WaterRower A1 Home Review
A1 HOME BACKGROUND
Beautifully constructed from ash and aluminium, the A1 Home has to be one of the most pleasing on the eye. But you don't buy a rower just to look good in your home. So how does it rate as a rowing machine?
In short, it's a superb rower that's let down by a basic monitor. The rowing position is very comfortable with its well-designed foot pads, ergo-handles and a wonderful padded seat. The single aluminium beam makes for a quiet and smooth action - even when at high stroke rates.
For the purist it's a perfect machine. It's simple to use with it's one-touch buttons, but this is down a lack of functions - many that you;d expect to see on a model coming in at nearly $1,000 (see below for more on this.)
As the name suggests, the Watterower uses a water resistance mechanism to provide the resistance. Most rower use air or magnetism to give you something to pull against and work your muscles and cardio-vascular system. You can change the resistance levels by adding or draining the water. Some may prefer to press a button or move a slider to do this, but in our view, you can't beat the swish of the water as you pull back on the handle.
In short, it's a superb rower that's let down by a basic monitor. The rowing position is very comfortable with its well-designed foot pads, ergo-handles and a wonderful padded seat. The single aluminium beam makes for a quiet and smooth action - even when at high stroke rates.
For the purist it's a perfect machine. It's simple to use with it's one-touch buttons, but this is down a lack of functions - many that you;d expect to see on a model coming in at nearly $1,000 (see below for more on this.)
As the name suggests, the Watterower uses a water resistance mechanism to provide the resistance. Most rower use air or magnetism to give you something to pull against and work your muscles and cardio-vascular system. You can change the resistance levels by adding or draining the water. Some may prefer to press a button or move a slider to do this, but in our view, you can't beat the swish of the water as you pull back on the handle.
WATERROWER A1 HOME
7.5
The Beautiful WaterRower A1
Some people are under the impression that rowers that use water, need regular maintenance to change the water, otherwise it goes green and stagnant. The fact is that only one water purification tablet needs to be added to the tank every six months - just one! If your machine is sitting in direct sunlight this may rise to every four months - but this is still isn't really that difficult is it :0)
So let's move onto what may be a deal-breaker for some.
The not-so-beautiful monitor
DISPLAY CONSOLE
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If there's one moan we have, it's this. Unlike the S4 monitor fitted the Natural, this monitor is very basic and sadly, it's not compatible with a heart rate monitors - so no heart rate programs are possible, which is a big disappointment. Yes it's easy to use, but that's because it doesn't do that much.
It displays the standard workout data such as time, distance rowed, calories used, stroke rate etc, but it has no PC interface and other features such as intervals that you'd find in most models in this price range. |
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REVIEW SUMMARY:
The A1 Home is a real beauty, The build quality and materials used make this a pleasure to use and this in itself gives you the motivation to train. The resistance with even just half a tank of water is a challenge for most rowers. However, the basic monitor is a disappointment with its limited features and no pulse programs. If you love gadgets and hi-tech machines, this maybe isn't the machine for you - check the 'also worth a look' for other recommendations.
But if you're not planning on being an elite rower and looking for a machine that will last for years (and look great in your home), this is a good choice.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
But if you're not planning on being an elite rower and looking for a machine that will last for years (and look great in your home), this is a good choice.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
PROS:
- It's a beauty!
- Available in a number of finishes
- Quiet and smooth in operation
- A very, very comfortable seat
- Easy to use - although this is due to lack of advanced functions
- Light yet solid construction
- Light and easy to move for storage
- Excellent warranty
CONS:
- The console is not good - limited functions
- Not heart rate monitor compatible
- It takes over an hour to unpack and set up - but you do it only once
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Required space: Machine weight: Storage space: Warranty: |
Water / flywheel
275 lbs 7' 2" x 23" 8' x 4' 98 lbs (inc water) 20" x 22" x 83" (h) 5 years on frame/3 years on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
We've already mentioned the Waterrower Natural with it's superior functions and programs, other water machines include the Xterra 600W and First Degree Neptune.
OWNERS COMMENTS
"I tried a Waterrower Oxbridge at a club and absolutely loved it but unfortunately could not afford one on my salary. So I was pleased to find the A1 Home which is around half the price. It still has that great look and feel and is very well made. Of course it doesn't have all the features of the Oxbridge but I am thrilled with my new rower and use it every day for around 30 to 40 minutes a day. The action is smooth and quiet, and I love to watch the water swilling around in the tank as I row." Kate L. (user for 6 months)
"I have never liked exercise but after my doctor told me I needed to start I decided on getting a rowing machine. I done some in my youth and quite enjoyed the feeling (hate cycling and running). After doing my research I bought the A1 because it's made of wood, looks great and because of all the good reviews. I've had it for almost a year now and although this sounds nuts, it really doesn't feel like exercise at all. It's a pleasure to use and has given me no trouble at all. In fact, I can't really see any sign of wear and tear and get the impression it will last for years. Would recommend it to anyone." John A. (11 months)
"I have never liked exercise but after my doctor told me I needed to start I decided on getting a rowing machine. I done some in my youth and quite enjoyed the feeling (hate cycling and running). After doing my research I bought the A1 because it's made of wood, looks great and because of all the good reviews. I've had it for almost a year now and although this sounds nuts, it really doesn't feel like exercise at all. It's a pleasure to use and has given me no trouble at all. In fact, I can't really see any sign of wear and tear and get the impression it will last for years. Would recommend it to anyone." John A. (11 months)