Mikolo Linear Row Machine Review

In this Mikolo linear row machine review, I’m breaking down who this machine is for, what it does does, and where it falls short.

If you’re serious about building a thick back at home but don’t wanna risk injuring your lower back with barbell rows, this is one to consider.

It uses bearings and rods so it locks you into the proper rowing position, so you can load it up and always maintain control.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

The Mikolo SR06 comes in two boxes labeled “Seal row machine”.

Boxes had a little bit of damage but nothing major so I don’t expect to see anything ripped or broken inside.

Box 1 has the pad and some of the smaller pieces and hardware.

Everything came neatly packaged, wrapped in plastic, and bubble wrapped.

Box 2 has the bigger pieces and everything was organized.

No damages or missing parts to report.

Here’s everything out of the boxes.

It looks like a lot of parts but the good thing is that most pieces use the same hardware so it’s not hard to assemble.

Specs

• Material: 2″ x 2″, 14 gauge steel

• Dimensions: 58.3″ W x 46″ L x 32.5″ H

• Weight: 114 lbs

• Weight capacity: 440 lbs (220 lbs per side), weight horn usable space 9 1/4″

• Weight storage capacity: 500 lbs (250 lbs per side)

• Footplate dimensions: 11″ W x 22″ L

• Seat dimensions: 11″ W x 19.7″ L

What Is The Mikolo Linear Row Machine?

The Mikolo linear row machine (SR06) is a plate loaded, strength training machine that focuses on the upper and middle back muscles.

It’s an alternative for bent over barbell rows which require great technique to avoid lower back injuries.

Mikolo advertises that the machine can also be used for Romanian deadlifts but it lacks range of motion for that exercise.

And unlike barbell rows, this machine works like a Smith machine (with rods) to create a straight path and remove side to side movement.

I just plant my feet, sit back, and lift.

This type of machines are usually seen in commercial gyms but Mikolo has made a compact version that fits well in home gyms.

ALSO CHECKOUT: GWMD Seal Row Bench

Top Benefits Of The Mikolo Linear Row Machine

Reduces Lower Back Stress

• Reduces lower back strain when compared to barbell rows

• Controlled, linear path helps me maintain proper form even when going heavy

Since I’m at an angle, my feet are planted, and the seat pad helps to stabilize me, this takes off a lot of pressure from my low back.

The rods eliminate any shifting or tilting that could cause me to move in the wrong way and hurt myself, making this very safe.

Compact

• Small footprint compared to commercial linear row machines

• Dimensions are 58.3″ W x 46″ L x 32.5″ H

• Compact with a weight capacity of 440 lbs

When I first got the linear row machine, I knew it wasn’t going to be as big as the versions seen in commercial gyms.

But once I put it all together, it’s much smaller than I thought (which is good for a garage gym).

Don’t let the small size fool you though because it can take on a lot of weight. I was able to load an entire set of bumper plates on the weight horns.

Best Features Of The Mikolo Linear Row Machine

Multi-Grip Handlebar

• Multi-grip handle bar to change angles and back emphasis

The handle bar looks like an EZ curl bar so I have the option to grab it from multiple widths with wrists pronated or supinated.

There’s also a set of 45 degree handles above the bar.

Because these are positioned higher and outward, they move my arms up and away from my body so I can hit more of my upper back muscles.

Here’s a closer look at the handle on the left and half of the handle bar.

The knurling is passive but I haven’t had any issues with it slipping off my hands.

Worse case scenario, I can always throw on weightlifting straps.

I’m gonna show you the different grip options I get with the Mikolo linear row machine.

First I’ll show you the one I use most often…

Semi-pronated grip feels good in my middle back muscles and lats.

Next is the pronated wide grip.

I still feel this one in my middle back but also hits the upper back and rear delts nicely.

With a close supinated grip, I can get more of a squeeze on my lats and biceps.

Still feel in the middle though since this is a compound movement.

And finally, the higher semi-pronated 45 degree angle grip hits more of my upper back.

All grips feel good but the one thing this machine is missing is… a neutral grip.

So I wrap my Angles 90 grips on the handle bar and that solves that problem.

I can slide these out too if I wanna get a wider neutral grip.

Kensui Swissies would be another good option to use here for neutral grip.

Here’s what it looks like when I’m locked and loaded with a neutral grip.

At my age (47), neutral grip has been a savior for my achy elbows especially when I go heavy.

Here’s an idea I got and something that Mikolo might want to look at to add more grip options to this machine…

I was looking at my TGrip bar and thought, this would be a perfect fit in between the posts.

I mean look at it….

The top is similar to what’s already there, so adding the bottom half would give this so much more versatility for back day.

This would add the neutral grip, narrow pronated grip, and a wider supinated grip so I could hit my back from all angles.

Adjustable Seat Pad

The seat pad is 11″ wide and almost 20″ inches long.

With it being that long, I think it should work for most people unless you’re super short or freakishly tall.

It’s 2″ thick and feels comfortable.

One neat feature about the seat pad is that I can move it up and down.

There’s a pop pin right under the seat pad where I can easily move it up or down.

Here’s a side by side pic of the lowest seat position (left) and the highest (right).

Moving my body higher or lower changes my arm angles slightly so in combination with my grip width, I can hit muscles from different angles.

Having it at the lowest position also helps to hip hinge when doing RDL’s.

READ NEXT: Mikolo Lateral Raise Attachment Review

Rods & Bearings

• Linear guide rods provide a fixed path for consistent movement

• Bearings allow the weight to move with low friction, smoothly, so there’s no jerkiness

The rod and bearings are what give this machine it’s smooth motion and give me a linear up and down path.

There’s a spring at the bottom of the rods, and it’s there so the frame doesn’t take on the weight directly, but it does limit range of motion with RDL’s.

A shorter spring and extending the rod down further, would add more room to perform RDL’s with full range of motion.

There’s at least 5 inches of space available at the bottom that would add more depth.

And I get that a longer rod would require additional support, but I’m sure Mikolo could figure it out for a better user experience.

Mikolo Linear Row Machine Pros & Cons

Pros

• Handle bar: I like having multiple grip options to hit muscles differently

• Smooth: Bearings give it a nice, fluid motion just like a Smith machine

• Footprint: It doesn’t eat up a lot of my garage gym floor space

• Adjustable seat pad: Seat pad height changes the position on my arms in relation to the handles so I can target upper and middle back

• Weight horns: Plenty of space, I can load up an entire bumper plate set

Cons

• RDL range of motion: Extending the guide rods further down would add more depth so I can get full range of motion with Romanian deadlifts

• Neutral grip: Missing a neutral grip option

Price

At $339, Mikolo is currently the only company offering a home gym quality row machine that doesn’t break the bank.

And trust me, I scoured the internet for hours looking for another home gym linear row machine but all I found was commercial machines.

Just to put it in perspecitve, all other Smith row machines I found were at least $2000!

Mikolo Linear Row Machine Discount Code

Even though Mikolo’s price is fair, I’m always looking for ways to avoid paying retail price…

So I’m gonna help you bring down the cost so you can keep some change in your pocket.

Click the red button below to reveal my exclusive 5% Mikolo coupon code.

Mikolo Linear Row Machine Alternatives

Bolt Fitness Supply Brute Smith Bent Over Row Machine

The Bolt Fitness Supply Brute Smith bent over row machine is a beast!

It has an adjustable seat (height and angle) and swivel handles that adjust in and out.

I also like that it has a back rest for additional support.

This beast weighs in at 352 lbs and sells for $2636.

Dynasty Smith Row Machine

The Dynasty Smith row machine has the neutral grip handles that I love.

This one has an adjustable footplate and adjustable seat pad angle.

Weighing in at 355 lbs, it’s a tank that sells for $2049.

My Experience Using The Mikolo Linear Row Machine

I really like this machine for rows because I can really isolate my back with less risk of injury.

And with the multiple grip options and seat heights, I’m able to hit my muscles from different angles.

But I’m not able to do RDL’s with full range of motion as they advertise. So here’s what I have to do get that extra depth…

I have to add height to the footplate and for this I’m using the Exponent Edge flex wedge.

This adds 5″ to the platform so I can lower the handle bar further down my shins.

Notice how this puts my butt at the top of the seat pad but now I’m able to get a nice stretch in my hamstrings.

I’m sure you can find some platform or stack weight plates on top of each other if you wanna try this exercise.

I was fooling around with the machine and started doing shrugs and they actually feel really good.

And just like with the rows, I can focus on my form instead of worrying about stability so I’m able to get a good stretch and squeeze.

Final Verdict: Is The Mikolo Linear Row Machine Worth It?

Yes, the Mikolo linear row machine is worth it if you’re looking for a budget machine that targets your back muscles.

It feels similar to plate loaded, commercial gym machines but at a lower cost and with a smaller footprint.

I’m not crazy about the RDL’s but for a back workout, it’s legit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Muscles Does The Mikolo Linear Machine Work?

• Lats (Latissimus dorsi)

• Rhomboids (middle back)

• Trapezius (middle and lower)

• Rear delts

• Biceps (seconday muscle group)

• Forearms (grip strength)

What Is A Linear Row Machine Used For?

• Heavy rows with a fixed motion path

• To build back strength and thickness

• Helps to stabilize rows to reduce form breakdown

• Takes the stress out of the lower back when doing bent over rows

Who Is The Smith Row Machine Best For?

• Best for home gym owners who want to train heavy safely

• Lifters who prefer the stability of machines over barbells

• Garage gyms that don’t have the floor space for a full size commercial machine