I bought this after trying to score a US-made one on Craigslist, where they wanted $500-1500 used. This machine at under $300 (coupon applied) is real hardwood, with quality hardware. Assembled in five minutes; filled in five minutes (I used a simple siphon hose, not the wanky supplied pump), exercising in fifteen minutes from box delivery, which in classic Amazon fashion was delivered unannounced a day early. Folks saying how hard it was to get it out of the box simply needed to turn the box over and slide it out easily. No leaks, looks great. fold up and stores easily. Resistance is not Olympic caliber, but is smooth, quiet and adequate to get a rhythmic workout. I filled the water to the MAX line and it is adequate resistance. Great value.