Choosing a WaterRower rowing machine 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 entry level 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 Classic |
| View on Amazon |
A1 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 still a very popular choice.
The A1 QuickStart monitor gives you basic metrics which may be fine for the average user but will not support Bluetooth so if you did plan to want to connect it with a phone or tablet to use apps then you may want to look at upgrading it to the S4 performance monitor.
Upgrade options for the A1 WaterRower:
– S4 Performance Monitor upgrade, this also supports the Bluetooth ComModule accessory (which you could then integrate with CityRow and other apps like WaterRower Connect)
– SmartRow upgrade which utilizes the SmartRow app
– Ergatta upgrade
– 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 more advanced ‘S4 performance monitor’ and come in a range of different woods and metals. The most popular home model being the WaterRower Natural and commericial being the aluminum WaterRower M1 used in Orange Theory fitness classes.
Upgrade options for the Original Series WaterRower:
– Bluetooth ComModule upgrade
– SmartRow upgrade which utilizes the SmartRow app
– Ergatta upgrade
– Phone / tablet arm
Connected Experience WaterRowers: CityRow and Ergatta
The third main option when choosing a WaterRower is the connected experience WaterRowers. These consist of the CityRow and Ergatta. 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’.
You are also able to use your own WaterRower with a 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 it out.
Ergatta
Ergatta 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.
You won’t find instructor led classes like CityRow but instead 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.
There is also the option to purchase Ergatta as an upgrade for your existing WaterRower.
Conclusion
We hope you now know what the main options are available when purchasing 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 🙂