Finally accepted I can't really run anymore (pesky niggling injuries) so decided some rowing in front of the TV might be a better way to get and keep fit.

Have been reading around and I like the look of the water rowers. Does anyone have any personal experiences with these (http://www.waterrower.co.uk)?

I recognise the concept2 model d are generally considered the 'best' but I'm drawn to these water rowers for aesthetics (it'll be used in my main living space), storage (it can be flipped vertically) and I like the idea of rowing with water

Any experiences most welcome. FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

We've got a WaterRower.





Yes for the 'keen athlete' the Concept2 are the industry standard that you will find in every gym etc, but the WaterRower does a very good job, and looks like a cool bit of techy/retro wooden furniture when simply stood up on end for storage in the corner of the room.

Having not done a lot of gym / concept2 rowing I can't offer a direct back to back comparison for extended sessions, but the action and sound of the water jobby are quite pleasant

However, when investigating, we called into a branch of Fitness Superstore to try a few rowers, and found that the noise of the concept2 wasn't quite so good for a domestic setting. Fine if you go out to the garage to get all sweaty, but somewhat more disturbing if someone is in the next room watching the tv.

On another note, if you find you don't do much rowing, you can always fill it with fish




Ian

I've only used a water rower a couple of times, but I liked it. The sound of the water plus the fact that the resistance changes with the speed of the water in the drum makes it feel (slightly) more like real rowing. Probably not a machine for a professional rower, but not bad for a domestic environment.

looks a bit 50 shades of grey when stood up  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Why not Hire one and try it. Saves having a giant exercise machine that gathers dust if you don't use it.

Thanks for the feedback! Been reading loads of reviews etc. online but it's good to get perspectives from more 'trusted' peeps

spagley : Looks great on that wood floor (similar colouring to my floor where it'll go)

re hiring: hadn't thought of that - good suggestion! Seems it is possible: http://www.rowhire.co.uk FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

pab wrote:

I've only used a water rower a couple of times, but I liked it. The sound of the water plus the fact that the resistance changes with the speed of the water in the drum makes it feel (slightly) more like real rowing. Probably not a machine for a professional rower, but not bad for a domestic environment.

Purely subjective, and I'm not a rower, but the water rower feels aimed more at providing a rowing experience while something like the Concept 2 feels more aimed at training. Don't rely on my limited experience though!

douglash wrote:

pab wrote:

I've only used a water rower a couple of times, but I liked it. The sound of the water plus the fact that the resistance changes with the speed of the water in the drum makes it feel (slightly) more like real rowing. Probably not a machine for a professional rower, but not bad for a domestic environment.

Why only for domestic? Would you think the water rower is not good enough for a competitive rower?

Curious, as I row competitively, so would like to know the reasoning. First time i have seen this so very interesting indeed.