Posts Tagged ‘WaterRower’
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor
I bought a Waterrower (Ash with S4 monitor) and can’t say enough good things about it. I use a Concept 2 in the gym (it doesn’t sound noisy there but who can hear anything in a gym), but went for the Waterrower for less noise (and a smaller footprint) for my condominium. I use it when I watch TV and hardly know I’m exercising – except that I suddenly notice I’m breathing hard when I stop. It is attractive and well built.
Two big negatives, though. The monitor/computer is a total waste of money. You can hardly read the monitor due to glare and it doesn’t start and pause automatically when you start to row or pause your rowing (for example, if you stop to fast forward over a commercial). **Update on my last review: it does start automatically from “PAUSE” but it won’t pause automatically. The only useful function is the stroke counter. I count my strokes and divide by 30 to get the number of minutes actually rowed. Or I just set 1000 strokes as my goal for a workout.
The second negative: it’s too low. I started using a rower to protect my bad knees, but this rower puts a huge strain on the knees getting on it or off it. There is an extender overpriced at 0, but no description of the maximum weight you can be and safely use it (I’m worried about sideways torque on the extender while I row). So if you have knee issues, either get the massively priced (00) metal HI RISE model or find some chair or braces to keep next to the rower seat to help you getting down and up.
One more quibble about the computer: it doesn’t come with a heart beat monitor (transmitter or receiver). A receiver should be built in for these prices. You can buy one, but the reviews suggest it doesn’t work well.
Bottom line: if you plan to use your exercise equipment around other people or in a room other than a dedicated exercise room (try to wheel out your treadmill from the living room when you’re not using it) this is hands down the choice. Especially if your joints can’t take the higher impact exercise equipment. But skip the monitor unless you figure out how to eliminate the glare and plan to use it with lots of light (not with the TV on at night, for example). Of course, get some rowing time in at the gym before you buy, just to be sure you will use it once you get it home.
Ok but with some reservations, limited comparison w Concept 2 – Sembu –
Update – Water rower sent me a new sensor and disk which fixed the computer. It was relatively easy to install. I would like to upgrade my rating to 4. Everyone likes it and uses it. Why not a five? My remaining nits, which really shouldn’t discourage people from buying it are:
1) The footrests. Yup still catches the shoes, even though I changed to ones with narrower heels. I think they could fix this by angling the edges outwards. A bit more substantive design would also be nice.
2) The computer – Its kinda basic. It will count calories per hour as you row, but won’t give you a total calorie count. Additionally, I use the rower when watching movies in the dark. It would be great if there were a backlight just to check how you are doing. I use my cellphone light to check.
3) I’ve figured out why the feel of the pull is not perfectly smooth. Basically, there is a wheel where the strap goes around (imagine a ribbon wound around a wheel). The strap slips slightly as you pull.
These are all minor nits. I think they got the frame design right otherwise. I would buy it again.
Good points – 4.5 star frame.
The frame is solid, well made and attractive. My wife and kids all like it. The feel and sound of the water sloshing as you row is nice. The wheels make it easy to maneuver, though I rarely store it upright. It’s also easy to assemble and all the parts fit well together. There is almost no creaking, although my son can make it creak slightly when he goes at it really hard.
Some design and delivery issues – Minus 2 star
There are two main cheesy design issues with this rower. The foot rest feels really cheap. It may not come apart over time because your feet are held by a belt that goes around a wood plank. But, its thin floppy molded black plastic. The shape makes its hard to get your shoes in and out. You need to hold it to get your shoe out sometimes. It also has sharp edges so you can’t use it wearing just socks. This does not belong on a 00+ machine.
The other issue is the sensor and computer design. It feels like an afterthought addition to the rower. The computer is attached to the rower by a plastic tube. The sensor wheel itself is cheap plastic and slides up and down the shaft (not held by a screw or washer) and can interfere with the rowing motion if too high.
My sensor/computer of my rower was DOA. I followed the instruction on how to adjust the sensor wheel. If you raise it too much the ridges bump the sensor and if you lower it, it doesn’t register. In the end, I am not sure what was not working. Amazon gave me a 0 credit for the difference between the rower with the computer and with out. After a couple of months I am still waiting for a new sensor from water rower.
Vs. the Concept 2 rower:
I was deciding between the water rower and the Concept 2 machine, which is in the same price range. I used the Concept 2 rower just briefly a couple of times. I decided to order the water rower instead sight unseen due to the reviews. I do prefer feel of the water wheel effect vs wind resistance.
Computer – I did not use the computer much on the C2 and the one on my water rower still does not work, but based on reviews out there the C2 computer is supposedly far superior. Apparently it is the main selling point on the C2. It does appear to be better made.
Pull mechanism – Water rower uses a nylon strap for pulling vs. the C2 using a chain. C2 looks more heavy duty and has a slightly smoother pull. Small advantage to C2.
Wind vs Water – I do prefer the feel and sound of the water wheel more than the wind resistance of C2’s fan. Both give more resistance the harder you pull. While I could be happy with the C2, I still prefer the water rowing motion.
Looks – Both are well made. Water rower has an aluminum model also but a higher price point. I like the wood frame. My wife does not object to it as much. However, C2 has a small edge as I had mentioned, including the foot rest.
Overall – I am happy enough with the water rower to keep it. My whole family uses and likes it. I would not say its 5 star though. If I had no problems with the machine, I would still rate it slightly under 4 star for the reasons stated above. The thing that bugs me the most is the foot rest.
Rating : 4.5 / 5.0
Price on Sep 24, 2010 02:20:04 : $1,095.00
Offer Price : $995.00
Best Deal Today @ Amazon Check Price Now !
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor Features
- Handcrafted rowing machine with “water flywheel” that replicates actual rowing feel
- Flywheel sits in enclosed water tank to provide smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance
- Series 4 performance monitor tracks workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more
- Solid ash and stained honey oak construction absorbs sound and vibration
- Stores upright; measures 84 x 21 x 22 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 117 pounds
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor Overviews
The WaterRower Natural is handcrafted from solid Ash wood, finished with a honey oak stain and danish oil. The WaterRower’s patented WaterFlywheel has been specifically designed to emulate the dynamics of a boat moving though water and is unsurpassed in its simulation of the physical and physiological benefits of rowing.
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor Specifications
Rowing has long been recognized as the perfect aerobic pursuit, with naturally smooth and flowing movements that don’t tax the joints but do boost the heart rate. Now you can take your rowing experience to the next level with the WaterRower Natural rowing machine. Using the same principles that govern the dynamics of a boat in water, the WaterRower Natural is outfitted with a “water flywheel” that consists of two paddles in an enclosed tank of water that provide smooth, quiet resistance, just like the paddles in an actual body of water. As a result, the machine has no moving parts that can wear out over time (even the recoil belt and pulleys don’t require lubricating or maintaining). More significantly, the water tank and flywheel create a self-regulating resistance system that eliminates the need for a motor. As with real rowing, when you paddle faster, the increased drag provides more resistance. When you paddle slower, the resistance is less intense. The only limit to how fast you can row is your strength and your ability to overcome drag. And unlike conventional rowing machines, which tend to be jerky and jarring, the WaterRower Natural is remarkably smooth and fluid.
From a fitness perspective, the WaterRower Natural works 84 percent of your muscle mass, helping tone and strengthen your muscles while burning far more calories than most other aerobic machines. The exercise is also low impact, as it removes all the body weight from the ankles, knees, and hips, but still moves the limbs and joints through a full range of motion–from completely extended to completely contracted.
The WaterRower Natural is outfitted with a Series 4 performance monitor that’s designed to balance technical sophistication with user-friendliness. The monitor–which includes six information and programming windows, six QuickSelection buttons, and three navigation buttons–displays your workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, zone bar, duration, and distance. Plus, the monitor is compatible with an optional heart rate chest strap and receiver, which helps you optimize your workout and achieve your exercise objectives.
The WaterRower Natural is handcrafted in solid ash and stained honey oak for consistency of color. The wood was chosen due to its marvelous engineering properties, especially its ability to absorb sound and vibration, which enhances the WaterRower’s quiet performance and smooth operation. Ash, like all woods used in the construction of the WaterRower, is a premium hardwood with incredible longevity and dimensional stability. In addition, the wood is harvested from replenishable forests and is hand finished with Danish oil to provide a deep luster.
Other details include dual rails with four corner wheels that increase seat stability and reduce the amount of sweat buildup; a frame that flips upright for handy storage; and a weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. The WaterRower Natural measures 84 by 21 by 22 inches (W x H x D), weighs 117 pounds (with water), and carries a one-year warranty on the frame and components (WaterRower will upgrade the warranty to five years on the frame and three years on the components with the completion of a registration form).
Related Products
WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Series Natural Rowing Machine
Rating : / 5.0
Price on Jul 19, 2010 21:20:06 : $1,195.00
Offer Price : $1,195.00
Best Deal Today @ Amazon Check Price Now !
WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Series Natural Rowing Machine Features
- Signature Xeno Muller rowing machine with “water flywheel” that replicates actual rowing feel
- Flywheel sits in enclosed water tank to provide smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance
- Series 4 performance monitor tracks workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more
- Solid ash and stained honey oak construction; includes Xeno Muller signature engraved into top deck
- Stores upright; measures 84 x 21 x 22 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 117 pounds
WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Series Natural Rowing Machine Overviews
The WaterRower Signature Series uses our standard Natural model, crafted in solid Ash wood with a honey oak stain and Danish oil. The rower features a wider handle (17″), lower foot rests, WaterRower decals on the rails with a signature engraved onto the the top deck. Xeno Muller Signature Series WaterRower featuring Xeno Muller’s signature engraved onto the top deck. Along with your purchase of this rower, Xeno offers you a 1 year subscription to row2go.us as well as 1 free coaching session via Skype, iChat, or Google Video.
WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Series Natural Rowing Machine Specifications
Rowing has long been recognized as the perfect aerobic pursuit, with naturally smooth and flowing movements that don’t tax the joints but do tax the heart rate. Now you can take your rowing experience to the next level with the WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Series Natural rowing machine, which includes the signature of the famed Swiss rower and Olympic gold medalist engraved onto the top deck. Using the same principles that govern the dynamics of a boat in water, the Xeno Muller Natural is outfitted with a “water flywheel” that consists of two paddles in an enclosed tank of water that provide smooth, quiet resistance, just like the paddles in an actual body of water. As a result, the machine has no moving parts that can wear out over time (even the recoil belt and pulleys don’t require lubricating or maintaining). More significantly, the water tank and flywheel create a self-regulating resistance system that eliminates the need for a motor. As with real rowing, when you paddle faster, the increased drag provides more resistance. When you paddle slower, the resistance is less intense. The only limit to how fast you can row is your strength and your ability to overcome drag. And unlike conventional rowing machines, which tend to be jerky and jarring, the Xeno Muller Natural is remarkably smooth and fluid.
The Natural’s water tank and flywheel provide smooth, quiet resistance that feels just like real rowing. |
From a fitness perspective, the Xeno Muller Natural works 84 percent of your muscle mass, helping tone and strengthen your muscles while burning far more calories than most other aerobic machines. The exercise is also low impact, as it removes all the body weight from the ankles, knees, and hips, but still moves the limbs and joints through a full range of motion–from completely extended to completely contracted.
The Xeno Muller Natural is outfitted with a Series 4 performance monitor that’s designed to balance technical sophistication with user-friendliness. The monitor–which includes six information and programming windows, six QuickSelection buttons, and three navigation buttons–displays your workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, zone bar, duration, and distance. Plus, the monitor is compatible with an optional heart rate chest strap and receiver, which helps you optimize your workout and achieve your exercise objectives.
This Signature Series rower includes Xeno Muller’s signature engraved onto the top deck. |
The Xeno Muller Natural is handcrafted in solid ash and stained honey oak for consistency of color. The wood was chosen due to its marvelous engineering properties, especially its ability to absorb sound and vibration, which enhances the rower’s quiet performance and smooth operation. Ash, like all woods used in the construction of the rower, is a premium hardwood with incredible longevity and dimensional stability. In addition, the wood is harvested from replenishable forests and is hand finished with Danish oil to provide a deep luster.
Other details include dual rails with four corner wheels that increase seat stability and reduce the amount of sweat buildup; a 17-inch-wide handle; a frame that flips upright for handy storage; and a weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. The Xeno Muller Natural measures 84 by 21 by 22 inches (W x H x D), weighs 117 pounds (with water), and carries a one-year warranty on the frame and components (WaterRower will upgrade the warranty to five years on the frame and three years on the components with the completion of a registration form). The rower also comes with a one-year subscription to Xeno Muller’s website and one free coaching session via Skype, iChat, or Google Video.
Posted in Rowers | 
Tags: Machine, Muller, Natural, Rowing, Series, Signature, WaterRower | 
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