Best Water Rower
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Water Rower Options for Every Budget: But Which Model is the Best?
You only need to experience a water rowing machine once, and you’ll instantly understand why experienced users say water rowers are best.
The magic is in the realistic, water-powered resistance. It creates a smooth, predictable, and powerful row that will optimise your training time. Water rowers also look amazing. Original models have wooden frames, with some innovative designs competing for your attention.
In the past the best water rowers were high-priced.
These days, competition from major brands means you can pick up a bargain model.
This page covers water rowers in depth. You’ll find mini reviews covering the main options below. After that is the FAQ, feature-by-feature guide, water vs magnetic comparison, maintenance tips and some alternatives to consider.
Table: The Best Water Rower for Different Budgets and Fitness Levels
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Best Original Water Rower - The Stunning A1 The original water rowers look wonderful, and have the original technology for the smoothest possible row. Choose a basic or advanced S4 monitor, and from a range of wood or metal designs. |
Check Price!Read Review |
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Best Commercial Water Rower - The Life Fitness ROW HX Whether you are fitting a commercial gym or simply want the best home rowing machine, the stunning and high-tech Row HX from Life Fitness should be high on your priority list. |
Check Price! |
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Best Water Rower for Small Spaces - Capital Sports PA unique under-rail tank design makes this model from Capital Sports around 50cm shorter than most water rowers. Perfect for smaller spaces! |
Check Price! |
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Best Budget Water Rower - JLL Aqua 1 JLL Combined water resistance with elastic resistance to give you extra power in the Aqua 1. This model stands upright for easy storage too. A genuine bargain from a top British fitness brand. |
Check Price!Read Review |
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Best Value Family Water Rower - from Dripex Dripex make a range of solid, robust fitness equipment at the lower price range. Their water rower ticks all the right boxes for the entire family to enjoy - without breaking the bank. |
Check Price! |
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Best Stylish Water Rower - The Adidas R-21 We will be hearing a lot more from Adidas' fitness equipment dept soon if their stunning R-21 Water Rower is anything to go by, this is smart and high-tech, a solid pick. |
Check Price! |
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Best Alternative (Magnetic) Rower - The RW700 The 14" HD monitor is just the start of the impressive technology that went into the NordicTrack RW700. You get iFit training, silent magnetic resistance and an ergonomic design. |
Check Price!Read Review |
Best Water Rower Reviews: The Top Brands for Different Budget Levels
#1 – The Original (and Stunning) Water Rower Ranhe
The original water rower natural broke the mould not only for rowing machines, but for fitness equipment generally.
It is made from ash.
Using hardened wood for the frame is not just a gimmick, the Water Rower Natural has a spec that puts other brands to shame. I love the design, with the front-mounted tank behind the sloped wooden cover. The seat sits on a double rail – and each model is compatible with rowing / fitness apps too.
You’ll get self-regulating resistance. The ‘law of cubes’ means that each time you double the speed, you need 8x the power to overcome the added resistance).
It may come as a surprise to see that the Water Rower natural folds. The rails pivot upwards, leaving the tank-end of the unit as a steady base.
Original water rowers are competitively priced with other major brands – though are more of a long-term investment than a bargain.
Check out the hugely positive feedback from users and see the stunning picture gallery for yourself now – over on this page at the official Water Rower store at amazon.co.uk.
Original Water Rower Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Original machine designed by Olympic rower John Duke
- Stunning natural ash design
- Compatible with multiple rowing / fitness apps
- Folds away between uses
Cons:
- Higher price tag than rivals
- Bulky / Heavy unit
#2 – Commercial Quality Water Rower: The Row HX from Life Fitness
This model is perfect for anyone that wants a commercial quality water rowing machine for use at home. Life Fitness is an amazing brand, and their cardio equipment is found in boutique gyms and studios around the world.
With the HX water rower you get a wood / tempered steel frame which combines the durability with a stylish hardwood finish. Note there is even a wooden addition to the seat, which is ergonomically designed and sits higher than many rival water rowing machines.
A big plus for the Life Fitness HX is that you can adjust through four resistance levels by turning a dial. There is no need to constantly stop to add or remove water from the NNN litre tank. Every stroke will provide the same smooth, predictable resistance. At 213 cm long, the HX is a good pick for taller people, with the recommended top user weight a solid 150kgs.
Finally, this rowing machine is compatible with Bluetooth heart-rate monitoring chest straps.
Check out this stunning design and latest price now – over on this dedicated page for the Life Fitness HX water rower at Best Gym Equipment UK.
Pros and Cons of the Life Fitness HX Water Rower:
Pros:
- Hardwood design with tempered steel frame
- Four resistance levels with no water add / removal
- Commercial quality rower for home use
- Compatible with Bluetooth heart-rate training
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other home rowers
- Resistance dial hard to reach from rowing position
See the impressive range of commercial water rowers (including the Life Fitness RX) now – at www.bestgymequipment.co.uk!
#3 – Capital Sports: Best Designed Water Rower with Under Rail Tank
I love the design of the Capital Sports water rower. This has a big advantage – it makes the unit shorter than the alternatives. As one buyer brilliantly put it, about the length of a double bed (156cm to be precise). Putting the tank below the rail has the effect of making the unit naturally stable.
You get a water pump and hose with your unit, though the AA batteries needed for the console unit are not provided. Capital Sports rowers are pre-assembled, taking away that annoying delay while you connect the different pieces.
With a 13-litre tank, and maximum user weight of 150kgs (23.6 stone) – this is a solid water rower. The mid-range price tag makes brings realistic water-based resistance to everyone. The monitor has an LCD display, which has your covered for the basics including strokes per minute and calories burned.
A popular alternative which is ideal for anyone short on space.
Check out the impressive picture gallery and the latest price now on this dedicated product page for Capital Sports Water Rowers at amazon.co.uk!
Pros and Cons of the Capital Sports Water Rower:
Pros:
- Unique design with under-rail water tank
- Shorter than rival rowing machines
- Realistic resistance from a 13-litre tank
- Track your progress with inbuilt display or use your tablet
Cons:
- No batteries included for the display
- No compatibility with 3rd party rowing apps
#4 – Best Value Water Rower: The Water Rowing Machine from Dripex
A real bargain from Dripex is their Water Rowing Machine.
This brand is famous for their magnetic rowers (and exercise bikes). Expect a solid unit, which is easy to set up and use. Despite the low-price tag compared to the other water rowers covered on this page, Dripex provide a full 20 litre tank for this model. This gives you natural resistance, which varies with the level of water you add or remove from the tank. With a stainless-steel frame (I love the curves at the front), this water rower is built to last at a same time as boasting a bargain price point.
You get a simple and effective LCD monitor with the Dripex water rowing machine. This covers all the key performance metrics, including time rowing, calories burned, distance covered, stroke count, and total count. A small but useful touch is that you can change the angle of the monitor – enabling different height users to use it.
Finally, this unit folds between uses.
Low price is a selling-point, and you’ll be surprised by the quality of this unit.
Check out the impressive picture gallery (which shows how the blades work) now – over on the official Dripex water rower page at amazon.co.uk!
Pros and Cons of the Dripex Water Rower:
Pros:
- Super-low price compared to other brands
- Solid, stainless-steel build
- Full 20-litre tank
- Folds away between uses
Cons:
- Basic monitor
- Not app compatible
#5 – British Brand Bargain: The JLL Aqua 1 Water Rower
Regular readers of Fitness Review will know I’m a big fan of Birmingham-based JLL Fitness.
Their Aqua 1 water rower follows a long line of competitively priced home fitness equipment that gets the job done without the frills. This model combines water resistance, with elastic resistance for a smooth row with powerful, natural resistance.
While you won’t get the fancy wooden frame at this price point, it looks smart. To me, it is more similar to the design of magnetic rowers – with the obvious addition of the front mounted water tank. This is a solid machine, with a max user weight of 150kgs (23.6 stone).
The monitor has 11 different functions. They include your pulse, total calories, date / clock, calendar, temperature, rowing time, row time per 500 meters, calories burned, distance covered, total strokes per session and strokes per minute. This is more than enough to track the improvement in your fitness over time.
If you prefer some entertainment while you row – the Aqua 1 also has a stand for a phone or a laptop.
JLL Fitness are well-known for great service, as well as the lower prices than many rivals.
Check the full gallery and latest price for the JLL Aqua 1 water rower now over on this dedicated product page at the official JLL amazon.co.uk store!
Pros and Cons of the JLL Aqua 1 Water Rowing Machine:
Pros:
- Low price point compared to rival brands
- JLL are British and have a great record of customer service
- Combines water and belt resistance for the best of both worlds
- 11 function LCD monitor + tablet / phone stand
Cons:
- Not as stylish as the wooden models
#6 – Adidas R-21 Water Rowing Machine
Adidas are better known for their shoes and sports clothing than their fitness equipment. When you see the attention to detail (and style) of their R-21 Water Rower, you’ll instantly know this is worth a closer look. The design is futuristic, clean, and smart – with a front-mounted 12 litre tank that has seven levels.
Details worth noting include the seat – which has a unique ergonomic design, and the foot holders. This unit is 215cm long and does not feature a folding mechanism. Choose between using the LCD display (which has you covered for the key stats) or using the stand for your own tablet or smartphone.
You get a free chest strap heart rate sensor with the R-21.
I’m predicting that we see Adidas make big strides into the home fitness equipment market over the next year or two. If their R-21 Water Rower is anything to go by, then the competition had best watch out.
Check out the impressive gallery of the Adidas R-21 for yourself now – on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page.
Pros and Cons of the Adidas R-21 Water Rowing Machine
Pros:
- Stunning modern design with clean lines
- Ergonomic seat and foot holders
- Free chest strap to monitor your heart rate
- Sync with your phone or tablet for app- based workouts
Cons:
- Does not fold
- Requires some setup
Feature by Feature: What to Look for Before You Decide Which Water Rower to Buy?
Tank Capacity and Levels:
Resistance for water rowing machines is determined by the level of water in the tank. The capacity of the tank allows for greater resistance (you have more water to move with each stroke). Top water rowers feature 20-litre tanks. 10 litres are the minimum required for a decent row – with most models in-between. While the toughest resistance is only needed for the fittest users, you can future proof your machine by choosing a bigger capacity tank. While it is up to you how much water you add, levels on the tank will provide a useful guideline.
Blade System:
Blades are at the core of the mechanism for water rowing machines. They create the drag in the water tank which is your resistance. The number of blades, their angle and adjustability are all important factors. While all the best water rowers have quality mechanisms, this is something to look at closely for no-brand models. Check feedback carefully for reports of blades failing – as this would effectively make your rower unusable.
Frame / Build Material:
I’m a big fan of the wooden frames of the original Water Rower brand. That said, stainless steel rowers are strong and durable. Look for a sturdy, heavy unit that won’t wobble (rubber mats make a surprisingly big difference). A flimsy rail or an overly ‘plasticky’ build should be red flags.
Seat / Ergonomics:
You might live with an uncomfortable seat initially, but it will soon become an issue and make you regret not factoring it in properly. Look for contoured seats, ergonomic designs, and a little cushioning. There is no point in getting that natural rowing action if the discomfort coming from your rower puts you off from training at all.
Monitor:
There are three styles of monitor / console to choose from on water rowing machines. The most basic is a simple LCD display, which scrolls between the key measures including strokes, distance, calories and so on. In the middle here are more advanced LCD monitors, which have programs to follow and displays to track your progress visually (for example blocks). Pay more and you get a full-colour monitor – like a tablet.
App Compatibility:
Working with popular rowing or general fitness apps factors into your decision on which type of monitor to get. Water rowers work with Zwift, KinoMap and specific apps including Ergatta, CITYROW and LiveRowing. You’ll either use a built-in monitor or plug in your own phone or tablet. Apps are a brilliant way to track your fitness, and to make rowing more interactive and enjoyable.
Stand for Tablet:
Whether you want to use a rowing app with your water rower, or simply have entertainment while you row – a stand for your phone, tablet or iPad makes all the difference. While I would not personally put this high on my list of features, if there was a close call between two models, that stand would be the deciding factor.
Rower Size:
Rowing machines are around 2 meters long, though there are some variations based on the position of the water tank. For example, the Capital Sports model is shorter than the Water Rower models. Here are the sizes of each water rower featured on this page for comparison:
- Water Rower A1: 210cm
- Capital Sports Water Rower: 156cm
- Dripex Water Rower: 189cm
- JLL Aqua 1: 211cm
- Adidas Water Rower: 215cm
- Life Fitness Water Rower: 213cm
Does it Fold?
Related to the overall size of each model is the ability to fold. Generally, the rails pivot up between uses. Some have bolts, others have lever mechanisms. For anyone short on space, folding is a must-have. Look for front transport wheels too. You will be able to easily move your rower to a corner, before folding up the rail.
Best Water Rowing Machines: Frequently Asked Questions
How to Fill / Empty the Water Tank?
You’ll get a syphon with your machine, along with a flexible tube. There is no getting away from the hassles of adding and removing water. What you must decide is whether the smooth resistance and natural feel are worth the occasional task of adding and removing water. You will need a separate container, though the process is relatively straightforward once you have done it once or twice.
How Does the Water Resistance Work?
Water rower resistance works in two ways – stroke speed and total water displaced.
Stroke speed may feel counter intuitive if you have only rowed using magnetic resistance (which is constant as you increase speed). As your strokes speed up, the total amount of water you need to move also moves up. This makes is harder (resistance wise) to row.
The other factor is the total amount of water in the tank. As you add more water the base resistance increases. Add in the speed / total increase, and you get two different ways to give your training a boost.
Are Water Rowers Noisy?
No, in fact you get lower noise levels with a water rower than you do with an air-based or magnetic rowing machine. Instead of the ‘zzziiiiippp’ sound, there is a gentle splashing sound. This is naturally softer and more difficult to pick up from different rooms. If you are in an apartment, water rowers are the quieter option.
Do Water Rowers Fold?
Yes, most water rowing machines will fold. Their design is naturally stable, with the front-mounted water tank giving a solid base. All you need now is to pivot the rail upwards, and your rower takes a fraction of the space it did before. Look for machines with transport wheels. That way you’ll be able to wheel them against a wall before you fold the rail – keeping everything tidy.
Are Water Rowers More Expensive than Regular / Magnetic Ones?
Yes, at least on average. For the extra money you get resistance which will stay constant over time, stylish designs, and the natural feel of rowing on real water. Price wise, there are magnetic rowers which are more expensive (for example the Concept 2), and lower-priced water rowers (for example the JLL Aqua 1).
Will I Need to Clean the Water Tank?
Yes, you have two lines of defence when it comes to tank cleaning. The battle is against microscopic algae and bacteria which will multiply over time – making the water cloudy. If your rower gets direct sunlight, then you will need to clean your tank more frequently.
Line of defence 1: Water purification tablets. These are commonly available and will use a process than creates small amounts of chlorine to clear the water. A tablet every few months will keep those pesky algae at bay.
Line of Defence 2: Take out the water and give the tank a thorough flush. Use the syphon you get with your water rower and fill / repeat at least twice. When you fill for the third time, add a water purification tablet and you’ll have clear water for months.
Alternatives to Water Rowers: What Other Rowing Machines Make the Grade?
There is some serious competition when it comes to rowing machines.
The ideas for alternatives to water rowers below only scratch the surface. That said, they are the most popular machines with a track record going back years.
#1 Concept 2 Rowing Machines
Every area of home fitness has its go-to brand – and the amazing Concept 2 has been the rowing machine to beat for many years now. It has iconic looks, app compatibility and power that is plenty enough for even the fittest user.
While not cheap (even compared with the high-end water rowers covered above), a Concept 2 rowing machine will last for years – making is great value.
Check out the spec of these gorgeous rowers for yourself now – on this page at Best Gym Equipment UK!
#2 – A Live Personal Trainer While You Row: The NordicTrack RW700
The new RW700 from NordicTrack comes with a rotating 14” HD touchscreen monitor.
You can choose to row through scenic rivers or join live (or recorded) classes using iFit. Your trainer will adjust the resistance for the entire class in real time remotely – for a truly interactive experience. Naturally, you can adjust the 26 resistance levels yourself, and track your progress over time.
These are amazing rowers, and NordicTrack pioneer technology with their classic Scandi style.
Check this page at NordicTrack’s official UK site, for more information on these powerful rowing machines.
#3 – Air Rowing Value: The JLL Ventus 3
Just as the JLL Aqua combines water and elastic resistance, their Ventus 3 uses a combination setup. This time you get electronic magnetic resistance, combined with air resistance. The big cage at the front of this machine also cools you as you row (a great advantage of this type of rower).
This model is app compatible, or you can use the LCD monitor to track your progress – a heart-rate band is included.
For anyone not familiar with JLL, they are a British brand that produce value fitness equipment for home users. I’m a big fan.
Check the impressive close-ups and see that the Ventus air rower can do – on this page at the official JLL Amazon.co.uk store now!
Wrapping Up: Which is the Best Water Rower in 2023?
As much as I love the original Water Rower Natural with its stylish wooden frame and realistic rowing action – you need to have the budget to own one.
My personal take is that the best water rower is one that:
- Works with your budget, at least in instalments
- Won’t let you down (a long warranty and solid brand helps)
- Provides a flexible, natural rowing action that will get you to peak fitness
You got this far though my super-detailed guide, and now know about the brands, features and pros / cons of water rowing machines.
That same summary table from the top of this page will now make a lot more sense.
I have repeated it below – once you have a water rower, you’ll never go back to magnetic!
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Best Original Water Rower - The Stunning A1 The original water rowers look wonderful, and have the original technology for the smoothest possible row. Choose a basic or advanced S4 monitor, and from a range of wood or metal designs. |
Check Price!Read Review |
| |
Best Commercial Water Rower - The Life Fitness ROW HX Whether you are fitting a commercial gym or simply want the best home rowing machine, the stunning and high-tech Row HX from Life Fitness should be high on your priority list. |
Check Price! |
| |
Best Water Rower for Small Spaces - Capital Sports PA unique under-rail tank design makes this model from Capital Sports around 50cm shorter than most water rowers. Perfect for smaller spaces! |
Check Price! |
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Best Budget Water Rower - JLL Aqua 1 JLL Combined water resistance with elastic resistance to give you extra power in the Aqua 1. This model stands upright for easy storage too. A genuine bargain from a top British fitness brand. |
Check Price!Read Review |
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Best Value Family Water Rower - from Dripex Dripex make a range of solid, robust fitness equipment at the lower price range. Their water rower ticks all the right boxes for the entire family to enjoy - without breaking the bank. |
Check Price! |
| |
Best Stylish Water Rower - The Adidas R-21 We will be hearing a lot more from Adidas' fitness equipment dept soon if their stunning R-21 Water Rower is anything to go by, this is smart and high-tech, a solid pick. |
Check Price! |
| |
Best Alternative (Magnetic) Rower - The RW700 The 14" HD monitor is just the start of the impressive technology that went into the NordicTrack RW700. You get iFit training, silent magnetic resistance and an ergonomic design. |
Check Price!Read Review |
