Anyone using the RowFree iPad holder?

[Rick]

I use both an iPhone and iPad when rowing, as does my wife... her phone being in a wallet type case. I have the C2 holder and a floor-mounted iPad holder, but thought we might consolidate all to one holder once I saw the RowFree unit.

Any fit issues?
Clearance problems with the chain moving below it?
Problems with the I-device jumping out of the holder during use?

Thanks in advance! I did find a couple of comments in a search, but nothing with extended or heavy use, or use by multiple people. I’m looking for anyone with current experience, no matter your performance level.

[mict450]

I use the rowfree, but with my galaxy s5, not a tablet. The arms extend, so should be no problem using your ipad. Also no problem with chain clearances, unless someone has a funky stroke, ala youtube rowing fails. Some of those jokers would definitely destroy their tablet!

[nsgymd]

The RowFree fits the PM5 monitor perfectly. My 12.9” iPad Pro is very stable on the holder and there are no chain collision issues. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.

[Rick]

Thank you for that input, it looks like a good unit. I have a rubber cover on mine, so it won’t slide side to side, but I do wonder if my wife’s bare metal one might slide around. Is there anything in the cradle to prevent that, or have you guys noticed any side to side sliding under heavy rowing?

[nsgymd]

Thank you for that input, it looks like a good unit. I have a rubber cover on mine, so it won’t slide side to side, but I do wonder if my wife’s bare metal one might slide around. Is there anything in the cradle to prevent that, or have you guys noticed any side to side sliding under heavy rowing?

I use my iPad without a cover and no issues with inadvertent migration during rowing.

[Rick]

Thank you for that input, it looks like a good unit. I have a rubber cover on mine, so it won’t slide side to side, but I do wonder if my wife’s bare metal one might slide around. Is there anything in the cradle to prevent that, or have you guys noticed any side to side sliding under heavy rowing?

I use my iPad without a cover and no issues with inadvertent migration during rowing.

Awesome, just what I needed to know. Thanks!

[Rick]

I put one on order tonight. I’ll do a short review here when it arrives. Perhaps that’ll help the next person!

[mitchel674]

Just got mine. Quite good and certainly not in the way of the chain. Used it with my iPad with good results. I think I will be adding a fabric liner to the bottom of the holder to minimize slippage due to vibration from the erg.

[Blaze]

Reading this thread got me interested in purchasing a holder, as well. I ran across a couple of options on Etsy that might be worth looking into, under $20. So I don't have experience regarding your original question, but I went ahead and bought one of the pieces I found there, since the reviews were so glowing.

[Rick]

Ok, so a week of workouts in. I used my iPad and iPhone, both in OtterBox cases, and my wife used her uncased iPad.

The unit adjusts pretty easily with a plastic thumb wheel type bolt on each side. It held the devices fine, although I may still add a rubber strip to the bottom just to give the wife’s bare metal iPad a bit more grip surface. It may not be needed because it didn’t move, but it would make me feel a little more secure!

Angle is also adjustable, so you can face the device more up/down to suit your viewing preference, to offset glare, etc. It’s a well designed device that fits securely over the PM5, and did not come near the chain during even vigorous use. It cost $56 with shipping, so it’s not cheap-cheap, but if you use (or watch) your iPad a lot while rowing, it would be worthwhile. It has no real advantage for an iPhone over the C2 clip, other than being easier to put the phone in the holder.

I saw a video with a smallish laptop in one... that seemed a bit of a load to me, but it did work. I didn’t try that one.

All in all, I’m glad I got a RowFree holder and it does what I bought it to do. If you’re looking for a holder, this is a viable option.