WaterRower Rowing Machines Review: Elegant Design Meets Effective Workouts
Are you tired of the same old clunky exercise equipment cluttering up your home gym? Do you crave a more engaging, meditative workout experience that captures the essence of rowing on real water? Look no further than WaterRower – the rowing machine brand that has taken the fitness world by storm with their stunning wooden designs and innovative water resistance technology.
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll dive deep into what makes WaterRower so special and explore their top-selling models. By the end, you‘ll see why everyone from casual rowers to Olympic athletes are falling in love with these works of art. Let‘s get started!
The WaterRower Story: Combining Passion and Innovation
To truly appreciate WaterRower rowing machines, it helps to understand the company‘s origins. WaterRower was founded in 1988 by ex-US National Team rower John Duke in Warren, Rhode Island. Leveraging his engineering degree from Yale and love of the sport, Duke set out to design a machine that could realistically simulate the feeling of rowing on water.
The secret lies in the company‘s patented WaterFlywheel, which consists of a spinning paddle suspended in a tank of water. As you pull the handle, the flywheel pushes against the resistance of the water, creating a smooth and dynamic rowing stroke. This brilliant yet simple design allows users to enjoy a near-silent, low-impact, total-body workout.
From those humble beginnings in Duke‘s workshop, WaterRower has grown into a global fitness brand with a passionate following. The company now handcrafts their rowers in the USA using sustainable hardwoods sourced from the Appalachian Mountains. You can find WaterRowers everywhere from home gyms to high-end health clubs and even on-screen in shows like House of Cards.
With a strong Instagram presence and glowing features in publications like Men‘s Health and Vogue, it‘s clear WaterRower is making waves beyond the rowing community. But impressive accolades aside, it‘s the unparalleled quality and performance of the machines themselves that keep customers coming back. So without further ado, let‘s take a closer look at some of WaterRower‘s most popular models!
WaterRower Model Reviews
The WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
Price: $1295
Best for: Users seeking an attractive, durable machine constructed from solid ash wood
Overview: The WaterRower Natural is a perennial favorite and the brand‘s signature model. Hand-crafted in solid ash and stained honey oak, this rower is a sight to behold with stunning wood grain on full display. Danish oil finishing helps protect against scuffs and scratches.
In terms of performance, the Natural delivers an ultra-smooth, quiet row thanks to the flywheel design. Dual rails with four corner wheels ensure a stable seat while the S4 monitor tracks your distance, speed, time, and stroke rate. Adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle round out this high-quality machine that will provide an excellent workout for years to come.
What customers say:
"The best investment I‘ve made in my fitness in a long time. Excellent machine, great for any fitness level, super quiet, and it looks so nice I keep it in the living room! Worth every penny." – Mary S., Verified Buyer
The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
Price: $1295
Best for: High-traffic areas like gyms, studios, or larger households
Overview: The WaterRower Club is designed for heavy-duty use without sacrificing style. Built from solid ash and stained a sophisticated black with rosewood accents, this machine features durable aluminum components that stand up to serious wear and tear.
Like the Natural, the Club rower boasts a water flywheel design for a dynamic rowing stroke and comes equipped with the S4 monitor. Maintenance is minimal – simply add a purification tablet every 3-6 months and you‘re good to go. This model also stands vertically for convenient storage.
What customers say:
"We‘ve had this rower in our physical therapy clinic for over a year now and it still looks and performs like it‘s brand new. Patients love it and it‘s really expanded our practice. Can‘t recommend WaterRower enough!" – Judy T., Verified Buyer
The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine
Price: $1495
Best for: Those looking for a high-end machine with an elevated aesthetic
Overview: With its striking black walnut construction and modern design, the WaterRower Classic is as much a conversation piece as it is an exercise machine. Rich hues of purple and red heartwood are brought to life under a specialty Danish oil finish.
The Classic delivers all the premium features you expect from WaterRower including the water flywheel resistance, S4 monitor, and ergonomic seat. Pre-built at the factory, this model is easy to assemble at home with just a 5mm Allen key. When not in use, it can be flipped vertically to fit in any room.
What customers say:
"A stunning piece of equipment. Almost too pretty to use – but I‘m glad I did! By far the most enjoyable rower I‘ve ever owned. It‘s super comfortable and really lets you get in the zone." – Michael R., Verified Buyer
The WaterRower Xeno Müller Signature Edition
Price: $1395
Best for: Competitive rowers or those training for races
Overview: Developed in collaboration with Olympic rower Xeno Müller, this special edition machine is designed for athletes looking to take their training to the next level. The signature black rails and red flywheel tank make a bold statement.
German-engineered components and an advanced heel footrest system allow you to customize settings and get the most from every stroke. The Xeno Müller edition also includes a free access code to the brand‘s Interactive Rowing Series for an immersive, game-like experience.
What customers say:
"I‘ve been rowing competitively for years but this is the closest thing I‘ve found to actually being out on the water. The feel is incredible and the Interactive workouts keep me motivated during race season. Proud to have Xeno‘s name on my machine!" – Alex L., Verified Buyer
Key WaterRower Accessories
While the rowers themselves tend to steal the spotlight, WaterRower also offers a range of useful accessories to enhance your experience. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
Footboard Upgrade – M Series: This adjustable footboard is designed to fit all WaterRower M-Series machines. It provides enhanced comfort and stability, especially during long rowing sessions. The unique heel cup design keeps your feet secure while the built-in quick release allows you to hop off quickly.
Syphon Pump: A must-have for filling or emptying water from your rower‘s tank. The hand-operated pump attaches easily to your tank valve and uses gravity to control water flow. Compact and portable, it‘s perfect for travel.
Danish Oil: Keep your WaterRower looking its best with this natural wood treatment oil. Made from linseed oil and rosewood extract, Danish oil penetrates deep into the wood grain to nourish and protect against scratches or dullness. A little goes a long way!
How Does WaterRower Compare to Other Brands?
When it comes to the broader rowing machine market, WaterRower occupies a unique position as the preeminent wood-constructed, water-resistance brand. Companies like Concept2, Hydrow, and NordicTrack favor more modernized designs built from metal and plastic.
While sturdy and feature-rich in their own right, these rowers tend to produce more noise than the hushed swishing of water in WaterRower models. Air resistance in particular is quite loud. The wood WaterRowers also offer a warmer, more inviting aesthetic that makes the machines easier to integrate in a home.
Purely in terms of performance, it‘s hard to beat the natural rowing sensation of moving water. The resistance increases incrementally with your stroke rate, much like it would in a real boat. Competitor designs that rely exclusively on air or magnets often struggle to recreate this dynamic feedback.
Of course, this artisanal approach comes at a slight premium, with entry-level WaterRowers starting around $1200 compared to $900 for a Concept2 or $600 for a NordicTrack. For many buyers, however, the refined experience and heirloom-quality construction of a WaterRower is well worth the extra investment.
Caring For Your WaterRower
With proper care and maintenance, a WaterRower can deliver peak performance for well over a decade. Here are a few tips to keep yours in tip-top shape:
Maintain Ideal Water Levels: Always keep your tank filled to the correct water level as indicated by the decal on the clear hydro-tank. Never use pool chlorine or any bleach products. Only add the brand‘s purification tablets every 3-6 months.
Wipe Down After Use: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off sweat and any debris from the machine after each use. Don‘t let moisture linger on the monitor or seep into the frame.
Periodically Oil the Wood: If you notice your rower‘s wood looking a bit dull, apply a thin coat of Danish oil to nourish and refresh the grain. The perfect time to oil is when you need to change the tank water.
Keep Parts Lubricated: Every few months, lubricate the seat wheels and pull strap reel with a silicone spray to ensure a smooth glide along the monorail. Avoid petroleum-based products.
Store Properly: When not in use for long periods, it‘s best to drain the tank and flip the machine vertically for storage. Always keep your rower indoors at a comfortable temperature away from direct sunlight.
The Verdict: Is a WaterRower Right For You?
Choosing an indoor rowing machine is a big decision, especially if you plan to row regularly as part of a fitness routine. While the price of a WaterRower can give some buyers pause, the unmatched combination of performance, aesthetics, and durability make them a worthwhile investment.
If you appreciate the meditative sound of moving water and a smooth, dynamic rowing stroke, you‘ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than WaterRower. The stunning wooden designs make these machines a joy to use and easy to integrate into any living space.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try a WaterRower for yourself. Demo one at your local fitness retailer or take advantage of the brand‘s 30-day trial period and put one through its paces in the comfort of home. Once you experience the beauty and tranquility of life on the water(rower), you may never go back to traditional equipment again.
