WaterRower S1 Review: is it worth the high price tag?
S1 BACKGROUND
This 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.
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.
WATEROWER S1
9.0

The Ultra-Cool WaterRower S1
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. |
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The WaterRower S4 Monitor
DISPLAY CONSOLE
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.
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.
REVIEW 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 for a cool $2,620 while stocks last :0)
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.
Yes, it is a lot to pay, but it will last for years... and years. Get one for a cool $2,620 while stocks last :0)
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 eye-catching looks
- Excellent build quality - made in the good old US of A!
- A great monitor - PC-compatible
- Very stable
- Quiet and very smooth action - just the slosh of the water in the tank
- Great seat
CONS:
- The usual issue with WaterRower's foot rests - see comments above.
- It's heavy, weighing in at 148lbs! Make sure your floor can stand the weight.
- The price - although the materials used probably justify the tag
SPECIFICATION
Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Water / flywheel
300 lbs 83" x 24" x 22" 148 lbs (inc water) 5 years on frame/3 years on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
There are few alternatives when you're right at the top of the market. But these include First Degree's Evolution or Vortex-3, or for an impressive hi-tech machine, check out the Hydrow. If you haven't got the funds (or can't justify it to your partner), the WaterRower Natural is a great machine.