Water Rower :
Ash S4
Price :
$1,095.00
Offer Price :
$1,095.00
"Ok but with some reservations, limited comparison w Concept 2" 2008-12-22
By 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 $1000+ 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 $200 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.
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