WaterRower: Quality Fitness Equipment or Wooden Toys?
Waterrower make great looking machines
Yep, that's a bit of a provocative headline but I've actually heard someone call their models a 'wooden toy'. That's really harsh, because whether you like your fitness equipment to look stylish, or for it to be functional, the WaterRower can actually be both.
Perhaps the most striking looking rowing machines out there. Beautifully made, mainly in wood, the WaterRower range have many fanatical devotees.
The company started in 1988 and were the first to use water for the resistance mechanism. This gives their models a distinctive 'whoosh' as you row - you can read about the resistance types here. They've continued to add models to their range and provide both commercial and domestic machines and now use other materials other than wood.
Ironically, using water for resistance doesn't actually give the feel of rowing on real water, but unless you row competitively it doesn't matter as you'll still get fit.
Another issue for some with water-resistant machines is maintenance. Water in a sealed container cam turn green as organisms grow - literally going stagnant. But when we say maintenance, it involves dropping in a water purifier every two months or so and that's it - hardly any trouble. WaterRower also recommend changing the water every 12 months - again not difficult.
So putting that aside, WaterRower have a great reputation for quality-built,sturdy machines that will give you years of trouble-free rowing - not to mention a great-looking piece of kit in your home.
Perhaps the most striking looking rowing machines out there. Beautifully made, mainly in wood, the WaterRower range have many fanatical devotees.
The company started in 1988 and were the first to use water for the resistance mechanism. This gives their models a distinctive 'whoosh' as you row - you can read about the resistance types here. They've continued to add models to their range and provide both commercial and domestic machines and now use other materials other than wood.
Ironically, using water for resistance doesn't actually give the feel of rowing on real water, but unless you row competitively it doesn't matter as you'll still get fit.
Another issue for some with water-resistant machines is maintenance. Water in a sealed container cam turn green as organisms grow - literally going stagnant. But when we say maintenance, it involves dropping in a water purifier every two months or so and that's it - hardly any trouble. WaterRower also recommend changing the water every 12 months - again not difficult.
So putting that aside, WaterRower have a great reputation for quality-built,sturdy machines that will give you years of trouble-free rowing - not to mention a great-looking piece of kit in your home.
Unbiased Reviews of WaterRower Models
WaterRower Natural:
8.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Well you would, wouldn't you :0)
The Natural is WaterRower's best seller and it's not difficult to see why. It's impossible to walk pass this machine without getting the urge to sit on it and row - now you can't ask for more than that can you.
PROS: Quality-built, smooth action, stylish, great monitor
CONS: Footrests may be too close together for some.
PROS: Quality-built, smooth action, stylish, great monitor
CONS: Footrests may be too close together for some.
WaterRower Club:
9.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Commercial model - built to last
The Club is a sort of beefed up version of the Natural to make it suitable for the commercial market. This means it has harder-wearing components that can handle hours of use a day in a gym. But unless you're going to be working out all day on the machine or your whole family are going to be users , it may be unnecessary in our view and the Natural would do just fine.
PROS: Quality machine, durable and will last for years.
CONS: Footrests as usual
PROS: Quality machine, durable and will last for years.
CONS: Footrests as usual
WaterRower GX:
8.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Slimmed down WaterRower
One of the 'slimmer' WaterRowers (less wood) and probably the odd-one-out in our view. Don't get us wrong, it's still an impressive rower but doesn't quite match up to the others. Once advantage, the footrests are further apart so may be more comfortable for the chunkier user.
PROS: Good action, lower price, wide footrests
CONS: Monitor not as good as other models in this range.
PROS: Good action, lower price, wide footrests
CONS: Monitor not as good as other models in this range.
WaterRower S1 Special:
9.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Not your average rowing machine
When they say 'Special' boy do they mean it! Made with brushed stainless steal this is one of the most eye-catching rowing machines out there - but it also comes with an eye-catching price. Who wouldn't want one of these at home - although you're going to need deep pockets!
PROS: Build quality, durabilty, pure class
CONS: the price puts out well out of most people's reach
PROS: Build quality, durabilty, pure class
CONS: the price puts out well out of most people's reach
So there you have it. WaterRower make excellent rowing machines (not toys!) that are instantly recognizable which is no mean feat in a market with over one hundred competitors.