Posted: 1/19/2026 8:53:22 PM EDT
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First off, I know that the Concept 2 is reputedly the best out there, but I cannot tolerate its sound/noise at all. The other rower that I'm familiar with (as I got one for my aging mother about 10 years ago and she still uses it regularly) is the Water Rower. The sound level and noise of the Water Rower is tolerable for me, but I'd rather something a bit quieter. In addition, since I have bare wood floors, a leak while I'm away would be quite problematic, though I know this is a rare occurrence with the Water Rower. The other problem with the Water Rower is that it is not quick to change its resistance as it is done by changing the water level. The Hydrow rower is advertised as being quieter than water based rowers, but I don't know anything about it other than the sales literature. It is also a bit more expensive than many. Does anyone have first hand experience with the Hydrow rower, or experience with other machines that may be a better choice? Thanks. |
If I were a hedonist, I'd be a hermit.
You need a good airgun if you don't have one already.
You need a good airgun if you don't have one already.
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I have the Fitness Reality Oar Rower. I grabbed it because I found one on clearance for $100 at Ollie's. There's still a few at my local one that have been sitting there for years. It's solid and I've done a 10k every day for the last 7 months with no issues. I wouldn't buy one at full price, but just a thought if you have an Ollie's nearby. Example of the unit |
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There's the fans, the water rowers and then there is magnetic resistance. Water rowers are hard to adjust resistance, hard to move at a moments notice and can leak. They are quieter and might be the closest to actually simulating rowing. Also, not sure of how user-servicable they are. Good ones are also expensive. Magnetic resistance rowers are quieter and arguably smoother. They seem to be able to be moved and adjusted easier than water rowers. They are more expensive for a good one and may not be user-servicable. Fan rowers, like the C2, are noisier, but can be cheaper and user-servicable. The C2 is the standard for a reason. Up to 500# user capacity, multiple apps that work with it, can be broken down for storage, etc. Full Disclosure- I have a C2 and I use the EXR rowing app with it. I have a couple million meters on it and all I have had to do is grease the chain a little. Put on a pair of earbuds and row my happy ass across the Atlantic. Good luck with your choice. |
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After a bit more research, I'm going to go with the Water Rower. The problem with magnetic resistance rowers is that the pull strength is constant regardless of speed. This is quite unlike real world rowing where resistance goes with the square of speed. That is, pull twice as fast and get four times the resistance. I'll just put a catch pan under the tub when I'm away. Eventually, I'll get an actual open water boat as there is nearly no flat water here---the wind just blows too much. When that time comes, I'll likely be back asking for recommendations on which one, and oars and such as well. |
If I were a hedonist, I'd be a hermit.
You need a good airgun if you don't have one already.
You need a good airgun if you don't have one already.
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This thread got me serious about a rowing machine. I'm going to be rowiing a driftboat when the ice is off the river, so I have incentive. I was open to either a Waterrower or a Concept 2. On Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace The Waterrowers were mostly less expensive, but the cheaper ones had leaks. Oem replacement tank is about $300, Leak repair kit is about $100. I was looking on FBM and I saw a local Concept 2 that I seemed to remember having a different description and price on C-list. I opened C-list and there was a Waterrower ad, 1 hour old, $200. Not much description. I emailed - no leaks and the monitor works. I drove about an hour for it but it looks like new - Xeno Muller Signature Edition .  So far - so good. I like it. Noise is minimal. |
Tennessee Squire
Non Illegitimus Carborundum Tibi
Non Illegitimus Carborundum Tibi
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Originally Posted By Lost-Drive-In: Xeno Muller Signature Edition . If you know who this is, then you get bonus points. As a former Coxswain/Rower/Coach, I would never recommend an magnetic resistance exercise equipment. It is generally junk. The water rower is something that people who are into casual cardio would use. It also can fit into a room like furniture. It does feel like actual rowing at the catch, but can lack in other areas. As far as C2, never go for a model E. It is geared for gyms and doesn't offer anything more than a model D. Colleges, clubs and all National teams use the model D. With sliders, this can feel more like you are on the water. However, it uses more floor space. |
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I know I’m bumping an old thread but I came to this sub forum to ask about the Concept 2 and after reading this thread I figured if I made a new post it would be largely redundant. Looking at buying a new RowERG. I see opinions on different models but I’m not seeing any of those on their site. Are those older legacy models? I see the concerns about noise but if you were putting this in a basement gym where noise wasn’t much of a concern would there be a reason to go with something different? |
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Originally Posted By Procat: I know I’m bumping an old thread but I came to this sub forum to ask about the Concept 2 and after reading this thread I figured if I made a new post it would be largely redundant. Looking at buying a new RowERG. I see opinions on different models but I’m not seeing any of those on their site. Are those older legacy models? I see the concerns about noise but if you were putting this in a basement gym where noise wasn’t much of a concern would there be a reason to go with something different? I love rowing. I don't have one, but I row at three places and row with the water rower, Concept 2 Rowerg, and Life Fitness Heat Row. The water rower is quieter, but I find it much easier than the Rowerg or Heat Rower. The Rowerg is the standard, but I find I get a good workout on the Heat, too. Personally, I don't get the noise complaint. |