Choosing a WaterRower rowing machine can seem a little overwhelming as WaterRower presents you with a lot of different options ultimately giving you a lot to choose from. This can be confusing for someone entirely new to the WaterRower line up. Options when choosing your WaterRower include differences in performance monitors, materials such as wood or metal as well as the ability to have connected experiences and integrate with apps or training platforms. In this article we break down the 3 main options you have when choosing your WaterRower.
What are the 3 main options when choosing your WaterRower?
The 3 main options when choosing your WaterRower are:
- A1 Hybrid monorail WaterRower.
- Original series wood and aluminum and stainless steel dual-rail WaterRowers
- Connected experience WaterRowers: CityRow and Ergatta
 | WaterRower A1 |
| View on Amazon |
 | WaterRower Natural |
| View on Amazon |
 | CITYROW Max |
| View on Amazon |
A1 Hybrid WaterRower
The A1 is somewhat considered WaterRowers ‘entry level’ rowing machine, however rather than being ‘entry level’ it actually just provides a different style machine to choose from, but still retains the great build quality that WaterRowers are known for. Featuring a monorail design which enables increased foot width placement, can make it more comfortable to get into the ideal catch position for some users. This makes this machine highly regarded and is still a very popular choice.
The A1 now features the S2 CR BLE Bluetooth monitor which gives you basic metrics and the ability to connect it with a phone or tablet to use apps like WaterRower Connect or the CityRow app. Some models of A1 also come with the S4 BLE performance monitor which gives you the ability to use the Ergatta upgrade.
Upgrade options for the A1 WaterRower:
– SmartRow upgrade which utilizes the SmartRow app
– Ergatta upgrade
– CityRow connect tablet upgrade kit
– Phone / tablet arm
Original Series WaterRower
There are not a whole lot of differences between the different models of the original series dual-rail WaterRowers. All models have the advanced ‘S4 BLE performance monitor’ and come in a range of different woods and metals. The most popular home model being the WaterRower Natural which is now crafted from sustainable solid oak wood and commericial being the aluminum WaterRower M1 used in Orange Theory fitness classes. The main difference between the original series WaterRower and the A1 Hybrid WaterRower is the original series features a wooden dual rail which makes it one of the quietest rowing machines available.
Upgrade options for the Original Series WaterRower:
– SmartRow upgrade which utilizes the SmartRow app
– Ergatta upgrade
– CityRow connect tablet upgrade kit
– Phone / tablet arm
Connected Experience WaterRowers: CityRow and Ergatta
The 3rd main option when choosing a WaterRower is the connected experience WaterRowers. These consist of the CityRow and Ergatta models. Both have partnered with WaterRower to build custom models of WaterRower which interact with their online training platforms to further enhance the training and rowing experience.
CityRow
CityRow offers studio styled cardio, strength, mobility and endurance training using the CityRow Max tablet or their app. CityRow has two different builds of WaterRower to choose from – the ‘CityRow Max’ and the ‘CityRow Classic’. The CityRow Max features a 19.5″ touchscreen with high-fidelity speakers for an immersive experience and the CityRow Classic features a phone / tablet holder to connect your own device.
You are also able to use your own WaterRower with a S4 BLE performance monitor or the S4 performance monitor with the Bluetooth ComModule as well as your own phone or tablet to view classes. They also offer a free 14-day trial to try out the CityRow app.
Ergatta
Ergatta offers 2 custom models of WaterRower the Ergatta rower and the Ergatta lite. The Ergata features a beautiful custom built American cherry wood frame including custom cut-outs which make it easier to move and sleek angles to give it a nice minimal and compact look. Performance is measured by a power-meter and displayed with a 17.5″ tablet.
The Ergatta lite is a more budget friendly version of the Ergatta rower which features a lightweight oak frame.
Ergatta offers unique beautifully designed and constructed programs and games to follow which are tailored based on your intensity zone metrics which have been calibrated from your first calibration row when you set up your Ergatta. Workouts constantly evolve based on your progress and performance.
This is great for people that like data and also why many people traditionally enjoy using a Concept2 with the PM5 vs other rowing machines as having great data and tracking keeps you motivated and progressing as well as being able to compare times against yourself and others. Workouts are highly efficient and effective. Ergatta also have ‘open row’ mode where you can program a row for a specific distance or time or free row which includes scenic video footage from locations globally.
Ergatta has also teamed up with CityRow and now also includes the CityRow instructor led classes as well offering a complete comprehensive platform.
There is also the option to purchase Ergatta as an upgrade for your existing WaterRower.
Conclusion
We hope you now know what the 3 main options are available when choosing your WaterRower rowing machine and have a better understanding of the differences between the different models and which one might be best suited for you. All the best with choosing your WaterRower 🙂