WaterRower review - long term update with Hydrow App

[@ClassicLitCat]

We just ordered one! Can’t wait to use it! TY for making this video!

[@ED3]

HI Eric, Glad that you made another video. Great review of the water rower. Hope to see more videos from you. Have great week.

[@christopherperry4074]

Thank you so much for your excellent video Eric. I rowed crew in college, and I’ve had a Concept II Model B (that’s right B!) ergometer for 30 years and it’s still going strong. I’m looking to get into a quieter setup for the next 30 years. I’ve contemplated getting a Hydrow, but I’m concerned about the long-term viability of the machine since a large part of it seems to be the screen and software. I’d hate to spend $2,000 on a machine that’s obsolete in 10 years because the manufacturer decides to no longer support it. Also, I read some Hydrow reviews of people complaining about screen and wifi connectivity issues - a real problem if you just want to get on the machine and row. I also like the design aesthetic of the Water Rower and the fact that it simulates the sound of rowing on water, which I find very relaxing. The natural wood materials are also a nice departure from the Concept 2 and Hydrow all-metal designs. As you’ve demonstrated here, you could easily use Hydrow’s great videos through their app on an iPad or just use another app to access rowing videos. Also, Apple just updated its Fitness app to include videotaped workouts, which includes rowing workouts that you can also access on an iPad. Oh, and if you have an Apple TV you can watch these workouts on your flat screen TV. Can’t do that on a Hydrow! Your setup is actually ideal as it’s more versatile than being locked into the Hydrow universe - and it’s less expensive to boot! Again, thank you for your long-term update. You’ve made my decision a lot easier. Happy New Year, be well, and stay safe.

[@EricFischnaller]

Thanks Christopher my old Concept 2 was a model C really liked it but it was just so big and so loud. The water rower is just awesome and I love using the Hydrow app but as you said I’m not locked in which I like. I’ll have this machine for 20+ years so nice to keep it disconnected from specific services

[@vonettadevo]

I checked out a few rowing videos on Apple Fitness+ and like them a lot so will be watching them along with my Ergatta for other content I can enjoy.

[@iamj.cavallo5680]

Thank you Eric! I own a WaterRower and I absolutely love it! I loved your review on the Hydrow app as I am looking into adding it to my workout routine!

[@chrisduncan3943]

I didn't even know you could get the Hydrow app separately from the rower. Thanks for this video. I downloaded the app on my phone and can cast it to the TV in my workout room. It's pretty cool to have all those videos to row to even if you don't get the full benefit that you'd get if you own an actual Hydrow (still trying to decide whether to pull the trigger on that).

[@kimahlberg7477]

After researching and viewing your video, I decided to purchase a rower. Just starting on my new exercise journey. Thanks for your review

[@EricFischnaller]

Absolutely I’m sure you’re gonna love it just like I love mine

[@vonettadevo]

The Journeys section is cool and the London row is super nice. Thanks for this video, I could see just getting their app to use on my other rower. Just need to consider all these apps and the additional costs.

[@cathheise]

Thanks so much, definitely convinced me about buying a Waterrower ❤️

[@mict450]

So glad you are enjoying your erg. Please be careful & work on your stroke. As it is now, you are setting yourself up to knee & back problems.

[@EricFischnaller]

How would you suggest I improve my stroke? Thanks for the tips on regatta etc

[@mict450]

@@EricFischnaller Drills. Search youtube for pick drill & reverse pick drill. Those 2 are good ones that pick apart the drive & recovery so you can practice the individual parts, then put them together for a better stroke. Practice these before adding duration & intensity. Otherwise, you risk ingraining bad technique that will be difficult to change later. Bad technique will cost you speed & power & predispose you to injury. Rowing/erging is a very technically sophisticated & nuanced sport. Similar to swimming. Technique is practiced constantly to refine & perfect one's stroke.

[@mict450]

@@EricFischnaller You're mistaking me for someone else, re: tips on regatta.

[@Kallydally1]

I have a Water Rower and love it too. very relaxing sound. I row along with Training Tall, even though he is on a Concept Rower you can still be in time with him.He is really motivating and helpful as well.

[@EricFischnaller]

Very nice!

[@dianecripps204]

Thanks for the waterrower videos. Am deciding whether to get one. As you said, Concept2 is too huge.

[@EricFischnaller]

Yeah they’re huge and LOUD

[@Outdoor_Cycling_Adventures]

Thanks for the great review, I'm ordering 1 right now - can't wait go get into it.

[@dansmith5783]

I just want to add that getting a WaterRower is much more convenient because you can switch apps as you please. Hydrow, iFit, and CityRow all have good subscription apps that you can switch around from or pay $500 for Ergatta upgrade. If you buy a Hydrow you are stuck forever with $38 a month subscription or like $450 average which is ridiculous if you ask anybody normal lol. Plus it is quiet and actually sounds nice. The bluetooth s4 upgrade is only $55 or $150 with the tablet arm and who tf doesn't have a tablet or laptop these days

[@plmn93]

Yeah the Hydrow is nice but you can't hardly do anything without the subscription. What happens if they go out of business, or when the hardware is outdated? Dumb.

[@fkporsche1]

Thanks for the video. I think I will order the water rower than the concept 2. Cheers 🦅🦅🇺🇸

[@EricFischnaller]

You'll love it. Still loving mine. Enjoy!

[@KyleFin]

I’m looking at finally getting myself a water rower. I’m the same height has you and was wondering if you got the seat rail extensions or not.

[@EricFischnaller]

Kyle, no seat rail extension needed. My inseam is 36 so my leges are very long and I don’t require the extension.

[@KyleFin]

@@EricFischnaller Thank you!

[@Aphabet21]

I put goldfish in mine for a little added decoration.

[@EricFischnaller]

Hope they’re non-living ones or they will be soon...

[@Aphabet21]

@@EricFischnaller it’s ok, I’ll feed them

[@EricFischnaller]

@@Aphabet21 actually it wasn't the feeding I was worried about - when you pull hard on the handle, the flywheel in the water will stir up violently - probably destroying the fish promptly. I know you're joking... but don't want someone out there who doesn't know better to think it a good idea : )

[@Aphabet21]

@@EricFischnaller I figured it was like a mini water park for the fish. They are spoiled by not even being charged admission.

[@EricFischnaller]

@@Aphabet21 its like a game-see if you can avoid the blades of death...

[@steelsteez6118]

Hi Eric great review! Quick question, do you need a subscription to access all the content on the hydro app or its free?

[@EricFischnaller]

It’s a $20/mo subscription but you’d never be able to use all the content on here unless you rowed for 2-3 hours a day!

[@nicolebroadwater9139]

Hi Eric great video! I have a Waterrower Club but I can't find the arm attachment to hold an iPad. Can you tell me where you bought yours?😀

[@EricFischnaller]

www.waterrower.com/us/shop/accessories/tablet-arm.html then choose a holder that will work for you

[@nicolebroadwater9139]

@@EricFischnaller Thank you so much. I have been looking for a way to make rowing more interactive and fun👍💯🔥

[@henners1k92]

Nice review. Good to see somebody using the machine with proper technique, too (I expect you must have had coaching at some stage in the past?).

[@EricFischnaller]

Yeah I got several comments from previous reviewer‘s of my old video saying that I wasn’t doing things right so I was making extra effort while doing the rowing in Hydrow to perfect technique... plus it gives you something else to think about while rowing to engage your mind! Merry Christmas!

[@ThreeLeeBoys]

Do you have other recommendations for apps or videos that we can use without a $20/month subscription???

[@EricFischnaller]

I used Kinomap for a while but in the free version there are no training vids. Really probably better at that point to just scope out some KZbin videos

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

Thanks for the video. Are you using the Bluetooth unit that connects behind the S4 monitor?

[@EricFischnaller]

Hi I’m not using the Bluetooth unit because I’m just using my iPad connected to my Wi-Fi network along with the Hydrow app

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

@@EricFischnaller So your Waterower isn’t connected to the hydro app at all?

[@FishTalesusa]

@@OOnti-dz4jd No it's not. The app keeps track of my rows but not my meters. I keep a log like I did when I had a Concept 2 back in the day. The app is also not for Android as I originally thought in my video - as far as I know it's only for iOS.

[@albertojasso3137]

Hi there. Do you use the Bluetooth Commodule thing that connects to the S4 monitor? I’m cofused as to what this does exactly. Do I even need it? Any advice/explanation would be awesome. Thanks!

[@EricFischnaller]

I own one but don’t use it with the Hydrow app. At the time of purchase I thought I might use A tracking app to keep track of meters / times. I still may in the future if the feature becomes supported.

[@regattafitness]

Hi Eric - Great video! What are your thoughts on having metrics from your rowing machine synced in with the add-on app? How about a real-time leaderboard? Or are the videos enough? Thanks!

[@EricFischnaller]

Personally an add on app that would connect to my rowers software would be awesome but the videos are enough for me they have new content all the time so it never gets old

[@christopherperry4074]

Quick question Eric: What is the spec. of iPad holder you ordered with your machine? The Water Rower website has so many options, I’m trying to get one just like the one shown in your video to use with my IPad.

[@EricFischnaller]

I got the connected experience add-on www.waterrower.com/us/shop/accessories/connected-experience-bundle.html

[@christopherperry4074]

@@EricFischnaller Thank you Eric.

[@mtnbikerva1]

The front page of Waterrower should contain in bold what chemicals to use and how to clean the tank of our Waterrower!! All I know is, not to use bleach. But what chemicals should we use to treat and clean the water and the tank of our Waterrower!!??? Maybe even put the care instructions on the rower itself, and what easily accessible chemicals to use to maintain and clean our equipment. My water is green. I’ve tried emailing and calling Waterrower, and they do not answer!

[@EricFischnaller]

Your water is green? I put regular tap water in when I bought mine and it’s totally clear still. I’d recommend pulling the water out and using bottled water or filtered water maybe your area has microbes in the water or additives

[@TonyDL]

If you call or email Waterrower with your serial number, they will send you some tablets (I think some form of chlorine) for free. Or use this site: www.waterrower.com/ca/puritabs. This helps keep your water clear; especially if you have it in a sunny area. At least that's how I got mine. Sorry to hear they have not responded to you. Try using the link above. For your situation, I would recommend draining the green water and use tap water as Eric has along with a cleaning tablet.

[@First.Last.99]

Thank you for the review! ...do you have bigger axis or regular ones? I've seen on their website I can buy longer or normal ones. Thank you

[@EricFischnaller]

Do you mean a longer rail I’m not sure what you mean by axis I did not get a longer rail this is a standard machine and I did not add an extra long handle or anything like that either

[@First.Last.99]

@@EricFischnaller sorry, yea rails! you look quite tall but you dobt reach the end of rail while rowing ... so its good for you. how tall are you?

[@EricFischnaller]

@@First.Last.99 6’4”

[@First.Last.99]

@@EricFischnaller im smaller, cool :)) thank you

[@LCMDM2010]

Are you having to use your hamstrings to pull yourself back to the starting position?

[@EricFischnaller]

I think in theory you’re bending forward at the hip while your legs are still straight, then bending your knees up which of course engages your hamstrings... not really using them to pull you towards the screen... of course when my cadence goes up my technique gets a bit sloppy. Since this video I’ve really been working on technique doing pick drills etc

[@vlvr]

Hi -- could you please clarify: your rower is in no way connected to the app, correct? You don't have the Bluetooth Commodule, right? Also, your tablet arm -- is how it is in the video how it ships or did you have to also buy the medium/large tablet mount in addition to the tablet arm? The website makes it look like the default version of the arm is only suitable for a phone and nothing bigger. Thanks!

[@EricFischnaller]

Hello I purchased the phone/tablet arm and added a "large tablet" holder for an extra $10 www.waterrower.com/us/shop/accessories/tablet-arm.html I did also add the bluetooth adapter for the monitor, however I don't usually use it.

[@vilhelmstein2091]

How does one listen to the quiet 🤔

[@EricFischnaller]

It’s a good point but you did obviously 😀

[@vilhelmstein2091]

@@EricFischnaller true

[@1324tube]

Hi Eric, thank you for taking the time to make that great video. I have an iPad Air 2 that I'd like to use with the Water Rower, which I'm ordering now. If I want to use my iPad in landscape mode like you had yours displayed in the video, will I need the medium or large tablet holder insert? Also, I saw in the comments that you bought the connected experience bundle, so I'm wondering if you've used the Bluetooth Commodule and what you think of it? I was going to order the bundle, too, but it seems like maybe I only need the phone/tablet arm and the insert for my iPad. Thanks again!

[@EricFischnaller]

I was hoping that an app I purchased would support the module but now I like the Hydrow app and of course it doesn’t support another rowers module. I figured I’d want in the future for now it’s unused

[@TheTehrancarroll]

How tall are you...just ordered one and I'm 6'6....

[@EricFischnaller]

I'm 6' 4" with very long legs.

[@TheTehrancarroll]

@@EricFischnaller ok good to know about 6'5.5 with 36' inseam. You seemed big and long good to know. Must commend you on your progress on your form and physique. Both have come along nicely!💪🏽👊🏽 Keep it up.

[@hollygolightly8970]

Toes shouldn't be coming off in the full extension.

[@philindeblanc]

You are rowing in pretty bad form. Please watch techniques by Trailing Tall. Specifically, let your hands go a little lower over your knees as you go back to the start position. Otherwise , very nice, and nice review

[@EricFischnaller]

Yeah, I've been doing pic drills regularly since this video to improve my form. Thanks tho..

[@philindeblanc]

@@EricFischnaller I still have to pay attention to it or I veer off, and its not so easy....so I'm just "spotting" you. I need a spotter!! :-)