Ergatta Lite is Ergatta’s newly released lighter, shorter and more budget friendly indoor rowing machine. In this article we break down the main differences between the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta original indoor rowing machine. Let’s dive in and compare the Ergatta Lite and see what the differences are including the lighter frame and ‘lighter’ retail price of the Ergatta Lite.
Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Specs
| Ergatta Lite | Ergatta | |
| Weight | 72 lbs | 105 lbs |
| Portability | Stands vertically | Stands vertically |
| Size | 82″ L x 23″ W | 86″ L x 23″ W |
| Resistance Type | Water | Water |
| Wood Type | Oak | Cherry |
| Resistance Levels | Self-regulated* | Self-regulated* |
| Maximum User Weight | 320 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Maximum User Height | 6’4″ | 6’8″ |
| Monitor | 17.3″ HD touch display | 17.3″ HD touch display |
| Power Requirement | Power Outlet | Power Outlet |
| Subscription Cost | $29/Month** | $29/Month** |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
| Price | Check current price on Ergatta.com | Check current price on Ergatta.com |
**Price Current December 2023 | Ergatta offers discounts for prepaid memberships check Ergatta.com for details
Build Details
Build differences between the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta
Both the Ergatta Lite and the original Ergatta rowing machine are custom models of WaterRower the leading water resistance indoor rowing machine manufacturer. WaterRower indoor rowing machines are hand made in the USA since the 1980’s and are widely known for their high quality build. Ergatta also offer free purification tablets for users to keep their water tanks clean. Replacement parts are also available for users to self-replace.
Ergatta Lite
The Ergatta Lite is a custom model of the WaterRower oak dual rail indoor rowing machine with the Ergatta touchscreen attached to it. However it does have some key differences than that of the original WaterRower oak frame such as:
- Diagonal frame cuts rather than the vertical, giving it a more sleek appearance.
- Ergatta engraved branding on the frame
- WaterRower oak frame is suitable for users up to 700lbs
- WaterRower oak frame weighs 103.5lbs with water
Comparing Ergatta Lite vs Ergatta’s original indoor rowing machine, key differences in the build are:
- Ergatta Lite is made from oak wood rather than cherry wood that the original Ergatta is made out of
- Ergatta Lite doesn’t have the cut-outs in the frame that the Ergatta has.
- Ergatta Lite has the standard WaterRower monitor arm rather than the unique chunky Ergatta monitor arm.
- Ergatta Lite features different foot placements and straps
- Ergatta Lite doesn’t feature the slick black seal around the water tank it is clear instead
- Ergatta Lite frame weighs significantly less at 72 lbs vs 105 lbs
- Ergatta Lite frame is shorter at 72″ vs 86″
The Experience
Both the Ergatta Lite and the Ergatta feature the same 17.3″ HD 1920×1080 touchscreen and I believe they are both using a similar ‘smart’ power meter used for accurately measuring the absolute wattage applied by the user throughout each stroke. This means that aside from the differences in the rowing machine frame the actual rowing experience and training experience on both machines is pretty much identical, making the Ergatta Lite a solid option for those wanting to start using Ergatta on a lower budget.
The Ergatta Experience
Ergatta has a beautiful smooth flowing resistance right from the beginning to the end of the stroke which is created by Ergatta’s WaterRower water flywheel. As well as that smoothing feeling rowing on a WaterRower there are also psychological benefits of rowing with a water resistance rower. The sound of water is meditative and can be a relaxing unwind after a busy day of work.
As far as the workout programs that Ergatta offers, Ergatta doesn’t offer instructor led classes but includes unique beautifully designed and constructed games and programs 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 a unique and powerful form of training and their workouts are fun and engaging.
Ergatta as a connected experience machine is really great for someone that likes to see their metrics and data that is looking to improve their times and progress. Ergatta constantly trains and challenges you. Workouts push you to hit your achievable intervals. It keeps you accountable and progressing. Ergatta provides a great platform for someone competitive that loves to challenge themselves and other
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. This makes it also suitable to use as a tool for other types of mixed exercise interval training. Ergatta is great for someone that wants to get fit and progress in their rowing in an efficient and effective way.
Features:
- Race workouts: choose users to race against or race against yourself or let Ergatta select it automatically based on your intensity zone metrics. Race workouts can be chosen based on duration or distance
- Push Programs: Goal based training programs, completing sections of the program unlocks subsequent sections holding you accountable and keeping you progressing towards your goals
- Interval workouts: Use hundreds of different workouts with different intensity, focus and lengths which help you reach your targets
- Programs are curated based on your calibrated intensity zones
Choosing Your Indoor Rowing Machine
So why would you choose the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta?
Choose the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta if you:
- Prefer to have a shorter rowing machine 82″ length vs 86″ length if you have limited space to fit the rowing machine in.
- Prefer to have a lighter indoor rowing machine which will make it a little easier to move to stand upright the Ergatta Lite weighs 72 lbs with water compared with the Ergatta weighing 105 lbs.
- Prefer to save money (currently the Ergatta Lite sells for $500 cheaper than the original Ergatta indoor rowing machine).
- Like the lighter oak wood frame over the darker cherry wood frame
Choose the original Ergatta if you:
- Like the aesthetics of the darker cherry wood frame and the chunky custom details unique to Ergatta such as the chunkier monitor arm and sleek cut-outs in the frame.
- Interested in being able to have the HiRise Kit (link) for the Ergatta which raises the Ergatta indoor rowing machine by “CM” great for those that prefer to have a higher machine or may have limited mobility / hip issues so it is more comfortable to hop on / off.
- Are a taller user e.g. over 6’4″.
- Are a heavier user, the Ergatta max user weight is 500 lbs compared with the Ergatta Lite max user weight of 320 lbs.
Conclusion
In conclusion I think for most people that aren’t in the heavier or taller category it will generally come down to price and preference. You are already paying quite a bit of money for your indoor rowing machine so it may be whether you prefer the look of the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta having an oak frame or Ergatta’s original cherry wood frame. Or otherwise whether you want to save yourself $600* and go for the cheaper Ergatta Lite but still have the same high quality indoor rowing experience with the same exceptional high quality training platform and community.
I think it’s great that Ergatta are looking at more ways to be able to give people the option of being able to enter the Ergatta training platform and community at a lower price point. Either way I hope you enjoy your Ergatta or Ergatta Lite and get great use out of it. Enjoy!
*current price difference between Ergatta Lite vs Ergatta in December 2023