WaterRower has been producing rowing machines since the 1980’s and their machines can be found in homes and gyms all over the world including Orange Theory studios. They even famously starred on hit Netflix series ‘House of cards’. Ergatta was formed in 2019 and designed and used a custom WaterRower build for their rowing machine. In this article Ergatta VS WaterRower we take a look at choosing between an Ergatta VS WaterRower and what options you have. In this article we will compare the Ergatta against the most popular base model of WaterRower, the WaterRower Original Series which comes in a range of different woods and has the dual rail like the Ergatta.
Ergatta VS WaterRower Specs
| Ergatta | WaterRower | |
| Weight | 103 lbs | 103.5 lbs |
| Portability | Stands | Stands |
| Size | 86″ L x 23″ W | 82″ L x 22″ W |
| Resistance Type | Water | Water |
| Resistance Levels | Self-regulated* | Self-regulated* |
| Maximum User Weight | 500 lbs | 700 lbs |
| Monitor | 17.3″ HD Touch Display | S4 Performance Monitor |
| Power Requirement | Power Outlet | 4 X AA Batteries |
| Subscription Cost | $29/Month** | Not Applicable |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
**Price Current April 2024 | Ergatta offers discounts for prepaid memberships check Ergatta.com for details
 | WaterRower Natural Ash | View on Amazon |
Build Details
The Ergatta rowing machine has to be one of the most aesthetic and beautifully designed rowing machines that exists. It features a stunning American cherry wood frame that is hand made by WaterRower who have been making wooden rowing machines since the 1980’s. WaterRowers are famous for their patented water flywheel technology which gives you a realistic sound of water splashing as you are rowing along. The Ergatta is a custom model of WaterRower built specifically for Ergatta. It includes custom cutouts which make it easier to move and sleek angles to give it a nice minimal and compact look. It is also branded with the Ergatta logo.
The WaterRower original series comes in a range of different beautiful woods including oak, ash, beech, walnut and cherry. Outside of the original series are two metal options which include the ‘M1’ which is Aluminum and the ‘S1’ brushed stainless steel model.
Great points about Ergatta and WaterRower:
+ WaterRowers including Ergatta are hand made in the USA and are built to last and have been around a long time to prove their durability
+ Made from beautiful natural wood
+ Offers a comfortable and smooth realistic rowing experience
+ Natural soothing, meditative and relaxing water noise whilst rowing
+ Water resistance and dual rail design is quiet to use and wood absorbs noise
+ Looks like a piece of furniture rather than exercise equipment
+ Replacement parts are available for the Ergatta through WaterRower and can be self-replaced
+ Both machines have wheels at the front and can be easily moved and stand upright to save space
+ Both machines are great for tall users up to 6,8″ in height
+ HiRise adapter kit available as an accessory to raise the height of the Ergatta from WaterRower (great for those that may have hip mobility issues) or buy taller legs with the Concept2 RowErg (previously standard with the Concept2 Model E)
+ Aftermarket slides can turn your Ergatta / WaterRower into a dynamic rowing machine, this coupled with the sound of the water resistance gives the closest feeling to actually being on the water in a boat and is a great training tool
+ FlowRow boards can also add lateral tilting to your machine which helps build core stability and adds the realistic feeling of balancing in a skull
+ You can get chlorine tablets free from Ergatta and WaterRower
Considerations for the Ergatta and WaterRower:
– Foot pedals are close together which can be less comfortable for some users and the seat to foot placement ratio may not be as good as other machines like the Concept2 or the WaterRower A1, this can make it harder to get into the most ideal catch position. Some WaterRower models (like the signature Xeno Müller edition) have lower foot placements and include a wider handle. Seat pads or towels can change the seat height and be of use here
– Water tank resistance cannot be changed without removing or adding water, although the resistance does change dynamically based on your intensity with water resistance
– More maintenance is required compared to magnetic or air resistance rowing machines (tank requires chlorine tablets approx. every 6 months)
– The standard WaterRower and Ergatta handle is narrow (but this can be upgraded)
Differences with the Ergatta VS WaterRower build:
– Ergatta has a black detail around the water tank and sports custom cut-outs in the side rails for easier moving as well as custom edges making it look compact, sleek and elegant. The American cherry wood frame also has Ergatta branding engraved giving it the ultimate racing aesthetics
– WaterRowers have the traditional rectangular rails and don’t come standard with a tablet arm, this is an additional accessory (apart from the WaterRower Oak Performance model)
WaterRower Models
WaterRower models are available in the following woods:
WaterRower Natural – solid ash wood, stained honey oak
WaterRower Walnut – solid American black walnut
WaterRower Cherry – solid cherry wood
WaterRower Oak – solid oak wood, stained honey oak
WaterRower Club – solid ash wood, stained in rosewood and black
WaterRower Xeno Müller signature series – solid ash
Display
Ergatta features a slick 17.3″ HD display which is a great comfortable sized display to have in front of you whilst rowing which gives a great immersive but not overpowering experience. The Ergatta has Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity for heart rate monitors and your headphone / earphone / speakers.
You can also sync to Strava or Apple Health to track and measure your progress, heart rate and more. The monitor requires to be connected to a power outlet and connected to Wi-Fi to be able to complete workout programs or games.
The S4 Performance monitor display looks a little basic and outdated compared to Ergatta’s modern HD display however you get basic functionality like stroke rate, split time, duration & distance workouts. It is very simple to use. Unfortunately it is not backlit which would have been useful in dark environments.
WaterRowers do not come with a HD display for viewing content, however you can purchase a tablet arm as an accessory and mount your phone or tablet. There is also a laptop stand that can be purchased as an accessory. An alternative to the S4 Monitor is purchasing a SmartRow Bluetooth power meter and using your phone/tablet as the display.
 | WaterRower Phone/Tablet arm | Check it out on Amazon |
The S4 Performance Monitor does not have Bluetooth as a standard feature. However, you can get a Bluetooth ComModule as an upgrade. With this you will be able to connect to WaterRower apps or third party apps. However the S4 has USB for using what apps check out “the experience” section lower in this article for more details on connected apps for the WaterRower. The S4 requires 4 x AA batteries.
Good and bad points about the S4 performance monitor:
+ Doesn’t require a power outlet
+ Basic and simple to use
– You need to glance down to see the display (as opposed to having it in front of you like the Ergatta)
– Limited functionality
– Bluetooth functionality sold as an additional accessory
– No monitor backlight
The Experience
Ergatta
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 others.
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
WaterRower
As the Ergatta is a WaterRower, rowing on the WaterRower offers the same exact beautifully smooth rowing experience as the Ergatta. The main difference in the experience is the lack of the online training platform.
Instead you have the S4 Performance Monitor.
The S4 is a very simple and basic monitor that looks similar to an old alarm clock.
It does a great job of displaying important data you require such as:
– Meters / Miles rowed
– 500 or 2k split time
– Strokes per minute
It also offers some programs such as:
- distance workout
- duration workout
- distance or duration interval workout
- set heart rate and intensity zones
- view stroke ratio
- projected distance or time
Pressing the units button changes the intensity units between meters per second, miles per hour, 500/m split time, 2km split time, watts and calories per hour.
Pressing the units button twice changes the average intensity between meters per second, miles per hour, 500m split time, 2k split time.
Pressing the units button three times lets you toggle between meters, miles, kilometers and strokes.
You can press the on button and start rowing to see your metrics or setup a pre-programmed distance, duration or interval workout using the workout programs button to get started.
The S4 does not have Bluetooth as a standard feature, but you can purchase a Bluetooth ComModule which attaches to the S4 as an additional accessory. With this you can connect to heart rate monitors and apps.
Another option instead of purchasing the Bluetooth ComModule is purchasing a SmartRow power meter which basically replaces the functionality of the S4 monitor and gives what is considered even more accurate data being a power meter, as well as Bluetooth functionality. You will need to pair it with your phone or tablet in order to use their SmartRow app.
WaterRower provides a few apps that you can use and are also supported by various third party apps.
WaterRower apps
S4 with USB: We-Row and CoxSwain
S4 With Bluetooth ComModule: WaterRower Connect, WaterRower Challenge, WaterRower TV
3rd Party Apps for S4 and Bluetooth ComModule: EXR, KinoMap, CityRow Go, Asensei
WaterRower with SmartRow Apps: SmartRow App, EXR
Pricing
At the time of writing this article the Ergatta rowing machine was $2299* and the most budget of the WaterRower original series was roughly $1189 for the Oak and $1289 for the Natural Ash / Black Ash and Club models. For some of the other woods like walnut the price increases.
When looking at the Ergatta, you will also need to factor in the membership costs for the Ergatta which is currently $29* per month or $26.58* per month when committing annually.
For those that may already have a WaterRower, an Ergatta upgrade kit is available for purchase for $649* which includes the monitor and monitor arm as well as the other necessary pieces to connect to your WaterRower.
As an cheaper alternative to the Ergatta, you could also purchase a WaterRower and purchase the Ergatta upgrade which would be cheaper but you will not have the custom Ergatta model of WaterRower and there are a few other differences.
*prices current April 2024 | Ergatta offers discounts for prepaid memberships check Ergatta.com for details and current pricing.
Choosing Your Indoor Rowing Machine
Which one is best for you?
When choosing between the Ergatta VS WaterRower a big deciding factor is obviously joining the Ergatta community and the unique training platform that they offer. If this is likely to keep you challenged and engaged with your indoor rowing, then choosing the Ergatta and paying a monthly subscription is a great choice for you.
Benefits of both machines:
- Both are great durable indoor rowing machines
- Both offer the beautiful feel and sound of water resistance
- Both offer a fantastic smooth realistic rowing experience
- Both are simple to use for the average user
- Both are going to be excellent training tools from beginners through to advanced users
Ergatta
Ergatta has great engaging games that include analytics, metrics and stats to keep you motivated and progressing and are modified as you go along in your workouts. This is great for people that like data. This is 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. When Choosing the Ergatta VS WaterRower you are getting a great fun, immersive and engaging training experience.
Where the Ergatta excels is providing a very aesthetic looking piece of fitness equipment that has a very high quality look and feel with the natural relaxing, realistic sound of water matched with a very modern sophisticated training platform. If you enjoy rowing or are also looking at using rowing to keep fit this will be an excellent choice for you.
Considerations for choosing the Ergatta VS WaterRower:
- Ergatta workouts are highly fun, efficient and effective.
- You will need to have your machine located near power / internet to complete Ergatta workouts.
- You don’t necessarily need to be connected to power or the internet to use the Ergatta, but you will obviously not have any display or metrics but you can still jump on for a row and enjoy a natural technology free rowing experience if you so choose.
- Ergatta is constantly updating and improving its rowing platform, so your choices of workouts, games and challenges are endless as updates are made.
- When choosing the Ergatta VS WaterRower you will be committing to the Ergatta subscription of $29 per month or $26.58 per month when committing annually.
- Functionality is limited if you decide to no longer continue your subscription so if you are not committed to paying a subscription then the WaterRower may be the better choice.
WaterRower
WaterRower have been around for a long time and they will continue to fill households and commercial gyms for many years to come. When choosing a WaterRower or Ergatta you are choosing an excellent machine that is going to last decades to come. With the WaterRower you still have the basic S4 monitor and it doesn’t require a subscription to get on, workout and complete a basic workout.
- More budget friendly option out of the Ergatta VS WaterRower
- Is simple and quick to hop on for a workout or use in interval training
- No power or internet required, great if you are using it where it might not be available (also great if you want to use it outside like Olympian Xeno Müller ;))
- Doesn’t require any subscription to use and has free apps to use (We-Row, WaterRower Connect, WaterRower Challenge, Smart-Row)
- Compatible with 3rd party apps, like EXR, KinoMap, CityRow Go, Asensei giving you more options for software or training programs.
- As you are only investing in a rowing machine, you aren’t locked into a particular app or service.
- Using a WaterRower with your own phone or tablet enables you to be able to watch Netflix, or YouTube or listen to Spotify as well as access other apps whilst you row.
WaterRower with Ergatta upgrade
An alternative option for those that may have already own a WaterRower or be interested in purchasing a WaterRower and buying the Ergatta upgrade as a cheaper alternative.
Some differences between the Ergatta and the WaterRower Ergatta upgrade kit:
– With the WaterRower Ergatta upgrade kit you retain the S4 performance monitor
– The WaterRower Ergatta upgrade kit plugs directly into the S4 instead of Ergatta which has a power meter at the pulleys similar to the SmartRow power meter
– Ergatta looks more minimal as it only has the HD display and not a s4 performance monitor as well.
– If you decided at a later date to stop using Ergatta you would retain the S4 Performance Monitor (although you could always purchase a S4 monitor or SmartRow power meter for the Ergatta at later date if you wished).
– The Ergatta monitor arm folds down neatly on top of the Ergatta when not in use, the WaterRower Ergatta Upgrade kit sticks out on top a bit when folded.
Conclusion
Both the Ergatta and the WaterRower rowing machines are great investments for your training, health and longevity and you can’t go wrong with either one. Both machines offer a fantastic, realistic, smooth and enjoyable rowing experience that come with decades of production experience. Whether you choose to become part of the Ergatta community and find great value in their challenging and engaging workouts or choose the flexibility of having different apps on the WaterRower and using your own display both machines are well built and guaranteed to please. I hope this article Ergatta VS WaterRower helped provide some clarity for which one may be the best fit for you. I hope you enjoy your rowing machine and wish you happy rowing!
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between the WaterRower and other Water Rower rowing machines on Amazon?
WaterRower is a trusted brand that has been selling high quality WaterRower rowing machines since the 1980’s they have a rich history of providing great products. If looking at cheaper alternatives, make sure you are getting a machine from a reputable company and that it is a quality product as they are not all made the same. There are plenty of cheap water resistance based rowing machines on Amazon but many do not provide the same quality or durability. WaterRower also provide all replacement parts for purchase and parts are self-replaceable.
What is the difference between the Ergatta and Ergatta upgrade for WaterRower?
With the Ergatta you get the custom American cherry wood model. You get a power meter instead of the display plugging in via USB to the S4 and using the stats of the S4. Smart Row and power meter technology is supposed to be more accurate than the older style sensor of the S4 to make it also more (but not equal) to that of a Concept2 which is more accurate method of measuring your performance.
The monitor arm is also different in that it folds on top with the upgrade rather than neatly around the machine with the Ergatta.
What are some cheaper alternatives to the Ergatta?
Buying a WaterRower or a WaterRower with the Ergatta upgrade is cheaper and provides a near similar experience. The Concept2 RowErg is also an excellent choice if you are wanting a cheaper but high quality rowing machine. Unfortunately there is no compatibility between the Concept2 RowErg and Ergatta, but hopefully Ergatta might decide to change that in the future.
Does Ergatta and WaterRower require much maintenance?
There is an online guide for maintenance for the WaterRower, the Water tank requires routine purification tablets to avoid algae and it is recommended to remove any dust build-up of the rowing machine with a damp cloth. It is also a good idea to routinely check that all the screws are tight.
What happens if you decide to end your Ergatta membership?
If you suspend or end your Ergatta membership you have access to a limited functionality ‘OpenRow’ module.
Other options for your Ergatta rowing machine without the Ergatta membership could include installing a SmartRow power meter in your Ergatta and start using their free app to track your data or you could probably technically install the older style S4 performance monitor with the Ergatta being a WaterRower if you wanted to convert it back to being a simple WaterRower.