Last Updated on February 12, 2021 by Jeff
Water Rower S1 Rowing Machine Overview:
The Water Rower S1 Rowing Machine is the more expensive rowing machine model when compared to the Water Rower Classic in Black Walnut or the other wooden models. Identical in terms of function, the Water Rower S1 boasts excellent rowing action because of the water tank that allows the mechanism to mimic actual rowing action. The brushed stainless-steel is meant to be easier to clean with fewer areas for dust to gather.
This machine does not fold but rather stands upright for storage so that it is up and out of the way. Some users may struggle to get it into this position especially after the water is added.
Technical Info:
Dimensions:
- Height: 20”
- Width: 22”
- Length: 83”
- Item weight: 88 lbs Dry, 125 lbs with Water
- Max user weight: 1000 lbs
Features:
- Handcrafted rowing machine with “water flywheel” that replicates actual rowing motion.
- Flywheel sits in enclosed water tank to provide smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance.
- Series 4 performance monitor tracks workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more.
- Frame flips upright for handy storage.
- Brushed stainless-steel construction adds a modern touch to home, gym, or office.
Monitor Features:
- Series 4 performance monitor that’s designed to balance technical sophistication with user-friendliness.
- Monitor is compatible with an optional heart rate chest strap and receiver, which helps to optimize your workout and achieve your exercise objectives.
- Includes six information and programming windows, six Quick Selection buttons, and three navigation buttons displaying:
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- Workout Intensity
- Stroke Rate
- Heart Rate
- Zone Bar
- Duration
- Distance
Warranty:
- Frame: 1 year
- Parts: 1 years
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- The company will upgrade the warranty with the completion of the registration form to Frame: 5 years
- Parts: 3 years
Shipping and Assembly:
Free shipping might be an option depending on where you order from. This rower weighs over 100 pounds shipping, so you might need help moving it in to your home, especially if you have any stairs. In addition to free shipping, there may be options to upgrade to faster shipping if you need your rower to come by a certain date. This will probably not be free, however.
There are a number of parts with the Water Rower S1 Rowing Machine including the nylon straps, bungee cord and others that will need to be assembled. Following the manual, it should take the average person only a few hours to assemble this rower. The option of selecting professional assembly is available for an additional fee and might be the perfect choice for someone who is not very good with tools or does not have the patience to follow a step-by-step guide.
What We Love About the Water Rower S1 Rowing Machine in Brushed Stainless-steel:
Smooth Movements
Because of the unique design of the Water Rower S1, the rowing action is smooth as if you are really rowing a boat on the open water. Instead of using knobs or dials to adjust the resistance, it is automatically adjusted as you row based on your speed. The faster that you are able to row, the harder you are going to have to work because of the principle of drag. Slowing down lowers the resistance and lets you take some of the intensity out of the workout. Regardless of the speed you are rowing, the movement feels smooth and does not jerk you, so there is less potential impact on your joints, especially your shoulders.
Stainless Steel Is Easy To Clean
The Water Rower S1 is easy to clean because of the sleek stainless-steel design as well as the enclosed water tank. Other machines have chains or cords that need to be maintained and cared for on a regular basis. The smooth nylon straps of the S1 eliminates all of that fuss and bother.
What Isn’t So Great:
The Price vs Comparable Models
The price of the Water Rower S1 in Brushed Stainless-steel is probably the biggest drawback. It is a beautiful, excellently designed machine and performs exactly as it is supposed to, but the price is more than twice what the similar model in wood costs without any additional features or even an upgraded monitor. It does look sleek in your home or gym, but the price may keep trainees from making this their machine of choice.
Limited Storage Capabilities
The Water Rower S1 stores upright and can be placed against a wall or in a closet when it is not in use. However, it does come with any locking mechanism to keep children from pulling it down, and at 143 pounds, that could be potentially dangerous. A simple wall mounted strap can be purchased to prevent accidents and many people prefer the way it looks when it is out and ready to go.
How the Water Rower S1 in Brushed Stainless-steel compares to other S1 Models:
The other S1 models are various types of wood but function identically to the brushed stainless-steel option at a fraction of the price. Other than that cost, there is no difference between the Water Rower S1 in black walnut versus the same model in brushed stainless-steel.
Final Word on the Water Rower S1 in Brushed Stainless-steel:
Overlooking the price, the Water Rower S1 in Brushed Stainless-steel is a beautiful machine, designed not only to look good but to work in an amazing way in your home. The water tank allows for automatic adjustment of resistance based on drag so the faster you row the harder you have to work against drag just like you were really out on the open water. Because of the design, the action is smoother and less stressful on joints of the upper body, so you are less prone to injury from your workout.
Made of longer lasting parts that do not require time consuming cleaning, oiling and repairs, you can do your workout and go on with your day without worry that your machine is going to fail on you.