Hydrow Wave Rower Review
HYDROW BACKGROUND
I first came across this exciting new brand in 2019 and it's not going over the top to say it was a game-changer for the rowing machine market. For those who are not familiar with the brand, the easiest way to introduce it is that it's like Peloton bike, but on a rower.
For many years the rowing machine lagged behind treadmills and exercise bike. In fact, they looked decidely old-fashioned, the neglected bit of kit stuck away in a dark corner in the gym. But Hydrow and other brands such as Ergatta and NordicTrack have changed how the ergo is perceived. And about time too!
Now let's take an in-depth look at the Wave. The Wave is the younger sister to the Hydrow. It's a compact model and comes in at a lower price (around $600 less at the time of writing). So is it a bargain basement model? Or a is the Wave a credible alternative?
I guess you won't be surprised to hear it's the latter. Hydrow don't do machines you'd want to relegate to the basement :0)
For many years the rowing machine lagged behind treadmills and exercise bike. In fact, they looked decidely old-fashioned, the neglected bit of kit stuck away in a dark corner in the gym. But Hydrow and other brands such as Ergatta and NordicTrack have changed how the ergo is perceived. And about time too!
Now let's take an in-depth look at the Wave. The Wave is the younger sister to the Hydrow. It's a compact model and comes in at a lower price (around $600 less at the time of writing). So is it a bargain basement model? Or a is the Wave a credible alternative?
I guess you won't be surprised to hear it's the latter. Hydrow don't do machines you'd want to relegate to the basement :0)
HYDROW WAVE
9.5
ASSEMBLY
Some may find the assembly a bit of a challenge as there are a few componants to put together, plus wire terminals to connect. For most it's pretty straightforward, but if you are DIY-adverse, best to get someone to help. However, a plus is that it's 40 kg lighter than the Hydrow. Something to bear in mind if you're going to use it upstairs (or for the poor delivery guy if you're five storeys up and your elevator has a habit of being out of order.
THE HARDWARE
Before we get onto the machine itself, how about the choice of colors? The Wave comes in five finishes. Pirate is your standard gray, but you can choose between River (blue), Sunrise (yellow), Sunset (orange), and Carousel (pink(ish) - me neither!) If I had to choose I'd go for River, but they all look fine. If you can afford it, why not one for each weekday, and then take the weekend off :0)
The Hydrow Wave Rower - it's a beauty (also available in pink!)
Let's move on from the aesthetics and take a look at the actual machine. The Wave is a beauty, and that's not to lay it on thick. One look and you want to sit on it and start rowing. It's a compact edition to the range, so if space is an issue at home it could be a good option. It's actually 30% smaller than the Hydrow and as mentioned above, 40 kg lighter. But this doesn't mean it's for small people! The beam is long enough to suit a in-seam of 36" - so that's sufficient for all but the tallest of rowers. And the frame is tough and will support a user of up to 375 lbs.
I love the build quality. It's superb and just oozes class. The Wave consists of a thermoplastic polymer frame (not exactly sure what that means, but it sounds good and tough!). The track for the seat is stainless steel which makes for an almost silent action as you slide up and down. It's not quite a smooth as Hydrow's other model, but compared to most it's silky smooth.
Despite being a compact model, the Wave feels rock solid, even when you're going at a challenging stroke rate.
The all-important resistance is provided by a electro-magnetic mechanism, - it's also very quiet. In fact, when using the Wave the only sounds I could hear was the whosh of the water from the online sessions (see below), and my own breathing. There are 300 levels of resistance which means a wide variation of workouts, plus 100 or so replicate actual water rowing, that is, the harder you pull, the more the machine resists. These levels can be controlled by the workout programs to keep you in your optimal heart rate zone for delivering the best results.
I found the seat comfortable and it's a good height off the floor. The handle sits snuggly in your hands, and your feet all held firmly in place and are adjustable to ensure you have the best position.
The 16" HD Color screen is great quality, but note, unlike the Hydrow, it's not adjustable.
When you're finished. The Wave can be stored vertically out of the way. There is a wall bracket so you can secure it in place, but this costs extra.
I love the build quality. It's superb and just oozes class. The Wave consists of a thermoplastic polymer frame (not exactly sure what that means, but it sounds good and tough!). The track for the seat is stainless steel which makes for an almost silent action as you slide up and down. It's not quite a smooth as Hydrow's other model, but compared to most it's silky smooth.
Despite being a compact model, the Wave feels rock solid, even when you're going at a challenging stroke rate.
The all-important resistance is provided by a electro-magnetic mechanism, - it's also very quiet. In fact, when using the Wave the only sounds I could hear was the whosh of the water from the online sessions (see below), and my own breathing. There are 300 levels of resistance which means a wide variation of workouts, plus 100 or so replicate actual water rowing, that is, the harder you pull, the more the machine resists. These levels can be controlled by the workout programs to keep you in your optimal heart rate zone for delivering the best results.
I found the seat comfortable and it's a good height off the floor. The handle sits snuggly in your hands, and your feet all held firmly in place and are adjustable to ensure you have the best position.
The 16" HD Color screen is great quality, but note, unlike the Hydrow, it's not adjustable.
When you're finished. The Wave can be stored vertically out of the way. There is a wall bracket so you can secure it in place, but this costs extra.
You can try the Wave for a 'risk-free' 30-day trial. So, if you find it's not for you, they'll take it back and refund your money. I would love to know how many actually do send them back, but can't think it happens often.
16" High-Definition Color LCD
SOFTWARE PLATFORM
I've written extensively about the workout platform on the Hydrow review, so I won't repeat it in full here. But needless to say, it is what blows most of the competition away at the high end of the market. With over 4000 workouts to choose from, including trainer-led sessions such as 20 minute Olympian rows, 10 minute pumped up music row... well you get the idea. And I say trainer-led, they are real rowers on a real boat :0) And very friendly and supportive. You join them as they row across a lake or along a river and they'll talk you through the workout. This helps tremendously with motivation and to keep you going, especially if you're starting to puff and blow towards the end.
And if that is not enough, you can choose to row down some of the world's most beautiful rivers - so you never have to stare at your garage wall again :0(
In addition to the rowing sessions (well it is a rowing machine), there are many off-rower workouts including core, strength & conditioning, flexibility, Pilates and yoga sessions available. This makes for all-round training to cover all the basis. And to make it even easier to access, you can download the Hydrow App.
But note, to access all the Hydrow workouts you pay a monthly subscription of $44 a month.
And if that is not enough, you can choose to row down some of the world's most beautiful rivers - so you never have to stare at your garage wall again :0(
In addition to the rowing sessions (well it is a rowing machine), there are many off-rower workouts including core, strength & conditioning, flexibility, Pilates and yoga sessions available. This makes for all-round training to cover all the basis. And to make it even easier to access, you can download the Hydrow App.
But note, to access all the Hydrow workouts you pay a monthly subscription of $44 a month.
VISITOR FROM THE UK?
REVIEW SUMMARY
The Wave Rower is an excellent addition to the brand. I appreciate I've hardly said anything negative about it, but I've spent the last 14 years trying out close to 70 rowing machines, and I rarely find anything in this class. It has the look and feel of a top quality machine. The software underlying the nuts and bolts is excellent with so many workouts for both on and off the rower to choose from. If you have the funds and the space, this has to be in the top three machines to consider. See below for alternatives.
IS THE HYDROW WAVE FOR YOU?
YES - If you have the funds and you think you'll use it, then it's a YES! You can fail to get fit on this beauty.
NO - If you're the type who flits to each new fitness fad, then NO.
NO - If you're the type who flits to each new fitness fad, then NO.
MY OVERALL SCORE:
I have no hesitation in giving the Wave a 95%. It has so much to offer with many excellent features.
PROS:
- It's a beauty in 5 available finishes
- It's sleek, compact but very tough
- Excellent build quality
- The river rows provide a great experience
- Excellent display and monitor
- Superb build quality
- Suitable for tall rowers - inseam of 36" /easily up to 6' 6"
- Bluetooth enabled
- Great seat and a comfortable height off the floor
- 4000+ workouts on demand
- Heart rate monitor included
- 300 levels of super-quiet electro-magnetic resistance
- Online support is excellent - easy to speak to a real person
- It's sooooo quiet
- New workouts added monthly
- Available for 30-day risk-free trial
- Microphone included so you can speak to your trainer
CONS:
- It's price - $600 less than the Hydrow - but you get one heck of a machine for your buck.
- If your wi-fi goes down, you have to use an app on your phone
- Very little otherwise not to like.
SPECIFICATION:
Resistance type: ELECTROMAGNETIC
Max user weight: 375 lbs
Dimensions: 80" (L) x 19" (W) x 43" (H)
Machine weight: 102 lbs
Warranty: 6 years on Frame / 2 years on parts
Max user weight: 375 lbs
Dimensions: 80" (L) x 19" (W) x 43" (H)
Machine weight: 102 lbs
Warranty: 6 years on Frame / 2 years on parts
ALTERNATIVES
The Hydrow
|
HYDROW ROWER9.5
The first machine from Hydrow. It' bigger, heavier and whisper quiet. It has a bigger, adjustable screen than the Wave (6" bigger) and has a smoother seat action with 10-rollers. It's easier to assamble than the wave as it's mostly pre-assembled. The workout platform is identical.
|
Heat Row
|
LIFE FITNESS HEAT ROW9.6
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 >>> |
Ergatta Rower
|
ERGATTA9.5
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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