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The Thousand Dollar Question

2/17/2014

2 Comments

 
WaterRower S1 rowing machine in stainless steel finishThe WaterRower S1 in stainless steel
Are the top brand rowing machines worth the price tag?

We all know the manta 'you get what you pay for' and it's usually spoken when we're talking budget rowing machines. That is, you can't expect much if you're not prepared to lay out the cash. But what about the other end of the argument? 

What do you get when you spend big? Does digging deep into your pockets guarantee getting a really good model? 

Or is it a case of the emperor's new clothes and we're being hoodwinked into believing the hype surrounding brands such as Concepts, WaterRower and First Degree. Well if there's one thing I've learned in the world of fitness equipment, it's you won't get away with charging more than your product is worth for long. Yes, some have tried it, but in these days of online forums the buying public will soon bring down a rowing machine that's doesn't deliver for the money.

So what do you get when you spend over $1,000 or even $2,000 if you're thinking about the awesome First Degree Vortex-3. Well one thing is for sure, you're going to get a machine built to last. The top brands pour hundreds of thousands into research and development just to keep up with their competitors. It can take years for a brand to earn a reputation, but only a few poor models and a year or two to lose it. So they really can't try to pull the wool over the customer's eyes.

So what do the big brands spend their research and development budgets on? 

This could be anything from materials for the frame such as stainless or brushed steel, materials for the components that are likely to wear and tear, or new designs for the resistance mechanism, better rails that reduce friction, or more advanced electronics for the performance monitor. At more recently, the development of online functions and software to deliver more advanced features for their clients. 


As a buyer of top brands this means you'll get a rowing machine that requires minimal maintenance (a real bug bear for many users of home fitness equipment) and one that should, and I say should, give you longer, trouble-free service. A good measure of just how reliable a model you can expect is the length of the warranty. You can expect many to have periods of 10 years or even a lifetime for the frame, 3 to 5 years for the tank (if a water resistance model) and at least two years on all parts. 

This by itself is great for peace of mind when spending in excess of $1,000. But another benefit is the real expectation that the machine should not breakdown for years. Many budget machines do. And even if still covered by the warranty, you'll still have a week or two when you can't use your machine because you're waiting for parts. Not good if you're on a strict training schedule.

A top brand machine will also give you a smoother and more comfortable ride - essential if you're planning on spending 30 minutes plus per workout. You ain't going to row if your uncomfortable.

More recently, you can expect far superior performance monitors (and accurate!) This can make a big difference when it comes to motivation. Many monitors are either PC-compatible with the ability to download your workout data and use the software to see your progress. Others now have online features for monitoring your performances, suggesting workouts and now even online racing against other rowers!

So to summarize.

What you can expect with a top-brand rowing machine:-
  • Long and extensive warranty
  • A smoother ride
  • Minimal maintenance
  • A long-life machine
  • Few breakdowns
  • Less wear and tear
  • More features and function
  • Better customer service
  • Online support, performance monitoring and racing


Which in turn should mean you get fit and stay in shape for longer! So that in my view makes it worth spending more to achieve your ambitions.


2 Comments
Hary Danner
12/31/2017 11:07:11 am

i have an VX-3. Best waterrower from technical side i know. But i will sell it! Sorry, but this is no a computer - this is stoneage! We have 2018 - data over USB cable? what is this? All of my friends have an concept2 PM5 and they work pretty fine over years - and they get all data. For more than half of the price! Sorry boys - over years no upgrade at the „computer“ - the time goes on - without an FDF waterrower

Reply
Ivo
3/27/2018 01:44:02 am

just a tip, FDF comes with bluetooth on newer monitors this year. Big chance that you can exchange them. They also talk about auto level not sure if that is going to be manual adjust but copied automatic or the other way around

Reply



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    Author

    Roy Palmer is an athletics coach, teacher of The Alexander Technique and a rowing fanatic.

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer