Best 5 Water Rowing Exercise Machines To Buy In 2022 Reviews

If you’re looking for a good water rower for sale, this is the place for you!

I review 5 water rowing machine models in this article and talk about their design and features. I go over the things you might wonder about water rowers and their benefits. I also mention everything you need to know so you can compare models and decide which is the best one for you.

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What You Need To Know Before Buying A Water Rower

The Difference Between Water And Air Rowers

Water and air rowers work on similar principles by displacing fluid/air in front of them and creating resistance. Water rowers create a smooth but powerful rowing stroke that mimics rowing on water. They are also much quieter while you work out on them and they usually can’t be folded.

Water Rowing Machine Workout

The muscle groups’ water rower targets are all the major ones in your body. It strengthens your quads, hamstrings, biceps, abs, chest muscles, you name it. Since you make your own resistance level, you can really challenge yourself. You also get to have an effective cardio workout.

Water Rowing Machine Price

As every year new water resistance rowing machine models come out, the overall price on them drops. The rowers in this article fall squarely in the mid-range price-wise and some, as Sunny Obsidian Surge, are very affordable. The only exception is the Life Fitness HX Trainer that’s on the expensive side.

Where To Buy Water Exercise Machines?

Companies behind these water rowers each have their own official website where they sell them. But you can also find them on some other online retail sites, such as Amazon, which I recommend. Amazon lets you compare prices directly on the site and it offers discounts that are great for your wallet.

Types Of Water Exercise Rowers

Some rowers have a dual-chamber water tank that lets you adjust an additional resistance level. Most, however, have a one-piece tank and you adjust your resistance levels mainly through the speed of your rowing. The faster you row, the more resistance you feel and the opposite is true too.

Best 5 Water Rowing Machine Models

Best Water Rower For Home

First Degree Fitness Newport AR Fluid Rower

Dual-Chamber Water Tank Technology

This First Degree fluid rower has a so-called dual-chamber water tank which helps you in adjusting resistance. You have the option to choose between 4 levels of adjustable resistance, from min to max. On top of that, you increase your resistance level through faster rowing.

First Degree Fitness Newport AR Rower Water Rower Exercise Machine

Multi-Level Performance Monitor

The Newport AR exercise machine has a quality computer display that tracks your statistics. The display monitors your elapsed time, watts, strokes per minute and how many calories you burned in an hour. It also shows you 500m split time, distance and even heart rate if you buy the heart rate chest strap.

Construction Quality And Specifications

The frame of the First Degree water rowing machine is made out of anodized aluminum of the highest quality. It ensures your durability and stability during rowing and can support up to 300lbs. It has a very durable belt drive that will enable you to do your rowing workouts for many years to come.

First Degree Fitness Newport AR Rower Water Rower Exercise Machine review

Storage And Ergonomic Design

This rower is made for very easy vertical storage and this minimizes its footprint. The dimensions of the rowing machine are 78’’ L x 21’’ W x 20’’ H and it can be moved on built-in transport wheels. The seat is large and padded while the handlebar is ergonomically designed to prevent strain.

Warranty Period Of The Newport AR

The First Degree Fitness fluid rower has great warranty coverage on all levels. The structural frame is backed by a 1-year warranty, while the tank and seals have 3 years. The non-wearing mechanical parts have 2 years and lastly, the wearing mechanical parts have 1 year.

Characteristics:

  • the dual-chamber water tank system
  • 4 resistance levels to choose from
  • backed by a solid warranty period
  • high quality and durable construction
  • multi-level performance monitor

Best Indoor Water Rower

Merax Water Rowing Machine

Adjustable Water Rowing Levels

You get a funnel and a pumping siphon with this Merax water rower so you can adjust the water level in the tank. The more water you add, the heavier the resistance which adds to the resistance you create from your rowing speed. You can also remove water and thereby create lighter resistance.

Merax Water Rowing Machine

Multi-Feature Performance Monitor

The monitor of this fluid rowing machine is large and easily readable and shows you important stats. It tracks duration, rowing intensity, distance rowed, strokes, calories burned and heart rate. There also exists a competitive race mode where you can race against the computer.

Construction Quality And Specifications

The solid steel construction provides you stability along with durability and will withstand many years of workouts. It can support the maximum user weight of 330lbs so you’re being properly supported during rowing. The water tank is also on an incline which provides you with more intense resistance.

Merax Water Rowing Machine review

Vertical Storage And Design

This water resistance rowing machine is very space-efficient and takes up the minimum amount while being stored vertically. It’s recommended you place it upright against a wall for storage and you can move it on built-in wheels. The dimensions of the machine are 78’’L x 20’’ W x 25’’ H.

Warranty Period Of The Merax Model

The vendor didn’t really confirm the warranty period so it’s unknown how long it lasts. While this rower is very sturdy and made out of high-quality materials there is no information on this.

Characteristics:

  • water tank on an incline for resistance
  • multi-purpose performance monitor
  • easy vertical storage

Best Cheap Water Rower

Sunny Health & Fitness RW5713 Obsidian Surge

Sixteen Hydro Blades For Resistance

The Obsidian Surge water rower has 16 hydro blades in its tank for creating water-resistance while you row. They mimic the dynamic rowing strokes you would make while rowing on water. If you need stronger resistance, pick up your rowing speed and if you need less resistance, slow down your pace.

Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine RW5713

The R2 Fitness Monitor For Data Tracking

This Sunny water rowing machine comes with an R2 fitness monitor so you can track your workout data. It monitors important metrics such as 500m time, total time, ambient temperature and calories. The monitor is large and can be read easily and it enables you to progress in your workouts.

Construction Quality And Comfort

The Sunny health water rower has a maximum user weight capacity of 250lbs and is sturdy in build. The seat is both molded and padded and designed for comfortable workouts and quite large. The pedals are textured and won’t make you slip while you row and they have an adjustable nylon strap.

Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine RW5713 review

Easy Upright Storage And Transport

It’s recommended you store the rower upright against a wall for the most space-saving benefits. You can move the exercise machine on built-in rollers made out of non-marking rubber. The dimensions of this machine while in use after assembly are80’’ L x 20’’ W x 34’’ H.

Warranty Period Of The Obsidian Surge

The structural frame is backed by a solid warranty of 3 years, but the parts and components warranty is short. It’s only 3 months in duration, but that in a way goes with the price range. It’s considered one of the best rowing machines for smaller budgets.

Characteristics:

  • 16 steel hydro blades for resistance
  • R2 fitness monitor for tracking your stats
  • ergonomic design for comfortable workouts
  • affordable price range

Best Water Rower Fitness Machine

Xterra Fitness ERG600W Water Rower

Six Water Tank Resistance Levels

The Xterra water rower uses water levels in the tank to create different levels of resistance. You can choose between 6 different difficulty levels by adding or subtracting water from the water tank. You also add resistance through your rowing speed so you get an intense workout.

XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower

Large LCD Performance Monitor

The fitness monitor is large and you won’t have any trouble reading the important statistics it shows you. It monitors your total time and your 500m time, strokes, strokes per minute and estimated caloric burn. It also has some preset workouts you can use like racing against the computer.

Construction Quality And Ergonomic Design

Xterra Fitness rower has a durable solid steel frame and dual rails made out of lightweight aluminum. The weight capacity of this machine is 300lbs. It has a large seat that’s also contoured for maximum comfort while the rowing handle has an ergonomic design.

XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower review

Upright Space-Saving Storage

While it takes up quite a lot of space while in use with dimensions of 80’’ L x 22’’ W x 33’’ H it can be stored upright. When stored vertically it takes up very little space and you can move it into place on the built-in transportation wheels.

Warranty Period Of The ERG600W

The Xterra ERG600W water rower is backed by a pretty solid warranty. The frame has full 5 years of warranty behind it while the parts and other components have 2 years. It also has a 90-day labor warranty. Overall, it’s a good deal and you get a strong and durable exercise machine.

Characteristics:

  • 6 water tank resistance levels
  • sturdy Solid steel frame
  • backed by a good warranty
  • large and readable fitness monitor
  • ergonomically designed for comfort

Best Wooden Rowing Machine

Life Fitness Row HX Trainer

Four Adjustable Resistance Levels

The Life Fitness water rowing machine has 4 resistance levels to choose from because of the dual-chamber water tank. With the turn of a dial, you can quickly decrease or increase water in the main tank with the propellers. Additionally, you can increase the resistance if you row faster.

Life Fitness Row HX Trainer

Fitness Monitor For Tracking Statistics

Life Fitness has a large monitor that shows you the most important metrics you need to follow to have a great workout. It’s also easily readable and it shows you time, distance rowed and estimated caloric burn among others. It can measure your heart rate but you have to buy a chest strap separately.

Build Quality And Specifications

The rower is as elegant looking as is a durable piece of exercise equipment. It is constructed with a mix of solid steel and natural wood and can carry up to 330lbs. The seat is large and contoured and glides on the dual rails with every rowing stroke. The handles are angled and won’t strain your hands or arms.

Life Fitness Row HX Trainer review

Easy Upright Storage And Transportation

Like with most water exercise rowers, the Row HX Trainer can be stored upright. You lift the rear end of the dual rails and flip it vertically so it takes up the least amount of space. The rower can be moved into place with built-in transportation wheels and its dimensions are 83’’ L x 20’’ W x 22’’ H.

Warranty Period Of The HX Model

Whenever you find this water rower for sale, you can be sure it’s backed by a good warranty. The structural frame has a 5-year warranty, while the tank and seals have 3 years. All mechanical components and parts have 2 years and the console has 1 year along with the labor.

Characteristics:

  • quality wood and steel build
  • 4 adjustable resistance levels
  • large and easily readable fitness monitor

Other Water Exercise Machine Models

There are some other models currently available on the market. First Degree has some models like the Viking Water Rower and Pacific Challenge AR Water Rower. They are of high-quality, durable machines. Stamina, on the other hand, has their Stamina Elite Wave Water Rower 1450.

Conclusion: Which Two Best Water Rowing Machine Models Should You Buy?

First Degree Newport AR is, in my opinion, the best water rower for sale, along with Sunny Obsidian Surge. The Newport AR model is a dual-chamber exercise machine with easily adjustable resistance levels. The Sunny Obsidian Surge water rowing machine is very affordable but made with high-quality materials.

If you want to find the most budget-friendly rowers, we wrote an article on best value rowing machine models. If you’re interested in space-saving rowers, we have an article on compact rowing machine models. We also wrote about the best home rowing machines.