WaterRower GX Rowing Machine Review
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The WaterRower 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 on the GX 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. 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. The Console/ Monitor 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. 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. 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.
WaterRower GX:
Rating: 8.0/10  Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge 
The stunning looking WaterRower GX
Very comfortable seat
WaterRower GX Monitor
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Also worth a look:
For more features including PC-compatible functions, take a look at WaterRower's Natural - we think the S4 monitor is well worth the extra cost. Other fluid machines you might consider include First Degree's Pacific, or H2O's Seattle models.
For more features including PC-compatible functions, take a look at WaterRower's Natural - we think the S4 monitor is well worth the extra cost. Other fluid machines you might consider include First Degree's Pacific, or H2O's Seattle models.
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We'll add GX user comments when we receive them.
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