Ergatta have recently released a new rowing machine called the ‘Ergatta Lite’ which is a smaller, lighter and more budget friendly version of their original Ergatta rowing machine. The new Ergatta Lite rowing machine is also a connected experience rowing machine which works with their Ergatta training platform. In this article WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite we take a look at how this new rowing machine from Ergatta compares up against the WaterRower original series oak WaterRower rowing machine.
WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite Specs
| WaterRower (Oak) | Ergatta Lite | |
| Weight | 103.5 lbs | 72 lbs |
| Portability | Stands Vertically | Stands Vertically |
| Size | 82″ L x 22″ W | 82″ L x 23″ W |
| Resistance Type | Water | Water |
| Wood Type | Oak | Oak |
| Resistance Levels | Self-regulated* | Self-regulated* |
| Maximum User Weight | 700 lbs | 320 lbs |
| Maximum User Height | 6’8″ | 6’4″ |
| Monitor | S4 Performance Monitor | 17.3″ HD Touch Display |
| Power Requirement | 4x AA Batteries | Power Outlet |
| Subscription Cost | N/A | $29/Month** |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
**Price Current May 2024 | Ergatta offers discounts for prepaid memberships check Ergatta.com for details
Build Details
Build differences between the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lit
What is the difference between the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite?
The Ergatta Lite rowing machine is a custom model of WaterRower, the leading water resistance indoor rowing machine manufacturer. WaterRower indoor rowing machines are hand made in the USA since the 1980’s in Warren, Rhode Island and are widely known for their great quality build and durability.
The Ergatta Lite is similar to the WaterRower Original Series Oak rowing machine, however these are the following key differences with the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite:
- Ergatta Lite has custom diagonal frame cuts rather than the vertical, giving it a sleeker appearance.
- Ergatta engraved branding on the frame
- Ergatta Lite sports a 17.3″ HD Touch Display, the same display as the original Ergatta rowing machine the WaterRower oak has a S4 digital performance monitor looking somewhat similar to an old alarm clock.
- WaterRower Oak has a greater max user weight capacity of 700lbs vs Ergatta Lite max user weight capacity of 320lbs
- WaterRower Oak supports users up to 6″8 vs Ergatta Lite 6″4
- WaterRower Oak supports the HiRise kit, unlike the Ergatta Lite. This is useful for users that may have hip or mobility issues and having the rowing machine higher may make it easier to hop on / off for them.
Both WaterRower and Ergatta also offer free purification tablets for users to keep their water tanks clean. Replacement parts are also available for users to self-replace.
The Experience
The actual experience of rowing on both the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite rowing machines is fairly identical as they are very similar rowing machines. The main difference between the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite being that the Ergatta Lite includes a 17.3″ HD Touch Display through which to view and use the Ergatta training platform.
So, the biggest difference in experience of WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite is that of using and training with the Ergatta training platform.
Features of Ergatta:
- 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 toward your goals
- Interval workouts: Use hundreds of different workouts with different lengths, intensity, focus and lengths which help you reach your targets
- Programs are curated based on your calibrated intensity zones
- Open Row: Pick your own workout variety such as a distance or time
- Scenic Row: Row along to stunning scenery shot in different global locations
Features of WaterRower:
The WaterRower original series oak rowing machine does not include a display but instead you are equipped with a S4 performance monitor which gives you basic stats of your rowing performance.
You can get a tablet arm as an additional accessory for the WaterRower Original Series rowing machine and use your own tablet as a display in order to stream content on your tablet as you are rowing such as rowing training videos or Netflix or YouTube videos etc. You can also purchase a Bluetooth ComModule from WaterRower as an additional accessory for your WaterRower original series rowing machine and use your tablet and the various apps that WaterRower includes for free such as WaterRower Connect, WaterRower Challenge and WaterRower TV.
Note that the free WaterRower apps are nowhere near the level of detail or sophistication that the Ergatta training platform offers. You can however use the Bluetooth ComModule to sync with other third party apps that you can download on your tablet such as EXR, KinoMap, CityRow Go, Asensei.
Choosing Your Indoor Rowing Machine
The decision on whether to buy the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite comes down to these main points
- Purchase the Ergatta Lite you are wanting to join the Ergatta community and want to try their training platform which will help with your rowing performance and keep you motivated.
- Purchasing the WaterRower is more for your user that wants to do their own thing or row along to streamed content or have a technology free rowing experience.
- Even if you just have a standard WaterRower you can always upgrade at any stage to use Ergatta with the Ergatta upgrade package for your WaterRower. This can also be useful if you fit into the taller or heavier user range of 6″4+ or 320lbs+ where the WaterRower Oak supports taller and heavier users and you could add on the Ergatta upgrade package separately. Alternatively, you could also go for the Ergatta original rowing machine.
- The Price between the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite is actually quite competitive check the latest price for the WaterRower Oak on Amazon at the top of the article as well as the price for the Ergatta Lite from Ergatta.com/products/ergatta-lite/
Conclusion
The main difference between the WaterRower VS Ergatta Lite really comes down to going all in and joining Ergatta’s great rowing training platform and community which is a great way to keep you motivated and coming back regularly to your rowing sessions as well as developing your fitness or training as a rower. Unlike with some of the other smart rowing machines, if you do decide to cancel your membership or have a break you still have the ability to row on your WaterRower and have access to your stats which is great. Both options are great in order to have an excellent rowing experience on a fantastic machine.