First Degree Fitness Fluid E550 User manual

USER GUIDE

2

3
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Rower.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is proud to present the Rower as a full commercial use
product featuring patented Adjustable Fluid Resistance.
Follow all instructions carefully for correct assembly, Tank filling, water treatment,
service and safety.
Access to our world-wide distributor and service network is available at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Check contents of Box 1 and Box 2 to ensure all parts are present and correct
prior to assembly.
CAUTION
Training with the Rower
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your
Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic
rowing techniques.
3. For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our international
website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
1. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated in this manual.
2. The Rower can stand vertically for storage. Make sure a secure location is
chosen, such as the corner of a room or against a wall on an even, secure surface.

4
Contents
Safety ................................................................................... 5
Assembly .............................................................................. 7
Box 1 & 2 Contents ........................................................................ 8
Assembly Instructions ................................................................9
Operating Instructions .......................................................... 14
Bluetooth Auto-Adjust Monitor .............................................. 18
Monitor and APP Connectivity ................................................ 19
Bluetooth Heart Rate Pairing ................................................. 19
Calibration Procedure ........................................................... 20
Maintenance ............................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting .................................................................... 22
Tank Belt Adjustment ................................................................. 23
Bungee Cord Replacement. Dealer Assistance Required ............. 24
International Warranty .......................................................... 25

5
Safety
Safety Information
• Before using this product, it is essential to read this ENTIRE operation manual and
ALL instructions. The Rower is intended for use solely in the manner described in
this manual.
• UNDERSTANDING EACH AND EVERY WARNING TO THE FULLEST IS IMPORTANT
• As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your
Rower exercise program.
• Please be aware that any fitness regiment, before being undertaken, is best
preceded by a physical checkup from a certified physician.
• Injuries to health may result from incorrect or excessive training.
• WARNING Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate. Over exercise may
result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint, stop exercising immediately.
• Stop the machine immediately if any signs of excessive wearing is present on the belts,
pulleys and bungee cords. Do not use unit until said parts are repaired or replaced.
• Do not allow children unattended access to the machine.
• The Rower can stand vertically for storage. When doing so, please follow the
instructions given in the manual.
• Please keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning label on the
Main Frame of your machine.
• If any of the adjustment devices are left projecting, they could interfere with the
user’s movement.
• Do not store in freezing conditions with water in the Tank as it can expand and crack
the components.
Installation
• Place on a stable, flat surface in a horizontal position during use for maximum
stability.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if
needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.

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Safety
Proper Usage
• Do not use any equipment in any way other than designed or intended by the
manufacturer. It is imperative that FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment is used
properly to avoid injury.
• Injuries may result if exercising improperly or excessively. It is recommended that all
individuals consult a physician prior to commencing an exercise program. If at any time
during exercise you feel faint, dizzy or experience pain, STOP EXERCISING and consult
your physician.
• Keep body parts (hands, feet, hair, etc.), clothing and jewelry away from moving parts
to avoid injury.
• Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing
techniques.
• For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our International website
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Inspection
• DO NOT use or permit use of any equipment that is damaged and/or has worn or broken
parts. For all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment use only replacement parts supplied by
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS.
• Cables and belts pose an extreme liability if used when frayed. Always replace any cable
or belt at first sign of wear (consult FIRST DEGREE FITNESS if uncertain).
• EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Preventative maintenance is the key to smooth operating
equipment as well as to keep your liability to a minimum. Equipment needs to be
inspected at regular intervals.
• Ensure that any person(s) making adjustments or performing maintenance or repair of
any kind is qualified to do so.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR REPAIR ANY ACCESSORY APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WHICH APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED OR WORN.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.
Operating Warnings
• Keep children away from the equipment. Parents or others supervising children must
provide close supervision of children if the equipment is used in the presence of children.
• Do not allow users to wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry while using equipment. It is
also recommended to have users secure long hair back and up to avoid contact with
moving parts.
• All bystanders must stay clear of all users, moving parts and attached accessories and
components while machine is in operation.
•
WARNING Do not insert fingers into Tank!
• CAUTION After rowing exercise, please allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes before
standing it up for storage.
• CAUTION Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the Tank level sticker
or water spillage can occur.
• WARNING Never operate this Rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

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Assembly
The live area shall be not less than 23.62”(60cm) greater than the training area in the directions from
which the equipment is accessed. The live area must also include the area for emergency dismount.
Product Highlights
Product Specifications
Product Class: SC
Braking System: Speed Independent
Product Net Weight: 61.9kg (136.47lb)
Product Gross Weight: 71.5kg (157.63lb)
Minimum Safe Operating Surface Area: 315cm (124.02”) Length x 201cm (79.13”) Width
Dimensions: 1950mm (76.77”) Length x 810mm (31.89”) Width x 860mm (33.86”) Height
Maximum User Weight: 150kg (330lb)
Compact Footprint: 2550mm x 1410mm or upright 860mm x 810mm
Live area and Training area
Note: Rower is not suitable for therapeutic purposes.
Premium ergonomic
handle
Secure Adjustable
Heel Captures
Concealed air glide
seat rollers
Contoured,
non-slip seat
“Office Chair” Height seat
For easy entry and exit
10 x fluid Force
-massive range
Of resistance at
The turn of a lever
Concealed
Transport
Wheels
Auto-level, Bluetooth
monitor - real time
power in watts per
repetition

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Box 1 & 2 Contents
Box 2 Contents
Box 1 Contents
Item Qty. Description Item Qty. Description
1 1 Main Frame 6 2 Front Leg
2 2 Left/Right Seat Rail 7 2 D Cell Battery
3 1 Rower Seat 8 1 Touch Up Paint
4 1 Rear Leg 9 1 User Guide
5 1 Funnel and Hose
Hardware KIT
10 4 M6 Washer 16 4 M10x70mm Bolt
11 18 M10 Washer 17 1 4mm Allen Key
12 4 M10 Nylock Nut 18 1 6mm Allen Key
13 4 M6x20mm Bolt 19 1 Multi-Tool
14 8 M10x20mm Bolt 20 4 Water Treatment Tablet
15 4 M10x47.5mm Bolt
* Note Hardware pack contains 2 Bolts only. The remaining Bolts are
pre-installed on the Rower seat rails for assembly convenience.

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Assembly Instructions
STEP 1 Installation Rowing Front Leg
CAUTION
Do not free the Rowing
Handle and Monitor Stalk
before assembly is com-
plete.
The Rower components
such as Main Frame and
seat rails are heavy. Use
care during assembly.
WARNING
Rower Seat Rails can
have Sharp Edges on the
Front Portion Facing the
Main Frame Use Caution
During Assembly.
a) Remove the Main Frame[1] and all components from Box 1
Check all parts against the box contents.
b) Lay on soft surface such as carpet as shown. Tilt frame
upward slightly and install Rower Front Leg [6] with 4x
M10x20mm Bolt [14] and M10 Washer[11].
Repeat for other leg.
c) Slowly stand Rower Main Frame upright.
2
1
12
REQUIRED
Main Frame [1]
2 x Front Leg [6]
8 x M10 Washer [11]
8 x M10 x 20 mm Bolt [14]
Tilt Main Frame upward slightly to install the Lower Leg
Install Legs with
Transport
Wheels facing
forward
Hint: Use mouse pad or soft cloth under Rower
Belt Pulley to protect from scratches/scuffing
Rower Belt Pulley

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Assembly Instructions
a) Locate and unwrap the Bungee Shock Cord from the
frame before moving onto the installation of the Seat
Rails. .
b) Once the Main Frame is safely standing upright on a
stable surface, unpack the Left/ Right Seat Rails[2] and
hardware kit from Box 2 for the next step of assembly.
1
1
12
STEP 2 Attach Seat Rails to Frame
c) Align and secure lower attachment points using M10x70
mm Bolts[16], M10 Nylock Nuts[12] and M10 Washers[11]
Seat Rail Attachment Points
Left Seat Rail
Right Seat Rail
Note: 2 x M10 x 70mm Bolts are Preinstalled on the Seat Rails For your
Convenience
2
1
12
8
REQUIRED
Main Frame [1]
Left/Right Seat Rail [2]
4 x M10 Washers [11]
4 x M10 Nylock Nuts [12]
2 x M10 x 70mm Bolts [16]
Bungee Shock Cord
CAUTION
Nylock Nuts must be
outside the standard nut
and Washer to properly
secure assembly

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Assembly Instructions
1
1
f) Before installation of the right Seat Rail[2], thread the Bungee Shock Cord through
the top of the Seat Rail, around the Bungee Pulley and out the bottom as shown
g) Once this is complete, follow the same assembly procedure for the Left Seat
e) Install lower left Seat Rail[2] using M10x70mm Bolts[16], Nylock Nuts[12]
and M10 Washers[11].
Left Seat Rail
Left Seat Rail
Attach Seat Rails to Frame
Note: 2 x M10x70mm Bolts are Preinstalled on the Seat Rails for your convenience
d) Begin with left Seat Rail[2]. using the preinstalled M10x70mm[16] secure from
behind with M10 Nylock[12].
Bungee Shock Cord
Right Seat Rail
Bungee Pulley

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Assembly Instructions
STEP 3 Assemble Rowing Seat
CAUTION
The Rower Seat[3] is
Heavy. Use Both Hands
and Keep Fingers Clear
of the Rower Channels
When Guiding the Seat
down the Seat Rails.
a) Slide the assembled Seat Rails[2] facing in the direction of
the arrow in the above graphic. The Seat indentation Must
be towards the rear of the Rower.
Indentation
c) Secure the Rear Leg from the inside with the M6x20
mm Bolts[13] and M6 Washers[10].
Note: Third Bolt hole on
right of Rear Leg and
Seat Rail is for Bungee
Hook Attachment
STEP 4 Install Rear Leg
REQUIRED
Rear Leg [4]
4 x M6 Washers [10]
4 x M10 Washers [11]
4 x M6x20mm Bolts [13]
4 x M10x47.5mm Bolts [15]
a) Mount the Rear Leg[4] onto the Seat Rails and secure
as shown.
Rear Leg
b) Install all M10x47.5mm Bolts[15] and M10 Washers[11]
first from the outside to hold the Rear Leg[4] in position.

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Assembly Instructions
STEP 5 Attach Bungee Shock Cord
CAUTION
The Bungee Shock Cord
will be Under Tension
when Stretching to
Install. Do Not Let Go
of the Bungee While
Under Tension as This
Could Cause Injury And/
or Damage to the
Rower
OK
X
Bungee Shock
Cord Hook End
Connect the Bungee Shock Cord to the Seat
Rail as shown. Next install the Rower Seat
as shown below.
a) Connect the Bungee Shock Cord to the Seat Rail and install
b) When attaching the Bungee Hook, make sure that the Bungee
Shock Cord is running correctly the Bungee Pulley as shown
upper.
STEP 6 Complete the Assembly
WARNING
Do Not Free the
Rower Handle Before
the Bungee Shock
Cord has Been
Correctly Attaching
(See Step 5 of
Assembly Instructions)
a) Lower the Rower to the operational position and free the Heel
Support Plate, Rowing Handle and Monitor Stalk Mount.
Release Rowing Handle
Free Monitor
Stalk Mount
Install 2x D Cell Batteries

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Operation Instructions
a) Filling requires a large bucket (not supplied) and the supplied
water Funnel and Hose[5]. Filling will take approximately 8
liters of water.
b) Open the Fill Plug on the back of the Tank and insert hose
(rotating the Impeller slightly may be necessary to allow the
hose to pass). Note: In areas where tap water quality is
known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of distilled water.
c) Move the Tank Adjuster Handle to Level 10 and begin filling.
Do not fill the Tank higher than the level indicator on the front
of the clear shell.
d) Once filling is complete follow the water treatment procedure
below, then replace the Tank plug.
REQUIRED
Funnel and Hose [5].
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Tank Plug
INITIAL WATER TREATMENT
Add One Water Treatment Tablet per full Tank. Do NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE,
USE A WATER TREATMENT TABLET OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR UNIT.
Your unit purchase includes 4xWater Treatment Tablets, which is sufficient for several
years of use.
To purchase additional Water Treatment Tablets, please consult your nearest regional
dealer/distributor or check our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
NOTE: For simple, fast and efficient filling and/or drainage of the Fluid Tank, we have a
battery operated pump (rechargeable via USB) available as an option. We recommend
this to any commercial facility, with multiple units, that has a need to drain and refill
Tanks from time to time. To purchase, contact your nearest First Degree Fitness
distributor or go to our website on www.firstdegreefitness.com for details.
CAUTION
Use a drop cloth under
the Tank when filling to
avoid damaging to floor or
carpet.
Do not fill past the
calibration mark as
indicated on the Tank
level sticker or water
spillage may occur.
WARNING
Impeller blades are sharp!
Do not Place fingers in
Tank to adjust impeller
position.
It is recommended to use
the end of the hose should
the impeller require
adjustment
NOTE
In areas where tap water
quality is known to be
poor, FDF recommends
the use of distilled water.
Note: The lower Tank plug is permanently sealed
Water Funnel
and Hose
supplied with
unit

15
Butterfly Tank Plug
Storage
The Rower is designed for compact storage in the vertical position. To ensure your
safety, choose a suitable location, such as the corner of a room. It is recommended
that something soft (such as carpet or a small towel) be placed under the rowing
pulley of the unit to avoid chipping or floor damage.
CAUTION: The Rower is heavy, lift from back and pull at 45-degree angle.
Operation Instructions
CHANGING RESISTANCE LEVEL
Changing resistance on your E550 is simple. The level of
resistance is determined by the level indicator located on the
front of the Tank. Level one indicates lightest resistance, level
ten represents heaviest resistance. The Tank’s variable fluid
resistance technology ensures an instant catch and constant
resistance throughout the movement.
CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid Tank
whenever the Tank plug is opened for water treatment.
LONG-TERM WATER TREATMENT
WARNING: DO NOT USE ANY OTHER WATER TREATMENT TABLET OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED
WITH YOUR UNIT.
The amount of time between water treatments can vary greatly depending on your unit’s
location and exposure to sunlight. Typically you can expect to treat your Tank water
every 12-24 months. If water becomes discolored or shows signs of algae / bacterial
growth simply add one Water Treatment Tablet.
Your E550 Monitor will automatically adjust to the resistance level selected on the Tank.
Allow three to four seconds after adjusting resistance handle for the correct re-
sistance level to be achieved.
Draining / Changing Tank Water
1. Open the Tank Plug.
2. Turn the Rower onto its side. Once
the Rower is in this position, the Tank
can be drained.
3. For refill instructions refer to the Tank
filling section of this manual (Page 14).

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Operation Instructions
Adjust Footplates
The Footplate Slider accommodates most
foot sizes, and is designed to keep your
feet securely in place as you row. The feet
should be positioned so that the foot strap
covers the section of the foot naturally
bend as row. (e.g. The board of the foot)
TO ADJUST:
Lift the top of the footplate from the
mounting peg and slide vertically between
1-6 to suit your foot length. Secure by
hooking the footplate back onto the
mounting peg and pushing down firmly to
lock it into position. Place feet on the foot
plates and tighten the foot straps to
ensure your feet sit firmly against the heel
captures.
Note: The Heel Capture should bend to
allow your foot to pivot naturally as you
row.
WARNING: Never operate this Rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!
Foot strap
Mounting Pegs
Slider Footplate

17
Operation Instructions
Start Rowing
There are six phases to completing a rowing stroke
1. Sit with straight legs and back, leaning forward slightly at the hips with arms out
straight and hands level with the lower ribs. Swing back.
2. Legs and back straight, leaning slightly forward from the hips, arms out in front.
Lean and slide forward.
Note: Hands should now be around your knees, keeping legs straight.
3. Legs come forward, aiming to get the shins vertical. Back is still straight, and
posture leaning slightly forward with arms still out front. Now drive hard, this is
the CATCH.
4. Knees partially straightened so seat is now at mid-point of travel, back and arms
still straight. Maintain the stroke.
5. Knees are nearly straight, back is still straight but now leaning slightly back from
the hips. Arms straight. Now squeeze through.
6. Legs now fully extended. Back straight and leaning slightly back, now pull with the
arms so they are close to the chest, forearms horizontal and elbows close in to
the rib cage. This is the FINISH.
For more information on correct rowing technique and workout tips visit our website
www.firstdegreefitness.com/indoor-rowing-technique
CAUTION Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.

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Bluetooth Auto-Adjust Monitor
WARNING:
Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate, Over exercising
may result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint stop exercising
immediately and seek professional medical advice.
NOTE: Heart Rate Chest Strap and Touch Heart Rate Handle is sold separately.
WATT: Measures peak power in watts, calculating the strength and acceleration provided to accurately
measure a user’s power.
TRAINING DATA: Data gathered from each workout is displayed in a power curve and cumulative power
graph, enabling real-time comparisons for effective progressive training.
AUTO ADJUST LEVEL: Built in potentiometer automatically adjusts the monitor’s resistance level
according to the position of the Adjuster Knob on the tank .
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Each Rower is fitted with the most advanced Monitor technology, enabling
Bluetooth connectivity with any compatible smart device. Designed to integrate with rowing and fitness
apps, the Monitor will assist with effective training progression, capturing and comparing data for the
competitive individual. Including FDF Rowing APP available via FDF Website. It is compatible with 3rd
party APP and Software Update via Bluetooth.
Auto Start: Commence exercise to activate.
Reset all values: Press and hold RESET button for 3 seconds.
Auto Power Down: Over 5 minutes. All values revert to zero after restart.
CAL: Calories burned per hour at the current Watts. Shows total calories burned when exercise is
stopped.
PULSE: Compatible with Polar H7、H10 Chest Strap and FDF Touch Heart Rate Handle (Optional).
TIME: Auto start elapsed time.
500M TIME: Time to row 500 meters.
WATT: Unit of power updated per rowing stroke.
POWER GRAPH: Press RESET to change display
from Power Curve to Cumulative Power Graph.
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each stroke.
LEVEL: Auto-level adjust to the Adjuster Knob
on the tank .
DISTANCE: Updated every second.

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Monitor and APP Connectivity
Download the FluidRower App for IOS and
Android.
Download Link below:
IOS:
https://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/fluidrower/
id1449683562?mt=8
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=com.firstdegreefitness.fluidworkout
Hold UP and DOWN buttons together for 5 seconds to initiate Bluetooth function.
Open APP and connect.
Demo Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uE1U5kXwawropkinD_hVAAWAOesDhnwH/view?
usp=sharing
Bluetooth Heart Rate Pairing
Press and hold
「UP」and「DOWN」
for 3 seconds.
Press “DOWN” to enter
Bluetooth Heart Rate
pairing mode .
The Monitor will
automatically pair with
the nearest Bluetooth
heart rate device.
When pairing is complete,
the Monitor will jump back
to the initial screen and
begin to display the heart
rate.
The Monitor will now
display a 4-digit pairing
code and 1 minute
countdown time.
Note:
Please turn on you
heart rate device and
get ready to start
pairing.
Heart Rate
NOTE: Heart Rate Chest Strap and Touch Heart Rate Handle is sold separately.

20
Calibration Procedure
Press and hold 「RESET」and「DOWN」for 5 seconds.
Display will show “ Level 1 “
Turn handle to Level 1.
Press Reset.
Display will now show Level 2.
Level 1 Calibration is complete.
Turn handle to Level 2.
Press Reset.
Display will now show Level 3.
Level 2 Calibration is complete.
Repeat for 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Level 10
Press Reset.
Repeat the steps back to level 1.
Calibration is complete.