XTERRA ERG650W Review
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The XTERRA ERG650W water resistance rower is a fine-looking machine - and it has to be if it's going to compete in the fast-growing section of the market. It seems every brand is now keen to rush out a water rowing machine in the $500 - $1,000 price-bracket. But we think XTERRA may have called this one right, and will keep the competition looking over their shoulders.
If you're reasonably confident with your DIY skills, the ERG650W shouldn't be too much of a challenge. But if you don't trust yourself to hang a picture on the wall, it's probably best to get a friend to assist. So once you've put the thing together, how does it look? Pretty damn good in our view. With twin aluminium-coated rails sitting on a sturdy steel frame, it feel reassuringly solid as you build up the strokes per minute. The seat is very comfortable, and it slides smoothly and quietly up and down the angled rails. The seat is also 15" off the floor which gives it the feel f a commercial machine, plus it makes it easy to get on and off. Your feet are held securely in place with the wide footrests and thick bands. And lastly, the handle has a good diameter, is well-padded, and sits nicely in the hands. It will come as no surprise to find out the resistance is provided by a water tank. When you pull on the hand the blades in the tank spin in the water giving a satisfying whoosh. One drawback is to change the resistance level you need to add or remove water. This is a pretty straightforward procedure, but obviously you have to stop rowing and get off should you want to change the level. However, when you up the stroke-rate, you will find the resistance increases slightly. The water tank (and the rail) are angled to create a higher level of resistance.
If you want a water resistance rower to be adjustable, the AR range from First Degree offer a number of models with a lever to change the resistance level - see our 'Also Worth a Look' section below for the alternatives. The ERG650W is quite a heavy machine and sits on adjustable support to give a solid feel when you're working out. We were also impressed by the build quality - and note, XTERRA offer a lifetime warranty on the frame which shows they have faith this will last. Talking of the warranty, it's quite a reasonable one for the price. In addition to the life time on the frame, the parts are covered for two years, plus labor for one year. It's also comes with transport wheels on the front - when you're done, you just tip it up and push it out of the way. It stores vertically - see photo below - and requires a small footprint so should be easy to use in limited space. The Console/ Display
However, the computer is not compatible with a heart rate monitor, so therefore no heart training programs. But in its defense, it does display watts (not many in this price-range do), so you have the option of Tabata wattage training which is a great way to get fit. You can also set 4 custom programs to suit your competence level. So all-in-all, a very good monitor that's is also easy to use.
Summary:
The XTERRA ERG650W is an impressive machine, but it has to be when up against so many other water rowing machines in this price-range. But it does so pretty well and stands out with it's build quality and great features such as the monitor with its 15 programs.
Xterra ERG650W:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge  XTERRA ERG650W
Great seat
 Large monitor with pre-set programs
Wide footrests
Small footprint when stored vertically
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Also worth a look:
There's so much to choose from in this price-range when it comes to water rowing machines. If you want a water machine that resistant levels can be adjusted easily by a lever, check out the First Degree Newport. If you can stretch another few hundred bucks, the classic Waterrower is a beauty. For a little less, the Sunny Phantom Hydro is great value for money.
There's so much to choose from in this price-range when it comes to water rowing machines. If you want a water machine that resistant levels can be adjusted easily by a lever, check out the First Degree Newport. If you can stretch another few hundred bucks, the classic Waterrower is a beauty. For a little less, the Sunny Phantom Hydro is great value for money.
ERG650W owner's comments
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Do you own this model? What do you think?
Do you own this model? What do you think?
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