Anyone own a WaterRower?

mrramsey1969

I've been kicking the idea of a rowing machine around for a while. I like both the concept2 and waterrower but do like the waterrower better. Just looking for some actual owner experiences.

__TMac__

I've heard great things about the Waterrower. Beautiful machine. But I do have a couple of concerns about it. You can't adjust the drag factor without physically adding or removing water. Not a huge deal, but if you have multiple users, that could be a pain. I was also talking to an owner a couple of weeks back who had sprung a leak, and he had to order a repair kit. Not something I'd want to deal with.

The Concept2 is a professional-level machine, and I think it costs less as well. I really like the C2 online log and associated rowing challenges -- they're fun and motivating. It's what I use at the gym and the boathouse, so that what I'll get when I finally get my own.

Azdak

We bought water rowers for our center to replace some old concept 2 models (lots of bureaucracy behind the choice). They have not been that well received. Previous poster outlined the lack of flexibility with the drag adjustments; the foot pad setup is awkward (there is one strap loop that adjusts both footpads--probably not as big a deal if you are only one using it); the biggest thing is that the performance monitor is awful--the display has tall, thin digits that are not easy to read and it doesn't provide near the data as the c2.

A new manager came and and figured how to buy 10 concept 2 rowers to put in the basketball gym for group classes. A number of members will take the trek down the stairs to the basketball court to use the concept 2s rather than the water rowers on the fitness floor.

In the past I always used concept 2s, but I knew there were a lot of people who preferred the WR and they had a good reputation, so I was curious how they would work out once the decision was made to bring them in. I have been really disappointed overall. The quality of the build is fine and they look great, But IMO they don't provide nearly the quality workout as the c2.

__TMac__

@Azdak - The data issue would be the deal breaker for me. I'm a data hound. You get such fantastic granularity with the C2.

Azdak

TmacMMM wrote: »

@Azdak - The data issue would be the deal breaker for me. I'm a data hound. You get such fantastic granularity with the C2.

I didn't make the decision to buy them, but I didn't strenuously oppose it either (gotta pick your battles). Since I knew the reputation I was curious how they would perform. Totally stunned the first time I put someone on there and found that there was no avg watts. And it was difficult to read and program as well. I guess I assumed that was an industry standard. They strike me as something for some upscale guy to show off in his house--definitely not a piece for someone who likes to geek out about their workouts.

L1zardQueen

I have one and love it. I am a numbers geek and understand about not getting feedback from the monitor but on the other hand it has a smooth pull and a nice whoosh sound which is hypnotic. I get a nice little workout.

MeanderingMammal

I've had one for about nine years. I'm principally a runner, so is a cross training tool for me.

I prefer the feel to that of a concept, and as upthread it can be a challenge to change the resistance. As I'm the only one that uses it that's not an issue for me. It's quieter than the Concept, and takes up somewhat less space.

In the time I've owned it I've had two faults. The speed sensor had to be replaced and just recently the tank has leaked. It'll be a 2-3 hour job to repair that once the sealant arrives.

My sessions tend to be a steady state 10000-15000m efforts, but it works well for interval training as well.

AigreDoux

I've never tried the water rower, but totally lusting over a concept2 since using one at a hotel this past week.

mrramsey1969

Thanks for the feedback people. Water leakage was a concern for me. I do like data though and it sounds like the waterrower is a little lacking inn that department. I do like that the Concept2 has Ant build in for using my HRM so that's another plus.

CafeRacer808

Echoing some of the others re leakage, I know three people with WaterRowers and all three have sprung leaks, so that's definitely something to consider, IMO.

The lack of data is also pretty huge. Ditto the lack of an organized community. C2's website is great for logging data from all of your rows. They have leader boards for various distances and times broken down by age, gender and weight class. I find being able to compare my times with people from all over the world to be a huge motivator.

WaterRowers are beautiful machines, to be sure and would probably look a lot better in my loft. But the added features C2 brings to the table made it the clear choice for me.

__TMac__

mrramsey1969 wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback people. Water leakage was a concern for me. I do like data though and it sounds like the waterrower is a little lacking inn that department. I do like that the Concept2 has Ant build in for using my HRM so that's another plus.

If you get a C2 with a PM5 monitor, you can sync it to the ErgData app on your smartphone, and then upload directly to the online log. There are other apps too, but that's the one I use.

sgt1372

Chose the C2 over the Water Rower.

Only things I liked about the WR were the better looking furniture like design and that it can be stood upright in the living area w/o looking entirely out of place. .

What I didn't like has already been mentioned above. In addition, when I was looking, I found a few neg comnents about WR's lack of customer service but found the exact opposite - - just praise - - for C2's.

Had a problem w/Garmin HR monitor that I bought from C2 w/my rower snd they sent me another. No problem.

So, I can confirm C2's excellent service in addition to the qualuty of the rower itself.

CafeRacer808

sgt1372 wrote: »

Chose the C2 over the Water Rower.

Only things I liked about the WR were the better looking furniture like design and that it can be stood upright in the living area w/o looking entirely out of place. .

What I didn't like has already been mentioned above. In addition, when I was looking, I found a few neg comnents about WR's lack of customer service but found the exact opposite - - just praise - - for C2's.

Had a problem w/Garmin HR monitor that I bought from C2 w/my rower snd they sent me another. No problem.

So, I can confirm C2's excellent service in addition to the qualuty of the rower itself.

I can personally attest to this. When I first got mine, I discovered that its drag factor was lower than C2's specs for a new machine. I emailed tech support and within an hour, I was on a conference call with two people from tech support, including the guy who runs the department. They were extremely helpful in helping me resolve the issue. It's a great machine and you can tell that the company really stands behind their product.

mrramsey1969

I think I will go for the C2 Model E. Just like the taller stance better. First step will be to make room LOL.