Customer Reviews

WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The waterrower is an excellent machine that is exceptionally designed and provides an outstanding workout. I have owned one for about 10 years, and my wife and I both use it regularly. In the entire time I've owned it, the only parts I've had to replace have been the monitor batteries and the double-sided tape that fastens the monitor wire brackets to the frame. I found the workout it provides to be deceptive at first--until I stood up after using it the first several times, I didn't realize just how intense the workout had been! If you've used other rowing machines, you're in for a treat when you try this one--there is absolutely no shock to the shoulders or arms at the beginning of a stroke (even from rest). The footrest is rock solid and easily adjustable for foot size; the frame is long enough to accommodate very tall rowers (I've had friends up to 6' 4" use it without banging into the stops); the components are rugged and last a long time (at least 10 years so far); and the seat is about the most comfortable I've found on any rowing machine. It's also quiet--the only sound from the machine is the sound of rushing water (rather appropriate). And when you're done with your workout, it easily tips upright for rolling into a convenient corner until the next time you're ready to use it. This machine definitely deserves five stars. I've also used a `Concept2' fan-resistance rower at a local gym that I'd rate at a 4, and a Brookstone folding rowing machine that I rated a 2 at best--but only because I was feeling generous at the time I entered that review on Amazon.com. Although this machine is expensive, if you're serious about working out on a rowing machine, this is definitely the one to get.

I cannot believe no one else has reviewed this yet! I got mine more a year ago. I use it at least once a week (usually 2-3 times). Read online about the benefits of rowing---you get the cardio/aerobic plus the muscle toning, with no joint impact. A very, very nice combination. Despite some folks expressed concerns (at least folks tell me they worry), there are no back issues. This rower looks nice, feels great (love the water resistance!), and gets results. It is elegant and functional. Yes, it is a tad pricey. But hey, if you actually use it, you will get results, it is more than worth it. I live in a traffic congested area (Washington DC) and have no desire to fight traffic to get to the gym. For me, this is a perfect solution. Given the quality of this piece of equipment, I expect to be using it for years!

Update - Water rower sent me a new sensor and disk which fixed the computer. It was relatively easy to install. I would like to upgrade my rating to 4. Everyone likes it and uses it. Why not a five? My remaining nits, which really shouldn't discourage people from buying it are:

1) The footrests. Yup still catches the shoes, even though I changed to ones with narrower heels. I think they could fix this by angling the edges outwards. A bit more substantive design would also be nice.

2) The computer - Its kinda basic. It will count calories per hour as you row, but won't give you a total calorie count. Additionally, I use the rower when watching movies in the dark. It would be great if there were a backlight just to check how you are doing. I use my cellphone light to check.

3) I've figured out why the feel of the pull is not perfectly smooth. Basically, there is a wheel where the strap goes around (imagine a ribbon wound around a wheel). The strap slips slightly as you pull.

These are all minor nits. I think they got the frame design right otherwise. I would buy it again.

Good points - 4.5 star frame.

The frame is solid, well made and attractive. My wife and kids all like it. The feel and sound of the water sloshing as you row is nice. The wheels make it easy to maneuver, though I rarely store it upright. It's also easy to assemble and all the parts fit well together. There is almost no creaking, although my son can make it creak slightly when he goes at it really hard.

Some design and delivery issues - Minus 2 star

There are two main cheesy design issues with this rower. The foot rest feels really cheap. It may not come apart over time because your feet are held by a belt that goes around a wood plank. But, its thin floppy molded black plastic. The shape makes its hard to get your shoes in and out. You need to hold it to get your shoe out sometimes. It also has sharp edges so you can't use it wearing just socks. This does not belong on a $1000+ machine.

The other issue is the sensor and computer design. It feels like an afterthought addition to the rower. The computer is attached to the rower by a plastic tube. The sensor wheel itself is cheap plastic and slides up and down the shaft (not held by a screw or washer) and can interfere with the rowing motion if too high.

My sensor/computer of my rower was DOA. I followed the instruction on how to adjust the sensor wheel. If you raise it too much the ridges bump the sensor and if you lower it, it doesn't register. In the end, I am not sure what was not working. Amazon gave me a $200 credit for the difference between the rower with the computer and with out. After a couple of months I am still waiting for a new sensor from water rower.

Vs. the Concept 2 rower:

I was deciding between the water rower and the Concept 2 machine, which is in the same price range. I used the Concept 2 rower just briefly a couple of times. I decided to order the water rower instead sight unseen due to the reviews. I do prefer feel of the water wheel effect vs wind resistance.

Computer - I did not use the computer much on the C2 and the one on my water rower still does not work, but based on reviews out there the C2 computer is supposedly far superior. Apparently it is the main selling point on the C2. It does appear to be better made.

Pull mechanism - Water rower uses a nylon strap for pulling vs. the C2 using a chain. C2 looks more heavy duty and has a slightly smoother pull. Small advantage to C2.

Wind vs Water - I do prefer the feel and sound of the water wheel more than the wind resistance of C2's fan. Both give more resistance the harder you pull. While I could be happy with the C2, I still prefer the water rowing motion.

Looks - Both are well made. Water rower has an aluminum model also but a higher price point. I like the wood frame. My wife does not object to it as much. However, C2 has a small edge as I had mentioned, including the foot rest.

Overall - I am happy enough with the water rower to keep it. My whole family uses and likes it. I would not say its 5 star though. If I had no problems with the machine, I would still rate it slightly under 4 star for the reasons stated above. The thing that bugs me the most is the foot rest.

Absolutely great! The only thing that beats this is the shell on the river, except when its really cold.

Shipped as promised in good packing and the unit was mostly assembled. The rest was easy.

If you can, get the S4 monitor with heart rate

I LOVE my Waterrower! I've had it for over two years, and can honestly say it is the ONLY piece of exercise equipment I have ever used/owned that I actually enjoy using ... and continue to use after the first rush of activity resolve wears off. You can use it for a relaxing workout, almost meditatively (the swish-swish of the water is wonderful), or for vigorous exercise. My son, who rowed in an 8-boat in college, was skeptical, but when he comes home now he uses it regularly. The heartrate monitor is reliable. I've had no maintenance issues at all. And it's really quite lovely. Well worth the money.

The unit I received had four problems when I got it. First, one of the swaged in nuts for receiving the handle rests immediately cross-threaded and slipped in the metal in which it is installed. Therefore, that handle rest is only tenuously attached. Second, one of the foot pads does not lock into place. Third, the end of the stretch cord attaching to the drive belt pulled off during the first use. After 10-15 minutes of trying, I got it re-attached but I have no confidence that it will remain attached in the long run. Finally, the electronic monitor although it turns on and sets with no problem, does not seem to register any activity during the workout.

I manged to fix most of these problems with some time and a few trips to the hardware store but I think it is fair to expect that a unit that costs this much will work without any fixing. I would not recommend buying this unless you can purchase it locally so that these kinds of problems can be quickly resolved.

After incurring a foot injury (plantar faciitis) and not being able to run for an extended period of time I sought a "good work-out" alternative. I have had a "WaterRower" for one month now and find it to be an excellent option to running. The product is excellent as is the work-out. I use my WaterRower 5-6 days a week.

First I tested the product in a local dealer, then I did a some research including the waterrower user group discussions in Yahoo and at the end I decided to buy one 3 months ago.
The assembly was reasonable easy. I have problems with the moving seat that can be noisy if the rubber in the inner wheels is not aligned.
Overall the product is great - the easthetics, the silent operation, the pleasant feeling and a grat workout.
Even though there are many discussions about the effectiveness of the electronic meter to measure calories burnout, I prefer to enjoy the workout and not to focus too much in the calories.
I prefer it to other rowers that are mechanical resistance based

I bought a Waterrower (Ash with S4 monitor) and can't say enough good things about it. I use a Concept 2 in the gym (it doesn't sound noisy there but who can hear anything in a gym), but went for the Waterrower for less noise (and a smaller footprint) for my condominium. I use it when I watch TV and hardly know I'm exercising - except that I suddenly notice I'm breathing hard when I stop. It is attractive and well built.

Two big negatives, though. The monitor/computer is a total waste of money. You can hardly read the monitor due to glare and it doesn't start and pause automatically when you start to row or pause your rowing (for example, if you stop to fast forward over a commercial). **Update on my last review: it does start automatically from "PAUSE" but it won't pause automatically. The only useful function is the stroke counter. I count my strokes and divide by 30 to get the number of minutes actually rowed. Or I just set 1000 strokes as my goal for a workout.

The second negative: it's too low. I started using a rower to protect my bad knees, but this rower puts a huge strain on the knees getting on it or off it. There is an extender overpriced at $100, but no description of the maximum weight you can be and safely use it (I'm worried about sideways torque on the extender while I row). So if you have knee issues, either get the massively priced ($1800) metal HI RISE model or find some chair or braces to keep next to the rower seat to help you getting down and up.

One more quibble about the computer: it doesn't come with a heart beat monitor (transmitter or receiver). A receiver should be built in for these prices. You can buy one, but the reviews suggest it doesn't work well.

Bottom line: if you plan to use your exercise equipment around other people or in a room other than a dedicated exercise room (try to wheel out your treadmill from the living room when you're not using it) this is hands down the choice. Especially if your joints can't take the higher impact exercise equipment. But skip the monitor unless you figure out how to eliminate the glare and plan to use it with lots of light (not with the TV on at night, for example). Of course, get some rowing time in at the gym before you buy, just to be sure you will use it once you get it home.

I researched rowing machines for a while before deciding on this one. I was a competitive rower in college, and used to use the rowing tanks (for technique) and the Concept2 ergometers (for fitness). I always thought that there must be a way to combine the true feel of rowing with a rowing machine. Part of why rowing was so attractive to me was the feeling of pulling the blade through the water, the sound of the water, as well as the tremendous workout you can expect.

Fast-forward about 20 years, and I was trying to find a decent rowing machine for my home gym (that is to say, the FIRST piece of equipment for my planned home gym!). I had my mind set on a Concept2, as that is what I used at various gyms throughout the years, as well as when I was rowing competitively. I almost pulled the trigger, however, I decided to check out some comparisons, as well as do my due diligence on an expensive purpose. I found that the WaterRower was highly recommended, even by Olympic-class athletes, so it was worth a look.

Managed to find a (screaming!) deal on craigslist, and pulled the trigger. I am soooooo glad I did!

The WaterRower is first off, a beautiful piece of equipment. It is made of high-quality materials, and is quite nice to look at. It can be stored relatively easily in a living room, for example-when put upright, it takes about as much room as a chair. Also, being wood, it's not out-of-place in a main room.

The action of the WaterRower, to me, is far preferable than the Concept2-there is no "delay" at the catch, which always irritated me about the Concept2. It's also FAR quieter. The sound you hear is mostly the rush of water in the tank, which is not loud at all, and actually quite relaxing. I am able to watch TV at a normal volume when I workout with the WaterRower.
Also, one of the things I noticed, is that like true rowing, the workout feels a bit deceiving-you don't initially feel like you're working that hard, but after a couple of minutes, you feel it everywhere! After about 10 mins on the rower, I could definitely feel a better workout than my jogging workouts, with the added benefit of a full-body muscle workout.

The WaterRower feels like a quality product, and from what I've heard, they have excellent customer service. I haven't had to worry about that yet, but if I decide to add a heart-rate monitor, I'm sure it won't be an issue. It's made in the USA, which is also nice-not to far to go should you need to order anything for it.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic piece of workout equipment, and one that I'll be using for years to come.

Highly recommended!