ReviewFinder Rowing Machines

Hydrow Rower

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Features and Technology
Size and Space
User Experience
Durability and Build Quality
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33 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [33]

89
Total expert reviews: 33
  • with a score: 18
  • without a score: 15
Highest score by Treadmill Review Guru
100
Average score based on 33 reviews
89
Lowest score by CNET
74

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
84
Great Programming On An Exceptional Machine
The Hydrow Rower is an exceptional fitness machine that provides an immersive rowing experience with its patented technology, engaging programming, and sleek design. It is a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their fitness routine and enjoy interactive programming.
+ pros
  • Simulates the feeling of rowing on water with patented technology.
  • Features a 22" touchscreen display and front-facing speakers for an engaging experience.
  • Easy to set up and use, with programming similar to Peloton's classes but filmed on water.
  • Offers live classes and on-demand workouts.
  • Includes a competition board for added motivation and a competitive element.
  • 22-inch HD touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable viewing.
  • Monthly subscription fee of $38 with the option to add multiple profiles.
  • Sleek design that fits seamlessly into any home or garage gym.
  • Solid warranty with five years for the structural frame and 12 months for components and electronics.
- cons
  • Requires a separate kit for proper storage.
  • Weighs 143 pounds, making it difficult to move around frequently.
  • Monthly subscription fee may be more expensive than other interactive programming services.
  • Customer service primarily available through email, which some customers found inconvenient.
  • Some customers expressed concerns about the high price of the machine and subscription service.
96
Is It Worth The Price Tag?
The Hydrow rowing machine offers a realistic and immersive rowing experience with its smooth gliding motion, comfortable seat, and pre-recorded and live workouts. While it comes with a high price tag and requires a separate membership, it is a high-end product worth considering for those looking for a top-of-the-line rowing machine.
+ pros
  • Realistic rowing experience: The Hydrow rowing machine aims to provide a realistic rowing experience with its smooth gliding motion and comfortable seat.
  • Pre-recorded and live workouts: The machine offers a variety of workouts that can be accessed through its 22" HD touch screen, providing convenience and variety.
  • Adjustable resistance: The resistance on the Hydrow can be customized, allowing users to tailor their workout intensity to their preferences.
  • Sleek and stylish design: The machine has a modern and attractive design that would complement any home gym.
  • High-quality materials: The Hydrow is built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
  • Heart rate monitoring: The machine includes heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track their fitness progress and optimize their workouts.
- cons
  • High price tag: The Hydrow rowing machine comes with a high price tag, making it a significant investment.
  • No included membership: The machine does not include a membership, which means users will need to pay an additional monthly subscription fee to access all the features and workouts.
  • Non-foldable: The Hydrow cannot be folded for storage, which may be a drawback for those with limited space.
  • Heavy and not easily portable: The machine is heavy and not easily portable, so it's best to find a permanent spot for it in the home.
  • Separate storage kit required: To store the Hydrow upright, a separate storage kit needs to be purchased, adding to the overall cost.
  • Membership necessary for full access: The Hydrow Rower membership is necessary to access all the features and workouts, which means ongoing monthly subscription fees.
  • Limited warranty: While the warranty offered by Hydrow is decent, it may not be as comprehensive as some other options on the market.
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Expert consensus

The Hydrow Connected Rower is a durable and high-quality magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience for users of all skill levels.

The Hydrow Connected Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and quiet rowing experience. It features adjustable resistance levels, adjustable foot straps, and a comprehensive display of workout data. The rower is suitable for users of different skill levels and provides a visually appealing and motivating rowing experience.

In terms of size and space, the Hydrow has varying dimensions depending on the model. It requires clearance around the machine and sufficient floor space. It can be stored upright with the use of an additional storage kit, but does not have a folding design.

Users have reported a comfortable and smooth rowing experience on the Hydrow Connected Rower. The seating is cushioned and ergonomically designed, and the 10-roller system ensures a smooth gliding motion. Adjusting the resistance levels is easy and convenient, and the electromagnetic resistance system provides a smooth and strong pull.

The rowing motion is highly praised for its smoothness, closely simulating the feeling of rowing on water.

The Hydrow Connected Rower is praised for its durability and high-quality build. It is constructed using a combination of steel, aluminum, and anthracite polymer, resulting in a sturdy and long-lasting product. The frame is made from steel and aluminum, ensuring stability and durability.

The overall build quality is described as exceptional, with the machine being built like a tank and featuring commercial-grade components.

Overall, the Hydrow Connected Rower is recommended for users who prioritize durability and long-lasting performance. It provides a comfortable and smooth rowing experience, making it suitable for users of different skill levels. Whether users are looking for a low-impact exercise option or a challenging workout, the Hydrow Connected Rower is praised for its user-friendly design and exceptional rowing experience.

Features and Technology

The Hydrow Connected Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine with adjustable foot straps and a 22-inch touchscreen display that tracks workout data and provides a realistic rowing experience for users of all skill levels.

The Hydrow Connected Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and quiet rowing experience. It uses strong magnets that work against a flywheel to generate resistance, allowing users to adjust the resistance level using the drag factor on the screen. This makes it suitable for rowers of different strengths and skill levels.

The rower comes with adjustable foot straps, with grooved surfaces and multiple notched positions to accommodate various foot sizes. The straps are made of nylon and securely hold your feet in place during workouts.

Workout data is tracked and displayed on the Hydrow's 22-inch touchscreen display. It shows statistics such as speed, strokes per minute, average split time, total meters covered, estimated calories burned, and heart rate (if connected to a heart rate monitor). The display also features a rowing interface with trainers guiding you through workouts.

It can be adjusted for comfort while rowing and can be tilted to the left or right for better viewing angles.

To connect with the Hydrow for workout content, a Wi-Fi connection is required, while Bluetooth is available for connecting earbuds and third-party heart rate monitors. This allows users to use wireless earbuds even if someone else is in the room.

Overall, the Hydrow Connected Rower offers a smooth and realistic rowing stroke, adjustable resistance, adjustable foot straps, and a comprehensive display of workout data. It is suitable for users of different skill levels and provides a visually appealing and motivating rowing experience.

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Size and Space

The Hydrow Connected Rower has varying dimensions depending on the model, requires clearance around the machine, and can be stored upright with the use of an additional storage kit.

Based on expert reviews, the Hydrow Connected Rower has varying dimensions depending on the model. The original Hydrow measures approximately 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 47 inches tall, while the Hydrow Wave is slightly smaller at approximately 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches tall.

These dimensions provide a general idea of the size of the rower.

When considering space requirements, it is important to have clearance around the machine. It is recommended to have at least two feet of clearance behind the rower, as you lean back through the drive and finish. Placing the rower directly in front of a wall is not advisable. There is no specific mention of ceiling height requirements, but it is advisable to have sufficient headroom above the rower for comfortable rowing motion.

The Hydrow takes up a considerable amount of floor space, with its footprint being approximately 86 inches long by 25 inches wide. If you want to store the rower upright, an additional storage kit is available for purchase. This kit allows you to attach the rower to the wall, reducing its footprint.

Without the storage kit, the rower cannot be stored vertically.

In summary, the Hydrow Connected Rower requires clearance around the machine, sufficient floor space, and the option of purchasing an upright storage kit if vertical storage is desired. It does not have a folding design, but can be stored upright with the use of the storage kit. The rower does not come with any additional accessories or attachments that require extra space.

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User Experience

The Hydrow Connected Rower offers a comfortable and smooth rowing experience with easy resistance adjustments, a smooth gliding motion, and a highly praised stroke.

Based on the expert reviews, the Hydrow Connected Rower offers a comfortable and smooth rowing experience. The seating is cushioned and ergonomically designed, providing support and reducing discomfort during long rowing sessions. The 10-roller system ensures a smooth gliding motion, further enhancing the comfort of the rowing experience.

Adjusting the resistance levels on the Hydrow Connected Rower is reported to be easy and convenient. Users can modify the drag factor using the touchscreen monitor, allowing for quick adjustments to match their rowing abilities and preferences. The electromagnetic resistance system provides a smooth and strong pull, enabling users to easily find their desired intensity and effort level.

The rowing motion on the Hydrow Connected Rower is highly praised for its smoothness. The computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance system ensures a frictionless and reactive rowing experience, closely simulating the feeling of rowing on water. Users have found the stroke to be incredibly smooth, contributing to the overall enjoyment and effectiveness of their workouts.

Overall, the Hydrow Connected Rower offers a comfortable, easy-to-use, and smooth rowing experience. It is suitable for users of different skill levels and provides a tailored individual workout. Whether users are looking for a comfortable and low-impact exercise option or a challenging and intense workout, the Hydrow Connected Rower is highly recommended for its user-friendly design and exceptional rowing experience.

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Durability and Build Quality

The Hydrow Connected Rower is highly praised by experts for its durable and high-quality build, featuring a combination of steel, aluminum, and anthracite polymer that results in a sturdy and long-lasting product.

The Hydrow Connected Rower is praised by experts for its durability and high-quality build. The rowing machine is constructed using a combination of steel, aluminum, and anthracite polymer, resulting in a sturdy and long-lasting product. The frame of the machine is made from steel and aluminum, ensuring stability and durability during use.

The anthracite polymer body gives the Hydrow a sleek and stylish appearance.

Experts describe the build quality of the Hydrow as exceptional. The rowingmachineking. com review states that the machine is built like a tank, with very few complaints about its quality. The review also mentions that every piece of the rower was designed for comfort, further enhancing the overall quality of the product.

The garagegymreviews. com review highlights the sleek lines of the machine and its overall durability. The Chicago Tribune review notes that the Hydrow features commercial-grade components, making it feel stable and capable of withstanding repeated use.

Overall, the experts agree that the Hydrow Connected Rower is built to a high standard of quality. It is suitable for users who prioritize durability and long-lasting performance in their rowing machine. Whether it is for intense workouts or regular use, the Hydrow is praised for its solid construction and premium materials.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all rowing machines.

Rank Change Price Rowing Machine
greatist
The Trend Spotter
Healthline
SELF
CNET
Business Insider
The Strategist
Popular Mechanics
Verywell Fit
The Home Gym
1
- Check price
Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 RowErg is a highly regarded indoor rowing machine known for its durable build, ergonomic design, and versatile features, making it suitable for serious rowers, Olympians, CrossFit enthusiasts, and athletes at all training levels.
7
5
1
-
-
1
1
1
8
-
2
- $1500
NordicTrack RW900
The NordicTrack RW900 is a top-of-the-line smart rowing machine that offers a premium rowing experience with its wide touchscreen display, adjustable resistance levels, and immersive workout options.
3
-
6
7
-
7
4
3
5
5
3
- $1745
Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow Connected Rower is a durable and high-quality magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience for users of all skill levels.
2
-
-
2
-
4
3
8
-
1
4
- $220
Sunny Health SF-RW5515
The Sunny Health SF-RW5515 rowing machine is a magnetic resistance machine that offers smooth and quiet operation, adjustable resistance levels, and a compact design, making it a reliable and efficient option for users of all fitness levels.
-
14
2
3
-
8
6
2
-
12
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Highest recommended rowing machines this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. rowing machines below are at the top of our ranking this November.

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Concept2 RowErg NordicTrack RW900 Hydrow Rower (this item) Sunny Health SF-RW5515
Reviews
In comparison:
Concept2 RowErg rank #1 out of 67. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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10.0
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
NordicTrack RW900 rank #2 out of 67.
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6.9
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Reviews
In comparison:
Hydrow Rower rank #3 out of 67.
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7.7
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Sunny Health SF-RW5515 rank #4 out of 67. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.3
Great
The Concept2 RowErg is a highly regarded indoor rowing machine known for its durable build, ergonomic design, and versatile features, making it suitable for serious rowers, Olympians, CrossFit enthusiasts, and athletes at all training levels. The NordicTrack RW900 is a top-of-the-line smart rowing machine that offers a premium rowing experience with its wide touchscreen display, adjustable resistance levels, and immersive workout options. The Hydrow Connected Rower is a durable and high-quality magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience for users of all skill levels. The Sunny Health SF-RW5515 rowing machine is a magnetic resistance machine that offers smooth and quiet operation, adjustable resistance levels, and a compact design, making it a reliable and efficient option for users of all fitness levels.
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