position tension control. We would not be able to give an answer as to which one is better as some of the top of the range rowing machines use air resistance such as the concept 2 rowing machines. These are used by the indoor rowing championships and many athletes.