Ergatta Rower Review
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BACKGROUND A month after trying the Hydrow (see below), I had the chance to put the Ergatta through its paces. Here's my experience which hopefully will help you decide whether to spend your hard-earned cash on one. So let's set the scene.
If you're the sort who can't wait to finish on the Concept2 at the gym to get onto the 'proper' equipment, the Ergatta Rower might just make you think again. For too long, the makers of rowing machines have been slow to embrace and exploit new technologies, but fear not, the new boys have finally arrived on the block to spice up the humble rower. While the Hydrow may have been the first 'connected' rowing machine on the market, the Ergatta takes a different, and some may think, more imaginative approach. If you're not sure what is meant by 'connected', think Peloton - yes, those annoying adverts with the smug cyclists that make you feel guilty for sitting on your butt - especially at New Year! But enough of my pet peeve :0) Let's take a good look at the Ergatta. LISTEN ON THE GO - Ergatta Audio Review
I think Ergatta have chosen well to base their digital platform on the ever-popular and stylish WaterRower made in Rhode Island - with a few improvements. Ergatta has co-designed a different machine with the team at WaterRower, including longer, more stylish rails, finished in a beautiful Cherrywood and stain, a collapsible arm with similar design elements to the rails, and of course a digital tablet. And, I challenge anyone not to run their hands along smooth, wooden rail on first inspection :0) And as for the platform, instead of using conventional workouts, they're game-inspired sessions to give your training a different feel - very different. I'll cover the software a little later, but first the rower.
ASSEMBLY As with all our reviews we'll start with assembly, but with the Ergatta, you don't need to worry about this. For $199, your rowing machine will arrive pre-assembled and installed at your premises, filled with water and ready to go.
Once installed, you connect the machine to your Wi-Fi, set up your account and enter your details. This includes your weight, height and select your level of beginner, intermediate, or advanced rower for the workouts. Note, this can be done for every member of your household included in your monthly membership - more details below.
THE HARDWARE You're now ready to go, or row to be precise. The first thing most people notice on the WaterRower is the satisfying swoosh of the water in the tank. I found the rowing position to be comfortable, although a little lower than the Hydrow or Concept2 Model E. This will not be a problem for most, but if you knees are a little creaky, you may prefer a higher seat.
And one more point, which may be a little sensitive, but it might be a deal breaker. If your legs are what we used to call 'chunky', you might find the close position of the left and right foot pads a little uncomfortable - just sayin'. Let's move on. The dual rails of the Ergatta make for a quiet, smooth action as you pull away at higher stroke rates, and the thick, well-padded handle sits nicely in the palms of your hands. Resistance is provided by the water in the tank. Paddles in the water spin as you pull, and the harder you pull, the greater the resistance. You can add or remove water to change the amount of resistance to suit your preferences. I found the action to be smooth and, as mentioned earlier, it delivers a wonderful whoosh as you row, quiet enough not to disturb anyone, but loud enough to give you the sense you're working those muscles!
THE ERGATTA SOFTWARE PLATFORM So this is where it gets really interesting. If it's not enough to have a beautiful, sleek rower beneath you, you'll certainly be impressed by the magic available at your fingertips - literally, it's a touchscreen! I've tried well over 100 rowing machines over the last 12 years, and this is the first time I've seen anything like the Ergatta workouts.
Examples of the workouts available - click image to visit Ergatta for more info
If you're used to training with fitness class videos, the Ergatta workouts are a totally different kind of experience. Or if you're the type motivated by competition or achievement, or get a little fed-up of a smart-ass instructor trying to impress you with their life story ( I mean, what are they, 21?) then this just might be the workout platform for you.
At first use, I completed a 1,000 meter row to determine my level of performance allowing the software to personalize my future workouts so they're not too easy, or too hard. This calibrates what they call 'Intensity Zones', that is, representing your speed and endurance at paces of paddle, steady, race, and sprint. So from the very start, I got the impression these guys know what they're doing and have my best interest at heart. Note, the calibration row can be repeated any time if you feel your workouts are no longer challenging. But seeing as the machine auto-calibrates with each workout, you can be pretty sure it will keep you in tip-top shape. For the fitness nerds (just like me!), you can find all the technical stuff on Ergatta's website. Other features include tutorials and help videos to help you get started. But note, at present there are no live, trainer-led workouts. I was certainly spoiled for choice when it came to selecting a workout = there are hundreds to choose from, most with a game-like set up. But note, monthly membership to get access to all the workouts is $29 a month (or $290 a year). For this you get access to all the workouts, and more are added every week. This ensures you'll never get fed up of using this rower. And this is vital as many give up a fitness regime due to boredom and lack of motivation. The fact that you can do a different workout everyday, and then see your progress over time will keep you coming back for more. Achieving a personal best never fails to give your confidence a boost, while take another inch off your waist line and a few pounds off that bathroom scale. And before I finish, one aspect of the Ergatta that impressed me, is their commitment to their members. During my time with the machine, I got access to their Facebook group, and what is obvious is how much they welcome feedback to improve the whole experience. And they actually respond fast, with updates coming almost every week. This, in my experience, is unique when it comes to rowing machines, or even digital fitness platforms. UPDATE APRIL 2021: Ergatta have added scenic workouts. You can now row virtually in 20 locations including Thailand and Spain :0)
Click image for more info
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge 
The Ergatta Rower
Well-designed seat
Feet kept securely in place
 Large, adjustable monitor - where the fun happens :0)
Made with Cherrywood with long rails
Screen folds in so can be stored vertically
Goal-driven workouts
Game-like workouts
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MY SUMMARY
In my view, the Ergatta is a damn fine machine that's great fun to use. You may question why I score the Ergatta 95% for 'Value for Money' when it cost in excess of $2,000. That's because you get one heck of machine with cutting-edge, innovative features that will get you fit in ways you never imagined. Yes I know this may sound a little over-the-top, but trust me, after years of trying to sound enthusiastic about the same, tried old rowers, it's like a breath of fresh air to try this one.
Beyond releasing around six or more workouts per week, Ergatta tell me they're committed to launching new workout games, automated rowing form analysis, social features like private challenges, and live events/races on a regular basis. They say they're on a mission to develop the world’s foremost fitness gaming experience, and as chance would have it, that’s happening on a rowing machine, not an exercise bike or treadmill!. So, if you haven't already guessed, I love this rower!
Beyond releasing around six or more workouts per week, Ergatta tell me they're committed to launching new workout games, automated rowing form analysis, social features like private challenges, and live events/races on a regular basis. They say they're on a mission to develop the world’s foremost fitness gaming experience, and as chance would have it, that’s happening on a rowing machine, not an exercise bike or treadmill!. So, if you haven't already guessed, I love this rower!
MY OVERALL SCORE
Not a difficult one to score. I loved it, and I think you will too - but check out the alternatives to the Ergatta below.
Ergatta Rower:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
PROS...
- Its based on a WaterRower - a quality machine
- Great 17.3" color touchscreen monitor
- Imaginative workouts in the form of games - hundreds in fact
- Personalized workouts
- Unlimited user profiles
- Display of workout data
- Goal-based and Race programs
- The swoosh of water as you row
- Stylish machine - looks good in your pad
- Bluetooth enabled
- Built-in speakers
- Heart rate monitor compatible
- Fairly compact, stores away vertically when you're done
- Finance available
CONS...
- No personal trainer workouts - not as yet
- The price - you gotta be serious about your fitness to spend this much
- That's it! And for the price, you do get an amazing bit of kit
ERGATTA SPECIFICATION
Resistance type: WATER
Max user weight: 500 lbs
Dimensions: 86" (L) x 24" (W) x 40" (H)
Machine weight: 103 lbs (with water)
Warranty: 5 years on frame / 3 years on parts / 1 year on tablet
Max user weight: 500 lbs
Dimensions: 86" (L) x 24" (W) x 40" (H)
Machine weight: 103 lbs (with water)
Warranty: 5 years on frame / 3 years on parts / 1 year on tablet
ALTERNATIVES TO THE ERGATTA
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Hydrow Rower:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Hydrow is the closest rival to the Ergatta at time of writing (March 2021). It's platform has more 'real' river rows and trainer-led sessions. There are similarities, but the Hydrow is a electromagnetic resistance machine against Ergatta's water.
HYDROW REVIEW >>> |
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Life Fitness Heat Row:
9.6/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Life Fitness Heat Row is currently the top-priced rowing machine for the home market. It took this top brand a while to take the rower seriously (previously badged rowers were a huge disappointment), but boy do they make up for it with this one!
HEAT ROW REVIEW >>> |
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Teeter Power10:
9.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Yes I know, it does look like a device more suited to torture, but in a way that's what it does - but in a nice way. The Teeter Power10 is unique amongst rowers because it requires effort to push and pull. Has some interesting features.
TEETER POWER10 REVIEW >>> |
Also see my ERGATTA vs HYDROW HEAD-TO-HEAD >>>
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