Hydrow Rower Review
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BACKGROUND In March 2019 I finally got the opportunity to check out the Hydrow Rower - and boy was I blown away. I've had the pleasure/displeasure to try over 100 rowing machines, and I can honestly say, the Hydrow has taken home exercise to another level (and about time). It's to rowing machines what the Peloton is to the exercise bike. But while you can now cycle or run through virtual landscapes, there's nothing quite like being on the 'water' and hearing the swish of your virtual oars as they break the surface (more on this below).
It's taken a while but the humble rower is catching up with the treadmill and bike with the live workouts and clever software. Yes, there has been some attempt to bring rowers into the 21st Century, notably Ergatta. Other brands, namely NordicTrack have pitched in, and I'm aware of another coming to market in 2022, but for now, I believe the Hydrow has both the quality machine AND the software to claim the top spot alongside (or perhaps a little way ahead) of the Ergatta. And note, this review has been updated following my return to regularly using the Hydrow in January 2022 - and I was pleased to see more workouts and useful features added in that time. LISTEN ON THE GO - Hydrow Audio Review
ASSEMBLY But before I get to the 'whistles and bells', what about the actual nuts and bolts? You can have amazing software, but if the hardware (the rowing machine) is not up to the task, it's a waste of your money. Thankfully, as soon as you sit on the Hydro you know this a great machine in itself.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's talk about unpacking and assembly. This is a heavy machine and will need two people to move the box. Note, the rower and packaging weighs 197lbs, but the box does have handles, and you'll get a good workout just shifting the thing to where you need it. Once out of the box there's minimal assembly required making it pretty easy and shouldn't challenge even the most unskilled DIYer :0) Now stand back and admire the design. The Hydrow has a distinctive look and stands out from the crowd with its sleek steel and aluminum frame, and smooth anthracite polymer body. 
Great workouts with friendly trainers - click for more info
THE HARDWARE  Smooth, near silent action
I found it very easy getting on and off the comfortable seat as it sits at a friendly height of 16.5" off the floor - very kind to your back and knees. The footrests are wide and well-placed making for a good rowing position. The handle sits nicely in the hands and is well-padded.
And when I first pulled back in the oar, I immediately knew this was going to rank right at the top of my favorite machine league! When you start to row the first thing you'll notice (or not), is that it's incredibly quiet - it barely makes a sound. The resistance mechanism is electromagnetic, controlled by the computer, so no noisy air fans. The computer adjusts the resistance up to 240 times a second giving the smoothest strokes you'll experience on a indoor rowing machine, and possibly the closest to the feel of rowing on actual water. And there is absolutely no lag, that is, a drop in resistance as you begin the catch - a real bugbear of mine with some rowers that should know better.  Sleek, yet solid frame
The ten rollers under the seat means it slides with minimal friction up and down the beam, again with little sound. The wide feet provide a solid base for this beast (weighing in at 145lbs) so it won't move and inch as you haul away to your heart's content.
So just a few more observations about the Hydrow Rower before I move onto the all-important software. The screen can be angled up to 25 degrees either side so you can also do the non-rowing workouts (see below.) The machine can be stored vertically when not in use, but you need to buy a bit of kit to do so. It's a fancy-looking hook with a strap and costs $70. It seems a little steep to charge for something as simple when the machine itself costs over $2,000, but there you go. |
QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge  The distinctive Hydrow Rower
Very comfortable seat
 Not like any monitor you'll see on other machines
Angled footrests
Computer-controlled magnetic resistance
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But on the plus side, you can try the Hydrow for a 'risk-free' 30-day trial - if you don't like it, they'll take it back and refund your money. But honestly, I can't think that happens often as once you've experienced the joy of rowing on this beauty, you're going to want to keep it.
THE HYDROW SOFTWARE PLATFORM
This is where it gets really interesting. The Hydrow Rower comes with a 22" HD touchscreen monitor and, as the blurb says, will 'bring the river home.' And believe it or not, this is not an exaggeration. The 1920 x 1080 full HD screen and sound system really do make you feel you're on the water - okay, with a little stretch of your imagination.
All the data about your workout are displayed without distracting from the experience. And if you're competing in one of the live races, your position is displayed on the leaderboard.
All the data about your workout are displayed without distracting from the experience. And if you're competing in one of the live races, your position is displayed on the leaderboard.
An open river workout with a trainer - click to find out more
And it doesn't have to be a strenuous workout. You can choose to have a relaxing session rowing down iconic river locations, accompanied by the sounds of birds, the water and the rhythm of your strokes in the river - good for your mental health after a stressful day or what! The bulk of Hydrow's workouts are shot on Indian Creek in Miami Beach, and Charles River in Boston. More river rows are added on a regular basis and since November 2021 there are unguided rows available in New York (I can also recommend the boat trip around Manhattan for real!) California, Florida, the Thames through London, so you can imagine you're competing in the Oxford vs Cambridge University Boat Race, and also scenic rows through Scotland, Massachusetts, Vermont and Texas. You really are spoiled for choice.
But please note, like Peloton, you have to be a paid-up member to use all these features - and also note, it won't work offline. Membership is $38 per month. But for that you get access to live sessions run by experienced rowers who provide help and tips to inspire you to achieve your goals. And let's face it, after you've paid for the rower, and then committed to the monthly membership, you're going to take notice :0)
Membership allows for unlimited profiles so each member of your family can have their own schedule and performance monitored. You can select from over 1,000 pre-recorded river or studio sessions, and more are added each month.
A concern for some Hydrow users I've spoke to, is the issue of wi-fi access, or what happens if Hydrow goes offline. At present, the rower can't be used without access to the software. An app is available for download to your smart phone so you can use it if you have local problems with your wi-fi, but this is no substitute for the large HD screen.
UPDATE FEB 2022: Hydrow have added new Distance Rows where you can choose from 9 distances (250m up to 10,000m), or an open row when you can row away to your heart's content. These can be combined with HIIT workouts, Endurance and cardio, or working out with your partner where you share. These also include real river rows including a great 2,000m Henley-on-Thames row in the UK.
UPDATE MAR 2022: If you live in the UK, you can now try the Hydrow in most John Lewis stores and talk with a trainer if you have any questions.
But please note, like Peloton, you have to be a paid-up member to use all these features - and also note, it won't work offline. Membership is $38 per month. But for that you get access to live sessions run by experienced rowers who provide help and tips to inspire you to achieve your goals. And let's face it, after you've paid for the rower, and then committed to the monthly membership, you're going to take notice :0)
Membership allows for unlimited profiles so each member of your family can have their own schedule and performance monitored. You can select from over 1,000 pre-recorded river or studio sessions, and more are added each month.
A concern for some Hydrow users I've spoke to, is the issue of wi-fi access, or what happens if Hydrow goes offline. At present, the rower can't be used without access to the software. An app is available for download to your smart phone so you can use it if you have local problems with your wi-fi, but this is no substitute for the large HD screen.
UPDATE FEB 2022: Hydrow have added new Distance Rows where you can choose from 9 distances (250m up to 10,000m), or an open row when you can row away to your heart's content. These can be combined with HIIT workouts, Endurance and cardio, or working out with your partner where you share. These also include real river rows including a great 2,000m Henley-on-Thames row in the UK.
UPDATE MAR 2022: If you live in the UK, you can now try the Hydrow in most John Lewis stores and talk with a trainer if you have any questions.
MY SUMMARY
The Hydrow Rower was the first of its kind on the market. Yes there are others now using 'virtual rowing' features and online functions, but nothing like the quality of this machine in my opinion. I've seen hi-tech bolted onto other models, but again, I've yet to see the combination of a high quality rowing machine coupled with an equally top-notch interface.
It is expensive, some may have issues with the monthly subscription, but for your money you do get a first class, top quality rower with one heck of a service to match. And keep in mind, there are regular additions to the workouts including new real river rows.
If your goal is to get fit, lose weight, and stay that way, this is the machine to do just that. If you can afford it, the Hydrow Rower is a remarkable machine with superb online support.
And if you don't achieve your ambitions with this beauty, you're never going to do it with anything else :0)
It is expensive, some may have issues with the monthly subscription, but for your money you do get a first class, top quality rower with one heck of a service to match. And keep in mind, there are regular additions to the workouts including new real river rows.
If your goal is to get fit, lose weight, and stay that way, this is the machine to do just that. If you can afford it, the Hydrow Rower is a remarkable machine with superb online support.
And if you don't achieve your ambitions with this beauty, you're never going to do it with anything else :0)
IS THE HYDROW FOR YOU?
YES - If you're committed to getting fit and have the means to buy one, then absolutely yes!
NO - If you're the type that quickly loses interest in a new toy, then absolutely not :0)
NO - If you're the type that quickly loses interest in a new toy, then absolutely not :0)
MY OVERALL SCORE
So taking all of the above into account, plus coming back to the Hydrow after a six month break to assess the updates to their interface, I give this sleek machine... a very commendable 95%
Hydrow Rower:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
PROS...
- There's so much to like!
- Looks like no other rowing machine we've seen
- Sleek, distinctive, well-designed and engineered
- The 'reality' rowing is a great motivator
- Excellent display and monitor
- Superb build quality
- Suitable for tall rowers - easily up to 6' 6"
- Bluetooth enabled
- Seat is comfortable and a good height from the floor
- Packed with features - takes the tech to another level
- Heart rate monitor included
- 300 levels of super-quiet electro-magnetic resistance
- Online support is excellent - easy to speak to a real person
- Very, very quiet - possibly quietest machine we've tried
- New workouts added on a regular basis
- Available for 30-day risk-free trial
- Microphone included so you can speak to your trainer
CONS...
- It's price - although you do get a lot for your buck
- If your wi-fi goes down, you have to use an app on your phone
- Not the easiest rower to move - best left in the same place if you have the room
HYDROW SPECIFICATION
Resistance type: ELECTROMAGNETIC
Max user weight: 375 lbs
Dimensions: 93" (L) x 20" (W) x 49" (H)
Machine weight: 145 lbs
Warranty: 6 years on Frame / 2 years on parts
ALTERNATIVES TO THE HYDROW
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Life Fitness Heat Row:
9.6/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Life Fitness Heat Row does not come with the interface of the Hydrow and others listed below - but it's an excellent machine with a build quality second to none. If you're not into the reality style workouts (and have deep pockets), then this is the one for you.
HEAT ROW REVIEW >>> |
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Ergatta Rower:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Ergatta is based on the Waterrower Natural and has a platform to rival the Hydrow. The workouts are game-based bringing a novel approach to training.
ERGATTA REVIEW >>> |
I've also written a head-to-head review - see my Ergatta vs Hydrow review.
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Do you own this model? What do you think?
Do you own this model? What do you think?
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