WaterRower S1 Review: is it worth the high price tag?
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The WaterRower S1 is a one of those machines that takes your breath away - and that's even before you've sat on the thing. It simply oozes quality and anyone can see the designers got it absolutely spot on. The sleek lines of brushed stainless steel, combined with the clear perspex tank and smooth-rolling seat tell you straight away, this machine means business.
So far it sounds too good - so what's the catch? For a start, it's a limited edition model, but before you rush out and buy one before they all go - take a look at the price. At over $2,500 it's unlikely to be a impulse buy :0) But if money is not an issue, it could be a tough job resisting its looks. Please note, only one of our reviewers was lucky enough to get his hands (or butt to be more precise) on one, so review is based on a single user's views. But looks alone won't get you fit - how does it perform? More good news - the S1 really does feel as good as it looks. The seat is so comfortable, you could use it as an office chair! The padded handle feels good in the palms of the hands and will prevent hand blisters - a curse for many a rower. The action is about as smooth and quiet as they come as it rolls up and down the twin rails, and the sloshing of the water in the tank adds to the whole experience. The only issue some may have with the rowing position is the footrests. As with other WaterRower models, the footrests are close together under the handle. While the securing straps are great and will hold your feet nice and tight, if you're overweight and have 'chunky' legs, or even very muscular legs, you may find the position a little uncomfortable. If unsure this is you, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet approximately 2" apart and see if you thighs would rub together if rowing, Onto the resistance mechanism. You won't be surprised to hear that this WaterRower uses water to provide the resistance to pull against. The perspex tank houses a flywheel immersed in water tank that constantly adjusts to the demands you place upon it - so basically, the harder you row, the more you'll feel it fight back! While the rowing action is not the same as rowing on water, the extra resistance as you pull harder does feel more like the real thing. It's also a great way to get fit. The Monitor / Display: The S1 is fitted with the S4 performance monitor as used by the WaterRower Natural and GX models. You can read more detail about the monitor here on our Natural review page. Most of the popular heart rate monitors will work with the S4 (but note, even at this price there isn't one included). But for around $40 a chest strap and monitor let's you use the heart rate programs - one of the quickest ways to get fit and burn fat. Summary: You've got to be dead serious about rowing or home fitness to spend this sort of money on a piece of equipment - but what a bit of kit! This is not just a rowing machine, it's a beautifully crafted masterpiece that is a work of art in its own right. If you've got the cash (and the space) it would look great in your home and tempt anyone to use it and get fit. Some WaterRower enthusiasts may not like the steel compared to the natural wood used in most of their models, but our reviewer told us all his reservations about the modern look we're blown out of the water (yep, pun intended) after a 2,000 meter row. Yes, it is a lot to pay, but it will last for years... and years. Get one from Amazon for a cool $2,620 while stocks last :0)
WaterRower S1:
Rating: 9.0/10  Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge 
The striking WaterRower S1
 Great seat - smooth and quiet
Slick design and well made
 Waterrower S4 Monitor/ Console |
Also worth a look:
If you're reading this review after the limit of S1s has been met and it's a steel water/ fluid rower you're after, then check out First Degree's Evolution or Vortex-3. If you haven't got the funds (or can't justify it to your partner), the WaterRower Natural is a great machine.
If you're reading this review after the limit of S1s has been met and it's a steel water/ fluid rower you're after, then check out First Degree's Evolution or Vortex-3. If you haven't got the funds (or can't justify it to your partner), the WaterRower Natural is a great machine.
User's comments
Due to the limited availability of the S1 we're not sure how many users we'll hear from. If you're one of the lucky ones, please let us know your views below.
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