Hydrow Rower Review: What You Need to Know
Hydrow Rower Overview
Home rowing machines come in all different shapes and sizes, but if you are in the market for the best that the industry has to offer, you may want to have a look at the Hydrow Rowing Machine. The self-sleek, innovatively designed frame is constructed from high-quality aluminum and steel with a flat, anthracite polymer body. One look at the Hydrow Rower and you will see just how unique this indoor rower is compared to its peers (thanks to its smart features, especially its super unique smart self-adjusting magnetic resistance). The maximum suggested weight capacity is an impressive 375 lbs, with a maximum height set at a 36” inseam. The ergonomically designed seat is cushioned with Hydrow’s patented ten-roller system which allows for a seamless and smooth performance that simulates rowing in an actual boat. If there is a drawback with the futuristic frame of the Hydrow Rowing Machine it is that it cannot be folded and can only be stored standing upright, which may not work for people who have smaller living arrangements.
Hydrow Rowing Machine Comparison
Like with most home exercise rowing machines, the Hydrow has an ample footprint so you are going to want to clear out some space for you to operate it. The exact dimensions of the Hydrow Rowing Machine are 86” L x 25” W x 47” H when in use, and 25” L x 33” D x 86” H when stored standing up. The one caveat with this is that Hydrow does require users to purchase an upright storage kit which can add to the cost of an already expensive machine. The Hydrow Rowing Machine weighs in at 197 lbs inside the box, but a much more reasonable 145 lbs when fully assembled. While the machine can be slightly bulky and cumbersome to move, Hydrow has installed some convenient transport wheels on the front which makes it easier to move around the house.
Despite the name of the company, the Hydrow Rowing Machine is not a water resistance rower, but instead has an electronic magnetic drag mechanism which is actually self-adjusting computer-controlled. This system is dynamic and responsive, and provides the closest experience to actually being on the water in the home rowing machine industry. The computer calculates how many strokes per minute you do, and is constantly adjusting the resistance levels based on your rhythm. Another great thing about the magnetic, computer-controlled resistance? It is nearly completely silent, compared to water rowing machines or air rowing machines that produce quite a bit of sound in comparison. At the end of the day, the performance of your home rowing machine is what is most important, and the Hydrow Rowing Machine checks off every box when it comes to an elite rowing experience.
The first thing that draws your attention to the Hydrow Rowing Machine is the beautiful 22” 1920 x 1080 Full HD touchscreen monitor that is attached. This is one of the main selling points of Hydrow and truly represents the future of connected fitness machines. Of course the monitor provides vital stats like the time, distance, calories burned, and strokes per minute, but its main purpose is to provide a Live Outdoor Reality Rower experience to the user. The user has 24 hour access to live broadcasts from beautiful locations around the globe and world-class trainers that filmed the workout routines from an actual boat on water. As expected, all of this does come with a cost as subscription services start at $38 per month, so expect your investment in the Hydrow Rowing Machine to be a long-term one. One thing Hydrow has recently added is a “Just Row” mode which allows users to use the Hydrow Rowing Machine without a monthly subscription, although an internet connection is still required. As with all connected home rowers, the Hydrow Rowing Machine comes with full Ethernet and WiFi connectivity as well as Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility. Perhaps one of the best features of Hydrow is the community feel, as leaderboards and connecting to other rowers is always available. Hydrow even has some incentivized prizes for performance like apparel and water bottles, and even makes a donation to Water.Org on your behalf for every month you own a subscription to its membership.
Don’t be intimidated by the look of the Hydrow Rowing Machine, as assembly is actually quite simple and straightforward. Hydrow provides all of the necessary tools as well as clear instructions, and it is such a popular brand users can check YouTube for videos from other users. As noted earlier, the frame is large and quite heavy, so having an extra person around to help out is definitely safer. Similar to other magnetic rowers, the Hydrow Rowing Machine does not require much maintenance or upkeep, but it always helps to keep dust from gathering on a computer controlled machine. The Hydrow Home Rowing Machine can be purchased directly from the Hydrow website or on secondary sites like Amazon, both of which provide free shipping within the continental United States. For those outside of the U.S., Hydrow has distributors that may provide different prices or shipping rates.
Having read all of this, it should come as no surprise that the Hydrow Rowing Machine is priced at the highest end of the home rowing machine industry. Just the Hydrow Rowing Machine will cost you $2,245.00 and that is before adding on any accessories or the monthly subscription price to your bill. Users can add a one-year membership which is priced slightly cheaper than the monthly rate at $456.00, as well as add ons like the upright storage kit or the Bluetooth connected Polar heart monitor. For such an expensive and high end home rower, it would have been nice for Hydrow to provide a better warranty than the five-years for the structural frame, and the twelve months for the components, screen, electronics, and labor.
Hydrow Live At Home Connected Rowing Machine Pros
- Sleek, innovative design makes it one of the most beautiful home fitness machines on the market
- Constructed with high quality aluminum and steel
- Beautiful 22” full HD touchscreen monitor
- Full Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Max weight capacity of 375 lbs, makes it for users of all shapes and sizes
- Hydrow membership comes with incredible connected rowing experience and world-class training classes
- Electronic-magnetic drag mechanism is computer controlled so you don’t have to change resistance levels using a boring knob
- Smooth and silent rowing experience
- Ergonomic ten-roller seat is comfortable and well cushioned
- Easy adjustment for correct foot placement
- Amplified speakers for amazing sound quality
- High quality polyester webbing handle strap
Hydrow Live At Home Connected Rowing Machine Cons
- High price tag definitely isn’t for everyone
- Internet connection is needed, even for “Just Row” mode
- Monthly subscription can add up quickie
- Extra accessories also carry a premium price tag
- Not the best warranty in the home rowing machine market
- Can be difficult to store without the upright storage kit which is purchased separately
Hydrow At Home Connected Rowing Machine Final Verdict
What else is there to say? The Hydrow Home Rowing Machine will take your breath away the first time you lay eyes on it. Connected fitness machines are the future of working out and Hydrow takes you out onto the open waters from the comfort of your own home. The 22” Full HD touchscreen monitor provides breathtaking visuals and makes you feel like you are out in an actual boat. Twenty-four-hour access to world-class trainers and classes with more being added all the time, is worth the monthly subscription which costs the same as most gym memberships. The Hydrow Home Rowing Machine is truly a rowing experience more than a workout, and despite the high price tag, it is well worth every penny and more!
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
