WaterRower Natural Review: Beautifully made, but what's it like to row?
NATURAL BACKGROUND
If you're serious about using a rowing machine, you'll either become a Waterrower or Concept2 convert before long. Whilst the Concept2 may be the choice of club rowers, this beautifully crafted machine also has many devotees amongst home fitness users. And it's not hard to see why - it will look great in your home, and it's almost impossible to walk past it, without being tempted to use it - so you'll soon get into shape.
WATERROWER NATURAL
8.5
The Beautiful Waterrower Natural
THE HARDWARE
The first thing most people notice is the water drum. A water resistance mechanism works your muscles with a flywheel spinning in water. Unlike other rowing machines you don't have the option to select the resistance level simply because the faster you row, the greater the resistance of the water - just like rowing on a lake. Many users of the Waterrower comment on the wonderful sound of the water whooshing in the tank - many find it adds more to their session.
We found the seat very comfortable and the action very smooth. So smooth in fact that many users don't release how hard they have been working out until they get off the machine! However, our taller reviewers found the footrests were a little uncomfortable. We feel they are too straight and close together and would be better if adjustable. If you have 'big' legs (muscular or otherwise) you may find your knees and thighs knocking together. This doesn't have to be a reason not to buy this model, but some may find it slightly annoying.
You'll need to pop a water purifier tablet in the tank every now and then to stop it going green - but it's hardly a chore! If your space is limited, it's easy enough to lift and store away vertically when you've finished using it.
We found the seat very comfortable and the action very smooth. So smooth in fact that many users don't release how hard they have been working out until they get off the machine! However, our taller reviewers found the footrests were a little uncomfortable. We feel they are too straight and close together and would be better if adjustable. If you have 'big' legs (muscular or otherwise) you may find your knees and thighs knocking together. This doesn't have to be a reason not to buy this model, but some may find it slightly annoying.
You'll need to pop a water purifier tablet in the tank every now and then to stop it going green - but it's hardly a chore! If your space is limited, it's easy enough to lift and store away vertically when you've finished using it.
Waterrower S4 Monitor
DISPLAY CONSOLE
The S4 Performance Monitor is a fairly large LCD screen but it has to be because it's not in the best position. It's placed to one side and too far back to see clearly in our view. The Concept2 machines use an arm to bring it closer to you, but it would spoil the look of this model if they did something similar.
The monitor displays all the usual workout data such as time, distance, watts and speed. But if you want to use a heart rate monitor you'll have to pay extra for the upgrade - we feel when you're spending this much on a rower it should be standard. However, this minor complaint is easily outweighed by the PC features that come with it.
The monitor displays all the usual workout data such as time, distance, watts and speed. But if you want to use a heart rate monitor you'll have to pay extra for the upgrade - we feel when you're spending this much on a rower it should be standard. However, this minor complaint is easily outweighed by the PC features that come with it.
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You can now plug your monitor into your PC (we found a laptop placed to one side worked well) and watch a virtual boat moving along the water. You also have the option of racing online, or against yourself with your previous training sessions. Another big benefit is that you can store your training sessions on your PC and the software will plan your future workouts for you to keep you heading in the right direction.
While these features may have once been regarded as a gimmick, we feel they're great for keeping you motivated and to keep coming back for more. Oh, and if you're concerned about the environment, Waterrower say they only use wood from replenish-able forests. |
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NOTE - If you row on the water and/or use Concept2's at your club, there's a high probability you may find it difficult to adjust the action of the Waterrower (how ironic is that!) This is because the action feels different to 'real' rowing - something the Concept2 rowers have done a pretty good job emulating. But if you're just looking to get fit in your home - this is still an excellent choice.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The Natural is a superbly made rowing machine that will look great in your home. It's features and function can easily match its looks and the minor gripes we have are easily compensated for by its strengths. You'll love to use it everyday and therefore it will get you fit and keep you in shape - that's what it's for! We've had emails from people who've owned these for 10 years or more and they're still going strong.
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.
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.
CATEGORY |
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PROS |
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The whoosh of the water |
Beautiful and stylish machine |
Excellent build quality - very solid |
Console is PC-compatitable |
Easy to read LCD screen |
Very comfortable seat |
CONS |
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The position of the monitor is not easy to reach when rowing |
The foot rests are close together and may not suit if you're... on the large side |
| Resistance Type | WATER |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 103 lbs |
| Length | 82 in |
| Height | 21 in |
| Width | 22 in |
| Warranty | 3 Years of frame and all parts |
ALTERNATIVES
If you specifically want a water resistance machine you may also want to look at the First Degree Evolution - it's around $700 more but it's the top-rated model we've tried. If you can't justify spending this much on a rower, take a look at the Waterrower A1 Home - it's a fine machine and costs around $400 less, or the First Degree Apollo is a fine machine for the price. If your budget doesn't stretch this far Stamina's Wave could be the right choice . And note, we've just reviewed the WaterRower Club - it's only $100 more and a commercial-grade machine.
OWNERS COMMENTS
"I've seen the arguments about whether or not the Waterrower is good for rowers but I don't think it applies to me. I wanted something to use at home to get fit - and this does a fantastic job. I do have a friend who rows and he can bore me to death on why it's not the same as rowing on water - bit as I said, this isn't something that concerns me. This is a superb piece of kit. It's beautiful to look at (all my visitors comment on its looks and want to try it out), it's so smooth and comfortable to use and I just love the sound of the water swishing in the tank. It's also got me into the best shape of my life!" Caroline P. (user of her Waterrower for 8 months)
"Don't listen to those a******s who bang on about it 'not feeling like real rowing'. If you want to get the feel of rowing on the water... then GO AND ROW ON THE WATER! This is a great machine. Looks great, feels great and it gets you fit! What more do you need?" Kevin W. (6 months... and not a friend of 'real' rowers!)
"I love it. My wife loves it, and my kids love it! Need I say more?" Jake B. (used by the whole family for 4 months)
"Not only is it a great rowing machine, the Waterrower is a great piece of engineering. It's beautifully crafted and functions like a dream. I can't imagine using another machine every again." Iain. (6 months)
"Don't listen to those a******s who bang on about it 'not feeling like real rowing'. If you want to get the feel of rowing on the water... then GO AND ROW ON THE WATER! This is a great machine. Looks great, feels great and it gets you fit! What more do you need?" Kevin W. (6 months... and not a friend of 'real' rowers!)
"I love it. My wife loves it, and my kids love it! Need I say more?" Jake B. (used by the whole family for 4 months)
"Not only is it a great rowing machine, the Waterrower is a great piece of engineering. It's beautifully crafted and functions like a dream. I can't imagine using another machine every again." Iain. (6 months)
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