WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine Review

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If you are looking for a good high end rowing machine option to go with, the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is an option to keep in mind. While it is the most expensive option on our list, it does have some good features which make it worth the investment.

Overview

If you don’t like reading all that much, let’s make it easier for you! Here is a nice little video description of the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor.

Main Features

Let’s talk about some of the biggest and best features that come along with the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor.

  • Water flywheel to mimic real water rowing.
  • Self-regulated resistance.
  • Very smooth and quiet operation.
  • Fairly space friendly design.
  • Solid black walnut construction with Danish oil finish.
  • Does a good job at absorbing noise and vibration.
  • Very durable – 1,000-pound user weight limit.
  • Series 4 performance monitor for progress tracking.
  • Four corner wheels on the seat for stability and a smooth glide along the rails.

Dimensions & Weight

In case you were wondering how much space you are going to need to house the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor, let’s talk about the dimensions quickly. Keep in mind when reading the dimensions, in terms of high end rowing machines, while being quite large, this model is fairly average. You will however still need a decent amount of space to accommodate this model.

  • Length: 84 inches (213 cm)
  • Width: 22 inches (56 cm)
  • Height: 21 inches (53 cm)
  • Weight: 117 pounds.

Warranty

Just like with the other WaterRower Rowing Machine options on our list, the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor comes with a 1-year warranty on both the frame and all moving parts. There is a registration form you can fill out in order to upgrade the warranty to five years on the frame and 3 years on all moving parts.

Assembly

When it comes to assembly, this model is no different than the other WaterRower Rowing Machine options. All you need is a screwdriver and wrench to assemble it. Everything you need already comes included and if you are working alone it should take you no more than 1 hour to complete assembly, and even less if you have some help.

What We Like About The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor

This is a great rowing machine option to go with, but why is that? These are the features which we really like when it comes to this particular rowing machine option.

Something that we do really like about the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is that it is made out of solid black walnut wood and is finished off with Danish oil. When it comes to aesthetics, this has to be the best looking rowing machine we have ever laid our eyes on. The solid wood construction of the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is also ideal for minimizing noise and vibration caused by intense rowing. Moreover, the wood design of this item makes it very strong and durable, so much so that it can hold up to 1,000 pounds in weight. This is an extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing rowing machine option to go with.

Another thing that we really like about the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is that it uses patented water flywheel technology. This water flywheel is perfect for advanced users who want to closely mimic the feel of rowing in real water. The water resistance is pretty convenient because it works in a very simple manner. The faster you row the harder the challenge gets, and the slower you go, the lighter the resistance becomes. Many people do like this self-regulating resistance of water flywheels. There is also the fact that this water flywheel design is very quiet and provides you with a smooth operation too.

Yet another thing that is great about the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is that it comes with an intuitive Series 4 performance monitor. This thing can help you keep track of your daily progress by tracking things like workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, distance, duration, and more. This monitor also works with an optional wireless chest strap for heart rate monitoring. Even better is that this Series 4 monitor has 6 info and programming windows, quick navigation buttons, and quick selection button as well.

What We Don’t Like About The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor

Now that we have praised the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor, it is time to talk about some of the less positive aspects of this rowing machine.

It is expensive. The bottom line is that this model is not all that different from the other WaterRower Rowing Machine options we have talked about, yet it is going to cost you around 1,600 dollars. While it may have a high-quality wood construction, that does not seem good enough to justify quite such a high price.

The water flywheel cannot be adjusted for resistance manually. The self-regulating resistance feature may be convenient for some people, but many like to be able to make adjustments manually. There is also the fact that this thing weighs close to 120 pounds when filled with water.

Alternatives To The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor

For a little point of reference, let’s compare the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor with a couple of the other high end models on our list.

WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor and the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor

Since they are all of the same brand name, we figured it would only make sense to compare the WaterRower Classic to the Natural and the Club. More or less, everything about all 3 of these rowing machines is the same. They have the same design, the same Series 4 performance monitor, the same water flywheel, and the same weight and dimensions too. The only real difference is that the WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine is made out of better looking and slightly stronger wood, just like the Natural uses slightly better wood than the Club. When it comes to the WaterRower brand, the Classic is the most expensive, the Club is the cheapest, and the Natural sits right in the middle.

Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

It all really comes down to a matter of personal preference. On one hand, the Concept2 model E doesn’t look nearly as nice, is not as strong, and is not as quiet as the WaterRower Classic. On the other hand, the Concept 2 is much lighter and can be separated in half, it has an adjustable resistance mechanism, and is much cheaper too. Now, we wouldn’t say that there is much difference in terms of quality, but it does come down to whether you like wood or metal more, and whether you prefer a water flywheel or an air flywheel.

Final Thoughts On The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor

The WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor is definitely an awesome option to go with. It may be a little expensive when compared to some of the other higher end models, but its sleek look is a big bonus in our eyes. This rowing machine is strong, durable, has a high weight limit, a real water rowing feel, and is quiet to use too. However, it is quite expensive no doubt.