WaterRower GX Rowing Machine Review
GX BACKGROUND
The GX combines the familiar wood construction of this trusted brand, with an aluminium rail to add extra strength. The wood is handcrafted ash and finished to their usual high quality which not only looks great - it's also very hard-wearing.
So does it perform?
As with all our reviews, we'll start with assembly. And, as rowing machines go, this is pretty easy and can be done in less than 30 minutes without more than just basic DIY skills. Once you've put it together we think you'll like the feel of it.
The seat is different to what you'll see on most of WaterRower's models - and we think it's just as good, if not a slight improvement. It's a few inches lower than the A1 and Natural (see below) and so doesn't quite have the feel of a commercial machine.
But this is easily compensated by the position of the footrests. If there is one bugbear about WaterRower's machines in general, it's the narrow width of the footrests. We know a number of users don't like having their feet so close together, but thankfully the GX has them situated either side of the rail - better in our view.
So does it perform?
As with all our reviews, we'll start with assembly. And, as rowing machines go, this is pretty easy and can be done in less than 30 minutes without more than just basic DIY skills. Once you've put it together we think you'll like the feel of it.
The seat is different to what you'll see on most of WaterRower's models - and we think it's just as good, if not a slight improvement. It's a few inches lower than the A1 and Natural (see below) and so doesn't quite have the feel of a commercial machine.
But this is easily compensated by the position of the footrests. If there is one bugbear about WaterRower's machines in general, it's the narrow width of the footrests. We know a number of users don't like having their feet so close together, but thankfully the GX has them situated either side of the rail - better in our view.
WATEROWER GX
8.0
The Sleek WaterRower GX
As the name implies, this is a water-resistant rowing machine using a flywheel in a tank of water to challenge your muscles! People either love of hate this sort of machine - we're on the love side of the fence :0) They require little maintenance, are quiet (except for the sloshing water) and there's something quite aesthetic about using water for indoor rowing. Please click here for the pros and cons of the different types of rowers.
DISPLAY CONSOLE
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The GX has the same monitor as the A1 Home and is described as a 'simplified' version of the S4 used on their top models. It uses what WaterRower call QuickStart, which basically means for most functions you press 'Start' and then begin your workout. This, they say, simplifies operation but you could also argue this means fewer features.
The monitor (see right) displays most of what you need to know, but this doesn't include heart rate functions, interval programs and has no PC-compatibility or storage like the S4 on the WaterRower Natural (see below for other models worth a look). However, it does have time trial and distance workouts which are great for measuring your progress - although you will need to keep a separate record. Please note, WaterRower use only wood stocked from replenish-able forests. |
 WaterRower S4 Monitor |
REVIEW SUMMARY
There's no doubt the GX is a stunning looking machine and has the build-quality you would expect from WaterRower. We think the mix of wood and aluminium works well together and gives a great look and feel.
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The one thing that might put you off is the GX monitor. For most, it's probably quite sufficient, but if you like a lot of functions and varied workouts, and like the idea of a WaterRower you might want to consider some of their other models listed below that come with the more advanced S4 monitor.
Anything made by WaterRower is a good buy in our books due to the build-quality and the expert design that's gone into the making. 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. |
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PROS:
- The sound of the water in the tank (although some may not like it)
- It looks stunning
- Wider spaced foot rests (compared to other WaterRower models)
- Great seat
- Two workout DVDs - very useful
- Smooth and quiet action
- Good value for money
- Quick Start monitor is easy to use (but see below)
CONS:
- Not sure about the 'simple' monitor - loses a lot of what could make this a really great rowing machine
- Doesn't display pulse
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Water / flywheel
325 lbs 83.5" x 22.25"(W) x 20"(H) 98 lbs (inc water) 3 years on all parts |
ALTERNATIVES